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Oral health treatment in patients due for surgery is associated with significantly lower rates of postoperative pneumonia and shorter hospital stays, per observational study in one Japanese hospital, suggesting it might reduce infection risk

A single-center observational study found that planned preoperative oral care at least 2 weeks prior to surgery significantly reduced rates of postoperative pneumonia and shortened hospital stays. The results suggest that oral health treatment could be an effective strategy for reducing infection risk in surgical patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateSep 3, 2025

Dental fear is widespread—But most people want treatment

A new study found that nearly three out of four adults suffer from dental fear, with 45.8% experiencing moderate fear and 26.8% severe fear. Most individuals interested in overcoming their fear are open to free, brief treatment options, such as virtual dental fear treatments using apps and telehealth.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateSep 2, 2025

What ever-growing incisors can teach us about genetic disease

Researchers use a combination of materials science and human genetics to map out the properties of enamel and dentin development in mouse incisors. Their methodology has the potential to provide new insights into identifying and treating rare craniofacial diseases and common dental cavities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2025

Uncovering the relationship between oral function and lifestyle-related diseases

A recent study published by Fujita Health University found that poor oral health can increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The researchers examined 118 individuals aged 50 or above and found significant links between oral function test results and blood test results.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalJournal of Oral Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 10, 2025

JDR Clinical & Translational Research publishes supplemental issue on HSRA’s role in the academic oral health workforce

A supplemental issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research highlights the importance of investing in long-term faculty career development supported by HRSA programs. The publication showcases innovative work done by junior dental faculty, demonstrating the need to address pressing dental shortages and expand access to care.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·DateJun 20, 2025

A combination of exercise and omega-3 reduces the severity of tooth root infections

A study published in Scientific Reports found that a combination of exercise and omega-3 supplementation significantly improves the immune response and reduces the severity of chronic apical periodontitis. The researchers induced apical periodontitis in rats, dividing them into three groups: one received no intervention, while the othe...

A dental floss that can measure stress

Researchers at Tufts University have created a saliva-sensing dental floss that can accurately measure cortisol, a key indicator of stress. The device uses molecularly imprinted polymers and is comparable in accuracy to existing sensors, making it a promising tool for tracking stress and related conditions.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2025

Tracking firearm violence and impact on dental health

A Rutgers University study found that higher firearm violence in neighborhoods is associated with lower rates of people going to the dentist and higher rates of total tooth loss. Chronic exposure to violence can lead to fear, stress, and unhealthy behaviors that impact oral health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2025

Study links lack of oral health care with complications during pregnancy

A new study found that pregnant women who received preventive oral health care had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders. The research highlights the importance of integrating oral health education and services into maternal healthcare, particularly in underserved populations.

SourceUniversity at Albany, SUNY·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2025

Hard evidence of soft teeth: the oral symptoms of hypophosphatasia

Researchers from Osaka University analyzed dental issues faced by Japanese patients with hypophosphatasia, finding two distinct groups: odonto-type disease (early tooth loss) and non-odonto-type disease (tooth misalignment and softening). The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for this often misunderstood disease.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2025

Journal of Dental Research publishes study exploring the impact of early childhood exposure to fluoride on cognitive neurodevelopment

A recent study published in Journal of Dental Research examined the relationship between early childhood fluoride exposure and cognitive development. The research found that there were no significant effects of fluoride exposure on cognitive neurodevelopment, with the hypothesis of non-inferiority tests also supporting this conclusion.

New issue of Advances in Dental Research explores the role of women in dental, clinical, and translational research

The new issue of Advances in Dental Research explores the impact of sex biology on women's health, highlighting disparities in dental disease prevalence. The meeting emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues, including access to care and preventive measures.

JDR Clinical & Translational Research publishes new supplement exploring links between oral, behavioral, and systemic health

A new supplement published by JDR Clinical & Translational Research examines the connections between oral health, behavior, and overall well-being. The study reveals strong evidence for the importance of integrated healthcare systems addressing these interconnected aspects.

Water fluoridation less effective now than in past

A recent Cochrane review has found that the dental health benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water may be smaller now than before fluoride toothpaste was widely available. The review analyzed data from over 2,900 children in the UK and Australia, estimating a slight reduction in tooth decay, but with significant uncertainty.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 3, 2024

Altered blood markers detected in individuals with periodontitis

Researchers at Umeå University have identified unique inflammatory protein profiles in the blood of individuals with severe periodontitis, which is associated with lower levels of EGF and OLR-1 proteins. The study provides a promising lead for developing biomarkers and treatments for the disease.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2024

As election approaches, national poll shows which health topics concern older adults most

A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateAug 14, 2024

Children living in deprived areas are three times more likely to need dental extractions in hospital

A study published in BMJ Public Health found that children living in deprived areas have a three times higher risk of needing dental extractions under general anaesthesia. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and improved access to preventive dental services to address socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in oral health.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBMJ Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

The OHStat Guidelines for Reporting Observational Studies and Clinical Trials in Oral Health Research

The IADR and AADOCR published the revised OHStat guidelines to improve reporting in oral health research, incorporating CONSORT, STROBE, and SAMPL guidelines. The guidelines also recommend estimating results in clinically meaningful units using confidence intervals, rather than relying on P values.

Clear stress patterns among children in dental care

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified clear stress patterns among children undergoing dental treatment, particularly during anesthetic injections. The study used a sensor tool to monitor hand movements and sweating, revealing that invasive treatments were significantly more stressful for longer periods.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Low-cost liquid tames tooth decay

A new study by NYU College of Dentistry shows that silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective alternative to dental sealants for preventing cavities, especially in schools. SDF can increase access to dental care while reducing costs, and its use could keep kids from needing fillings, saving families and the healthcare system money.

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2024

Gargling away the bad bacteria in type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Osaka University found that gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce periodontitis-related bacteria in patients with type 2 diabetes. This simple method may improve the lives of people with periodontitis-linked diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2024

New guideline details acute pain management strategies for adolescent, adult dental patients

The American Dental Association has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or with acetaminophen to manage short-term dental pain in adolescents and adults. The guideline also provides recommendations for prescribing opioid medications, emphasizing caution ...

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateFeb 5, 2024

ADA releases updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry

The American Dental Association has released updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry, emphasizing the appropriate and justified use of dental X-rays. The guidelines also advise against using lead abdominal aprons or thyroid collars, citing evidence that modern digital X-ray equipment and beam restrictions can...

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateFeb 1, 2024