Health

Dental extractions and surgeries can lead to endocarditis

by

An interesting study titled “Antibiotic Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis Before Invasive Dental Procedures,” written by Martin H. Thornill and et. al. appears in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (published online August 17, 2022). The article investigates the association between invasive dental procedures and infective endocarditis, and the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing this. In the study the authors performed a case-crossover analysis and cohort study using data from 7,951,972 million patients in the U.S. from the Commercial/Medicare Supplemental prescription and dental databases and the IBM MarketScan databases. A total of 3,744 patients in the study were hospitalized with infective endocarditis. From the patients hospitalized, 1,651 (44%) were at low or unknown risk for heart infection, 831 (22%) were at moderate risk of heart infection, and 1,292 (34%) were at high infective endocarditis risk. The overall adjusted infective endocarditis incidence within … Read more

Brushing Regularly can Help Heart Health

by

An interesting article titled “Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen, impairs post-infarcted myocardium by inhibiting autophagosome–lysosome fusion” written by Yuka Shiheido-Watanabe and et. al. appears in the International Journal of Oral Science. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of P.g. infection on post-MI myocardial remodeling. P.g. infection impaired autophagosome–lysosome fusion, a step in the autophagy process. The study showed that the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis can exacerbate heart damage after a heart attack. The researchers found that the bacterium can accumulate at the site of injury and contribute to tissue damage. The mechanisms for which this occurs is stil under investigation. In an effort to understand how Porphyromonas gingivalis contributes to heart damage, the researchers developed a modified version of the bacterium that lacks a key protein called gingipain. This protein is known to protect cells from … Read more

Asthma medication and dental disease risk in children

by

An interesting article titled “Asthma medication and risk of dental diseases in children – A prospective cohort study” written by Pia Elisabeth Nørrisgaard and et al. appears in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (published 9 October 2023). The article seeks to explore if th use of inhaled asthma medication in children is a risk factor for dental caries and enamel defects. The authors followed 3,983 children from birth to 6 years of age, and assessed their use of inhaled corticosteroids, inhaled β2-agonists, and asthma symptoms. The children underwent examation for caries and enamel defects at 6 years of age. Caries was defined as decayed, missing, or filled surfaces. Enamel defects were defined as demarcated opacity, post-eruptive enamel breakdown, and/or atypical restoration on at least one molar. A prospective cohort study that included 589 children was also conducted. From these children, 61% … Read more

Understanding Dental Crowns: A Comprehensive Guide

by

A dental crown is a versatile solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, enhancing their strength, function, and appearance. With various options available, selecting the right dental crown depends on factors like durability, aesthetics, and cost. This article explores the different types of dental crowns and their unique benefits to help you make an informed decision. Types of Dental Crowns 1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the durability of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. These crowns have a metal core for strength, while the outer layer mimics the color and texture of natural teeth. PFM crowns are commonly used for both front and back teeth, offering a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Pros: Cons: 2. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are crafted entirely from porcelain or ceramic materials, making them ideal for patients seeking … Read more

Fluoridated Water: Still a Valuable Tool, but Benefits May Be Diminishing

by

Tooth decay remains a significant public health concern worldwide. For decades, adding fluoride to community water supplies (CWF) has been a cornerstone of dental health strategies. However, a recent Cochrane review (titled “Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries” written by Tanya Walsh and et. al., 2024) suggests that the benefits of CWF may be less pronounced today than in the past, particularly in developed countries where fluoride toothpaste is widely used. The Review’s Findings: The review analyzed 157 studies comparing tooth decay in children living with fluoridated water and those without. Why the Change? The authors attribute this shift to the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste. With fluoride readily available through oral hygiene products, the incremental benefit of CWF may be less pronounced in modern populations. Important Considerations: The review emphasizes that these findings do not negate the … Read more