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Oral rinse could provide early cancer screening, research suggests

An oral rinse could be used to detect cancer at an early stage, according to a new study.  The oral rinse would identify biomarkers for cancer in the oral microbiome, which could also be detected in pre-cancerous patients. Researchers analysed bacteria samples from the mouths of 98 patients, 30 of whom were known to have … Continued

Combatting dental decay in children

Emma Ryan, IDHA Kin Dental Hygienist of the Year 2022, highlights the importance of good oral health in children, and explains what the dental profession can do to help parents prioritise it. Good oral health in children is essential for overall health and quality of life. One in three children under the age of five … Continued

Just 24 hours of bad oral hygiene can lead to complications

Researchers found that just 24 to 72 hours of interrupted oral health can lead to a drop in ‘good bacteria’ in the mouth. Poor oral hygiene produces bacteria that causes gum disease and accelerates the ageing of the oral microbiome. In a new study, participants were instructed to carry out optimal oral health regimes for three weeks. … Continued

Dental Care Ireland partners with national diabetes charity

Dental Care Ireland has launched a year-long partnership with Diabetes Ireland, the national diabetes charity. Throughout the year, Dental Care Ireland staff across the country will work with Diabetes Ireland to develop a number of fundraising and awareness initiatives, including a dedicated oral health web section, oral health information talks, and a sponsored ‘brushathon’ to … Continued

Kids with siblings more scared of dentist than children without

Kids with brothers and sisters fear the dentist more than children without siblings. Researchers examined how parenting styles and family structures affected children’s dental attitudes and behaviour. ‘Preventing and intercepting dental fear and anxiety during childhood are considered as critical approaches for improving people’s oral health and dental experience,’ wrote the authors, led by Lingli … Continued

Multi-million pound price of inaction on kids’ teeth in NI

The British Dental Association (BDA) Northern Ireland (NI) is supporting calls from the NI Assembly for root and branch reform of oral health strategy. New analysis shows extractions of multiple teeth among under-18s could be costing the health service over £9 million a year. Tooth decay is the number one reason for child hospital admissions … Continued

Homeless angry and anxious about dental care

A new study shows the difficulties homeless people have coping with dental care. In a stream of open-ended interviews with homeless people in Vancouver, Canada, it was found that most believe dentistry is ‘frightening, humiliating and expensive’. The interviews also found that they believe governments are neither sympathetic to their disability nor willing to provide … Continued