Week in Review: Periodontitis health risks | Cure for tooth sensitivity | March Madness

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Our top story of the week is news you might want to pass on to your patients. A new study showed young people with periodontitis but no other diseases were twice as likely to have elevated blood pressure as those with healthy gums.

While research has repeatedly shown a link between gum health and heart health, this study exclusively focused on healthy adults who were free of diagnosed chronic conditions. The findings suggest periodontal bacteria may trigger an inflammatory response that contributes to the development of high blood pressure.

If that research piqued your interest, you may like another new study on DrBicuspid.com that found magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could help in the early detection of gum disease. MRI showed periodontitis-linked changes in the jawbones of patients prior to bone defects occurring.

In search of a cure for tooth sensitivity

Scientists have identified a channel in tooth cells that helps detect cold, possibly paving the way for new treatments for tooth sensitivity and pain. The ion channel resides in odontoblast tooth cells and functions as a cold sensor.

The channel is more prominent in teeth with decay, and it may signal pain and operate as a stress sensor in a tooth with inflammation. If scientists can target the channel, they can develop treatments specifically for tooth inflammatory pain and sensitivity.

It's not too late for March Madness

It may no longer be March and the ever-popular March Madness basketball tournament is winding down, but don't put away your playbooks just yet. Consultant Lynne Leggett says dentists can still learn something from the tournament.

In her column, Leggett outlined the similarities between basketball coaches and dental team leaders. She also shared tips on how to create the right plan and practice schedule to get your team ready for "game time" in the dental office.

Introducing Dental Dose

Last but not least, I'd like to introduce you to a new video series on DrBicuspid.com, Dental Dose, featuring pharmacologist Tom Viola, RPh. In each episode, Viola will share bite-sized pieces of dental pharmacology news, facts, and myths. The first episode was all about articaine, including three myths that can confuse even the most educated dentist.

Next week is National Dental Hygienists Week. Stay tuned for four tips to help you show your appreciation for the dental hygienists in your life.