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.
Oral Microbiome and Diet: Researchers Analyze DNA From Ancient “Chewing Gum”
What did people consume along the west coast of Scandinavia 10,000 years ago? A recent study involving the analysis of DNA found in a piece of chewed resin provides insights into their diet. It reveals that their food included deer, trout, and hazelnuts. Additionally, the study highlights that one individual among them had significant dental issues.1
An international research team...
Researchers Use Saliva Analysis to Help Diagnose Pain in Patients with Dementia
Dementia is a pervasive and heartbreaking condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. As the disease progresses, patients often lose their ability to communicate, making it extremely challenging to identify and treat pain effectively.
This silent suffering has long been a concern for health care professionals and caregivers. However, a study conducted by the Nursing Department at the University of...
Research Reveals an Association Between Primary Teeth Biorhythm and Adolescent Weight Gain
Research led by the University of Kent has identified a fascinating association between a biological rhythm in human primary teeth and weight gain during adolescence. The study by Dr. Patrick Mahoney and an international team of researchers from Kent's School of Anthropology and Conservation discovered that the timing of Retzius periodicity (RP) is associated with mass and weight gains...
Research Explores How Dietary Choices Affect the Oral Microbiome in Postmenopausal Women
The composition of bacteria in our mouths, collectively known as the oral microbiome, is significantly influenced by the foods we consume regularly. Researchers are uncovering that the oral microbiome plays a pivotal role in our overall health beyond its previously known associations with dental caries and periodontal disease.
A recent study conducted by scientists from the University at Buffalo investigated...
The Mystery of Tooth Enamel Defects: A New Autoimmune Disorder Discovered
Tooth enamel is the most mineralized substance within the human body. However, for approximately one in every ten individuals and one-third of children with celiac disease, the enamel exhibits defects. Enamel defects, as seen in amelogenesis imperfecta, render teeth more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and acidic foods, increasing caries risk. The cause of the enamel defects associated with celiac...
Research Suggests Association with Oral Infections and Metabolic Profiles
A recent international study conducted by a collaborative team of researchers suggests an association between common oral infections such as periodontal diseases and caries and inflammatory metabolic profiles. Inflammatory metabolic profiles are related to an elevated risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Additionally, the research highlights how oral infections can predict adverse changes in metabolic profiles. This emphasizes the importance of...
Researchers Find that Viking Age Dentistry Was Probably More Sophisticated than Previously Thought
Viking lore often conjures images of fierce warriors, longships, and far-reaching conquests, but a recent study conducted at the University of Gothenburg reveals another facet of Viking life that might surprise you: advanced dentistry. The findings from examining Viking Age teeth unearthed in Varnhem, Sweden, challenge the conventional perception of Viking dental care. This study sheds light on the...
Research Using AI and 3D Imaging Unveils Unique Terrain of Individual Tongue Surfaces
Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D imaging have uncovered a deeper understanding of the tongue's surface. A study led by researchers at the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics in collaboration with the University of Leeds has harnessed AI and sophisticated imaging techniques to expose the intricate landscape of the human tongue's surface.1,2
These findings may help us...
Research Explores Innovative Tissue Regeneration for Endodontic Diseases With Potential Beyond Dentistry
Recent research conducted by ADA Forsyth scientists tested new technology that promotes the formation of stem cells that can differentiate into dentin, bone, cartilage, or fat to enhance the treatment of endodontic diseases. Beyond dentistry, it has huge potential for the regenerative medicine field.1,2
The study explores the regenerative potential of resolvins, mainly Resolvin E1 (RvE1), when applied to dental...
Research Explores the Association Between Immune System’s Memory, Inflammatory Systemic Conditions, and Periodontitis
The immune system's ability to remember past encounters with threats like bacteria and viruses is a remarkable asset. However, this immune memory can have both positive and negative effects. While it can be beneficial in fighting off infections, chronic inflammation can lead to a misguided immune response, perpetuating inflammatory conditions.
A study published in the journal Cell describes how innate...
Systematic Review Analyzes the Association Between Daily Toothbrushing and Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Researchers found a cost-effective tool that could potentially reduce the incidence of pneumonia among hospitalized patients, and it's not your typical medical device - it's a toothbrush. A recent study conducted by a team from Brigham and Women's Hospital set out to investigate whether daily toothbrushing for hospitalized patients could lead to a decrease in hospital-acquired pneumonia and related...
Research Examines the Association Between Periodontal Care and Acute Myocardial Infarction Hospitalization
Dental hygienists play an intricate role in managing the oral health of their patients, which also extends to systemic health. Research conducted by University of Michigan researchers has clarified the association between periodontal care status and hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction and the likelihood of follow-up visits 30 days following acute care.
The study, published in the Journal of the...
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...