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; …

Study Finds Dental Offices Among Safest, Most Essential Businesses Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Fast Company (6/15, Cohen) reported that a new study “identifies the businesses that have the best overall risk-benefit profiles when weighing important factors such as essential value to shoppers and the economy, as well as relative risk of contracting COVID-19 – or as one researcher put it, which businesses give …

Prenatal Vitamin D Intake May Reduce Risk Of Enamel Defects In Children

The New York Times reports, “Women who take large doses of vitamin D during pregnancy may be giving their children a lower risk of dental problems,” a “double-blinded clinical trial” suggests. Researchers randomly assigned 623 women into two groups and beginning on the “24th week of pregnancy, one group took …

Poor Oral Health In Childhood May Increase Heart Disease Risk In Adulthood

Reuters reports in continuing coverage that research suggests kids “who develop cavities and gum disease may be more likely to develop risk factors for heart attacks and strokes decades later than kids who have good oral health.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open. Medscape reports the study authors …