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 Examines Fluoridated Water’s Impact on Child Emotional and Behavioral Development and Executive Functioning
As dental hygienists, we are constantly seeking evidence-based information to guide our practice and educate our patients about oral health. One crucial topic that has been widely debated is the impact of fluoridated water on child development.
A recent Australian nationwide population-based follow-up study sheds light on this important subject. The study, conducted by Professor Loc Do and colleagues from...
Longitudinal Look at Tooth Loss and Cognitive Decline among Older Adults
According to the Alzheimer's Association, it is estimated that 6.7 million people in the United States over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer's disease.1 Considering the projected increases in life expectancy, that number might reach nearly 13 million by 2050.1
In 2019, Alzheimer's was the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.1,2 In 2020 and 2021,...
Dental Health Improvement and Its Effects on Dentists’ and Hygienists’ Demand
Most developing countries have seen a noticeable dental health improvement in the last few decades. Fluoride toothpaste and improved oral hygiene have been linked to this significant growth.1 In the United States, water fluoridation, sealant programs, shifting Medicaid reimbursement to increase access to dental care, and the authorization of dental therapists to increase access to dental care has led...
Research Looks into the Unnecessary Prescribing of Antibiotics Among Dentists
As a prophylactic or treatment measure, antibiotics are prescribed in dental practices. However, a lack of knowledge regarding the choice of antibiotics or the indication for prescribing can lead to misuse and unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, contributing to the global problem of antibiotic resistance. The World Health Organization has declared this issue as one of the top ten global public...
Three-year Qualitative Study: A Life Was Changed by Dental Treatment
True pain of any kind is an immeasurable and incomparable phenomenon that affects everyone at various times of their lives. Pain comes from many sources, tangible or not, and when one of our patients comes into the office with pain, we must assume that said pain not only stems from actual physical pain but also from psychological problems and...
Research Identifies Link to Oral Cancer Progression, Associated Pain, and Specific Calcium Channel
In the world of dentistry, staying informed about the latest research and developments is essential to provide patients with the best care possible. Recently, a study published in Science Signaling has identified an intriguing connection between oral cancer progression, associated pain, and a protein known as the ORAI1 calcium channel.1
Led by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry, this study...
Research Looks at Vaping and Dental Caries Risk
Recent research conducted by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine has shed light on the connection between vaping and an increased risk of dental caries. This study, featured in the Journal of the American Dental Association, emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of vaping on oral health.1
The Study
The study focused on patients aged 16 and older who received...
Researchers Develop an AI System for Early Detection of Gingival Inflammation
A study spearheaded by the University of Hong Kong’s Dentistry Faculty, in partnership with various global institutions, has successfully showcased the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying gingivitis through intraoral photographs with higher accuracy than other AI diagnostic systems.1
Other AI diagnostic systems that are currently used to detect gingivitis using intraoral photos have an accuracy ranging from 47-83%....
Research Looks at Salivary Changes in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa
An estimated 9% of the U.S. population will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. With around 10,200 deaths per year being a direct result of an eating disorder, a better understanding of eating disorders among dental professionals is crucial.1 A recent study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders investigated the oral health and changes in saliva’s anti-inflammatory...
Skipping Breakfast: A Potential Risk to Oral and Systemic Health?
New research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai suggests that skipping meals, particularly breakfast, could potentially hinder the body's ability to fight off infections and may increase the risk of heart disease. This study, which used mouse models, is one of the first to indicate that fasting can trigger a brain response that negatively impacts immune...
Research Looks at the Potential Impact of Dentures on Pneumonia Risk
Could tooth loss and subsequent use of dentures increase the risk of pneumonia? While dentures provide a lifeline for many who are edentulous, recent research suggests a potential connection between denture use and pneumonia risk.1
Pneumonia, an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract that occurs when lung air sacs fill with exudate or bacteria, is a serious health concern for...
Probiotics: A Promising Adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy?
As dental hygienists, we are always on the lookout for innovative approaches to enhance oral health and combat periodontal disease. A recent systematic literature review titled “Evaluation of the Efficacy of Probiotics Domiciliary Protocols for the Management of Periodontal Disease, in Adjunction of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT)” provides an intriguing perspective on the potential role of probiotics in non-surgical...
Study Looks at Impact of Female Hormones on Obstructive Sleep Apnea
As dental hygienists, we often find ourselves in a unique position to spot early signs of systemic health issues in our patients. One such issue that's gaining more attention is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. A study has shed light on the increased prevalence of OSA in middle-aged women, particularly...
Research Reveals New Possible Pathogens Related to the Severity of Dental Caries
A study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in conjunction with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Tufts University has revealed surprising new players associated with the virulence of dental caries.1
For years, dental professionals have pointed to Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that forms biofilm and produces acid, as the primary culprit...
Research Looks at the Impacts of Diet on Sleep
Dental hygienists play an important role in nutritional counseling and screening for sleep apnea and airway issues. A recently published study offers new insight into the effects of diet on sleep. In the study conducted by Uppsala University, researchers explored the impact of high-fat/high-sugar vs. low-fat/low-sugar diets on sleep patterns. The study involved healthy participants who were given both...