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A surprising cause of toothaches

Other than caries, tooth pain may be due to musculoskeletal, neuropathic, or neurovascular issues, according to a case report published recently in the Journal of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Clinicians must consider these causes to avoid patients’ unnecessary, permanent treatment, the authors stated. “Surprisingly, myofascial pain characterized by trigger points in tender muscles can mimic a toothache, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment,” wrote the case report’s authors, led by

How gender and bruxism affect the masseter muscle

Bruxism affects the masseter muscle differently by gender, suggesting the importance of a gender-specific approach in assessing bruxism’s impact on this muscle. The study was published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Furthermore, bruxism pain was reported more frequently in women. However, a larger masseter muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was linked to bruxism only in men, they wrote. “Although a higher prevalence of bruxism was reported by

Ingested denture required 2 surgeries, months of recovery for man

A man unknowingly swallowed his partial denture, causing an abnormal connection between his esophagus and trachea that required him to undergo two surgeries and eight months of recovery. The case report was recently published in the Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Surgical management of an acquired, nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) secondary to denture impaction is not only very rare, but it creates a clinical challenge. After the surgeries, the man dealt

Dental prostheses may be linked to liver function changes

Having a higher number of fixed dental prostheses, which contain metal components, may be correlated with blood lead levels and changes in liver function, according to a study published on November 6 in Environmental Pollution. Considering the possible links between fixed dental prostheses and liver function markers, clinicians should proactively consider liver conditions among patients with liver disease so that safer treatment plans may be created, according to a large

An attractive hack for an implant-supported denture

A magnetic system that uses reference points may enhance stability and safety when placing implant-supported fixed complete dentures. This technique was recently published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Furthermore, this technique aims to use magnetically coupled components to ensure precise positioning and ease of use during the fabrication of an implant-supported fixed denture, the authors wrote. “A magnetically coupled tooth arrangement technique used the fixed reference point of integrated

‘OK, Google,’ when is a retainer also a smart device?

Researchers have unveiled a smart wearable dental brace that captures never-before-seen in-mouth data that may lead to breakthrough treatments for conditions like bruxism and motor impairments. MouthIO, which was developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Aarhus University in Denmark, is fitted with sensors and components that capture in-mouth interactions and data. “With MouthIO, though, we’ve developed a new

This simple sugar may alleviate chronic gum disease

The simple sugar D-mannose may treat chronic gum disease by affecting how certain cells function, possibly changing gene activity related to immune response. This study was recently published in BMC Oral Health. Furthermore, in animal models, D-mannose was found to reduce bone loss in the upper jaw caused by periodontitis, the authors wrote. “D-mannose can alleviate chronic periodontitis in rats by regulating the functions of neutrophils, potentially associated with the

Gum disease management before diabetes onset matters

Patients who received periodontal management for two years before the onset of type 2 diabetes had better health than those who didn’t receive care. The study was published on November 18 in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and Pathology. In addition to improved health, those with controlled periodontitis may experience lower medical costs, the authors wrote. “Regular periodontal disease prevention and management under professional care before type

Is this tray causing irritation during teeth bleaching?

Using a 3-mm extended tray during at-home nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) may increase the risk of gum irritation, according to a clinical trial published on November 18 in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Additionally, participants who experienced tooth sensitivity reported greater intensity with an extended tray, the authors wrote. “The use of a nonextended tray is recommended to reduce adverse reactions,” wrote the authors, led by Dr. Patricia Pereira-Lores of

Social media may up anxiety before 3rd-molar surgery

Viewing social media content about surgical treatments before third-molar surgery may increase patients’ perioperative anxiety, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Stress management strategies should consider the impact of demographic factors, social media types, and content on this anxiety, the authors wrote. “For patients who view social media before surgery, additional methods may be needed to decrease their anxiety,” wrote the authors,

Light therapy may reduce 3rd-molar surgery adverse events

Infrared laser photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy may be a beneficial aid in recovery following lower third-molar extraction, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice. Furthermore, light therapy may help alleviate pain, swelling, and trismus in patients who underwent wisdom tooth extractions, the authors wrote. “The study confirmed the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy in reducing adverse effects post-extraction of lower third molars,” wrote the authors, led

Periodontitis may be linked to gestational diabetes

Periodontal disease may increase the risk of gestational diabetes, therefore oral health should be assessed before and during pregnancy. This review study was recently published in Primary Care Diabetes. Oral health programs for women of childbearing age and pregnant women may be needed to improve maternal metabolic control and reduce complications, the authors wrote. “The presence of periodontal disease (PD) can be considered to predispose to the development of gestational