Tag Archives: Understanding

A pain in the gut: Understanding irritable bowel syndrome and its dental implications

A pain in the gut: Understanding irritable bowel syndrome and its dental implications

“And what is this new medication for?” I asked my 23-year-old patient while updating the medical history during her prophy appointment. It took a moment for her to respond before she hesitantly replied, “It’s for my irritable bowel syndrome.” Not surprisingly, many patients don’t want to discuss such personal matters while in the dental chair. My patient seemed much more …

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Dental care for patients with Down syndrome: Understanding the challenges and accommodations

Dental care for patients with Down syndrome: Understanding the challenges and accommodations

Down syndrome, characterized by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, is a prevalent genetic disorder affecting approximately one in every 700 births in the United States each year.1 Individuals with Down syndrome face physical and intellectual disabilities that present unique challenges in various aspects of health care, including dental care. Here I explore the background, statistics, health …

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Understanding the Mental-Dental Health Connection Said to Be Integral to Patient Care

Understanding the Mental-Dental Health Connection Said to Be Integral to Patient Care

iStock/Getty Images/Pheelings Media The impact of oral health conditions upon individuals experiencing psychiatric disorders is a key concern for both clinicians and public health professionals. A 2022 study by Tamanna Tiwari, M.P.H., and colleagues in Frontiers in Oral Health suggested that individuals who reported “poor mental health were more likely to be facing financial and emotional hardships and were more …

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