When parents of her young patients expressed frustration over the number of cavities their children needed filled, Gili Naveh, an orthodontist-turned-scientist, had a light-bulb moment. “They tried everything their pediatric dentist told them, but every time they would go for an exam, the dentist would find so many new cavities,” said Naveh, associate professor of … Read more
In an effort to train the innate immune system to combat inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis and arthritis, researchers from Penn Dental Medicine, in collaboration with Dresden University of Technology, discovered that the process can lead to increased bone loss in mice. The study, published in ScienceDirect, explores the concept of trained immunity—also known as … Read more
Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine have developed a plant-based drug to help treat periodontal diseases, commonly known as gingivitis and periodontitis. The anti-senescence therapy, or “senotherapy,” consists of an enzyme inhibitor called dasatinib and a natural flavonoid plant compound called quercetin, the university said in a statement on April 11. “Our findings suggest that senotherapy … Read more
The field of periodontics stands on the brink of a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) poised to transform every aspect of patient care. As we look towards the next decade, AI promises to enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment plans, streamline clinical workflows, and improve long-term patient outcomes. This article explores five key areas where … Read more
In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press democratized access to knowledge, sparking revolutions in science, religion, and society. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) represents a similarly transformative force, poised to reshape (among everything) the landscape of periodontics and the broader dental field. As the precision of AI tools accelerates, we find ourselves at a crossroads … Read more
Q: This is a constant a debate among the hygienists in our practice. Do you provide nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) for children? A: If they do not fall within the parameters of health, then yes, they need nonsurgical periodontal therapy. The term “child” is defined as a young individual below the age of puberty or, … Read more
A French aristocrat’s dental secret has been revealed 400 years after her death, scientists discover. Anne d’Alegre, who died in 1618, was using gold wire to keep her teeth from falling out. Her body was found at the Chateau de Laval in 1988 during an archaeological excavation. Her teeth were surprisingly well preserved and it … Read more
Interaction, cooperation, and common ground between periodontology and orthodontics will be the focus of Perio Master Clinic 2023, the conference for dental clinicians that the EFP will organise in Antwerp, Belgium on 3-4 March, 2023. Perio Master Clinic is a triennial, hands-on conference which aims to upskill and update the technique and practical mastery of … Read more
Much has been discussed recently about the challenges of finding new team members and retaining current ones. The pandemic has shifted perspectives, and what teams needed in the past has now changed. Among the top stressors reported during the pandemic are finances, social isolation, and the health of family members. In any given year, 1 … Read more
Restorative dentistry and periodontology have always been and forever will be inextricably linked. Integrating all elements of dentistry is an art and the science and is salient to long-term success of dental restorations and patient care. When placing a restoration, one must consider its effect on the entire stomatognathic complex. Case in point, the placement … Read more
Chronic Diseases and Periodontal Health Every 24 hours, 480 Canadian men and women are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D).1 In 2019, 11 million Canadians were diagnosed with T2D or pre-diabetes.2 The high prevalence of this disease equates to a high economic burden. For example, treatment costs in Canada reached approximately $30 billion in 2019.2 … Read more
The American Dental Association (ADA) is an international authority guiding dentists in safeguarding personal health information (PHI) and protecting its members from cyber threats. On May 26, 2021, the ADA published a bulletin for its 161,000 members to increase awareness of potential ransomware issues affecting dental practices.1 Around April 21, 2022, the ADA was the … Read more
Gum disease affects 70% of Canadians and is associated with many systemic diseases for which the benefits of plant-based diets have been well-established.1,2 In ‘A Plant-Based Diet and Periodontal Health’,2 published in last year’s October edition of Oral Health, we discussed the findings and potential implications of studies that have reported the association between plant-based … Read more
Many psychotropic drugs cause dry mouth, most commonly due to anticholinergic effects. Xerostomia a common issue in dental practice, affecting about 1 in 4-5 adults.1 It can cause a range of signs and symptoms, from a mild sensation of dryness and stickiness to more serious effects such as difficulties with chewing, swallowing, and speaking.2 If … Read more
We trust our dentists to tell us the best oral health care routines, and based on our dentists’ recommendations, we teach our children about oral health care. Our pets do not have any oral care capability and rely on us to keep their mouths clean and healthy. Dentists are often asked by their patients about … Read more
INTRODUCTION Periodontal diseases are a diverse family of inflammatory conditions that affect the periodontium and negatively impact our oral health.1,2 Orthodontic appliances, such as traditional brackets and wires can create numerous plaque retention sites, increasing the patients’ risk of developing periodontal disease and dental caries.3 The periodontal tissue reaction to the orthodontic appliance depends on … Read more
Still confused about the 2018 AAP Periodontal classification. Never fear! The next few monthly columns will review some of the most important updates made to the industry’s global periodontal guidelines to help hygiene teams achieve the highest level of care. Once we have exhausted this topic we will move onto other questions about the process of … Read more
Introduction It is well known that current strategies for managing peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are highly varied, and in many cases, unpredictable. This is an important issue since evidence suggests that the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis range from 22–43 percent of implants placed.1 In most cases, the existing model for treating chronic periodontitis … Read more
Providing patients with proper oral hygiene instruction is recognized as an important part of dental hygiene appointments – but should we also be encouraging patients to exercise for oral health benefits? The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity each week.1 You have likely heard … Read more
ERIODONTAL DISEASE AND A PLANT-BASED DIET What is a ‘plant-based diet’? Essentially, this is an umbrella term that describes a diet characterized by a focus on food sources from plants with a lower, although not necessarily eliminated, consumption of animal and animal-derived products. Canadians are hearing and reading about this topic more and more, especially … Read more