Study: Lidocaine May Kill Head, Neck Cancer Cells

DrBicuspid reports, “Lidocaine (the most common local anesthetic used for dental procedures) triggers specific bitter taste receptors in the mouth that may ultimately lead to the death of head and neck cancer (HNC) cells, according to a preclinical study recently published in Cell Reports.” The “increased expression of these bitter …

New Device Detects Early Biomarkers Associated With Oral, Throat Cancer

DentistryIQ reports, “A new early-stage oral cancer detection test for dental professionals could offer ‘unprecedented level of actionable insight into their patients’ health,’” according to Viome Life Sciences, the company launching it. The Oral Health Pro with CancerDetect is “a device that, according to a company press release , uses proprietary RNA …

Study ties e-cig use in young teens to heavier smoking later

A study published in Tobacco Control found that e-cigarette use among early adolescent smokers may lead to a heightened risk of heavier tobacco cigarette use later in adolescence. Researchers also noted that among teens who began smoking before age 15, the odds of later adolescent smoking were significantly higher for …

Cigar Smoking Associated With Increased Risk Of Cancers, Gum Disease, Tooth Loss

HealthDay reports that according to experts, cigars are not better for one’s health relative to cigarettes. HealthDay adds, “By 2022, cigars were the second most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle school and high school students, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, the outlet also …

Researchers Say Alcohol Warning Labels Do Not Adequately Inform Consumers About Cancer Risk

The Washington Post  (Blakemore) reports alcohol warning labels “haven’t been updated since the late 1980s,” and “now, researchers say they don’t adequately advertise alcohol consumption’s biggest potential health consequence: cancer, including breast cancer.” In a perspective piece  published in “the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers warn that the labels …

Vaping and oral health: It’s worse than you think

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) represents a significant and increasing proportion of tobacco consumption, posing a tremendous threat to oral health. This article will look at the following aspects of e-cigarettes: Overview of e-cigarette usage Statistics on the current prevalence of e-cigarettes Three chemicals contained in e-cigarettes and their effects …

Reducing post-op complications after cancer surgery

Improving patients’ oral hygiene is an option for preventing postoperative pneumonia that may be caused by aspiration of oral secretions. Whether preoperative oral care by a dentist can decrease postoperative complications remains controversial. A retrospective study was undertaken to assess the association between preoperative oral care and postoperative complications among …

Dry Mouth and Gum Disease Among Dental Problems Adults Over 50 May Experience

With well over 400 medications having a side effect of dry mouth, the number of adults taking medications and suffering from dry mouth issues has risen dramatically over the past 10 years, but often goes unaddressed by dental and medical offices. The results can be disastrous and expensive! The Huffington …