Inflammation In The Body May Trigger Or Exacerbate Depression In Brains Of Some Patients, Data Indicate

The Washington Post  reported, “Inflammation in the body may be triggering or exacerbating depression in the brains of some patients,” with clinical data suggesting that “targeting and treating the inflammation may be a way to provide more-precise care.” According to the Post, “It appears that inflammatory agents in the blood …

Diagnostic Potential Of Smartphones Remains A Work In Progress, Experts Say

KHN  reports smartphones “are being repurposed and commercialized for quick access to information needed for monitoring patient health,” but their use “as diagnostic tools remains a work in progress.” While “doctors and their patients have found some real-world success in deploying the phone as a medical device, the overall potential …

Oral Germs May Show Bacterial Resistance To Common Antiseptics

DrBicuspid reported, “Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and other oral germs may show bacterial resistance to antiseptics, including chlorhexidine, according to a review published on October 21 in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene.” Additionally, “resistance may rise over time.” The authors wrote, “This scoping review may support clinicians and leaders of …

Systemic Review Assesses Dental Treatment Before Radiotherapy For Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

A systematic review published in The Journal of the American Dental Association associated dental treatment prior to radiation for head and neck cancer with a higher risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, but the evidence was of very low certainty, ADA News reported. “Maintaining optimal oral health may help reduce …

Poor Periodontal Health Associated With Cognitive Decline, Dementia

HealthDay reports, “Poor periodontal health and tooth loss are associated with increased risks for cognitive decline and dementia, according to a review published online Sept. 8 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.” After conducing “a systematic review of the available longitudinal evidence,” researchers found that poor periodontal health was “associated …

Patients With MS At Increased Risk For Periodontal Disease, Caries

DrBicuspid  reports, “Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at greater risk of developing periodontal disease and caries due to difficulties they may have performing oral care and accessing a dentist, according to a clinical paper  published in the British Dental Journal.” Given “the degenerative nature of the disease, clinicians should …