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Grinding to a halt: 3 common medications that cause bruxism

Medications play a critical role in treating a plethora of health conditions, but they aren’t without their drawbacks. One significant oral health issue influenced by medication is bruxism — a condition characterized by involuntary teeth grinding and clenching. This condition can result in enamel erosion, increased tooth sensitivity, and a higher risk of cavities. In some instances, it may even lead to fractures, which may require tooth extraction. Dentists must be familiar

5 medications that can cause tooth discoloration

Teeth stains are commonly associated with poor oral hygiene and habits like smoking tobacco. Plaque accumulation can lead to the yellowing of teeth, while tobacco use often results in dark stains. However, beyond these well-known causes, certain medications can also contribute to tooth discoloration, a factor that dental care professionals should aware of in their practice. 1. Chlorhexidine: One medication frequently encountered in dental settings is chlorhexidine, an antibacterial mouthwash commonly prescribed for gum

This treatment may give patients the prettiest smile

For treating a gummy smile, orthognathic surgery may result in greater improvements in attractiveness compared to botulinum toxin (BTX). The study was recently published in the Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. Despite being more invasive, orthognathic surgery with impacted upper jaw teeth offers permanent improvements in smile attractiveness, the authors wrote. “There was a significant improvement in smile attractiveness with treatment in both groups; however, the improvement was significantly better in

What you need to know about this dental sedative for kids

The combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine (DK) may reduce anxiety and pain in pediatric patients during sedation, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice. However, this combination may not significantly impact sedation-related time factors, the authors wrote. “Our findings indicate that while the DK offers certain advantages in terms of reducing anxiety and pain scores, it does not provide significant improvements in sedation onset,

New ways to restore teeth may upend dentistry

Researchers at University of Buffalo in New York are exploring novel therapies like injecting human dental pulp stem cells into damaged teeth to restore them, which may upend the way dental care is delivered, according to a school news release. Additionally, the new treatment may reduce the need for invasive root canals, according to the release. “The standard of care in dentistry today — fillings and implants — is still

Here’s the tea: This mouthwash may fend off gum disease

A mouthwash containing matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea, may inhibit the growth of one of the main bacteria involved in periodontitis, indicating that it may be used to prevent and treat gum disease. The study was published on May 21 in Microbiology Spectrum. Patients with gum disease who gargled with a matcha mouth rinse had significantly less Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) in their saliva, the authors wrote.

Gaidge 360, Andrea Cook Consulting partner

Gaidge 360 Consulting and Andrea Cook, a consultant with more than 20 years of clinical experience, have collaborated with the goal of improving orthodontic practices through innovative solutions and data-driven insights. With Cook joining Gaidge 360 Consulting, the firm will offer orthodontic practices more specialized services. Gaidge 360 focuses on optimizing operations through data-driven solutions, lean management, and team accountability to boost productivity and profitability.

DentalMonitoring’s orthodontic software gets FDA nod

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given de novo approval to DentalMonitoring for its artificial intelligence-powered software that remotely monitors orthodontic treatment. The software, which is indicated for patients over the age 6 and solely for permanent teeth, uses image-processing algorithms to analyze pictures of the oral cavity. Using the company app, a smartphone, and the manufacturer’s proprietary hardware products, scans are taken for analysis. Furthermore, the software

UMMC to study improving oral health in tweens, teens, caregivers

Researchers from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) School of Dentistry are studying how different educational interventions affect oral hygiene in middle and high school students and their caretakers. Researchers aim to determine whether teaching these students about oral health reduces future tooth decay and if involving their parents or guardians enhances the outcome, according to university news published on May 13. “The target population of 12-14-year-old children, the

One dentist on today’s biggest problem with bonding in dentistry

During the recent California Dental Association (CDA) meeting in Anaheim, Kuraray Noritake celebrated the launch of a pair of new products: Clearfil Majesty ES Flow Universal and Clearfil Universal Bond Quick 2. The composite and bonding agents are the next generation of products available from Kuraray Noritake, and you can read more about them here. As part of the launch event in Anaheim, Dinesh Weerasinghe, PhD, senior technical and marketing

Align changes leadership to scale up manufacturing platform

Invisalign maker Align Technology has shaken up its leadership to expand its direct fabrication manufacturing operations. Emory Wright was appointed executive vice president, direct fabrication manufacturing platform, effective immediately. Wright, who plans to retire in 2026, will transition his current responsibilities for global operations, including treatment planning, so he can focus on the scale-up. Jitse Marree, vice president, global aligner manufacturing, will continue to head global clear aligner manufacturing operations

Study: Clear aligners aren’t making patients smile

Patients’ social media posts about clear aligner therapy range from positive to negative, including complaints about treatment duration, pain, and sleeping difficulties, once they begin treatment. The study was published on May 20 in Seminars in Orthodontics. Clinicians may need to discuss patients’ perceptions before and during clear aligner therapy, the authors wrote. “Understanding the patient’s perspectives can assist orthodontists treating patients with CA (clear aligner) in effectively anticipating and