Dental Industry Trends Summary Apr 28 - May 4

Why Your Patients’ Gums are Receding

Receding gums are a common issue, but they aren't always caused by gum disease as patients may assume. Oftentimes receding gums can stem from excessive brushing or toothbrushes with extra firm bristles which can be hard on the gums. Beyond brushing habits, patients should also be wary of the impact of fixed retainers, which “cause the roots to drift outside the natural bone housing of the jaw”, resulting in the gums receding. Fortunately, there are various solutions to these issues, such as free gingival grafts, a procedure which reduces any soft tissue pain when patients brush their teeth. By addressing these often-overlooked causes, dentists can help patients maintain their healthy gums and prevent further damage.

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Oral Health: The Key to Early Autism Detection?

Research suggests that oral microbiota could be the key to early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children. The University of Hong Kong conducted a study comparing oral bacteria from neurotypical children and those with ASD, identifying 11 distinct bacterial species that serve as potential biomarkers. Of these 11 species, six were predominantly associated with ASD, while five were more common in neurotypical children. Leveraging this discovery, researchers developed a predictive model capable of detecting autism with 81% accuracy through oral samples. In the future, this detection method could complement behavioral assessments and potentially be implemented into regular dental checkups.

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