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Given the significance of a properly functioning thyroid gland to one’s overall health, it should come as no surprise that this unique organ has a distinctive effect on oral health.  But there is reason to believe that the thyroid gland may be even more important to a healthy mouth than previously thought.  Read on to […]

All dental professionals are aware of the negative effects of dental phobia.  This widespread phenomenon leads otherwise healthy people to neglect their dental health for fear of pain during dental procedures, both routine and specialized.  A team of researchers set out to determine just how effective modern anesthetics are, and how this information can be

While recent events including the 2020 lockdown have led to a dramatic increase in mental health concerns, few industries have been hit as hard by this epidemic as healthcare.  Read on to see how this situation is impacting dental workers, and what can be done to improve circumstances.    While the dental industry provides opportunities

Scientists have made great strides in understanding Alzheimer’s Disease in recent years.  However, the disease remains notoriously difficult to identify in its early stages, and even more difficult to treat once it has taken hold.  A growing body of evidence suggests that periodontal diseases such as Gingivitis may play a roll in the development of

It was early on a Sunday morning when I first received several notifications on Facebook about a “new” prescription drug abuse menace in America that was “killing thousands.” “What?!” I said to myself out loud. My initial shock was for two reasons. First, as a pharmacist, pharmacology educator, speaker, and author for more than 30

Cannabis’s popularity has exploded in recent years.  Once thought of as strictly a recreational substance, it is now being used to treat a variety of medical conditions, many of them affecting oral health.  Read on to learn a few of the pros and cons of cannabis use.     Depending on where you live, you

Note: This is part two of a two-part series. Read part one. Globally, as of 2018, an estimated 339 million people were affected by asthma, with approximately 1,000 deaths reported daily.1 Adequate knowledge and understanding of this disease and its treatment are crucial for dental hygienists to provide safe and proper care for these patients. In the first installment of

What are the profound effects of oral health on well-being? While most people are aware of the importance of a daily oral care regiment, many still don’t realize the importance of a healthy mouth in regards to physical and mental well-being.  This article will help to explain how proper oral health can lead to a

Asthma is a chronic obstructive pulmonary condition that results in inflammation in the airway and thus interferes with the exchange of gases in the lungs. Globally, as of 2018, an estimated total of 339 million people were affected by asthma, with approximately 1,000 deaths reported daily.1 While asthma is more common in children, higher mortality rates

The oral health care needs of our elderly population have been overlooked for far too long.  Fortunately, dedicated professionals are finding ways to both improve quality of life and reduce the risk of serious oral health issues.  Read on to learn how these new developments are affecting the complex field of geriatric dental care.  

Pain management has often been a controversial subject, especially when opioids are involved.  Researchers have looked into alternatives to opioid-based medications, finding that a combination of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen may be a viable solution.  Read on to learn more.   Medications are a necessary part of pain management, especially after common procedures such as molar

Acetaminophen is a popular painkiller, used by millions of people on a regular basis.  But can overuse have detrimental effects?  How can dentists be sure they are not overprescribing acetaminophen?  Read on to find out.    An active ingredient in more than 600 over-the-counter medications, acetaminophen is a regular part of countless people’s lives1.  It

How does drug addiction impact oral health? It goes without saying that drug addiction is extremely detrimental to both physical and mental health.  The mouth and teeth are among the several parts of the body that can be irreparably damaged by drug use.  Read on to find out the latest information regarding how to prevent

What are the effects of alcohol addiction on oral health? Many people regularly consume small amounts of beer, wine, and liquor without experiencing any negative side effects.  However, for some, alcohol can quickly evolve from a harmless habit into an all-consuming addiction.  Of the many health consequences that accompany excessive alcohol intake, its damage to

What is the connection between gingivitis and zlzheimer’s disease? Despite years of intensive research, Alzheimer’s Disease remains one of the medical world’s biggest mysteries.  There is no cure, and there is much debate about its root causes.  But is it possible that periodontal diseases such as Gingivitis could play a role?  Read on to find

Cannabis, in its many forms, is more popular than ever before.  And while many people consider it to be a harmless alternative to cigarettes and alcohol, its effects on oral healthcare are giving dental practitioners reason for concern.  Read on to learn the latest information. The Cannabis Boom   Public sentiment regarding cannabis, also known

Can Wearing Dentures Lead To Poor Nutrition? While dentures are an effective way of replacing multiple teeth for elderly patients, they represent a major change for most individuals.  One oft overlooked consideration is their effect on a patient’s nutrition.  Read on to learn about the ways researchers believe dentures affect a patient’s overall health, and

Can Oral Cancer Be Treated By Deleting Proteins? Oral cancers have always been a serious threat with an intimidatingly high mortality rate.  However, groundbreaking new treatments may be able to do something once thought unthinkable – permanently remove the proteins that lead to cancer.  So what does the latest research suggest?  And what could the

 Recent studies have suggested penicillin allergies are the likely cause of many dental implant failures.  Could alternative medicines be at the root of these unsuccessful procedures?  Read on to learn the most recent findings.   Who Needs Dental Implants?  As many as 5.7% of Americans currently have dental implants1.  There are a variety of reasons

Does marijuana pose serious health risks? Marijuana’s reputation as a “safe” drug has recently come into question, as medical professionals across the United States report an increasing number of patients seeking emergency treatment for marijuana related issues.  Read on to learn about the root causes of these problems, and what can be done to avoid

What is oral health’s crucial role in preventing serious diseases? Dental practitioners have been warning patients about the risks that come with poor oral healthcare for years.  Fortunately, the medical community at large has taken notice.  New studies show that bacterias in the mouth can make the body more susceptible to serious diseases including Covid-19. 

Why should general practitioners regularly conduct oral exams? Countless studies have revealed the importance of oral health in regards to overall wellbeing.  And yet, most general practitioners neglect their patients’ mouths during routine check-ups.  In the following article, we will detail how patients and practitioners alike could benefit from an increased emphasis on oral health

A versatile substance with a wide range of proven health benefits, CBD has become a common topic in the medical community.  It is fully legal and contains no psychoactive ingredients, making it an increasingly popular alternative to traditional treatments.  Read on to learn about how CBD is affecting the Dental Industry.   Why CBD Is

Researchers have found that patients suffering from periodontal diseases are significantly more likely to experience serious physical and mental illness¹.  Read on to learn how improved education and communication can play a vital role in reducing patients’ risks.    How Do Periodontal Diseases Affect Patients?  Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, have long been

Hazards of High Potency THC Marijuana There have been a lot of endeavors to legalize marijuana despite its high THC content. THC is the component of marijuana that makes a person addicted to its use, and the person becomes compelled to buy it. The more potent forms of marijuana have taken over the market, and

What is the role of a dental hygienist in controlling oral manifestations? Gastroesophageal reflux disease involves reflux of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus, most commonly due to the defect of the lower esophageal sphincter. This produces the familiar sensation of heartburn. It is one of the most common diseases worldwide and adversely affects the

Today, cannabis falls in the most frequently used drug globally. Almost 2 to 3 million new users add to the total number of cannabis users annually. Not only adults but children of 8th to 12th grades are also prey to its use. Apart from cannabis, the world population is immensely affected by viral infections, including