By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Bad breath comes from the interaction between two common oral bacteria. The interaction leads to the production of a chemical compound that causes bad breath, according to researchers at Osaka University. Why is this important? Well, for a start, understanding how the two bacteria work together to cause bad breath …
The Dentist is In
Refugee health
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim There are millions of refugees worldwide. And their oral health needs beg for urgent attention, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and FDI World Dental Federation, the world’s largest grouping of dental associations. To address this, a comprehensive policy brief was launched, titled “Addressing Oral Health …
First treatment for obstructive sleep apnea
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim A treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is to be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The US FDA granted the approval to Eli Lilly and …
Habits that could be bad
By Dr. Joseph Lim There’s a dark side to healthy habits like drinking spring water, brushing after you eat, and even exercising: They could be damaging your pearly whites. Or just simply chewing on hard objects. Now, who among us is not guilty of chewing on ice? It seemed fun especially when we were all younger. …
Dental implants: A stunning growth
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim The global market for dental implants is growing. At a “stunning pace,” according to DelveInsight, a healthcare market research and business consulting company based in India and the United States. It is valued at US$5,126.5 million in 2021 — and growing. From 2022 to 2027, it is expected to reach …
Dementia and oral health
By Dr. Joseph Lim The fourth of the reviews looked at the link between oral health and dementia. The results suggest that poor oral hygiene is associated with dementia, and more so among people in advanced stages of the disease. Suboptimal oral health (gingivitis, dental caries, tooth loss, edentulousness) appears to be associated with increased …
Slowing down Alzheimer’s
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Good oral health slows down cognitive decline in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive decline is the gradual deterioration of mental faculties due to, among others, Alzheimer’s. One example among the elderly is their paying less attention to prolonged tasks and difficulty in identifying irrelevant information. A study published in …
Chewing
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Chewing efficiency affects the quality of life. This shown in a study, published by dovepress.com, conducted in a nursing home which reflects how impaired chewing impacts on the elderly. The study was led by Andreas Zenthöfer of the University of Heidelberg, Dental School, Department of Prosthodontics. The co-researchers were colleagues …
WHO guidance
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim It could send the wrong message. That’s what may happen with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that non-emergency dental visits should be postponed in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates. That is, for patients to avoid routine dental procedures to slow the spread of COVID-19. On August 3, the WHO said …
A continuing struggle
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Filipino dentists are not alone, struggling with how to re-open clinics without compromising the safety of patients, the dental staff and the dentist. I believe the struggle is worldwide as dentists try with all their best to comply with guidelines made by dental groups, such as our very own Philippine …