dentist

Video Consultations: A Game-Changer for Oral Hygiene?

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Maintaining optimal oral health often comes down to effective oral hygiene practices. Traditional dental advice, while helpful, can sometimes fall short in motivating patients to adopt consistent and proper brushing and flossing techniques. A recent study titled “A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of personalised oral hygiene advice delivered via video technology” written by Derele Buck and et. al. appearing in the Journal of Dentistry Available online on July 15, 2024, explored the potential of personalized video consultations to bridge this gap. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of personalized oral hygiene advice delivered via video technology. The study aimed to determine if this approach could improve oral health outcomes compared to standard oral hygiene advice provided in traditional dental settings. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving standard oral hygiene advice and the … Read more

Dental Malpractice: Patient Seeks Damages After Wrong Tooth Pulled

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A patient is suing a dental practice for a up to a million dollars after a serious dental error occurred during a routine procedure. According to the lawsuit in Texas, the dentist allegedly mistakenly extracted the wrong tooth and then attempted to improperly reinsert it. Specifically the lawsuit says after the dentist allegedly pulling the wrong tooth the dentist then tried “stuff the tooth into the socket”. As a result of the dental malpractice, the patient claims to be experiencing severe ongoing pain and mental anguish and requires extensive corrective dental work. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the dentist and the dental practice. The lawsuit further asserts the dental practice has negligent hiring practices and creates an unreasonable risk of harm to patients. This case highlights the importance of thorough dental care and patient safety. Dental errors … Read more

Lozenges for Enzyme-Powered Plaque Fighters

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Plaque buildup is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s a collection of bacteria, leftover food particles, and saliva that mixes in your mouth. Plaque buildup has bacteria that feed on the sugars and starches in your food, producing acids as waste. Plaque buildup has acids that can erode tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth and lead to cavities. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar which irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and gingivitis. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can damage the bone supporting your teeth and lead to tooth loss. So, plaque buildup isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s the root cause of many common dental problems. That’s why regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings are so important for maintaining good oral health. … Read more

Matcha from Green Tea Mouthwash Shows Promise in Fighting Gum Disease

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Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting teeth. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis )is one of the main culprits behind gum disease. If left untreated gum diesease can lead to tooth loss. The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque and bacteria to build up on teeth and under the gumline. Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings all help to prevent gum disease. If you’re experiencing gum inflammation or discomfort, a simple saltwater rinse can offer relief. Mixing a half-teaspoon of table salt into warm water creates a soothing solution. Swishing with this rinse can help reduce inflammation and ease any pain you might be experiencing. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known culprits in worsening gum disease. … Read more

Link Between Poor Oral Health and Systemic Health

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An interesting article titled “Self-reported oral health is associated with systemic health outcomes and all-cause mortality” written by Yau-Hua Yu and et. al. appears in the Journal of the American Dental Association (vol. 155, no. 3, pp. 233-243, March 2024). There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting a strong link between oral health and overall health. This article explores how just asking people about their oral health can reveal important information about their risk of developing other chronic diseases. People who indicated they had poor oral health may be as likely as those already had gum disease to have negative systemic health outcomes. Image by Dana from Pixabay The Link Between Gums and General Health Researchers have known for some time about the connection between gum disease (periodontal disease) and health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. This study looked at a different approach: using people’s … Read more