Study Examines Factors Contributing To Dental Loss Among Patients With Diabetes

HCP Live reports that “patients with diabetes had significantly more incidences of periodontal disease and dental loss than people in the general population,” research suggests. After adjusting for confounding factors, investigators “confirmed that older patients, those who did not floss, and those with diabetic retinopathy had more dental loss than others.” The findings of the 202-patient study will appear in the June issue of the Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology.

Certified Therapy Dogs Easing Dental Anxiety

The Chicago Tribune (5/10) stated that a certified therapy dog is helping patients at the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Clinic. Although patients at the clinic may experience stress and anxiety, the canine “has been trained to sense these negative emotions and to offer a gentle nudge of her head against a patient’s hand or simply her quiet and calm presence.” According to the article, “The response of patients has been overwhelmingly positive.”

        WFMJ-TV Youngstown, OH (5/10, Keller) reported on its website that a dental office in Hermitage, Pennsylvania also uses a “hypoallergenic, certified therapy dog” to provide comfort to patients with dental anxiety.

Budgeting For Dental Costs Advised For Those With Medicare

In a broader piece listing out-of-pocket costs those with Medicare can “expect to pay,” US News & World Report (5/9, Brandon) states that Medicare does not cover some medical services, including dental care. The article recommends budgeting for “commonly needed medical services that Medicare doesn’t cover,” including dental care.

Application Period Open For Endowed Fellowship That Supports Women Researchers

The ADA News (5/9) reports that the American Association of Dental Research has announced that the application period is open for the AADR Anne D. Haffajee Fellowship, which “supports women researchers” and is the first endowed AADR fellowship. “Named after Dr. Haffajee’s contributions to clinical research in periodontology and oral biology,” the fellowship “is open to women members of AADR who are within 10 years of their final professional degree; have demonstrated a commitment to a research career in oral biology; hold a D.M.D./D.D.S./Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree; and hold an appointment at the postdoctoral, instructor or assistant professor level or equivalent at a research/academic institution.” 

Certain Oral Bacteria May Be Linked To Higher Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer, Study Suggests

The Washington Post (4/20, McGinley) reports that research suggests certain oral bacteria may be linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Investigators “analyzed oral-wash samples collected over several years as part of two large cancer prevention and screening studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.”

        CBS News (4/20, Marcus) reports on its website that the researchers “found that two oral bacteria were elevated in the pancreatic cancer patients: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.” Individuals “who carried Porphyromonas gingivalis had an overall 59 percent greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer, and those who carried Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were at least 50 percent more likely overall to develop the disease.” The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

        Medical Daily (4/19, Scutti) similarly reported that the NYU Langone Medical Center study finds “the presence of specific bacteria in the mouth may indicate an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.” After examining “the bacterial contents in mouthwash samples from more than 700 Americans,” the NYU research team found that those “whose mouths contained the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis had a 59 percent greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer,” while those with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans had “at least a 50 percent likelihood of developing the disease.”

        Infection Control Today (4/19) reported that senior investigator and epidemiologist Jiyoung Ahn, PhD, said, “Our study offers the first direct evidence that specific changes in the microbial mix in the mouth — the oral microbiome — represent a likely risk factor for pancreatic cancer along with older age, male gender, smoking, African-American race, and a family history of the disease.”

        The Daily Mail (4/19) reported that Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the UK Oral Health Foundation, said, “Further investigation into this association needs to be carried out but if confirmed there’s no reason why a saliva test to detect for pancreatic cancer could not be taken by your dentist.”

Taking Steps To Promote Oral Health Encouraged For People With Diabetes

In its “Oral Care — Secret Key to Diabetes Success” blog, Diabetes Self-Management (3/23, Spero) stated that “caring for your mouth helps your diabetes,” adding research suggests that having healthier gums and treating gum disease may help people with diabetes. After listing symptoms of gum disease, the article provides dental hygiene tips, noting “the American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, and flossing once a day.” The article also encouraged readers to avoid foods that damage teeth, as listed by the ADA.

Consulting With A Dentist Advised To Treat Bruxism, Sleep Apnea

The Huffington Post (4/17, Cunnington) “The Blog” states that there are several “links between your teeth and sleep,” noting, for example, that bruxism “commonly occurs during sleep and can cause pain and damage to teeth.” According to the article, bruxism is “very common” and may be “exacerbated or precipitated by stress and/or anxiety” or sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. Using oral appliances is one strategy for managing bruxism, and they also may be an option for treating sleep apnea, the article states, recommending people speak with their dentist if they think they may have sleep apnea or bruxism. MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on bruxism and sleep apnea.

Researchers Find Neanderthals May Have Used Toothpicks

LiveScience reported that scientists have “found traces of wood trapped in fossilized plaque stuck to Neanderthal teeth,” indicating Neanderthals may have used “prehistoric toothpicks” to remove bits of food out of their teeth, according to a new study, published in the April issue of the journal Antiquity. A group of scientists led by Anita Radini, an archaeologist at the University of York in the United Kingdom, “examined teeth found at El Sidrón cave in Spain,” finding “bits of nonedible, and noncharred, conifer wood tissue in the plaque.”