AAPD LAUNCHES DENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT CHILDHOOD DENTAL DECAY

In order to bring awareness to the epidemic proportions of tooth decay in young children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has developed an educational campaign that highlights the severity of childhood dental decay. The campaign aims to teach parents the importance of dental hygiene and educate them on the new developments and techniques in infant and toddler dental care. One recommendation urges parents to take their children in for a dental exam as soon as they turn one. For the full article, please click here.

Rare Brain Tumor Contains Fully Formed Teeth

A rare brain tumor containing fully formed teeth was discovered in a 4-month-old infant in Maryland. This is the first time that surgeons have found teeth in this type of tumor. The boy is progressing well now that the tumor has been removed. The tumor was first discovered when doctors noticed that the child’s head was growing abnormally fast. Once the brain scan was performed, doctors saw the tumor with what appeared to be fully formed teeth. For the full article, click here.

New $300 Smart Toothbrush Encourages Good Dental Habits

The world’s first smart toothbrush debuted in Barcelona, Spain at the four-day World Mobile Congress beginning on Monday. The advanced toothbrush records users’ dental habits and relays them to a smartphone. Users can then share their progress and results on social media or online with their dentist and friends. The toothbrush will hit stores in June. Click here for the full article.

Study Finds Poor Dental Hygiene Can Lead to Arthritis

A new study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens identified a link between poor dental hygiene and rheumatoid arthritis. When arthritic mice were infected with the gum disease bacterium, P. gingivalis, they manifested more severe symptoms of arthritis including a significant increase in bone and cartilage destruction. Previous studies have also found that gum disease is twice as common in patients suffering from arthritis. Click here for the full article.

Mothers Can Transmit Dental Caries to their Children, Research Shows

Studies have found that cavities may be contagious. Mothers with cavities can transmit caries-producing oral bacteria to their babies when sharing food or utensils. Dental decay is a serious disease that can cause children both physical and emotional pain. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) strongly recommends that parents place both their children and their own oral hygiene as a top priority. Click here for the full article.