Is your news feed stressing you out? Brighten up your mood with seven positive developments in oral healthcare.
By Paige Anderson, CRDH
Sometimes, it can feel like our news feeds are full of gloom and doom, but there is plenty of good news out there, especially regarding oral healthcare developments. Researchers across the country and around the world are constantly striving for new ways to help our patients enjoy better health.
1. Immunotherapy Could Help Us Win the Battle Against Gum Disease
The autoimmune aspects of periodontal disease have been well established since the concept was first proposed in the mid-sixties. While bacteria are typically the initial trigger, we now know that the body’s immune response is what does most of the damage. Current protocols focus on removing the bacteria, which calms the immune response and stops disease progression.
Fortunately, we may soon have another tool in our arsenal to win the war on gum disease. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that nanoparticles can deliver CCL2, an immune-modulating compound, directly to the gums to slow down bone loss and speed up repair. This approach has shown great success in mouse models and could soon be a powerful adjunct to existing therapies for human periodontal disease.
2. Non-Opioid Pain Relievers Found to Be Highly Effective After Dental Surgery
Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen has been a go-to recommendation after many dental treatments. However, opioid pain medications have still been widely prescribed following surgeries like wisdom tooth extractions. With the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States and abroad, we in the dental industry need to exercise extreme caution before prescribing these medications, especially to young people who may be at higher risk for opioid addiction.
Fortunately, research out of Rutgers University has shown once again that non-opioids are more effective than opioids for post-surgical pain after wisdom tooth extractions. The trial surveyed nearly 2,000 patients and found that the combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen was effective at controlling pain without many of the unwanted side effects of hydrocodone. This research serves as a reminder for clinicians to stay current with medication guidelines and avoid prescribing opioids whenever possible.
3. Plant Compounds Can Help Us Control Biofilm Naturally
As dental professionals, we’re all too familiar with biofilms, and not just on our patients’ teeth. Fighting biofilm buildup in our water lines can be incredibly frustrating, especially since many current products can damage or discolor our equipment, potentially shortening the lifespan of expensive operatory equipment.
New research from the University of California, Riverside, could provide a natural and gentle alternative to harsh chemicals. The study explored using a plant metabolite called MEcPP, which naturally fights bacteria and even certain parasites, to keep medical equipment free of biofilms. Initial research seems promising, and the team is considering various applications, including dental care products and water system treatments.
4. Flossing Is Even Better for Our Patients Than We Thought
Motivating our patients to floss is probably one of dentistry's most consistent patient compliance challenges. Fortunately, the growing list of links between oral health and systemic health issues can be very helpful in getting patients to see the light.
While we have known about flossing's potential benefits for cardiovascular health, new research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference this year indicates that flossing could be doing much more for our health than we thought. The study, which followed 6,278 participants over 25 years, showed that people who floss regularly have lower risks for ischemic stroke, cardioembolic stroke, and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Furthermore, research-based conversations can inspire patients to take flossing more seriously.
5. Oral Bacteria Could Boost Memory and Attention
Dental professionals have long recognized the link between tooth loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline in older adults. New research from the University of Exeter now suggests that specific oral bacteria may also contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
So, what’s the good news? The study also showed that our beneficial oral bacteria work hard to reduce those risks and may even boost memory and attention. People with higher Neisseria and Haemophilus groups had higher nitrite levels in their mouths, increasing nitric oxide, which is critical for brain function and memory formation. With this information, researchers are now exploring treatments to improve the oral microbiome, including probiotics and oral hygiene routines, that could help in the battle against dementia and Alzheimer’s.
6. Dental Implants Keep Proving Their Worth
Dental implants have become the gold standard in tooth replacement, and with good reason. Implants have high success rates and give patients unparalleled function and great aesthetics. One of their most significant benefits is their superior longevity when compared to bridges or traditional dentures.
While we know that implants can last many years with proper care, the University of Gothenburg in Sweden recently published a 40-year follow-up study demonstrating that single-tooth implants can maintain strength and stability for at least four decades. While the sample size was small, it can help us confidently recommend implants as a permanent solution to tooth loss.
7. Modern Technology Gives Us Yet Another Success in Oral Cancer Detection
Oral cancer rates have continued to increase year after year, which may have a lot to do with increased human papillomavirus rates. While researchers have been working to limit the spread of viruses like HPV with everything from vaccines to chewing gum, early detection is still key to successfully treating oral cancer. Unfortunately, most cases (about two-thirds) aren’t diagnosed until stage III or IV, giving them a 5-year survival rate of 50% or less.
That could all change thanks to new research from the University of Otago in New Zealand. A team from the university’s Faculty of Dentistry has combined nanotechnology with AI to detect oral cancer much earlier. The team hopes that progress with the technology could make it a good option for routine clinical testing in the future.
The Future Looks Bright for Dentistry!
As dental professionals, we help patients experience meaningful improvements in comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life. By staying informed about the latest advancements in dentistry, we strengthen our ability to provide exceptional care and create lasting, positive outcomes for every patient.
Author: Paige Anderson is a certified registered dental hygienist with eight years of clinical experience and an English degree. She blends her two areas of expertise to create resources for dental providers so they can change lives by giving their patients the highest possible standard of care.
