Reiki, a healing therapy that involves a transfer of energy via gentle touch, may be linked to a reduction in pain after wisdom tooth surgery but not presurgical anxiety. The study was published on September 10 in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. However, more trials are needed to clarify Reiki therapy’s role in oral surgery, the authors wrote. “Reiki therapy did not reduce preoperative anxiety but was associated
Children who are missing teeth because of injury or decay may be almost twice as likely to be bullied by their peers, according to a news article recently published by The University of Sydney in Australia. Approximately 1 in 10 children in Australia have lost teeth resulting from trauma or dental caries, but children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience tooth loss, and the results can be
When a toothache strikes, many people turn to age-old home remedies before calling a dental office. Among the most common? A saltwater rinse. It’s simple, inexpensive, and often recommended for soothing the mouth. But here’s the real question: can salt water actually fix a cavity, or is this just another popular myth? Let’s dig into what science and dentistry say about it. What Really Happens When a Cavity Forms A
Biofeedback (BF) may be an effective educational tool for managing temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and improving patients’ well-being, according to a recently published review in BMC Oral Health. Though biofeedback did not reduce pain as well as other treatments, it was equally effective, and it may provide added value by addressing psychological aspects associated with TMD, the authors wrote. “This systematic review and network meta-analysis highlight the exploratory potential of BF
Looking for a way to help your dental patients who may be missing several teeth? Dr. Doug Smail from CDOCS shares a clinical tip that can do just that. “So in this case, what we did here was, this was an old implant bridge. It was placed elsewhere that failed. We took out the pontic and the anterior implant, and then we did some GVR grafting to get that to
Ormco Corporation has launched Spark Junior, a two-phase clear aligner system designed for younger patients. Phase one (for patients under 13 years old) provides unlimited aligners and refinements over 1.5 years, with a pause option before moving to phase two. Phase two transitions to Spark Advanced for 3.5 years of care. Spark Junior includes BiteSync for class II malocclusions and uses TruGen material for comfort and transparency, according to Ormco.
Children with poor sleep quality may be more prone to excessive internet use and addiction, and both factors may be linked to poorer gum health, according to a study recently published in BMC Oral Health. Accounting for digital media use and sleep habits may therefore be needed when assessing and preventing gum disease in adolescent patients, the authors wrote. “Our findings suggest a significant relationship between internet usage, sleep quality,
Over-the-counter dental guard provider DenTek has launched its Fantasy Guards campaign to address teeth grinding linked to fantasy football stress. The campaign offers dental guard discounts and an Ultimate Fantasy Guard Punishment contest and is supported by NFL stars, including Tiki Barber, LeRoy Butler, Austin Ekeler, Dwight Freeney, and Ted Ginn Jr.
A lot of people grind or clench their teeth at night without even realizing it. This condition, called bruxism, might not seem like a big deal—especially since it often happens while you sleep. But night after night, the pressure adds up. Grinding your teeth can wear down enamel, stress the jaw, and lead to bigger dental problems over time. At Neaville Family Dentistry in Searcy, Dr. Keith Neaville helps patients
Regular dental visits are one of the most effective ways to protect long-term oral health. Brushing and flossing at home remain essential daily habits, but they cannot replace the expertise, technology, and preventive care offered during a professional appointment. Preventive dentistry is not only about maintaining a confident smile; it also plays a vital role in overall health and wellness. Why Preventive Dental Care Matters Preventive care is designed to
Dental students may find endodontics stressful, and factors like clinical procedures and teaching methods affect their confidence levels, according to a review recently published in the International Endodontic Journal. Therefore, refining endodontic education may reduce stress and improve learning, the authors wrote. “The origin of student stress and confidence in undergraduate student endodontics is multifactorial,” wrote the authors, led by K. J. Fouillen of the University of Bretagne Occidentale Brest
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a humectant added to some skincare products, may support gum healing and regeneration, leading to better clinical results when combined with nonsurgical therapy or surgery, according to a review recently published in Periodontology 2000. Additionally, HA may improve the clinical attachment level (CAL) and reduce gingival recession when compared with standard treatments, the authors wrote. “The available data from preclinical and clinical studies provide robust evidence on