The Journal of the American Dental Association
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It is unknown which procedures account for the most US dental opioid prescriptions. Moreover, few national studies have assessed opioid prescribing patterns for these procedures. These knowledge gaps impede the optimal targeting of dental opioid stewardship initiatives. ⋯ Eliminating routine opioid prescribing for tooth extraction could reduce dental opioid exposure substantially.
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Tobacco product use is a significant public health concern, particularly with the increasing use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (electronic cigarettes [e-cigarettes]). Dental care providers are well positioned to screen and provide guidance regarding tobacco use, but these services are generally underused. ⋯ It is critical that dental care professionals engage in efforts to assess combustible cigarette and e-cigarette use and provide guidance regarding these products to their patients.
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Patients visiting the emergency department (ED) for nontraumatic dental conditions usually receive nondefinitive health care and are referred to treatment elsewhere. This may lead to potentially avoidable antibiotic and opioid use. ⋯ Treatment of dental conditions in the ED often indicates a lack of access to preventive or acute oral health care. Data-driven solutions, such as guideline implementation, could improve oral health access, reduce medication-related harms, and avert health care expenditures.
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The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine if Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) scores are associated with coronal caries and the odds of untreated coronal caries in adults 20 years and older. ⋯ Greater compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is associated with lower prevalence and the odds of untreated caries in adults. Dietary counseling for caries prevention by dental professionals should incorporate comprehensive dietary guidelines that are consistent with those intended for enhancing overall health and reducing the risk of developing common systemic diseases.