Childhood stress may lead to digestive issues later in life

Early life stress may lead to digestive issues later in life, driven by changes in the gut and sympathetic nervous systems, according to a new study published in the journal Gastroenterology. “Our research shows that these stressors can have a real impact on a child’s development and may influence gut issues long-term. Understanding the mechanisms … Read more

New strategy targets Porphyromonas gingivalis without harming healthy microbes

For years, treating gum disease has meant scraping away plaque, cutting out damaged tissue or turning to antibiotics that kill bacteria indiscriminately. While newer therapies can regenerate lost tissue, doctors still lack a precise way to stop the infection without harming the mouth’s healthy microbiome. New research from the University of Florida College of Dentistry offers … Read more

NIH’s continued investment fuels TMJ pain research

Chronic pain is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. Back pain is the most frequently reported type, followed closely by head and face pain linked to the jaw joint, in the form of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. While not life-threatening like cancer or infectious disease, chronic pain can dramatically diminish quality of life … Read more

New research links maternal smoking to tooth defects in kids

A systematic review uncovers links between maternal smoking and tooth defects in children, from missing teeth to enamel damage, while calling for stronger research to confirm the risks. Study: The association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and dental development in offspring: a systematic review. Image credit: HenadziPechan/Shutterstock.com A recent systematic review in the journal Evidence-Based Dentistry explored … Read more

Gum disease bacterium linked to increased risk of atrial fibrillation

Tempted to skip the floss? Your heart might thank you if you don’t. A new study from Hiroshima University (HU) finds that the gum disease bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can slip into the bloodstream and infiltrate the heart. There, it quietly drives scar tissue buildup-known as fibrosis-distorting the heart’s architecture, interfering with electrical signals, and raising … Read more

Scientists successfully grow human teeth in a lab for first time – The Irish News

Scientists have successfully grown human teeth in a lab for the first time, according to a new study. Researchers at King’s College London say the breakthrough could lead to patients regrowing lost teeth in future, offering an alternative to fillings or dental implants. The team developed a material that mimics the environment needed for tooth … Read more

Preventing IBD by Promoting Oral Health

This transcript has been edited for clarity.  Hello. I’m Dr David Johnson, professor of medicine and chief of gastroenterology at Eastern Virginia Medical School and of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.  Why is the oral microbiome important? As a gastroenterologist, why do I talk to my patients about it and recommend that you do … Read more

Tired of Late-Night Dental Paperwork? DentScribe.ai’s New Agentic AI Let’s Dentists Focus on Patients, Not Notes

SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Imagine finishing your last appointment of the day and heading straight home—no staying late for charting, and no missing precious family moments. Dr. Vinni K. Singh envisioned exactly that when she developed DentScribe, the AI-powered dental documentation and patient communication agentic system. Built by a dentist for dentists, DentScribe transforms … Read more

New dental treatment designed to combat tooth decay and acid erosion

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a new dental treatment to protect the teeth from decay and acid erosion, using cutting-edge civil engineering technology used to create the Forth Bridge paint. The new treatment, Varnish VLC, is designed to combat tooth decay and acid erosion caused by everyday habits, particularly in children. … Read more