Haven’t had the chance to catch up on what’s been going on in the dental industry? In this week’s Dental Industry Summary, we cover the link between insomnia and TMD, pediatric enamel biomarkers, and more.
Salivary Biomarkers May Predict Enamel Defects in Kids
A recent study in the Journal of Dentistry suggests that changes in saliva biochemistry could serve as early indicators for enamel development issues like hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM) and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Researchers found that children with these conditions exhibited distinct salivary profiles—specifically, higher calcium levels in MIH patients and lower protein concentrations in HSPM patients—compared to healthy controls. Additionally, the study noted a correlation between these defects and a history of prolonged labor or high fever during the first year of life, pointing toward a potential non-invasive screening method for early diagnosis and preventive care.
A new study published in BMC Oral Health reveals a significant connection between sleep quality and jaw health, finding that patients with clinically diagnosed insomnia are 36% more likely to develop temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Analyzing long-term data from over 350,000 adults, researchers found that the incidence of TMD was consistently higher in those suffering from sleeplessness compared to the general population. The authors conclude that dental professionals should consider incorporating sleep evaluations into their routine exams, as identifying and treating insomnia could be a critical factor in preventing or managing TMD.
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