Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that progressively destroys the kidneys, which leads to an increasing host of additional problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. The condition may also impair the immune system, which means that even relatively minor conditions can be a mortal risk to patients with CKD.

New research from Dr. Irundika Dias of Aston University suggests that inflammatory gum problems, such as excess plaque could be worsening cardiovascular disease in CKD patients. This happens, because bacteria from inflamed gum disease enters the bloodstream, causing clots and narrowing arteries.

Dr. Dias is currently studying whether treating periodontitis will reduce heart disease in patients with CKD.   

Seminar: “Determinants of Airway Health
During the First 2.7 Years of Life”

Presenter: Kevin L. Boyd, DDS MSc

DATE AND TIME
March 10, 2021, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (PST)

Course Director: Dr. Joseph Yousefian, DMD, MS
Location: ONLINE EVENT (webinar links will be sent prior to each event)
CE Credits: 3 CE credits will be given for each individual seminar.
  

Your average consumer has a tendency to assume that only adults need crowns, but dentists know better.

In certain circumstances, a child may experience severe tooth trauma. A strip crown may be required to maintain the integrity of the tooth. And when you make your recommendation, you may get pushback from a parent…something akin to “Isn’t the tooth going to fall out anyway?”

It is important for you as a dentist to make clear that even primary teeth need to be protected for as long as possible. A damaged tooth could cause structural problems, make chewing difficult, and impede speech. These factors could have long-ranging effects in the child’s life.

Despite the fact that temporomandibular disorders (TMD, also known popularly as TMJ) are extremely common, there is still a lot of debate about the best treatment. TMD/TMJ can be caused by a whole host things, including:

• Grinding and clenching teeth
• Trauma to the jaw (such as whiplash or a fall)
• Arthritis
• Stress
• Misaligned teeth
• Movement of the disc in the temporomandibular joint   

Do patients tell you that the muscles that open and close your jaw often feel tight or painful? Upwards of 10 million Americans are estimated to suffer from temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, (TMJD). The pain of TMJD has been known to cause lingering pain in the face, neck, and shoulders and to even trigger debilitating migraines.

While researchers are still struggling to understand exactly what causes TMJD, your dentist may be able to help relieve your pain. If your patient's TMJD is the result of misaligned teeth, the solution may be as simple as prescribing an oral device that can help shift the teeth back into alignment.

Orthodontic problems usually start when a child’s permanent teeth begin to erupt. Many emerging issues can be handled effectively by an orthodontist -- the earlier the better.

A child’s regular dentist is responsible for observing the progress of permanent dentition -- and also for making a referral to an orthodontist at the first sign of malocclusions, poor arch development, crowding, or spacing.

Even if the permanent dentition emerges smoothly, a dentist must pay particular attention to erupting molars. When the molars begin to move, they can cause new problems -- and when issues arise due to an erupting molar, a dentist needs to consider referring the patient out to an orthodontist who can address the issue immediately.

To Raise Awareness Of Airway Centered Disorder (ACD), The Foundation For Airway Health, With Partners Including Health Practitioners And Concerned Corporations, 
Have Declared October 2nd As “Global Airway Health Day.”