More research finds little evidence of dental X-ray/cancer link
DrBicuspid.com
Predictions about how much cancer risk exists for patients exposed to radiation from dental bitewings are "highly speculative" and should be discouraged, according to a new study in Radiation Protection Dosimetry. Concerns about a possible relationship between dental X-rays and cancer of the oral mucosa, salivary glands, and other tissues in the head and neck region were raised last year after an epidemiological study published in the journal Cancer claimed to have found a link between frequent bitewing X-ray exposure and increased risk of developing meningioma. (May require free registration to view article.) more
Gum Sleuths Find Sick Mouths Play Role in Deadly Diseases
Bacteria-laden mouths and bleeding gums are giving medical researchers plenty to think about.
Turns out gum disease is associated with a greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and even pregnancy complications. And a study released last week found evidence that bacteria linked to gingivitis traveled to brains afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease, hinting at a role in dementia. more...
Gum disease linked to risk of oral cancer-causing virus
Bloomberg
Gum disease and other dental ailments boost the risk of becoming infected with oral human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus that causes 40 to 80 percent of all throat cancers, according to the first study to find such a link. Those who said they had poor oral health had a 56 percent higher rate of oral HPV infection than those who reported good to excellent oral health, researchers wrote in a study published by Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. more
New reports confirm perio-systemic connection, outline clinical recommendations
from Dentistry Today
The American Academy of Periodontology, in collaboration with the European Federation of Periodontology, recently published a series of consensus reports that analyze the scientific evidence linking periodontal disease, specifically periodontitis, to other systemic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The consensus reports, which appear in both the Journal of Periodontology and the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, also outline clinical recommendations for dental professionals to use when treating patients at risk for, or presenting with, certain medical conditions. more
Treating gum disease can lower medical costs for individuals with cerebrovascular disease; May is American Stroke Month
from DentistryIQ
During American Stroke Month in May, United Concordia Dental, one of the nation's largest dental insurers, reminds adults with cerebrovascular disease, or stroke, that treating their gum disease can help lower healthcare costs. "Recent findings from our landmark oral health study show that annual medical costs are lower by more than $1,000 for individuals with cerebrovascular disease who are treated for gum disease," said Dr. James Bramson, chief dental officer for United Concordia. more
Could you be suffering from gum disease?
from DentistryIQ
Do you notice blood on your toothbrush every time you brush these days? Or persistent bad breath or taste in your mouth? Are your gums red and swollen? If you've noticed some or all of these symptoms, you may be suffering from gum disease or gingivitis. It's time you take it more seriously. more
What your dentist wants you to do
WebMD
You probably dont often think of dentistry and sports in the same breath, but Oakland, Calif.-based dentist Dr. Eric Yabu certainly does. Yabu does double duty as team dentist for the sports medicine program at the University of California, Berkeley, where he's tasked with making custom mouthguards for the athletes as well as providing emergency care. Away from the playing field, Yabu, who is also an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco, sees patients of all ages and walks of life. more
Bacteria in Brains Suggest Alzheimer's Gum Diesease Link
Bacteria linked to gum disease traveled to the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that dental hygiene plays a role in the development of the memory-robbing illness, British researchers said. more