By Dr. Joseph D. Lim People with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) are more likely to have issues with oral health. That is, those with kidney failure or liver scarring have worse dental health, with a greater number of filled or missing teeth, compared to those without the genetic disorder, according to a study published in …
The Dentist is In
Paradigm shift
By Dr. Joseph Lim Dr. Shristy Sharma is a public health dentist at the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciencesin New Delhi, India. A public health dentist is a dental professional, a specialist whose expertise is on population-based dentistry instead of on treating an individual patient one at a time. They usually have a Doctorate of …
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 …
Tongue scraping
By Dr. Joseph Lim Brushing or scraping the tongue helps rid bacteria in the mouth. As in many things in life, there is a downside to the beneficial effects of tongue scraping. And it has something to do with bacteria in the oral microbiome. The microbiome is a “community” of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, benign …
Simple mouth wash may detect signs of heart disease
By Dr. Joseph Lim A small amount of saliva sample may provide the crucial indicators of cardiovascular disease. A simple mouth rinse could do the trick. “The mouth rinse test could be used at your annual checkup at the family doctor or the dentist,” said Dr. Michael Glogauer of the University of Toronto, co-author of …
No Sugar Day
itstBy Dr. Joseph D. Lim Earlier this year, the Indian Dental Association (IDA) and the World Dental Federation (FDI) held joint workshops to improve oral health by tackling the sugar and tobacco epidemics. The outcome of the workshops was the development of the Mumbai Declaration on Sugary Drinks and Healthy Food, which was supported by …
Don’t kiss your child on the lips
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Joyce Kahng is a mother whose videos on TikTok went viral. Her message: Under no circumstances should you kiss a child on the lips. The most viral of the video series had over 2.4 million views. Joyce Kahng is also a 35-year-old cosmetic and restorative dentist who owns the Orange …
On the right track
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Malaysia is on the right track to end tobacco smoking, especially for those who might start on the habit. There are plans to prohibit children born from January 1, 2007 onwards to smoke tobacco and cigarettes. Ever. And they may not even buy or possess any type of tobacco and …
May: ‘Save Your Tooth’ month
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim May is Save Your Tooth Month, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has declared. In America, the AAE will showcase the benefits of getting a root canal treatment from a specialist. The AAE, based in Chicago, represents more than 8,000 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of 12 dental specialties formally recognized …
The silent danger of deep gum disease
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim At one time or another, we have experienced gum disease. It’s a condition which, according to the Department of Health’s Dental Health Program, affects nearly eight in 10 or 78 percent of Filipinos. Gum disease happens when dental plaque is not removed regularly. The plaque — a thin film on …