Environmental factors that may boost gum disease risk

Exposure to the heavy metals lead and cadmium appear to be significantly associated with a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, according to a systematic review published on June 6 in BMC Oral Health. The results shine a light on the importance of decreasing environmental exposure to these heavy metals as part of preventive strategies for gum disease, the authors wrote. “These findings suggest that environmental exposure to lead and

Clinical tip: Dr. Tom Giacobbi on Clearfil Universal Bond Quick 2 from Kuraray

In a recent installment of the “Just a Minute, Doc” series, Dr. Tom Giacobbi highlights a product he checked out at a recent dental trade show: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick 2 from Kuraray. According to the product’s listing on the Kuraray web site, it “includes the original MDP combined with unique AMIDE and new UTM monomers, that forms a thin, strong adhesive layer with no waiting time, resulting in Advanced

These factors may predict sleep bruxism in TMD patients

In patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), factors such as age, stress, and hormonal imbalances may be associated with an increased risk of sleep bruxism (SB). This study was recently published in Scientific Reports. Moreover, SB may be linked to patients with TMD who are under 50 years old, show signs of psychological distress, and have elevated levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the authors wrote. “These findings underscore the

Should antibiotics be prescribed before 3rd-molar surgery?

Dentists probably shouldn’t prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to third-molar surgery patients since the overall rate of postoperative infections is low, according to a study published recently in Oral Surgery. However, patient demographics and the dentist’s level of experience showed noteworthy links to prevalence rates, the authors wrote. “Given the relatively low rates of post-operative infection, this study does not support the use of prophylactic antibiotics for this procedure,” wrote the authors,

No more fluoride in water projected to cost billions

No longer adding fluoride to public water systems may worsen dental health in children and increase dental costs by billions within five years, according to a new study published on May 30 in JAMA Health Forum. This study highlights that there are benefits to community water fluoridation, which states like Utah and Florida have stopped, at safe levels despite concerns of potential neurotoxicity, the authors wrote. “This cost-effectiveness analysis found

Dental Phobia Is Real: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

There is a difference between feeling uneasy before a dental appointment and experiencing real, overwhelming fear about visiting the dentist. For many individuals, this fear is more than simple anxiety. It is a clinical condition known as dental phobia, and it affects millions of Americans. If you have ever delayed or avoided dental care because of fear, you are not alone. Understanding this condition is the first step toward reclaiming

Father’s Day Gift Ideas – Ideas To Make Your Dad Smile on Father’s Day

Another Father’s Day is around the corner really soon, and for some of us, it symbolises a difficult challenge with what to buy (especially if you’ve exhausted a great many classic Father’s Day gifts in previous years!) If you’re struggling for inspiration, why not consider gifting your Dad the gift of cosmetic dental treatment? This is a gift that will keep on giving for years, and it’s something many of

Clinical tip: What to know about a screw-retained crown

Dr. Dan Butterman is back with another clinical tip that is sure to help any dentist with his or her dental restorations. “For a lot of us, that is the design of choice, and it’s the restoration that we generally want to use just to prevent cement sepsis. The problem that a lot of us have is that when we create a screw-retained restoration within the CEREC software, or even

Dental care under anesthesia offers a surprising pro for kids

Preschool-age children who undergo dental treatment under general anesthesia (DGA) may experience better oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), according to a study recently published in BMC Oral Health. However, DGA may not successfully reduce dental fear and anxiety in children, the authors wrote. “Dental treatment with general anesthesia significantly improved the OHRQoL of children,” wrote the authors, led by Tu Huang of the University of Electronic Science and Technology

Restoring this vitamin may mitigate periodontal risks

Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of periodontal disease by increasing the expression of the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), according to a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. Furthermore, higher serum vitamin D levels may be associated with reduced gingivitis and gum disease occurrence, the authors wrote. “A substantial decline in GCF MMP-9 levels was noted across all groups after vitamin

How Stress Affects Your Oral Health: A Comprehensive Guide to Prevention and Treatment

Stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life, affecting millions of people worldwide. What many don’t realize is how significantly stress can impact oral health. After years of treating international patients at Thantakit International Dental Center, I’ve observed firsthand how stress manifests in various dental conditions. Page Contents Understanding the Stress-Oral Health Connection Common Stress-Related Oral Health Conditions Bruxism (Teeth Grinding and Clenching) Periodontal Disease Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The Future of Clear Aligners: Are They Right for You?

Clear aligner therapy has become increasingly prominent in modern orthodontics, offering patients an effective alternative to traditional metal braces. Since their inception, clear aligners have evolved significantly, both in technological capability and clinical applicability. In this article, I will review the current state of clear aligners, examine their limitations and advantages, explore future trends, and offer guidance for patients considering whether this form of treatment is suitable for their needs.