Early antibiotics linked to risk of childhood health conditions

A study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that early antibiotic exposure was linked to an increased risk of childhood-onset asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obesity, overweight, celiac disease, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, with the number, type and timing of antibiotic exposure influencing the associations. The findings are based on data involving …

Evidence Does Not Support Classifying Fluoride As Cognitive Neurodevelopmental Hazard, Review Finds

The ADA News reports, “The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine announced March 5 that it does not find that the National Toxicology Program adequately supported its conclusion that fluoride is ‘presumed’ to be a cognitive neurodevelopmental hazard to humans.” The academies’ review of the National Toxicology Program’s draft …

Anecdotal Reports Raise Questions About COVID-19’s Oral Health Effects

Some dentists indicate anecdotal reports of tooth loss have surfaced among so-called long-haulers, or people who are still recovering months after having had COVID-19. The problems range from gum sensitivity to tooth discoloration or chipping and even tooth loss. It is unclear at this point whether these issues represent an …

Treating Periodontitis In Patients With Diabetes May Reduce Tooth Loss, Microvascular Diseases

HealthDay reported a new study found that “providing nonsurgical periodontal treatment to patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and periodontitis may significantly reduce tooth loss and diabetes-related microvascular diseases via improved glycemic control.” In the study, researchers “built a microsimulation model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of expanding periodontal treatment coverage …

Researchers May Have Discovered Mechanism Connecting Periodontal Disease, Other Inflammatory Conditions

University of Toronto may have found “the mechanism of action” connecting “periodontal disease and certain inflammatory conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.” The researchers suggest the connection may be “rooted in a hyperactive immune response.” The findings were published in the Journal of Dental Research. The University of Toronto …

Catching Up On Medical And Dental Care Visits For Children Considered “Critical”

Consumer Reports (9/18, Loria) said that “when the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold in the U.S. last spring,” many families skipped or postponed vaccines and medical and dental care visits. Consumer Reports said, “Though COVID-19 is still spreading, catching up is critical.” The article shared tips to help families get …

Study: Nearly All Toddlers, And The Majority Of Babies, Eat Too Much Added Sugar In The US

CNN reports that a new analysis of national data “published Wednesday finds 98% of toddlers and two-thirds of infants consume added sugars in their diets each day.” In the study, infants aged 6 to 11 months “were typically given added sugars via flavored yogurt, baby snacks and sweet bakery products; …