Dear DrBicuspid Member,
Are antibiotics needed for gum disease? A $2.4 million grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research will conduct a clinical trial to explore the use of antibiotics in combination with other therapies to treat this serious gum infection. The details are covered in our top story of the week.
In other hygiene-related news, people with periodontal disease are at greater risk of hospitalization due to a heart attack. But those with active periodontal treatment are more likely to adhere to postacute care visits, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.
Also, a California dentist, a physician, and an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz have been added to the long list of ex-basketball players and others charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for their alleged roles in a $5 million plot to defraud the National Basketball Association's benefits plan. The individuals have been charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud.
This week, a case report published in Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, and Oral Radiology revealed that a 62-year-old woman with stubborn burning mouth syndrome experienced a significant decrease in pain after taking the opioid antagonist naltrexone daily.
Finally, mothers often receive conflicting information about the use of fluoride to promote healthy teeth. This differing information, some of which is false, makes it difficult for them to make oral health decisions for their children, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.
Until next time, have an enjoyable Mother's Day. Editor-in-Chief Theresa Pablos will be back next week.
