News Americas

Study finds high caries rates in children with heart disease

RIO DE JANEIRO: New research from Brazil has suggested that children with cardiac defects are more prone to suffering from poor oral health at a very young age than other children are. The study found that the incidence of caries was significantly higher in children with congenital heart disease.

Replacing toothbrush after sore throat may be unnecessary

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA: Researchers from the U.S. have found that it may not be necessary to discard children's toothbrushes upon diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis, as is commonly advised. Their study showed no evidence of increased bacterial growth on the toothbrushes of infected children.

One in 3 US adults delay dental care owing to uncertain economy

SYRACUSE, N.Y., USA: A survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults has revealed that 36 percent have delayed or would delay dental treatments owing to their current financial situation. Although more than 80 percent knew about the long-term financial implications of neglecting oral health, many people seemed to put dental care off until they experienced significant pain or had a dental emergency, the investigators said.

Parents pass dentophobia on to their children

OAK BROOK, Ill., USA: A new survey on the oral health of children has revealed that parents who are afraid of visiting the dentist often have children who develop the same fear. Parents who do not keep their feelings to themselves pass dental anxiety on to their children, which may prevent them from attending routine dental check-ups later in life.

New reports confirm link between gum disease and systemic diseases

CHICAGO, Ill., USA: In collaboration with the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has released a series of consensus reports that provide scientific evidence of a close association between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The reports also provide helpful information to dentists for treating patients at risk of certain medical conditions.

Study links social capital to dental pain

JOÃO PESSOA, Brazil: Although there is evidence that social factors affect oral health, few studies have focused on this subject. Now, research from Brazil has suggested that social capital, the patterns and intensity of networks among people and the shared values that arise from those networks, is closely associated with dental pain. Their study revealed that individuals in neighborhoods with high social capital were half as likely to report dental pain as those living in low social capital neighborhoods ...