Researchers from the University of São Paulo in Brazil have uncovered links between the processes responsible for dental pulp inflammation and damage to the root apex. These findings have the potential to pave the way for the development of medications that can mitigate bone loss resulting from endodontic infections. The results obtained by the research team were recently disseminated in... read more »
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a persistent and incapacitating condition characterized by daily orofacial pain that endures for over two hours each day for a period exceeding three months. Patients commonly describe a burning sensation in the oral mucosa, even though no visible or detectable mucosal, systemic abnormalities, or laboratory findings are evident. This ailment can significantly disrupt the quality... read more »
Researchers at King's College London have identified a novel potential in a commonly used drug for treating type 2 diabetes. They found that Metformin could serve as an effective means of preventing both oral and systemic diseases. The study, conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, revealed that Metformin has the capability to regulate inflammation... read more »
In the case of patients with periodontal issues, it's crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach to understanding the underlying causes of their condition. These patients may be contending with the presence of red-complex bacteria, which heightens their susceptibility to periodontal disease and tooth decay. According to the CDC's 2018 literature, it's estimated that 71% of adults aged 65 and above... read more »
Editor's Note: This marks the third installment of a comprehensive four-part interview series featuring Dr. Tim Donley, DDS, MSD. Anne Rice: Dr. Donley, you've previously discussed the issue of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease (CIPD). Inflammation, wherever it occurs, is a problematic factor, and while the medical field acknowledges this, it appears that dental professionals are not adequately addressing it. Could... read more »
Caring for your oral health offers more than just a beautiful smile; it also plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. If you're searching for ways to enhance your health, paying attention to your teeth and gums is essential. While it may not be immediately obvious, your oral hygiene significantly influences your physical health. Healthy gums, in particular, offer... read more »
A study conducted by a team of researchers in Japan has found a potential connection between gum disease, tooth loss and brain shrinkage in the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory and has been associated with Alzheimer's disease. Led by Dr. Satoshi Yamaguchi, PhD, from Tohoku University in Sendai, the study focused on late middle-aged and older... read more »
June is celebrated as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. To mark this auspicious occasion, dental hygienist-turned-educator Jo-Anne Jones reveals how both dental disease and inflammation can actually contribute to brain disease and neuroinflammation and what patients can do to lower their risk of incurring these serious issues. Research has shown that gum health and brain health are closely linked to... read more »
Interproximal cleaning aids improve periodontal parameters in patients of severe periodontitis in the short term according to a new study published in the journal of periodontology. The purpose of this 6-week, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was to determine whether the use of an interproximal brush, with or without a tracking device, is more effective than an oral irrigator in improving... read more »
If you aren't already brushing your teeth (and tongue) for at least two minutes twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste, gargling with mouthwash, replacing your toothbrush every four months, and visiting your dentist twice a year, you are shortchanging your oral health. But that's not all. No oral care routine is complete if it doesn’t include flossing, or cleaning between... read more »