Study Confirms Association Between Lupus and Gum Disease

A newly published meta-analysis shows that lupus is significantly associated with periodontitis (gum disease). Periodontitis is a serious infection characterized by inflammation of the gums, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. While people with lupus were found to have a higher chance of developing some related complications (gum bleeding and irreversible gum tissue loss), the study … Read more

New Study Explores the Link Between Obesity and Gum Disease

Obesity and gum (periodontal) disease are among the most common non-communicable diseases in the United States—and studies show these chronic conditions may be related. This new study explores the effect of obesity on non-surgical periodontal care and evaluates potential pathways that may illustrate the connection between the two conditions. The connection between obesity and gum … Read more

Premature Birth: Helping Pregnant Patients Understand The Dangers Of Gum Disease

pregnant gum disease

Being pregnant is a wonderful time for women, and it’s packed with so much to do when preparing for their baby. Unfortunately, during this busy time, one of the things that sometimes gets less attention is dental health. This is really is troublesome, because dental issues like gum disease can lead to premature births. In … Read more

Helping Patients Live Longer and Better Lives

Systemic Inflammation

A New look at Systemic Inflammation, Microbiome, Gum Disease Diagnosis, Treatment and Keeping Dental/Gum Disease in Remission Traditionally in dentistry we have been taught to ask our patients to brush, floss and visit us twice a year for checkups to stay healthy. In the last few years we have been hearing that by fixing dental … Read more

UB Oral Biology Researchers Receive Combined $6.6 Million to Study Gum Disease, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Bone Loss

Researchers within the University at Buffalo Department of Oral Biology were recently awarded six grants totaling $6.6 million, helping to double funding received by the department from the previous year. The grants, awarded by the National Institutes of Health, will fund investigations that aim to better understand the bacteria behind periodontal disease, examine the influence … Read more

Oral Microbiome Therapy May Improve Cirrhosis Symptoms

In the treatment of severe liver disorders such as cirrhosis the standard of care traditionally has not focused on the patient’s teeth. Yet now, investigators at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have just released new study findings that show routine oral care to treat gum disease (periodontitis) may play a role in reducing inflammation and … Read more

FDI Puts Focus on Global Prevention of Periodontal Disease

FDI World Dental Federation published two resources – a white paper and a practical guide – as part of its Global Periodontal Health Project (GPHP), which aims to bring attention to periodontal health as a priority area for policy worldwide. “Periodontal disease – or gum disease as it is often better known – is one … Read more

Red Wine Chemicals Help Fight Tooth Decay, Gum Disease

Red wine has previously been linked to a range of supposed health benefits, from helping the heart to lowering the risk of diabetes. Now a new study suggests it contains chemicals that can help in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. Researchers found compounds from the drink, known as polyphenols, helped fend off … Read more

Could a mouthful of squid ink replace painful dental probes for gum disease?

It’s one of the worst parts of a dental checkup — painful probing with sharp instruments to look for signs of gum disease. The time-consuming and sometimes bloody process keeps patients fearful, hygienists frustrated, and dentists worried they might be missing important symptoms. Now a nanoengineer in San Diego says he’s got a possible solution. … Read more

Common Gum Infections Linked to Many Cancers in Women

Older women with gum infections are more likely to get many common cancers than their peers who have perfect oral health, a recent study suggests. Researchers focused on what’s known as periodontal disease, serious infections in the mouth that are caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Daily brushing and flossing can prevent gingivitis, the milder … Read more

Estrogen Therapy Proven to Limit Oral Diseases in Postmenopausal Women

Estrogen therapy has already been credited with helping women manage an array of menopause-related issues, including reducing hot flashes, improving heart health and bone density, and maintaining levels of sexual satisfaction. Now a new study suggests that the same estrogen therapy used to treat osteoporosis can actually lead to healthier teeth and gums. The study … Read more

E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes are Equally Damaging to Oral Health

A University of Rochester Medical Center study suggests that electronic cigarettes are as equally damaging to gums and teeth as conventional cigarettes. The study, published in Oncotarget, was led by Irfan Rahman, Ph.D. professor of Environmental Medicine at the UR School of Medicine and Dentistry, and is the first scientific study to address e-cigarettes and … Read more

Marijuana Use Linked to Increased Gum Disease Risk

Researchers have found that frequent recreational cannabis use—including marijuana, hashish, and hash oil—may be associated with elevated risk of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). When compared to study participants who used cannabis less regularly, those who had used it at least once a month for a year demonstrated increased indicators of mild, moderate, … Read more

New Protein Drug Could Fight Oral Diseases Including Caries

Protein drugs, which derive from biological sources, represent some of the most important and effective biopharmaceuticals on the market. Some, like insulin, have been used for decades, while many more based on cloned genes are coming to market and are valued for their precise and powerful functions. Yet the field of dental medicine has very … Read more

Oral Health Of Diabetes Patients Closely Linked To Heart Disease And Cancer Risk

From Medical News Today, October 3, 2011 According to researchers in the report “Oral health awareness in adult patients with diabetes: a questionnaire study”, published in the latest issue of the British Dental Journal (BDJ), several individuals who suffer with diabetes are not aware that their oral health is closely connected to their risk of … Read more

Gum Disease Can Increase the Time It Takes to Become Pregnant

From Science Daily Professor Roger Hart told the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology that the negative effect of gum disease on conception was of the same order of magnitude as the effect of obesity. Read more Related articles Mouthwashing moms less likely to have a preemie (blogohj.oralhealthjournal.com)

Mouthwashing moms less likely to have a preemie

By Kerry Grens – July 28, 2011 (Reuters Health) – Expectant mothers who have gum disease are less likely to deliver their babies prematurely if they use mouthwash throughout their pregnancy, a new study suggests. Pregnant women with gum disease, also called periodontal disease, are known to have more preemies than women with healthy gums. … Read more

Biofilm’s Role in Creating Persistent Disease for Millions

PRWeb – Woburn, MA What do hospital infections, sinusitis, periodontal disease,middle ear infections,tonsillitis, COPD, diabetic foot wounds, osteomyelitis and cystic fibrosis have in common? The answer is deceptively simple: the persistence of these chronic conditions originates from slimy bacterial biofilms that encase bacteria of all types, protect them from the immune system and resist antibiotic … Read more