COVID-19 restrictions led to overprescribed antibiotics
November 1, 2022 -- COVID-19 restrictions that prevented dentists from providing face-to-face care to patients led some dentists to overprescribe antibiotics for dental pain, a recent study by University of Manchester researchers has shown. Read More
Mouthwash use to prevent COVID-19 may change composites
October 21, 2022 -- To prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, patients are sometimes asked to rinse with a disinfectant mouthwash during a dental visit. But a new study published on October 20 in the International Dental Journal suggests that these mouthwashes may change resin composites. Read More
Oral surgeons should track some patients at risk of endocarditis
October 17, 2022 -- In a withdrawn article, researchers said oral and maxillofacial surgeons should monitor patients at moderate risk for infective endocarditis for four months after some dental procedures, according to a perspective published on October 13 in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Read More
Oral superorganisms with unique mobility may threaten teeth
October 12, 2022 -- When oral bacteria join forces with fungi, they form cavity-causing "superorganisms." These oral health villains show unique resilience and mobility that make them more resistant to antimicrobials and lead to more tooth decay, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read More
Chemical component in mouthwash suppresses SARS-CoV-2
October 11, 2022 -- A team of researchers from Hokkaido University in Japan has found that a chemical component in some mouthwashes may suppress SARS-CoV-2. Read More
APIC urges members to uphold mask mandate
October 11, 2022 -- The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is strongly urging its 15,000 members to uphold a mandatory mask requirement policy for healthcare employees in all patient-care spaces. Read More
Are dental professionals properly using PPE?
September 29, 2022 -- Are dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) properly using personal protective equipment (PPE)? Researchers used a fluorescent marker to illustrate pathogen trasmission and assessed PPE donning and doffing practices among DHCP. The findings were published on September 26 in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Read More
Medication for anxiety, insomnia may help wounds heal
September 20, 2022 -- Diazepam, a medication that is commonly prescribed for patients with anxiety or insomnia, may aid in wound closure following a gingival graft, reports an article published on September 15 in the Journal of Dental Sciences. Read More
Put the mouth back in the body
September 16, 2022 -- As part of a presentation delivered on September 13 at the 231st Meeting of the National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council, a former dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine related two examples that stress the importance of a partnership between dentistry and medicine. Read More
OSAP recognizes Dental Infection Control Awareness Month
August 31, 2022 -- The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is recognizing Dental Infection Control Awareness Month in September with the theme "Staying in the Know Together." Read More
