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NIH awards $2.4 million grant to The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and ADA Science & Research Institute to study responsible antibiotic use

The NIH-funded study will enroll 1,050 patients with periodontitis to collect data on the efficacy of antibiotics in treating the condition. The goal is to develop evidence-based clinical guidelines and advance oral health, particularly given the critical need to reduce antibiotic misuse and combat superbugs.

Dental anomalies among childhood cancer survivors differ according to type of anticancer treatment received

A study found that childhood cancer survivors who received combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy have a higher risk of dental developmental anomalies. The first signs of dental disturbances can appear within one or two years after treatment. Researchers identified specific treatments and age factors associated with increased DDA risk.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2022

Photodynamic therapy with chlorin e-6 can be effective auxiliary treatment for dental caries

The study demonstrated that photodynamic therapy (PDT) using chlorin e-6 can effectively reduce bacterial plaque biofilms containing cariogenic microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans. The treatment eliminated S. mutans and decreased total microorganisms by up to 3.7 units, with approximately 99% efficacy of antimicrobial activity.

Researchers gain insights into how ultrasmall bacteria from the environment have adapted to live inside humans

Researchers created a model system to study the ultrasmall bacteria TM7 and found that they acquired a gene cluster encoding the arginine deiminase system, which helps them survive and multiply in the human oral cavity. This discovery suggests that TM7 may play a more protective role in oral health than previously thought.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2022

VCU-led study is the first to assess dental faculty well-being during the pandemic

A VCU-led study surveyed 216 dental faculty members, assessing personal and work-related burnout, resiliency, and loneliness. The study found average scores for burnout and loneliness, highlighting the need for dental schools to provide education, training, and incentives to reduce burnout and increase resilience among faculty.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Dental Education·DateDec 22, 2021

Mystery of children’s ‘chalky teeth’ explained

Case studies show one in five children suffer from chalky tooth enamel, causing severe toothache and decay. Researchers from The D3 Group have found that albumin contamination blocks hardening of enamel on teeth growing inside the jaw, triggered by childhood illnesses.

SourceScience in Public·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Gum disease increases risk of other illness such as mental health and heart conditions, study finds

A University of Birmingham-led study found that patients with a recorded history of gum disease are at higher risk of developing mental ill-health (37%), autoimmune diseases (33%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and cardiometabolic disorders, particularly Type 2 diabetes (26%). The study used UK primary care data to explore the associat...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 19, 2021

Smoke screen: Analysis of saliva from long-term cannabis smokers identifies disruptions in the healthy oral microbiome that may lead to brain disorders

A study found that long-term cannabis smokers have increased levels of Actinomyces meyeri in their saliva, which correlates with the length of cannabis use. This bacterium was shown to decrease activity and increase beta-amyloid production in mice, suggesting a link between oral microbiome disruption and brain health.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Study: Many Medicaid-enrolled women in Virginia weren’t aware of dental pregnancy benefits

A study found that many Medicaid-enrolled women in Virginia were unaware of dental pregnancy benefits, despite comprehensive coverage enacted in 2015. The survey revealed significant gaps in oral health knowledge among reproductive-age women by insurance status, with Medicaid-enrolled women facing barriers to care at higher rates.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Women s Health·DateDec 2, 2021

‘Nanozyme’ therapy prevents harmful dental plaque build-up

A study by the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University found that a nanozyme therapy, combining ferumoxytol and hydrogen peroxide, significantly reduced the buildup of harmful dental plaque and targeted bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The treatment effectively killed Streptococcus mutans bacteria while leaving other ora...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

UMass Amherst research finds ‘very low rates’ of dental fluoride varnish treatment for young children

A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst found that fewer than 5% of well-child visits for privately insured young children included a recommended dental fluoride varnish application. This is concerning given the importance of this service in reducing tooth decay among children, which affects nearly 25% of 2- to 5-year-old...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2021

Reducing COVID-19 risk during dentist appointments

New research found that using electric drills instead of air-driven drills reduces aerosol spray by 99.98%, creating a safer environment for patients and dental teams. This could lead to a significant increase in treatments carried out, addressing the growing backlog of patients waiting for dental care.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 3, 2021

High school student presents on oral-health impact profile 5: analyzing a private practice adult population's distribution

A high school student presented an observational study on the distribution of Oral-Health Impact Profile (OHIP5) scores in a general adult population at a private dental clinic. The study found no significant difference between male and female populations in OHIP5 score distributions.

COVID-19: Seroprevalence and vaccine responses in UK dental care professionals

A study of UK dental care professionals found that natural infection alone is unlikely to generate meaningful, durable herd immunity, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations. The data also suggest that previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to a faster and stronger immune response following vaccination.

Study examines connection between oral and general health in patients with diabetes

A cluster-randomized controlled trial found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who received primary care-based oral health support experienced a significant increase in self-reported oral health quality of life. The study's authors conclude that patients with diabetes can benefit from extra attention to oral health, highlighting the...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 11, 2021

Brushing away oral health disparities in America's rural children

A recent study from Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina found that rural children are less likely to receive preventive dental care than their urban counterparts. This disparity can have serious consequences for children's oral health, including increased risk of decay and bacterial growth.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateApr 21, 2021

New study supports the effectiveness of the ForsythKids school-based dental program for reducing untreated tooth decay

A longitudinal study found that the ForsythKids preventive dentistry program reduced untreated cavities from 39% to 19% over six years, highlighting the effectiveness of school-based prevention programs. The study also highlights the critical need for accessible dental care in low-income communities.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateMar 31, 2021

Henry Ford physician leads consensus for global awareness to an underrecognized condition

An international research team of otolaryngologists and dental specialists has reached consensus on diagnosing and managing odontogenic sinusitis (ODS), a condition that can spread from teeth to sinuses, brain, or rest of the body. The initiative aims to improve collaboration between ENT surgeons and dental providers to diagnose ODS mo...

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateMar 23, 2021

Study: Medicaid expansion meant better health for the most vulnerable low-income adults

A new study found that Michigan's Medicaid expansion program significantly improved health outcomes for the most vulnerable residents, including those with extremely low incomes and chronic health conditions. The program also saw improvements in health among participants of all ages, backgrounds, and geographic regions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 10, 2020