Gum disease may cost more than patients’ teeth

Though largely preventable, periodontal disease poses significant economic and societal burdens, emphasizing a need for policy interventions, according to a review article recently published in Periodontology 2000. To reduce the impact of periodontitis, it is important to integrate general health and oral health systems, implement policies addressing social inequalities, and target common risk factors, according to the study. “There is a strong need for further awareness raising and professionalizing health

ADHD patients may be twice as likely to experience TDIs

Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at twice the risk of sustaining traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). The systemic review was published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. Therefore, clinicians should be trained to raise awareness and implement preventive strategies to reduce the risk of TDIs in individuals with ADHD, the author wrote. “The present study of scientific evidence may provide awareness regarding the prevention

Feeling pain at the dentist? It may be your implant

Patients with titanium dental implants experienced less discomfort or pain when the area around the prosthetic was probed compared to those with zirconium implants. The study was published on May 27 in Clinical Oral Implants Research. Additionally, those who took analgesics felt less pain during peri-implant probing than those who didn’t take anything, the authors wrote. “Patients who had taken analgesic medication experienced less discomfort and pain with peri-implant probing than

What you need to know about the ‘whiter than white’ trend and this week’s top articles

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Dr. Lana Rozenberg believes that the brilliantly white smiles that dental patients see on the big screen and on their TVs alter the reality of what a smile should look like. On this National Smile Day, Dr. Rozenberg, the founder of Rozenberg Dental NYC, has a message for her dental colleagues, which is to beware of the patients who want their smiles to be as white as

Which mouthguard absorbs the most shock?

Impact performance tests revealed that custom-made 3D-printed mouthguards may provide better shock absorption than thermoformed mouthguards. The new study was published in Dental Traumatology. Additionally, the tests showed minimal thickness variation during testing and that the customized mouthguards maintained their shock absorption capacity even after repeated mechanical tests, the authors wrote. “Custom-made 3D-printed mouthguards showed slightly better shock absorption ability than thermoformed mouthguards,” wrote the authors, led by Arfi Yohan

These topical medications may prevent caries better than NSF, CHX

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF), SDF/potassium iodide (KI), and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) may prevent caries better than nanosilver fluoride (NSF) and chlorhexidine (CHX), according to a study recently published in the Journal of Dentistry. Furthermore, SDF and SDF/KI exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to NSF. However, combining SDF with KI may not significantly change the antibacterial efficacy of SDF alone, according to the study. “SDF, SDF/KI, and NaOCl displayed significantly higher

AEW titleholder dons world champion grills

Stephon “Swerve” Strickland, the current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Champion, recently showed off gold and diamond grills for his upper and lower teeth. The grills are emblazed with the words “AEW” and “World Champion.” This is Strickland’s first reign as champion. He earned the title after defeating Samoa Joe at AEW Dynasty. To check out the grills, click on the below video.

Tired of waiting for anesthesia to wear off? This may help

The use of low-level laser therapy may reverse soft-tissue anesthesia faster in pediatric dental patients, according to a study recently published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. Anesthesia reversal not only cuts down on the risk of soft-tissue injuries, but it offers pediatric dentists greater control and adaptability during dental procedures, the authors wrote. “Patients and their guardians will likely appreciate the ability to recover the sensation rapidly and

This therapy may improve postextraction healing

Oxygen-ozone therapy may effectively improve healing after extractions in patients susceptible to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), according to research published on May 29 in Oral Diseases. Furthermore, individuals who receive oxygen-ozone therapy may show significant improvement in wound healing postextraction during both the inflammatory and proliferative phases, the authors wrote. “Oxygen-ozone therapy shows promise in improving post-extraction healing in patients at risk of MRONJ,” wrote the authors, led

A new technique to locate centric occlusion

Using an intraoral scanner and a retainerlike device called the Kois deprogrammer, the mandible’s repeatable centric relation (CR) position can be recorded for restorations. This research was published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Furthermore, this method allows the acquired digital data to be imported into computer-aided design (CAD) programs to accurately locate centric occlusion (CO). Since the technique can be used with different types of CAD programs, this method

Study reveals genetic link between gum disease, type 2 diabetes

Genetics may be a key player in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) related to periodontitis, highlighting potential targets for new treatments, reports research recently published in BMC Oral Health. Furthermore, the genes MCUR1, RAP2A, FOS, PANX1, NFIX, and WNK1 may be associated with periodontitis-related T2D and insulin resistance, the authors wrote. “Periodontitis was associated with a higher risk of T2D. MCUR1, RAP2A, FOS, PANX1, NFIX and WNK1 may

This may be the best early treatment for TMJ pain

Early joint aspiration or arthrocentesis coupled with the use of a mouthguard may better relieve temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ) from arthritis than only using an occlusal splint. The study was published on June 8 in the International Dental Journal. At six weeks and after, patients’ pain intensity fell significantly in those with TMJ arthralgia who underwent joint aspiration and wore mouthguards. None of the patients experienced serious complications during treatment,