Dental Industry Trends Summary Jun 23-29

Can Floss be a Stress Detector?

Tufts University has developed a new dental floss that detects stress and other systemic health conditions through cortisol recognition technology. Using electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymers (eMIPs), the floss analyzes saliva to measure cortisol levels, a critical indicator linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, weakened immunity, and depression. This technology has the potential to expand to detect glucose levels for diabetes and even cancer markers, making it a powerful diagnostic tool. With nearly a quarter of Americans reporting high stress, this invention enables dentists to detect hidden diseases before they become more severe.

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How Oral Health is Impacting Parkinson’s Disease

New research reveals a possible connection between oral health and Parkinson's disease progression. Scientists analyzed saliva and stool samples from Parkinson's patients, discovering that those with cognitive decline harbored more harmful gut bacteria than those without Parkinson’s, directly linked to oral bacteria from gum disease traveling to the digestive system. Using AI analysis, researchers confirmed these gut toxins impacted cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients. While further studies are needed, this evidence reinforces how crucial oral hygiene and a balanced diet are for managing disease progression, particularly Parkinson’s.

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