News Updates

Using Vapes May Set the Stage for Dental Decay

Researchers say e-cigarettes and similar devices are associated with a higher risk for cavities

by Helene Ragovin November 23, 2022

Research by faculty from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine found patients who said they used vaping devices were more likely to have a higher risk of developing cavities. With CDC surveys reporting that 9.1 million American adults—and 2 million teenagers—use tobacco-based vaping products, that means a lot of vulnerable teeth.  

As long as you keep up a vaping habit, the increased risk for cavities remains, says Karina Irusa, assistant professor at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. “It’s a vicious cycle that will not stop.” Photo: Shutterstock

Periodontal health, cognitive decline, and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society September 8, 2022

Logo for American Geriatrics Society – Geriatrics Healthcare Professionals

Much research has been focused on identifying modifiable risk factors, for example, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, and unhealthy diet, and targeting them through various interventions (e.g., pharmacotherapy and/or lifestyle modification). Among the many risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline, oral health measures (e.g., periodontitis, tooth loss) have only started to be recently explored

Moving Away From Opioids to Treat Dental Pain

Ernie Mundell SOURCES: JAMA Network Open, Aug. 17, 2022; University of Rochester Medical Center, news release, Aug. 17, 2022

An epidemic of opioid abuse — everything from OxyContin and Percocet to heroin — still plagues the United States. In response, medical specialties are cutting back on the use of prescription opioids, especially for the relief of short-term pain. Dental pain is one of those scenarios. As Ren and his colleagues noted, “although the American Dental Association recommends nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for managing pain, opioids continue to be used more than non-opioids.”

Oral Cancer Self-Exam

Early detection is the key. Click here to view information from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. This link will guide you to a video about Head, Neck and Oral Cancer. Be empowered to monitor your oral health.

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Insignia
An elderly woman with advanced sun-induced degenerative alterations of face and lips. Presented with midline ulcerated mass. Diagnosis: Squamous cell carcinoma, arising actinic cheilitis
Image from Oral Cancer Foundation

Shapeshifting microrobots can brush and floss teeth

July 5, 2022

In a proof-of-concept study, researchers from the School of Dental Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science show that a hands-free system could effectively automate the treatment and removal of tooth-decay-causing bacteria and dental plaque.

An infographic explains the magnetic and catalytic properties of the iron oxide nanoparticles and their assembly into bristle and floss-like forms. (Image: Melissa Pappas/Penn Engineering)