Dental Hygiene News and Research

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tDCS electric stimulation can improve motor function in stroke patients

A noninvasive electric stimulation technique administered to both sides of the brain can help stroke patients who have lost motor skills in their hands and arms, according to a new study led by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC).

10 Nov 2010

Dental health affects control of diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects every part of the body, and for people with unstable blood glucose levels there is a higher risk than normal for developing serious complications from poor oral hygiene. In a study by dLife, the world's largest diabetes community, and SoundView Research, Inc., 66 percent of active diabetes managers had not changed their oral care habits since being diagnosed and over half have not been advised by their dentist to take extra care to brush, floss, or rinse daily.

29 Oct 2010

Eating disorders negatively affect oral health

While the connection between oral health and systemic health has been well-established, what most people don't know is that dentists often are in a position to detect systemic conditions. According to an article published in the October 2010 issue of AGD Impact, the monthly newsmagazine of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), dentists may be the first health care providers to notice evidence of an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and pica.

29 Oct 2010

Fluoride consumption can cause mild enamel fluorosis

Young children who consume substantial amounts of fluoride through infant formula and other beverages mixed with fluoridated water or by swallowing fluoride toothpaste have an increased chance of developing mild enamel fluorosis, according to research published in the October issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association and supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

26 Oct 2010

ADHA and GSK emphasize importance of proper brushing as key to maintaining oral health

With the theme "Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think" for its National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) celebration this October, the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), makers of Aquafresh®, emphasizes the importance of proper brushing as a key to maintaining excellent oral health.

19 Oct 2010

Tips to help keep teeth and gums healthy

Good nutrition and healthy eating habits are essential to maintaining optimal oral and overall health. With Halloween just around the corner, the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) encourages parents to be mindful of the amount of candy their children are consuming, and to use this holiday as an opportunity to remind them about the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums.

15 Oct 2010

Plackers joins OHA campaign to promote oral health awareness

Plackers, a leading brand of consumer oral care products, has partnered with Oral Health America, the nation's leading independent organization dedicated to eliminating oral disease through access, education and advocacy, on the Fall for Smiles program to promote oral health awareness nationwide.

28 Sep 2010

Prevalence of periodontal disease in US higher than originally estimated

The prevalence of periodontal disease in the United States may be significantly higher than originally estimated. Research published in the Journal of Dental Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that the prevalence of periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent. The implication is that more American adults may suffer from moderate to severe gum disease than previously thought.

22 Sep 2010

HHS Secretary Sebelius announces $130.8 million in grants to expand health professions workforce

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced $130.8 million in grants to strengthen and expand the health professions workforce. Six areas are targeted: primary care workforce training, oral health workforce training, equipment to enhance training across the health professions, loan repayments for health professionals, health careers opportunity programs for disadvantaged students, and patient navigator outreach and chronic disease prevention in health disparity populations.

18 Sep 2010

Oral health impacts systemic diseases: Report

It's not news that there is a significant link between one's oral health and overall health. Though studies are ongoing, researchers have known for quite some time that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body.Your mouth is the entry point of many bacteria,said Dr. Steven Grater, Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) member and general dentist from Harrisburg. To keep this bacteria from going into your body, cleaning your mouth (brushing, flossing and rinsing) is necessary.

13 Sep 2010

Plaque-causing bacteria increases risk of heart attack

Plaque-causing bacteria can jailbreak from the mouth into the bloodstream and increase your risk of heart attack says a scientist at the Society for General Microbiology's autumn meeting in Nottingham.

6 Sep 2010

Survey: 65% of parents look to schools to help reinforce importance of oral health

Two-thirds (65%) of parents are looking to schools to help reinforce the importance of oral health, saying it is extremely or very important for schools to teach children about taking care of their teeth, according to a new public opinion survey commissioned by Oral Health America.

2 Sep 2010

Study finds 90% of adult population of Valencia have cavities

A research study has for the first time revealed data about dental cavities, periodontal disease, oral treatment needs, the use of dental prostheses and dental hygiene habits among the adult population in the Valencia region. The results show that 90% of people have cavities and 20-35% need prostheses.

26 Aug 2010

Ill effects of methamphetamine

On the street it's known as meth, speed, ice, chalk, crank, fire, glass or crystal. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that wreaks havoc on the entire body, including the user's oral health. Approximately 10 million Americans have tried methamphetamine, while more than 1.4 million are habitual users.

17 Aug 2010

Reduced quality or quantity of sleep leads to school performance difficulties, behavior problems

Getting a good night's sleep often comes down to technique. Avoiding late-night technology use and keeping a regular sleep schedule are two important techniques to heed as kids head back to school.Recent studies found that adolescents used multiple forms of technology late into the night, including gaming systems, cell phones, and computers. As a result, they demonstrated difficulty staying awake and alert throughout the day.

12 Aug 2010

Tufts University faculty debunks common dental myths

Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental check-ups are standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your pearly whites than most of us know. In a review article, a faculty member at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) debunks common dental myths and outlines how diet and nutrition affects oral health in children, teenagers, expectant mothers, adults and elders.

7 Aug 2010

ODA suggests tips for good oral hygiene to parents and kids

The Ontario Dental Association is asking parents to put oral health at the top of their kids camp preparation list. An oral care kit should be on the packing list, complete with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and dental floss.

7 Jul 2010

Tray bleaching: An effective solution to improve oral health

A tooth-bleaching agent may improve the oral health of elderly and special-needs patients, say dentists at the Medical College of Georgia and Western University of Health Sciences.

29 Jun 2010

Evidence-based oral health guidelines for pregnant women

Health care providers now have evidence-based guidelines to emphasize the importance of pregnant women maintaining good oral health care and the safety of providing appropriate treatment during pregnancy as published in the June Journal of the California Dental Association.

8 Jun 2010

Plackers to donate dental flossers to Oral Health America's Smiles Across America program

Plackers, a leading brand of consumer oral care products, has partnered with Oral Health America, the nation's leading independent organization dedicated to eliminating oral disease through access, education and advocacy, to donate dental flossers that will reach over 30,000 children in need through the Smiles Across America program.

26 May 2010