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Socioeconomic Status Remains a Primary Driver of Dental Decay in U.S. Adults

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A comprehensive study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (December 2025) reveals that oral health disparities in the United States remained starkly tied to socioeconomic status (SES) between 2011 and 2020. Researchers found that disadvantaged populations consistently experience significantly higher rates of dental caries (cavities) compared to their wealthier, more educated counterparts. Lead author Dr. Vahan Boyajyan of Drexel University noted that these findings highlight how financial and structural barriers continue to shape the oral health of the nation, suggesting a critical need for public policy reform. Analysis of the Data The study analyzed data from 22,855 adults (ages 25+) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Researchers measured “caries experience” using the DMFT Index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth). The researchers evaluated five key socioeconomic markers: Key Findings: The “Inequality Gap” After adjusting for age, … 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

Dentists increasingly use articaine 

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An interesting article titled “Survey investigation of articaine use in the United States,” written by Robert D. Bowers and et. al. appears in the the Journal of the American Dental Association (published Oct. 2023). The article conducted a study to expand the knowledge of local anesthesia practices of dentists in the U.S. with a specific focus on influencing factors regarding articaine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of articaine in 2000 and dental use of articaine has grown over the years. In 2017, it was estimated that estimate about 40% of the total U.S. dental local anesthetic market was for articaine. However, articaine has a 4% concentration which has led some to question its safety. Past studies have shown that higher concentrated local anesthetics like articaine can lead to increased risk of dental paresthesia. To study the use … Read more

Tragedy in Southern Manitoba Canada: Young Woman Dies Following Dental Procedure

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A heartbreaking incident has occurred in southern Manitoba Canada, where a 23-year-old woman tragically passed away following a routine dental appointment. The Manitoba Dental Association confirmed the news stating that the woman, residing in the Morden-Winkler area, experienced a medical emergency during the procedure on November 27th. Despite being transported to the hospital immediately, the young woman sadly passed to her condition. Investigation Underway The Manitoba Dental Association has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The association’s president, emphasized their commitment to uncovering the facts. The specific nature of the dental procedure or whether anesthesia was involved was not disclosed yet in this case. It was however confirmed that information is being gathered from both the dental clinic and the Southern Regional Health Authority. Rare but Serious While deaths following dental procedures are thankfully rare, … Read more

Bilateral Inverted and Impacted Wisdom Teeth

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An interesting article titled “Bilateral Inverted and Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Rare Case Report” written by Yara Mohamed Talib and et. al appears in Cureus on March 23, 2023 (vol. 15, no. 3, e36573. ). The article discussed two cases of inverted and impacted lower wisdom teeth that is very rare and very few cases have been reported in literature. In the article discussion is made of an impacted wisdom tooth that occurs when the tooth is unable to erupt normally because of a lack of room or a blockage from eruption. When a tooth is in a buccolingual position it is also noted as an inverted impaction. In the article two cases of bilateral impacted lower wisdom tooth were reported along with the radiographs. In the first case a 50 year old woman from Jordan presentned with persistent bleeding … Read more