This strategy may reduce repeat dental anesthesia in kids

The use of full-coverage restorations on primary molars and canines during general anesthesia (GA) may be linked to pediatric patients needing repeat GA. The study was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. In contrast, resin restorations and sealants on primary second molars were associated with a higher likelihood of requiring repeat GA (GA2), the authors wrote. “Full-coverage restorations should be considered strongly for young children undergoing GA

High birth weight may be a risk factor for caries

High birth weight may serve as a predictor for early childhood tooth decay and should be factored into risk assessments to prevent caries, according to a birth cohort study published in BMC Oral Health. Furthermore, a birth weight of 4,000 g (8.8 lb) or more was associated with a higher risk of caries in toddlers, the authors wrote. “It may be essential to pay more attention to children with high

Occurrence of orofacial pain may be on the rise

The incidence of orofacial pain appears to have risen since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with patients reporting spikes in facial and oral mucosal pain before and after infection. This cross-sectional study was published in the International Dental Journal. However, factors like sex, infection timing, and beverage preferences may affect COVID-19 infection and orofacial pain (CIOP), the authors wrote. “The morbidity of orofacial pain appears to have increased significantly

How one dentist carved out a cosmetic dentistry niche

In the competitive dental landscape in Southern California, Dr. Tyler Hales figured out a way to stand out, both with his personality and clinical skills. Dr. Tyler Hales, aka “Dr. Bowtie.” With a bowtie that became a part of his dress code after a comment from his grandfather when he graduated from dental school (and which he wears as a tribute to his grandfather, who wore a bowtie), Dr. Hales

This is the key to designing an aesthetic smile

When creating an aesthetic smile, it’s critical to keep in mind that 2D and 3D symmetry of natural incisors are rare, highlighting the importance of authenticity over flawlessness. The study was published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. The findings not only raise challenges about the efficacy of some smile design software programs that are based on symmetry, as well as digital mock-ups that are based on 3D

It may be time to evaluate sealant delivery programs

The use of second-molar (2M) sealants among U.S. adolescents is low, with two-thirds lacking them. Programs should focus on improving their delivery alongside first molar (1M) sealants, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Furthermore, 2M sealant use was found to be linked to race and ethnicity, the authors wrote. “To improve adolescent oral health, clinical and community programs should increase delivery of 2M

Clinical tip: How to use a ghost dental implant for bridge planning

This week, Dr. Doug Smail returns with another clinical tip that can help every dentist and dental practice, courtesy of CDOCS. Check out the video below from Dr. Smail. You can also visit CDOCS to learn more, and learn more about CDOCS’ hands-on workshops. Video transcript “Now, this patient was referred for removal of fractured teeth #4 and #5 with grafting. Once the patient had healed, we brought the patient

Go ahead, tell patients to rinse and spit after SDF therapy

Waiting 30 minutes to rinse after silver diamine fluoride (SDF) therapy is no more effective at preventing early childhood caries than rinsing immediately. This clinical trial was published on August 12 in the Journal of Dentistry. When providing guidance, clinicians should consider individual risk factors, lesion details, and the unpleasant taste of SDF that may affect its acceptance by young children, the authors wrote. “This randomised clinical trial found the

It’s not just about scaling anymore: Latest tools, theories, and products to blast biofilm

Author’s note: Cellerant Consulting is proud to partner with DrBicuspid to bring you a new monthly column where we discuss what’s hot, what’s new, and what’s coming down the line! The enigma of oral biofilm continues to perplex healthcare professionals. As dental hygienists, we immerse ourselves in the world of biofilm daily: We encounter it, confront it, and, if we pause to reflect, likely harbor a significant aversion to it (scale,

Gastric sleeve may improve gum disease, especially in diabetic patients

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) may improve periodontal health in patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D) largely due to a significant reduction in inflammatory biomarkers, according to a study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology. Although patients with T2D experienced less weight loss, their periodontal health greatly improved following SG, the authors wrote. “Both patients with and without T2D demonstrated improved periodontal status for up to 1 year after SG,” wrote

Cardiometabolic dysregulation may be linked to gum disease

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, an indicator of insulin resistance, may be linked to higher odds of moderate to severe periodontitis, particularly in individuals with obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontal Research. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels partially explained the association, suggesting a potential connection between cardiometabolic issues and periodontal health and highlighting the complex interplay of systemic factors in periodontitis, the authors wrote.

Frequent toothbrushing may boost kids’ resilience

Brushing one’s teeth twice or more daily may significantly improve resilience in elementary school-age children, especially those living in poverty, according to a study that was recently published in BMC Oral Health. Furthermore, health policies that promote frequent toothbrushing may enhance the mental development of impoverished children, the authors wrote. “We found that children who brushed their teeth twice or more daily in first grade had higher resilience scores in