Drilling Down: Essential Dental Reads from MLMIC
Navigating the sheer volume of information in the dental field can feel overwhelming. How do you cut through the noise to find the insights that truly impact your daily practice? At MLMIC, we understand this challenge. That’s why we’re bringing you a hand-picked selection of vital articles, offering clear, concise summaries and direct links to the most relevant industry news and analysis. Consider this your go-to resource for staying sharp and well-informed.
Let’s take a look at our curations for the month of November.
The Link Between Added Sugars and Oral Health
A session at SmileCon 2025, presented by Teresa Marshall, Ph.D., highlighted the significant link between high intake of added sugars and detrimental effects on both oral and overall systemic health. Scientific evidence consistently shows that frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and a diet low in nutrients increase the risk of dental caries and periodontal disease, as well as chronic systemic conditions like obesity, cardiometabolic disease and cancer. The educational session provided dental professionals with chairside dietary screening and counseling strategies involving screening, assessment and the development of plans to reduce sugar intake to empower them to incorporate nutrition-focused discussions into routine patient care, thereby reinforcing systemic health messages and supporting the improvement of overall well-being.
The Importance of Workplace Culture in the Field of Dentistry
The “cultural revolution” in dentistry is a strategic shift by Dental Service Organizations and private practices to prioritize workplace culture to combat ongoing workforce shortages, as factors like appreciation and a positive work environment now heavily influence dental hygienists and assistants when choosing or leaving a job. With many employees prioritizing culture over pay and benefits, organizations like Simply Dental Management, Dental Care Alliance and Heartland Dental are launching initiatives such as improved communication, employee resource groups and wellness programs to foster a supportive, kind and team-based environment, recognizing that strong, positive culture is a critical asset for growth and success in the industry.
Engineers Transform Dental Floss into Needle-Free Vaccine
Engineers have developed a novel, needle-free vaccination method by coating dental floss with vaccine components and using it to deliver the immunization via the gingival sulcus, the naturally permeable tissue between the teeth and gums. In tests, mice flossed with an influenza vaccine showed a strong, sustained immune response across multiple organs and durable protection against a lethal flu infection, performing comparably to an intranasal vaccine. A feasibility study in human volunteers confirmed that floss picks effectively deposit a substantial portion of a dye into the gum pocket, suggesting this simple, practical technique could revolutionize vaccination by improving delivery to mucosal surfaces, offering a painless alternative to injections and potentially simplifying distribution.
The Association Between Toothbrushing Habits and Hypertension in the General Population
A study investigating the connection between oral hygiene and blood pressure in 941 participants found that consistent toothbrushing habits, particularly brushing after breakfast, were independently associated with a reduced risk of hypertension. While previous research established a link between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, this community-based study specifically focused on the timing and frequency of brushing, concluding that brushing after breakfast significantly reduced the prevalence of hypertension, suggesting that this simple routine is a key factor in cardiovascular disease prevention.
As we conclude this edition of MLMIC’s dental news, we hope these curated articles have offered valuable insights and kept you informed about the dynamic world of dentistry. Our goal remains to empower your practice by bringing you the most relevant industry research and developments.
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This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical, dental or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, medical, dental or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.
