Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Vaping Is More Dangerous Than You Think, Chantel Perreault, Jodi Poirier, Chantelle Vazquez, Kaelyn Gallipeau

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

It is predicted that cigarette smokers and users of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have poor periodontal health and greater levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-15 and IL-18 in their saliva, compared to nonusers. Electronic cigarettes heat the liquid within the cartridge at a level that permits the individual to inhale. The inhalation within the lungs leads to tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer. The studies included in this review revealed that e-cigarette users had a higher risk of periodontal disease, tooth loss, and bone loss. This is due to vapor leaving a residue behind on teeth, known …

The Effect Of Periodontal Therapy On Diabetic Patients, Amelia Cohen, Deidra Perreault, Riley Reardon

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease affecting the body’s ability to produce the hormone insulin. The comparison between diabetic patients who received periodontal therapy, as opposed to those who have not, is explored in this report. Factors such as clinical attachment loss, probing depths, and effectiveness of periodontal therapy are measured. Recognizing the study's limitations, we conclude that non-surgical periodontal treatment on diabetic patients with periodontitis is shown to be clinically significant.

Opioid Addiction And Its Effect On Oral Health, Nicholas Chamberlain-Nunes, Andalena Chancio, Annika Thomas

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Opioid addiction in this nation is an extremely prevalent public health crisis. The same can be said about dental caries and other oral health conditions. Research shows that opioid addiction and dental caries have a strong correlation, even former opioid addicts are more likely to have caries. The studies reviewed for this paper include an Iranian study, one on the effects of use during pregnancy, a systematic review and the inequities among various marginalized groups. It is clear there are harmful effects of opioid abuse on our oral cavity. The hope is that in the future more research will be …

Periodontal Disease And Alzheimer’S Disease, Lexis Labonte, Jaycee Cole

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

There is a direct correlation between patients with periodontal disease and negative cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. Research has proven that those who suffer from Alzheimer’s/dementia have a reduced dentition which negatively impacts masticatory function. With impaired masticatory function, it leads to poor nutrition which has a direct effect on cerebral stimulation and blood flow which worsens the effects of Alzheimer’s. The bacteria that is present during periodontitis, causes a spike in inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines invade the brain and trigger CNS inflammation which leads to cognitive decline.

Teledentistry In Dentistry, Jaycee Murray, Lauren Chestnut

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Teledentistry is an online service that is utilized in many dental offices allowing for clinicians to virtually meet with patients using interactive tools and telecommunications. This method of care has been extremely beneficial to both the patient and clinician as it continues to become popular and more developed, it increases access to care for many populations by minimizing the cost of dental treatment and providing more convenient care options. Through teledentistry, problems that impact patients' access to care such as unequal access, lack of financial resources, and lack of practice availability are eliminated, allowing for different populations to receive consultation, …

Effect Of Xylitol Versus Sugar On Caries Risk, Alyssa Birmingham, Kailey Hart, Raissa Igihozo, Amanda Osmolski

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

The effect of xylitol versus sugar on caries risk is a rising trend in caries prevention. The dominant explanation for this trend is explained by xylitol’s ability to significantly decrease caries rates in recent studies. To answer the question, in adult patients, what is the effect of xylitol versus sugar on caries risk, we compared previous studies in a literature review. The limitations of these findings include the many intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence plaque accumulation that were not considered. Further research is needed to determine if xylitol alone has caries-prevention qualities.

Pour Me Some Polyphenols, Sara Dupont, Sadie Garceau, Sydney Jones, Debra Chalmers

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Polyphenols have a positive impact on the overall health of the oral cavity. They can be found in different drinks that are plant-based such as tea, coffee or products containing cocoa. They can be found in plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols are able to reduce the cariogenic process is what makes them have such an importance in oral health. They play a role in systemic health. The studies provided evidence that polyphenols are able to reduce caries in individuals who are frequently consuming them.

Effects Of Vaping Nicotine Vs Traditional Cigarette Smoking On Periodontal Patients, Rachel Pion, Brianna Fontes, Megan Robert, Debra Chalmers

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Vaping is becoming increasingly popular as an attempt to decrease traditional smoking. Chemicals found in cigarettes are known to be harmful to the periodontium. Nicotine, found in both inhalants, is a vasoconstrictor that causes a reduction in the inflammatory response. This leads to less bleeding and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow in those that smoke cigarettes versus those that vape. Due to e-cigarettes new prevalence, additional research is required to understand its long-term effects on periodontitis.

Stopping The Progression Of Periodontal Disease With Laser Therapy, Sarah Almukhtar, Autumn Baker, Joann Moulton

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

A thorough execution of bacteria is not necessarily achieved by non-surgical periodontal instrumentation alone, so it is likely that optimal healing may not take place. Numerous studies have reported on the uses of laser therapy in conjunction with nonsurgical instrumentation. In periodontal laser therapy, the fiber optic tip is placed at the top of the periodontal pocket to remove the diseased tissue that lines the pocket. This is done with a laser specific for dental hygiene such as; neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (ND:YAG) laser. When reviewing the literature, it is evident that periodontal pocketing, inflammation, and bacteria cannot be …

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (Omt), Katelynn Perkins, Sophany Srey, Courtney E. Vannah

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by upper airway obstruction during sleep. This literature review aimed to determine if myofunctional therapy (MT) could be an effective treatment for OSA. The goal of MT is to induce changes in weak and dysfunctional upper airway muscles. The literature suggests that myofunctional therapy may reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate OSA.

Cranberry Extract’S Potential To Reduce Streptococcus Mutans, Eliza Estey, Baylee Flemming, Emma Graves, Julia Hamilton, Courtney E. Vannah

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Streptococcus mutans is the most prominent cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity due to strong adhesion properties. Reducing the leading cariogenic bacteria in dental caries is important for the longevity of natural teeth. The anti-adhesion effects from cranberry derivatives could be helpful in reducing the amount of S. mutans. This literature review aims to determine whether cranberry extract based mouth rinse is effective in reduction of the S. mutans bacterial load. Current evidence seems to indicate that cranberry derivatives in mouth rinses can effectively reduce numbers of this specific bacterium in the oral cavity. As a result, cranberry extracts …

Wash Your Hands... And Brush Your Teeth!, Michelle Desjardins, Sarah Desrochers, Emma Heyland, Joann Moulton

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

COVID-19 has become a novel pandemic increasing rapidly all over the world. Periodontal disease and COVID-19 share many of the same risk factors such as age, gender, and systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Although not many studies exist on periodontal disease (PD) and COVID-19 due to it being a new and emerging topic, many studies suggest key links between the two. Maintaining superior oral health is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent PD. Further research is needed to have concrete evidence between PD and COVID-19 due to COVID-19 being a new and emerging illness, while PD is …

Effects Of Polyphenols On Periodontitis, Scott Roberts, Noah Sawtelle, Emma Nelson, Marayah Hynes, Joann Moulton

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Pharmacological agents have been used for centuries to treat or cure diseases. Foods, herbs, and extracts can produce similar pharmacological effects, one being polyphenols. This extract in particular exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One cellular study stated the biofilm forming capacity and viability of periodontitis pathogens can be significantly altered by dietary polyphenols. Each year 2.8 million people in the United States are diagnosed with an antibiotic resistant bacterial or fungal pathogen. Due to the increasing occurrence of antibiotic resistance, importance of finding new molecules capable of expanding treatment modalities is fundamental in maintaining an acceptable standard of care.

Save The Bees, They Prevent Caries, Michaela Godzick, Jessica Meyer, Magnolia Nishan, Aleigh Toof, Debra Chalmers

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Research poster investigating the question: Does the use of natural product based dental products containing propolis provide a decreased risk of caries compared to dental products that are not natural product based? Propolis is a product that is created from bees that is commonly found in a wide variety of natural dental products. Propolis has many beneficial effects; antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. Dental caries are prominent in children worldwide. Propolis containing products were shown to be as effective in reducing plaque-biofilm as non-natural products.

Dysfunctional Oral Health, Meghan Glidden, Brynn Mckay, Taylor Paulison, Olivia O'Keefe

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

An estimated thirty million men in the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). Recent research suggests a link between periodontal disease (PD) and other systemic conditions. The purpose of this research is to answer the following research question: Is there a relationship between PD and ED in men? A 2019 study found that patients with PD were 95% more likely to be diagnosed with ED. Studies indicate that both diseases share common risk factors, and a positive correlation between radiographic alveolar bone loss and severity of ED. Additional studies showed improved IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) scores of …

Protecting The Oral Health Of Those Who Protected Us, Taylor Acheson, Jessica Daniels, Peyton Janelle, Anne Murphy, Melissa Rocha

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Research poster addressing the question: What oral health programs in long-term care facilities improve oral health outcomes? The need for effective oral hygiene programs in long-term care (LTC) veterans facilities is crucial due to the rise in the elderly population, as well as untreated caries in older adults. As a state, Maine has 15% of older adults with untreated caries, 41% with gingivitis, 14% with periodontal diseases, and 2.7% with oral and pharyngeal cancer death rates. It would serve the residents and team of caregivers well to have an interprofessional approach to the overall care of their patients. It is …

The Role Of Periodontal Disease In Lymphatic Function, Kristen Carlisle, Hanna Marie, Haley Taylor

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Research poster addressing the question: Does periodontal disease affect lymphatic function? Gingival lymphatic vessels drain interstitial fluid and transport immune cells to lymph nodes but despite this, it is unknown how the lymphatic system impacts periodontal disease in humans. In light of this, studies have been observed on animals with the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), a growth factor known to be increased in periodontal patients. VEGFC is involved in lymphatic hyperplasia and lymphangiogenesis, the proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells. This growth factor is believed to affect gingival lymphatic function in periodontitis patients. When reviewing the literature, it is …

Cariogenic Pathogens: One Less Thing To Wine About, Jordan White, Kathleen Kersey, Jessica Darcy

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Recently, studies have explored how biologically active compounds in wine benefit human teeth. Dietary polyphenols, in particular wine polyphenols, seem to balance the composition of the oral microbiota, thus leading to potentially more effective anti-carious effects on the individual. Recent research has discussed the main action mechanisms of polyphenols against oral microbial diseases and highlighted the antiadhesive capacity of caffeic and p-coumaric acids as well as grape seed and red wine extracts. It has been found that polyphenols increased their inhibition potential against S. mutans adhesion when combined with S. dentisani.¹ Other research regarding polyphenols, specifically resveratrol, discussed the anti-inflammatory …

Air Polishing: A New Look At An Old Technique, Ellen Bosland, Cristina Sevilla

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

This research poster addresses the question “What differences exist between erythritol, glycine, and sodium bicarbonate powders in air polishing?” The use of air polishers in the dental field is highly recommended; however, the ability to determine the correct powder and grit for each patient can be vital. The three types of powders have different pros and cons related to their function; though most studies show significant advantages of using air polishing in general. One study compared erythritol powder and the ultrasonic. In the results, pocket depths were decreased but there was no difference in effectiveness between the two; however, a …

When Failure Is Not An Option, Lindsey Ago, Caitlin Digirolamo, Dylan Gagner

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

This research poster addresses the question, “What treatment modalities are most effective at treating peri-implantitis (PI)?” Dental implants are one of the most innovative ways to support dental prosthetics. They can support heavy physical loads. However, infection causes inflammation and bone loss around implants. Studies indicate that there are many factors that can increase the risk for PI. These factors include: Smoking; pre-existing periodontal disease; oral hygiene, quality of prosthetic reconstruction; some systemic conditions and medications.

There are a significant amount of treatment options for PI that range from surgical, nonsurgical, antibiotics, and even lasers. While reviewing studies related to …

The Ketogenic Diet: The Effects You’D Yeast Expect, Bryce Edwards, Samantha M. Waters

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

This research poster addresses the question: How does the ketogenic diet affect the oral cavity? Ketogenic ‘keto’ diet emphasizes high fat, low carbohydrate consumption and avoids simple carbohydrate and sugars. Sugar substitutes are almost always utilized. Fat heavy diets causes the body to go into ketosis: a process in which the body burns fat for energy because glucose isn’t available. The keto diet has many positive effects for the body, including several specific to the oral cavity: Decreased caries risk, gingival inflammation, and bleeding; reduction of acidity and plaque mutans when paired with the keto approved sugar substitute: erythritol. The …

Breastfeeding: The Best Formula For The Oral Microbiome, Eliza Lopes, Alexandra Cabana

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

This research poster addresses the question “What differences are seen between formula and breastfed babies in the development of the oral microbiome?” The bacteria that make up the oral microbiome begins accumulating from birth through interactions with the environment and caregivers. When it comes to the oral cavity, bacteria such a Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli, can be transferred through saliva or feeding. Breastfeeding provides important nutritional and immunological benefits to the development of infants but it also plays a vital role in the development of the oral microbiome that may be superior to that of formula-feeding. Studies show that the …

How Sweet It Is, To Be Xylitol, Lori Robichaud

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Dental caries is a common illness in adults and is caused by the demineralization and decay of tooth structure. There are different factors that can contribute to dental caries, such as poor oral hygiene, an abundance of cariogenic bacteria, frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks, and a maintenance of low pH in the oral cavity. While the best prevention of dental caries is brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, there are other options for patients that may be helpful, such as products containing a sugar alcohol called Xylitol. With this being said, …