Vaping is becoming increasingly popular, but so are it’s damaging health effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 9.1 million American adults and 2 million teenagers use vaping products containing tobacco. Previous researchers have linked vaping to the development of lung disease and gum disease. Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have now reported a potential link between patients using vaping devices and having an increased risk of developing dental cavities.

We all know how influential bacteria can be on our health. A new study, published in the Journal of Dentistry, discovered break through research on bacteria and our brains. Researchers from the University of Plymouth and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust examined brain abscesses and their link to bacteria known to cause oral infections. They looked at 87 patient records who were admitted to the hospital with brain abscesses and analyzed the microbiology data from their abscess samples. Only 35 of the patients had an exact cause of the abscess identified. They found that of the 52 patients where a cause of the abscess had not been found, they were approximately 3 times as likely to have oral bacteria present in their samples. They also identified a higher presence of Streptococcus anginosus, which is a bacteria often associated with pharyngitis, bacteremia, internal organs infections, and even dental abscesses. Although the incidence of this type of brain abscess is rare, it can be life-threatening, according to the researchers.

Regular dental care is vital throughout all stages of life, and pregnancy is no exception. The hormonal changes that occur during this special time can have an impact on a woman’s oral health, increasing the risk of gingivitis, enamel erosion, and other issues. Your dentist can help you manage these problems.

However, if you are a bit nervous about treatment, you might hesitate to book an appointment. You might be extra-reluctant because you are unsure if the methods used to help patients relax are safe for a developing infant. Is dental sedation safe during pregnancy? Read on below to discover the answer to that important question.

One of the nation’s pressing issues is blood shortages. The month of January was deemed National Blood Donor Month (NBDM) by President Richard Nixon to help address this issue and honor voluntary blood donors across America. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. requires blood and or platelets every 2 seconds! 

College is an exciting time, but can be a super busy time, too. With navigating through different classes and trying to balance a social life, it can be easy to slip up on oral hygiene practices. However, it’s important to prioritize staying on top of your regular dental check-ups and your oral care at home.