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.
Study Shows Smoking Can Impact Dental Pulp’s Ability to Fight Bacteria
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine have unearthed evidence that smoking can prevent dental pulp from performing its core function of combatting different diseases. The study, titled "Comparison of IL-1β, TNF-α, hBD-2, and hBD-3 Expression in the Dental Pulp of Smokers Versus Nonsmokers," was published in the Journal of Endodontics.
How Dental Pulp Helps Fight Bacteria
Dental pulp...
Understanding the Link between Oral Hygiene and Cognitive Function in Geriatric Chinese-Americans
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society recently published a study titled, "Oral Health Symptoms and Cognitive Function Among US Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults," which examined how poor oral health impacts cognitive function in geriatric Chinese adults living in the United States. The studied showed that adults who report poor oral hygiene are much more likely than adults reporting good oral...
Research Shows Elevated Glucose Levels Linked to Periodontitis and Myocardial Infarctions
An estimated 10 percent of the population, or roughly 100 million Americans, have diabetes or prediabetes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to this alarming trend, research institutions are making a serious effort to learn more about the chronic condition and find a cure.
Now there may be evidence that people with undetected glucose disorders run a...
QUIZ: Test Your Infection Control Knowledge
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Data Reveals Elite Athletes Tend to Have Poor Oral Health
It's not uncommon for professional athletes to treat their body like a temple. From meticulous diet plans to vigorous exercise routines, elite athletes understand what it takes to keep their bodies in optimal condition so that they are more likely to achieve their goals.
Based on the above assumptions, it was surprising to learn that this was not necessarily the...
Kara RDH Demonstrates Injection-free Dental Anesthesia Using Cetacaine Liquid
Video sponsored by Cetylite.
Kara RDH discusses and demonstrates the features, benefits and technique to use non-injectable Cetacaine Liquid (benzocaine 14%, butamben 2%, tetracaine HCl 2%) in patients, for long lasting anesthesia to the mucous membrane for soft tissue periodontal treatments. A Cetacaine Liquid 30g bottle treats up to 300 quadrants for less than $2 per dose. Anesthesia takes effect...
Research Looks at the Efficacy of Fluoride Concentration in Toothpaste
Dental caries is a ubiquitous problem around the globe for people of all ages. Cavities not only cause discomfort, though. They also consume time and money. In the US, 92% of adults have experienced the pain and expense associated with dental cavities.
After years of scientific research demonstrated the effectiveness of fluoride in preventing dental decay, fluoride-fortified toothpaste hit the American market in...
Test Your Ergonomics Knowledge!
Disclosure: This quiz is sponsored content from Premier Dental as part of our sponsored partner program.Test your ergonomics knowledge with this quick quiz and then enter to win an AeroPro™ Cordless Prophy System from Premier Dental!
Research Shows Oral Piercings May Impact Dental Health
A recent study based in Switzerland, titled "On the association between oral piercings and periodontal conditions—A case series," sheds new light on how popular trends like oral piercings can affect someone's long term dental health. The research paper was published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene and closely examined whether oral piercings had a negative effect on the periodontal conditions...
Scientists Discover that Antibacterial Fillings Can Help Prevent Tooth Decay
Oral bacteria can have a negative impact on a patient's overall health. As a result, scientists are continuously trying to find new ways to stop oral bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body. A recent study suggests that dental restoratives and other filling materials can help fight tooth decay when antibacterial ingredients are added. An article published in the...
Research Shows Teeth Whitening Products May Harm Underlying Dentin
Teeth whitening is a billion-dollar industry. People from all over the globe routinely buy teeth whitening products with the hopes that it will remove stains and make their teeth appear brighter. Now there is new research that suggests teeth whitening products can potentially damage a patient's smile. The study, titled "Teeth whitening products can harm protein-rich tooth layer: Researchers...
Research Reveals Insights into Head and Neck Infections Caused by Tooth Abscesses
Over 90% of all head and neck infections develop from tooth abscesses. In rare cases, these infections may develop into potentially life-threatening sepsis. Other serious complications from odontogenic infections include obstructed airways, endocarditis, and tissue necrosis.
To understand the causes and progress of serious odontogenic infections, a German research team examined the characteristics that caused these infections to progress. The...
Study Concludes Poor Oral Health Increases the Risk of Liver Cancer
Patients have probably heard stories about the way poor oral health can lead to a variety of medical conditions, some of them serious. However, some patients may have doubts about the seriousness of the oral-systemic link.
In June of this year, the Mayo Clinic put many people's doubts to rest when it published "Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health." This analysis concluded...
A More Cautious Approach to Oral Pain Management In Young People
Recently, Governor Mike Parson of Missouri signed a new law that restricts the ability of dentists to prescribe opioids. Under the new law, dentists cannot prescribe more than the equivalent of 10 Vicodin pills per day, and can't write prescriptions for time-released opioids like OxyContin at all. The bill was crafted in cooperation with the Missouri Dental Association, who welcomed...
Research Shows Orthodontics Do Not Equal Happiness
Orthodontics make teeth straighter. It is often assumed that straight teeth will make patients more confident, and therefore more optimistic and happier. Researchers in Australia recently put that assumption to the test.
The Study Design
The study followed a cohort, or group, of adolescents in Australia. The children were chosen in the late 1980s when they were 13 years old. Over time,...
GC America Inc. Celebrates Grand Opening of New State-of-the-Art Facility
ALSIP, IL – Dignitaries and distinguished dental professionals from all over the United States came together on Friday, July 26, 2019 to celebrate the grand opening of GC America’s new home at 3737 W. 127th St. in Alsip, IL. The new building is now accommodating over 200 Associates and features a state-of-the-art education center, which consists of an all...