Dear DrBicuspid Member,
Do patients with prosthetic joints need antibiotic prophylaxis? Our top story of the week was a write-up of a U.K. study designed to answer that very question.
The study findings refute the recommendation to use antibiotics before invasive dental procedures for patients with prosthetic joints. The authors found no significant relationship between invasive dental procedures and subsequent late prosthetic joint infection among hospitalized patients.
SARS-CoV-2 in the oral cavity
Researchers discovered the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the deepest periodontal pocket and cavitated carious lesions of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19. The findings suggest these sites may act as reservoirs for COVID-19 infection.
In other news, a systematic review helped clarify the link between COVID-19 and taste disorders, the most common manifestation of the disease. SARS-CoV-2 may directly affect the taste buds, provoke a local inflammatory response, or bind to sialic acid receptors, the authors noted.
Surprising new research findings
Last but not least, I wanted to highlight some of the new and surprising research on the website this week:
- Chewing gum with xylitol decreased the percentage of preterm births and newborns with low birth weight.
- A novel radiofrequency toothbrush outperformed a sonic vibrating one for stain removal and tooth whitening.
- Parents were less inclined to purchase surgery drinks for their children if the products contained pictorial health warnings.
In particular, the study about xylitol caught my eye, because the relationship between chewing gum and preterm births appears related to periodontitis. Let us know which study is your favorite on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
