Patients may be depressed, but it may be great for their gums

Taking antidepressants may reduce the risk of developing gum disease, especially the most severe forms of gum inflammation, according to a large U.S. study published on October 29 in the Journal of Periodontology. Since this study suggests that antidepressants may protect against gum disease, further research should be conducted, the authors wrote. “These findings suggest plausible beneficial role of antidepressants on periodontitis,” wrote the authors, led by Dr. María Martínez

Gum disease may be linked to migraines

Patients with periodontitis may have an 80% greater risk of experiencing migraines compared to those with healthy gums, according to a review recently published in the European Journal of Neurology. Furthermore, increased inflammatory markers may explain why gum disease patients may be more likely to experience migraines, the authors wrote. “Through this systematic review, we can observe that a relationship between migraine and periodontitis exists,” wrote the authors, led by

Gum disease may leave you itching

Patients with gum disease may face double the risk of developing atopic dermatitis, the chronic skin condition often referred to as eczema that causes red, itchy skin. The study was recently published in Public Library of Science (PLOS) One. Regular dental scaling was associated with a dramatic reduction in the risk of patients with periodontitis developing eczema, the authors wrote. “Maintaining regular DS may serve as a modifiable preventive strategy

Fluoride: Is It Safe and Why Do Dentists Recommend It?

For decades, fluoride has been a topic of public debate. Despite the controversy, dentists and major health organizations worldwide continue to stand by its benefits for oral health. You’ll find it added to many public water supplies and, most commonly, in your toothpaste. So, what’s the real story? Is fluoride a helpful mineral or a harmful additive? This post will explain what fluoride is, how it works, and why it

FDA cracks down on ingestible fluoride for kids

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved to restrict the use of prescription ingestible fluoride supplements in children under the age of 3 or older children who are at a moderate or lower risk of tooth decay, according to a press release dated October 31 from the FDA. The FDA sent letters to companies notifying them of its plans to take enforcement action against those marketing supplements, which

Charcoal Toothpaste: Does It Really Whiten Teeth?

Scroll through social media, and you’ll likely see influencers and celebrities flashing bright smiles, crediting their pearly whites to a surprising product: black toothpaste. Charcoal toothpaste has surged in popularity across the US, promoted as a natural way to whiten teeth and detoxify the mouth. The bold claims and striking aesthetic have made it a must-try trend for many seeking a picture-perfect smile. But what’s the real story behind this

Fresh Breath, Healthy Smile: Beating Chronic Bad Breath at Denpure, Uxbridge

We’ve all experienced that unpleasant moment of wondering whether our breath smells fresh — but for some people, bad breath (or halitosis) is a daily concern. No amount of mints or mouthwash seems to help, and it can start to affect confidence, relationships, and even professional interactions. At Denpure Dental Practice in Uxbridge, we understand how distressing chronic bad breath can be — and more importantly, that it’s often a

Sealants may help this caries type but not others

Applying sealants to primary molars may reduce and delay pit and fissure caries (PFC) but not smooth surface caries (SSC), according to a study published recently in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Over a five-year period, the use of sealants was linked to fewer cases of PFC, both in clinic and operating (OR) room settings, the authors wrote. “Our findings affirmed the role of sealants in PFC prevention

Water Flossers: Are They Worth It For Orthodontic Patients?

Keeping a healthy smile during orthodontic treatment takes a little extra attention. Braces and aligners make daily cleaning more involved because they introduce new surfaces and tight areas where food and plaque can hide. A toothbrush alone, no matter how thorough the routine, sometimes struggles to reach the places that matter most. This challenge leads many people to explore tools that can make oral hygiene easier and more complete. Water

Clinical tip: The importance of lab work for specific dental cases

In a video recorded during the Dentsply Sirona World meeting in Las Vegas, Dr. Chris Campbell shares a clinical tip that has helped him greatly in his dental practice in Columbia, SC. “I think a lot of times we get really focused in dentistry, and we want to pick up the handpiece. When we want to start prepping, we want to start fixing, and I’ve noticed a lot of times,

What dental practices need to know about Halloween emergencies

Based in Northern New Jersey, Dr. Jason Auerbach is known as “the bloody tooth guy” (@bloodytoothguy) on Instagram and believes strongly in the power of patient education in his dental practice. He also believes that, even with that education, emergencies will pop up around Halloween because of the sweets being eaten by patients. And it’s not just sweets. It’s also the abundance of sticky caramel and hard candies that can

Love chewing ice? It could damage your teeth and jaw

Chewing on ice may seem harmless, perhaps even refreshing, but dental experts warn it can actually wreak havoc on your teeth. While the occasional crunch of an ice cube isn’t likely to do severe damage, making it a dailyhabitcan lead to enamel damage, cracked fillings and even jaw pain over time. Ice is among the hardest things people regularly bite into and repeated pressure can chip or fracture the tooth’s