The benefits of probiotics have been widely known for the general human health. Probiotics can alter the existing flora; enhance beneficial host-microbial function, leading to prevention of inflammation or other systemic conditions. Recently, it was shown that probiotic administration that contains Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus reuteri caused decreased number of bleeding sites, plaque and gingival…
Bad breath or halitosis is one of the most common complaints patients have. In fact, about ¼ of people suffer from halitosis. Whether it is a transient or a chronic condition, halitosis usually has some underlying pathology associated with it. The main compounds that actually cause the bad odor are volatile sulphur compounds, created by…
The etiology of a cracked tooth is multivariable. We must consider several factors such as parafunction, excessive wear, trauma and any restorations present (their size and materials used). Even the proximity of the tooth to the TMJ is critical, as a closer proximity significantly increases the risk of tooth fractures. Sharp pain during biting or…
“9/10 recommend an electric tooth brush – are you the 10th?” In 2014, it was shown through a systematic review, that power/ electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes. This was measured in their efficacy in removing biofilm from the occlusal, lingual and facial/buccal surfaces of teeth. However, within the electric toothbrush category, are oscillating-rotating…
With every new patient and re-call exam, a head/ neck exam is recommended. This gives our profession a chance to detect irregularities that are usually not checked for by the patient’s regular physician. In fact, in North America, people visit their dentists more often than their physician, therefore the dental profession can act as a…
Systemic chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is an immune condition that happens after a transplant, when the immune cells of the graft attack the host’s tissues. This condition can happen after bone marrow transplants, even when the donor is related to the host. Oral manifestations of cGVHD usually occur 100 days after the transplant, and more…
Many US states and Canada have legalized the personal use and research of Cannabis. With full legalization, we have seen a surge of such use, in its variety of forms (smoking or eating). In fact, in a survey done, over one third of respondent reported using cannabis at least once by their 15th birthday. Cannabis…
An endodontically treated tooth most often has a lot of missing tooth structure. The downfalls of cast posts to replace this structure are widely known – usually showing a higher incidence of horizontal and vertical root fractures, most often warranting extraction. Replacing the lost structures of an endodontically treated tooth is most successful with pre-fabricated…
Not every shadow or stain should be drilled and filled. Seeing a radiographic shadow under a restoration can make you doubt your own skills, or judge another dentist’s – depending on if the shadow belongs to a returning or new patient. Recurrent decay is a fact of life to be accounted for, as we are…
No patient has ever wanted a root canal. For one reason or another, in the mind of the patient, it is always associated with pain during and after the procedure. In fact, one study showed patient reports of post-operative pain in almost 60% of cases. Where does the pain come from? The role of the…