Today's RDH
Today's RDH is for curious and passionate dental hygienists. We deliver the latest dental hygiene news, research, and entertainment on your phone, tablet, and computer.
Research Finds a High Abundance of Previously Unknown Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Bacteria
The rise in antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is a significant global concern, causing nearly five million deaths annually. Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics through changes in their DNA, often acquiring antibiotic-resistant genes (ARG).1
Antibiotic stewardship is an important aspect of dental care as more and more bacteria become antibiotic-resistant. A study published in the journal Microbiome investigated the number of unknown...
Research Evaluates Associations of Type 2 Diabetes, Dental Diseases, Poor Oral Hygiene, and Heart Failure Risk
Periodontal and cardiovascular diseases have an established association. A causal link is still being explored. Nonetheless, the two diseases are prevalent and a public health concern.
A large nationwide cohort study aiming to "evaluate the association of dental diseases and oral hygiene care with the incidence of heart failure among patients with type 2 diabetes" was published in the Journal...
Researchers Assess Medical Practitioners’ Knowledge of the Oral-Systemic Association
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall systemic well-being, as it significantly impacts an individual's quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, all health care providers need to recognize the association between oral health and general health, emphasizing the importance of their role in diagnosing and referring patients to dental professionals.1
A recently published study aimed to...
Researchers Identify Trajectories of Opioid Prescribing by Dentists in the United States
In the United States, dentists prescribe opioids more frequently and in higher quantities than their counterparts in other countries. This practice has been associated with significant negative consequences, such as opioid misuse, prolonged use, and the illegal distribution of these drugs.1
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association investigated the trajectory of opioid prescribing among dentists...
Systematic Review Evaluates the Impact of Vitamin D on Periodontal Health
Previously, it has been proposed that vitamin D could potentially improve periodontal health. In a recently published systematic review, the authors investigated the role of vitamin D in maintaining periodontal health.1
Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in certain foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. The recommended daily intake for...
Researchers Assess Dental Sealant Placement Rates After Implementing a Clinical Decision Support System
Dental sealants are a highly effective method for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents who are at higher risk of developing dental caries. When properly applied on the first and second molars, especially those with deep pits and fissures, sealants significantly decrease the likelihood of caries formation on these teeth.1
Since sealants are proven to prevent and arrest (non-cavitated)...
Researchers Evaluate Drug Therapy for Obesity-Related Sleep Apnea
In collaboration with international partners, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have completed a study highlighting the potential of tirzepatide, a medication traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes, as an effective drug therapy for obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a sleep disorder marked by repeated episodes of disrupted breathing due to...
Ancient Dental Calculus Reveals an Oral Microbiome Shift After the Black Death
The 14th century's Second Plague Pandemic, also known as the Black Death, killed 30% to 60% of the European population and had a profound impact on European history. A study conducted by researchers from Penn State and the University of Adelaide suggests that this historical plague might have influenced changes in diet and hygiene practices, which, in turn, could...
Researchers Create Promising Urine Test for Early Detection of Oropharyngeal Cancers
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center have created a urine-based test that detects minute DNA fragments shed by HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The initial findings of the study were published in JCI Insight. This novel approach holds the promise of better early detection of a cancer type currently lacking a dependable screening method.1
While human...
Researchers Examine the Emotional Journey and Hidden Difficulties of Denture Wearers
Improvements in dental care with a shift toward prevention, coupled with an aging population and the societal emphasis on maintaining a healthy smile, have led to people retaining their natural teeth longer. This has also increased the demand for restorative dental work, such as crowns, bridges, and implants.1
Despite these advancements, many individuals still find these treatments financially out of...
Early Childhood Caries Research: Using Silver Diamine Fluoride in Combination with Fluoride Varnish
Early childhood caries (ECC) has persistently plagued children for decades. In 2017, untreated ECC was estimated to be the tenth most prevalent condition globally, affecting 532 million children worldwide. Evidence supports the use of sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish to prevent dental caries and arrest incipient lesions. While, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has shown effectiveness in remineralizing dentin caries in...
Researchers Evaluate the Effects of Bruxism on Implant Failure and Bone Loss
Bruxism is defined as “the repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by the clenching or grinding of teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible.” It can occur during sleep or while awake. It has been linked to multiple negative consequences associated with oral health.1
A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of bruxism on implant failure....
Researchers Compare Dentists’ and Hygienists’ Awareness and Clinical Management of Xerostomia
Saliva has several important functions that assist in preventing oral diseases, including lubricating soft tissues, regulating pH levels, clearing food particles, antimicrobial function, and facilitating tooth mineralization. The lack of saliva can be determined through both subjective sensations (xerostomia) and objective evidence (hyposalivation). Medications and systemic diseases can contribute to xerostomia. Xerostomia greatly increases the risk of developing dental...
Researchers Assess Cost Effectiveness of Supportive Periodontal Care
The importance and effectiveness of supportive periodontal care have been well established. However, disease progression is not uncommon among individuals being treated with supportive periodontal care, requiring the patient to re-enter an active phase of therapy. An active phase of therapy might include surgical or non-surgical periodontal therapy to achieve stability again.1
A recent study aimed to characterize the periodontal...
Systematic Review Summarizes the Evidence on the Association Between Periodontitis and Dental Caries
Periodontitis and dental caries are the most common chronic oral diseases affecting humans worldwide. Though periodontitis and dental caries share some common risk factors and social determinants, it is a common clinical finding that severe forms of either disease specifically affect different individuals. This may be due to specific microbial signatures within each disease’s dental-associated biofilm.1
The relationship between dental...
Research Examines Dental Side Effects of Treatment in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Childhood cancer affects one in 285 children in the United States.1 The 5-year survival rate has improved and currently hovers around 80% in developed countries. Survivors of childhood cancer often face numerous complications, including those affecting dental and craniofacial development. These individuals exhibit a higher incidence of oral and dental issues compared to controls. Factors such as the type...