Managing clear aligner therapy in TMD, bruxism patients

Pain resulting from temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) or teeth grinding should be addressed before clear aligner treatment, according to research published in Seminars in Orthodontics. Patients should also be informed about possible side effects, including temporary bite changes and muscle soreness, from aligners. Blending personalized care, clear communication, and a bruxism/TMD management plan, clinicians may achieve successful…
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Is there an association between TMJ Pain and diet?

A poor diet and inadequate nutrition may contribute to the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), according to a recent study published in BMC Oral Health. Affected patients often eat less nutritious foods, and they tend to consume more proinflammatory foods like ultra-processed foods, trans fats, and refined sugars, the authors wrote. “This study highlights dietary…
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Gestational diabetes may be more likely in those with gum disease

Gum disease may be linked to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women of childbearing age, according to a study recently published in BMC Oral Health. Systemic inflammation may play a central role in this connection. Furthermore, a dose-dependent relationship was found between clinical attachment level (CAL) and the presence of GDM, the authors wrote. “Women…
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Rebuilding Sensation With A New Kind of Dental Implant

A new tooth implant can grow into your gums — and even talk to your brain like a real tooth. Scientists at Tufts University have unveiled a revolutionary “smart” dental implant that grows into the gum and connects with existing nerves, offering a sensation-rich replacement closer to a real tooth than anything previously developed. Unlike…
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Is skipping meals the key to healthier gums?

Intermittent fasting – an eating pattern cycling between periods of eating and fasting – may help soothe gum inflammation and improve other health markers even when oral hygiene is subpar. The research was presented on May 12 at EuroPerio 11 in Vienna. A study compared a regular, non-fasting diet with two time-restricted diets and found…
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Men, gum disease may be really bad news for sperm

Periodontitis may be significantly associated with decreased sperm mobility, abnormal structure, and increased fragmentation in its DNA, according to a systematic review published on May 21 in BMC Oral Health. The study suggests that chronic mouth inflammation may have systemic effects on the reproductive health of men, the authors wrote. Considering the identified pathophysiological mechanisms,…
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How often should dental aligners be changed?

For this week’s clinical tip, Dr. Shalin Shah of CDOCS returns to discuss how often clear dental aligners should be changed out to help the patient achieve his or her orthodontic goals. Video transcript “Hi. This is Shalin from CDOCS. Today’s tip of the day is the frequency and changing of aligners. “Our general recommendation…
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PTSD may be linked to TMD, awake bruxism

Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be more likely to develop temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and awake bruxism, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Dentistry. When assessing symptom severity, awake bruxism severity may be correlated with the number of PTSD symptoms, the authors wrote. “The results of our study suggest that…
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What global tooth loss may look like in 15 years

The worldwide burden of tooth loss (edentulism) is expected to rise due to population growth and aging, with a substantial impact anticipated by 2040, according to a study recently published in the International Dental Journal. High sociodemographic index (SDI) countries and women may face a disproportionately higher burden of tooth loss, the authors wrote. “These…
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Periodontitis may be linked to leading cause of stroke

Gum disease may be associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a leading cause of stroke, in patients with ischemic stroke, according to a new study published on December 5 in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases. The rates of Fusobacterium nucleatum, a germ that commonly causes gum disease, in the oral cavity were significantly associated with…
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