By: Theresa Pablos, associate editor, DrBicuspid.com For many children, seeing a long, silver needle headed for their mouth is one of the most fear-inducing parts of dentistry. But a bee-shaped distraction device may help ease this pain and anxiety, according to the findings of a new study. Buzzy has a vibrating base and cold wings. All images courtesy of PainCareLabs. …
Are nonnarcotic analgesics effective for post-op endo pain?
By: Lori Roniger, DrBicuspid.com Associate Editor Some patients and dental practitioners favor the use of nonnarcotic analgesics or opioid alternatives for treating postoperative endodontic pain, but studies on their effectiveness for this indication have been conflicting. However, a new review suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are potent options. Researchers analyzed high-quality, placebo-controlled studies on the use of …
What heat could be doing to your EpiPen
December 11, 2018 Originally Published: Managed Healthcare Connect – https://bit.ly/2Gmgscr By: Tamara Mathias (Reuters Health) – The epinephrine in emergency allergy shots like the EpiPen can deteriorate when exposed to heat, so they shouldn’t be left in the car on a hot day, researchers warn. “We work with hundreds of patients with histories of anaphylaxis, who carry epinephrine on …
What the new blood pressure guidelines mean for dentists (and hygienists)
By: Theresa Pablos, associate editor, DrBicuspid.com The guidelines for evaluating and treating high blood pressure have been updated for the first time in more than a decade. The new recommendations lower the threshold for hypertension and eliminate the prehypertension category. For dentists, the changes could mean referring more patients to physicians for hypertension. It’s also a signal that medicine may …
The Holidays are Here — Interesting [and timely] Article on Sugar and Dental Health
THE ROLE OF SUGAR IN DENTAL HEALTH What and how we choose to eat and drink, as well as toothbrushing and flossing and many other factors influence the risk of developing dental caries (tooth decay). Understanding, preventing and managing tooth decay requires addressing all the contributing factors together. Our teeth are undeniably important. Adults usually have 28 in the mouth …
Management of Acute Dental Pain and Appropriate Opioid Prescribing
Every day, more than 115 Americans die after overdosing on opioids. (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Management of acute odontogenic pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates both opioid and non-opioid analgesics. However, moderate to severe dental pain often occurs well after office hours and away from our immediate supervision. Thus, it is critical for clinicians to …
Welcome to the Pharmacology Declassified Blog!
Hello everyone! Welcome to the Pharmacology Declassified Blog! Thank you for visiting my new website. As I often say, knowledge of pharmacology has never been more essential to patient care. As a dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant, you are the steward of your patient’s health and well-being, both during, and after, their time with you. You know that, in …