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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

Toothbrushing tied to lower rates of pneumonia among hospitalized patients

A new study found that daily toothbrushing among hospitalized patients is associated with lower rates of hospital-acquired pneumonia and ICU mortality. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,700 patients, also showed that toothbrushing was linked to shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2023

Viking dentistry was surprisingly advanced

A study of Viking Age teeth from Varnhem in Sweden found that 49% of the population had one or more caries lesions, with children's milk teeth being entirely caries-free. The Vikings also underwent dental treatment, including filing front teeth and relieving pressure through holes drilled into molars.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 14, 2023

Children's dental health significantly improved using electric toothbrushes

A new study found that electric toothbrushes significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis in young children aged 3-10. The research showed that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes in reducing these dental issues, with whole mouth plaque reduction increasing by up to 55.7% in younger children.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Paediatric Dentistry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2023

New issue of Advances in Dental Research offers a comprehensive analysis of aging and oral health research

The new issue of Advances in Dental Research analyzes the link between healthy aging and access to quality oral health services. Key research highlights include the potential role of periodontal microflora in Alzheimer's disease progression and the impact of loneliness on health.

Discovery of mechanism involved in dental inflammation paves way to therapies against bone loss

Researchers have discovered a key mechanism involved in dental pulp inflammation and root apex damage, which could lead to the development of medications against bone loss due to endodontic infections. The study found that tumor necrosis factor-α receptor-1 (TNFR1) plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from inflammatory processes.

MU researchers study barriers and facilitators to accessing health care in rural Missouri

A recent MU study found that health and healthcare organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, to address disparities in health outcomes. The research team explored innovative solutions implemented by care coordinators and social services to help overc...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProfessional Case Management·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2023

New guideline details dental pain management strategies for pediatric patients

The American Dental Association has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending the use of acetaminophen and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as first-line treatments for managing short-term dental pain in children under 12. The guideline has been endorsed by the American Dental Association.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateAug 25, 2023

Smiles all round: clinical trial shows that a toothpaste containing synthetic tooth minerals can prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride

A clinical trial found that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is equally effective in preventing cavities as fluoride toothpaste. The study involved 189 adults who used either hydroxyapatite or fluoride toothpaste for 18 months, with no significant difference in efficacy between the two groups.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 18, 2023

American Dental Association releases new tooth decay treatment guideline

The American Dental Association's new clinical practice guideline recommends conservative carious tissue removal (CTR) as an effective treatment option for moderate and advanced tooth decay. CTR involves removing most, but not all, of the decayed tissue before sealing the tooth with a filling or cap, which stops tooth decay.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2023

Sensory adapted dental rooms significantly reduce autistic children’s physiological and behavioral stress during teeth cleanings

A new study by USC researchers shows that sensory adapted dental clinics significantly reduce autistic children's distress during teeth cleanings. The adapted environment features visual, auditory, and tactile adaptations, which lead to a decrease in behavioral and physiological stress.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 2, 2023

Journal of Dental Research to publish special issue on aging and oral health

The Journal of Dental Research (JDR) has published a special issue on aging and oral health, featuring research on biological mechanisms underlying age-related conditions such as cognitive decline. The issue aims to improve oral health care in older populations, promoting general health and well-being.

Let them eat cake?: Study reveals grandparents spoil grandchildren with sugar-loaded foods and drinks

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that grandparents often spoil grandchildren with sugary foods and drinks, increasing the risk of oral and overall health issues. The study highlights the importance of having 'treats in moderation' conversations with grandparents to promote healthy habits.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2023

Dental service use falls, oral health worsens after people become eligible for Medicare

A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

Benefits of oral hygiene can drive university students towards dental check-ups

A study by researchers from Okayama University found that Japanese university students' willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups is associated with their thoughts regarding the health-belief model and oral health behaviors. The study suggests that the perceived benefit of undergoing regular check-ups drives young students toward...

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 16, 2023

Health care is increasingly unaffordable for people with employer-sponsored health insurance—especially women

Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that healthcare costs and out-of-pocket expenditures have continued to rise despite the Affordable Care Act improvements. Women with employer-sponsored insurance report greater difficulty paying for needed health care services, particularly dental and mental health care.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 27, 2022

Study identifies potential link between oral bacteria and brain abscesses

A study published in the Journal of Dentistry found that patients with unexplained brain abscesses were three times more likely to have oral bacteria present. The researchers also discovered significantly higher counts of Streptococcus anginosus, a bacterium linked to dental abscesses and infections in internal organs.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Dentistry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Study sheds new light on the link between oral bacteria and diseases

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified the most common bacteria found in severe oral infections, shedding new light on the association between oral health and systemic diseases. The study found that certain bacterial infections can spread to other parts of the body, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022

Using vapes may set the stage for dental decay

A recent study by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine found a significant association between vaping and an increased risk of developing cavities. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 patients and found that 79% of vaping patients were categorized as having high-caries risk, compared to 60% of the control group.

SourceTufts University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022

Healthcare utilization varies among community-living people with spinal cord injury by demographic, injury-related, and socioeconomic factors

A survey of community-living people with spinal cord injury revealed lower-than-recommended healthcare utilization rates for primary care, dental, and optical services. Demographic, socioeconomic, and injury-related factors contributed to disparities in healthcare access.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2022

LSU Health New Orleans study reveals economic burden of gun violence

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates the economic burden of acute firearm injuries at a Level I Trauma Center in New Orleans, resulting in a net loss of $20.3 million over four years. The study highlights the significant financial impact of gun violence on healthcare systems and society.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Microbes that cause cavities can form superorganisms able to ‘crawl’ and spread on teeth

Researchers discovered that cross-kingdom assemblages of bacteria and fungi can form superorganisms that colonize teeth, causing extensive tooth decay. These superorganisms exhibit enhanced surface adhesion, increased mechanical and antimicrobial tolerance, and unique mobility, moving at speeds similar to fibroblasts.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

Genetic defects lead to enamel malformations

A study conducted at the University of Zurich has identified a key gene network responsible for severe tooth enamel defects. The researchers found that mutations in the Adam10 molecule lead to disorganization of ameloblasts and severe defects in both structure and mineral composition of enamel.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Water flouridation: Effective prevention for tooth decay and a win for the environment - Trinity research

A new study by Trinity College Dublin researchers shows that water fluoridation has the lowest environmental impact among community-level caries prevention programmes, offering a sustainable solution to prevent dental decay. The study also highlights its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce disability-adjusted life years.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalBDJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2022

Dentists should give antibiotics to high-risk patients to help prevent life-threatening heart infection

A new study from the University of Sheffield suggests that giving antibiotics to those at high risk of developing a life-threatening heart infection significantly reduces their risk. Current UK guidelines against routine use of antibiotics for these patients may be putting them at unnecessary extra risk.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

New University of Rochester study shows promising alternative to opioids for pain after dental extractions

A new University of Rochester study compares two groups of patients with dental extractions, finding that a combination of non-opioid pain medications and gabapentin can minimize or eliminate opioids for dental pain. The results show promise for reducing opioid use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2022