In Dental Practices, Keep In Mind Overall Patient Health

In dental news, new research shows that there are recommendations that dentists can make to their patients to improve their overall health and changes they can make in order to avoid negative consequences.

This is just further proof that dentists, or any medical practitioners for that matter, need to be continually monitoring the latest research to make sure that they are continuing to provide the highest level of service possible. Here are some of the latest findings that can help you to take better care of your patients.

1.  Monitor Iodine Mouthwash Research

Biomedical Development Corporation is a company that is producing an iodine oral rinse with the goal of fighting gingivitis in patients, but after conducting research on its product it found another benefit.

Apparently, the mouthwash also leads to lower LDL cholesterol levels. That is bad cholesterol, which many people struggle to lower even with the help of a doctor and anyone would be happy to minimize. Imagine what a hero you can be as a dentist by simply advising a change in mouthwash that can lead to better overall help for your patients.

The research was conducted over a period of three months, and a new long-term trial is currently underway. The active ingredient in the mouthwash is based on iodine, and a large percentage of the global population is at risk of a deficiency in the important element.

Scientists have found growing evidence to support a link between gum disease and heart disease, and this could be a first step toward identifying that link. Either way, if additional trials show the same results, keep an eye out for this product that could keep your patients healthier both orally and overall.

2.   Consider Impact of Dental Anesthesia on Wisdom Teeth

Researchers have found that those children injected with local dental anesthesia while they are between two and six years old are less likely to develop lower wisdom teeth than they would be otherwise. The information is being published in April’s Journal of the American Dental Association.

It is between the ages of two and six that wisdom teeth buds start the process of developing, and this continues throughout childhood and adolescence. It has been known that not all people end up having wisdom teeth, and this could be part of the reason why.

That is not to say that it is the only factor or even necessarily the primary factor, but it does play into the equation. The most interesting byproduct of this research could be the development of a way to eliminate the possibility for the growth of wisdom teeth, which can cause complications if they become impacted.

Since a lot of dentists suggest that patients have wisdom teeth removed anyway, finding a way to reduce the likelihood of their growth in the first place could save future procedures from having to take place.