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Expanding the evidence-base in oral healthcare
A current review of the evidence for using silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in managing caries reports there is a lack of controlled human data. The FDA has reached a similar conclusion and has required controlled human studies to prove SDF works to treat existing decay. Controlled studies to show an intervention prevents caries are tricky,…
Read MoreRapid changes to healthcare may be here to stay
The pandemic has profoundly changed the community’s interface with the doctor and the hospital. An American report summarizes these changes: tele-health becomes a standard way of getting medical advice — the number of American patients reporting “virtual” medical visits more than doubled, from 12% to 27%, from late March to mid-May 2020. payment reform escalates…
Read MoreEffective periodontal care with minimal aerosols
New guidelines for reducing aerosols in hygiene clinics could reduce the use of ultrasonic scaling — and thereby significantly change how the clinic works. What might be a new route to take for hygiene in this post-pandemic era which is so concerned about cross-infection? A new study reports that periodontal health can be significantly improved…
Read MoreIt’s a new world
New guidelines for hygiene procedures post-pandemic are emerging. The US CDC and the Ontario CDHO are essentially focusing on aerosol-generating procedures and addressing the possibilities for contamination between patients. The following guidance is provided by the CDC: To clean and disinfect the dental operatory after a patient without suspected or confirmed COVID-19, wait 15 minutes…
Read MoreOral healthcare’s big challenge
It is increasingly evident that chronic oral inflammation is a contributor to cognitive decline. A new in vitro study shows, for example, that an oral microorganism can invade neurons and trigger neurodegeneration. This adds fuel to the fire raging over 5 years in the following chart. So what does this new and growing knowledge about…
Read MoreReducing vulnerabilities in long-term care
Ontario has struck a commission on long-term care. The UK government did the same before the pandemic. No doubt, there will be other investigations given the terrible clustering of the pandemic in these venues. COVID-19 showed what we already knew — in the words of the Ontario government, “the system is broken”. So if you…
Read MoreOK Boomer
Some believe the pandemic has worsened ageism, an unfortunate bias against older folks. Ageism seems crystallized in the meme “OK Boomer”. The reality of this ongoing public health crisis is that it has uncovered the vulnerability and dependency of older folks. Sometimes, to the resentment of others. Does this OK Boomer attitude really matter? Particularly…
Read MoreMortality during the pandemic and oral health
Scientists are studying the COVID-19 data furiously, and are narrowing down a panel of predictors for severity and mortality from this disease. Importantly, two significant markers of mortality risk from COVID-19, are also blood-based markers for chronic oral inflammation: lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). LDH is associated with tissue breakdown in various…
Read MoreGetting comfortable again
The scare of the pandemic and new regulations on social activity have changed the public’s confidence and priorities. Look at the following level of comfort in doing things in Canada (at early May 20202). Only about 1 in 5 are comfortable in going to the gym, getting on the bus, and taking a flight. Let’s…
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