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.
Systematic Review Evaluates the Global Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Racially Minoritized Children
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent preventable infectious diseases worldwide, with an estimated 2.5 billion people affected. Families with low income have a higher prevalence of dental caries, likely due to multiple barriers to care. Some barriers include lack of access to fluoridated water and dental insurance, financial barriers to accessing preventive dental services, transportation issues, and...
Ancient Teeth Reveal Insights into Evolution of Oral Microbiomes
A study conducted by researchers from Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with archaeologists from Atlantic Technological University and the University of Edinburgh, has discovered insights into the evolution of oral microbiomes. The study analyzed the microbiomes extracted from two remarkably preserved teeth, dating back 4,000 years, that were unearthed from an Irish limestone cave.1
The Study
Two sets of molars discovered...
Systematic Review Evaluates Initial Carious Lesion Rates Associated With Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
The development of carious lesions around brackets and bands used in fixed orthodontics is a common side effect of orthodontic treatment. This is likely due to the increased biofilm accumulation around the fixed appliances. Initial carious lesions can become evident in a short period, with some developing within a month of treatment initiation.1
The reported prevalence and incidence of caries...
Systematic Review Evaluates Effects of Periodontal Treatment on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anti-Rheumatic Drugs on Periodontitis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis share a key characteristic: chronic inflammation. Previous studies have identified an association between the two diseases. Individuals with RA have a higher prevalence of periodontitis, and conversely, individuals with periodontitis have a greater risk of developing RA.1
A recently published systematic review aimed to “evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on RA and,...
Literature Review Analyzes Benefits of Incorporating Periodontitis Treatment into Diabetes Management
Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing diseases worldwide. The prevalence has more than tripled in the past 20 years. It is expected that the prevalence will continue to increase, leading to the need for better, cost-effective management of type 2 diabetes.1
It is estimated that only one in four adults with type 2 diabetes meets the American Diabetes...
Systematic Review Examines Periodontitis and Development Risk of Immune-Mediated Conditions
Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of the development of systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cognitive decline. It's been suggested that those with periodontitis may also be more likely to have multimorbidities, such as diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis. As life expectancy increases, multimorbidity becomes a public health concern regarding proper care, management, and coordination...
Research Explores Potential Association Between Oral Health and Osteoporotic Fracture Risk
An association between poor oral health and a number of systemic diseases has been well established. However, questions remain regarding some systemic conditions, such as osteoporotic fractures. Systemic inflammation due to poor oral health is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis is linked to osteoporotic fractures.1
A study explored a potential association between poor oral health and the risk...
Researchers Investigate the Associations of Dental Disease, Oral Hygiene Care, and Dementia Risk
Dementia impacts around 50 million individuals globally and is projected to double every two decades, making it a significant public health concern. Although dementia's significance is increasingly recognized, there is no conclusive treatment available yet.1
Current knowledge about risk factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, accounts for only about 40% of dementia risk. Therefore,...
The Research Behind Embrace WetBond Pit & Fissure Sealant
Disclosure: This article is sponsored content from Pulpdent as part of our sponsored partner program.
Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in both children and adults, affecting 97% of the population worldwide.1,2 Caries rates have declined since the 1970s in the United States, but disparities remain among some population groups:3-6
23% of children aged two to five...
Researchers Investigate Metformin as an Adjunctive Therapy for Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease is a complex inflammatory condition associated with an imbalance in the microbial environment, requiring effective cell turnover and regulation of inflammation to counter the ongoing bacterial attack on the periodontium.1
Throughout a person's life, the gingival tissues face constant bacterial challenges, and current methods for treating and preventing periodontal disease primarily focus on antimicrobial strategies, including the temporary...
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...