S. Ghazarian DDS Inc.

04/20/2026

New research reaffirms recommended fluoride levels do not negatively affect IQ
New research reaffirms that fluoride at levels recommended for community water fluoridation in the U.S. does not negatively impact IQ or cognitive function. A cohort study published April 13 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found no evidence that community water fluoridation is negatively associated with adolescent IQ or adult cognitive functioning. It is the first study in the U.S. to track childhood exposure to community water fluoridation and its potential cognitive effects in adolescence through age 80.

04/14/2026

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease could be linked to childhood oral health
Poor oral health during childhood could raise the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease later in life. Both male and female participants who had severe dental caries, high gingivitis scores and moderate- to severe-level oral disease trajectories during childhood had a greater likelihood of experiencing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

02/06/2026

Gut microbiome could predict cardiovascular disease risk

by ADA Huddles
..
Researchers may have uncovered a link between certain gut microbiota and the risk of coronary artery disease.

In a study published in mSystems, the researchers used f***l metagenomic shotgun sequencing to examine gut microbiota signatures among 42 patients with or without coronary artery disease.

The researchers identified 15 types of bacteria whose abundance or depletion was associated with coronary artery disease — including CAG-303 sp000437755, AM51-8 sp003478275, Ventrimonas sp900538475, UBA644 sp900547165, Slackia isoflavoniconvertens, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Catenibacterium sp000437715, Prevotella copri, Lachnospira eligens A and Holdemanella porci.

The findings indicated that alterations in gut-mediated inflammation and metabolic pathways could contribute to a heightened risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers hope the results of their study can lead to the development of novel therapeutics to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.

01/31/2026

Why you should add cheese to your diet

by ADA Huddles
..
Dentists revealed that one type of cheese could be especially beneficial to oral health.

Saliva naturally raises the mouth’s pH to protect against demineralizing acids from food, drinks and harmful bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of dental decay by 20%, according to a report from Parade. The dentists cited in the article explained that cheddar cheese is known to stimulate saliva production and can help remineralize tooth enamel because of the calcium and phosphorous minerals and casein protein it contains.

After consuming cheddar cheese, individuals should drink water to rinse away sugars and wait about 30 minutes after eating to brush in order to avoid brushing away weakened enamel. The dentists concluded that other foods that can strengthen enamel and promote saliva production include yogurt, nuts, leafy green vegetables and crunchy fruit like apples.

01/22/2026

Oral health may be key to longevity

by ADA Huddles
..
Oral hygiene has gained traction as a 2026 longevity practice among younger and older individuals alike.

Experts detailed that good oral health can increase both the lifespan and healthspan, according to a news article from mindbodygreen. They stressed that increasing evidence of the oral-systemic connection highlights the impact that oral dysbiosis can have on the rest of the body. For instance, certain pathogenic oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis have been linked to systemic inflammation and a variety of chronic diseases — including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, fertility, pregnancy outcomes and pancreatic cancer. Further, oral bacteria that travels to the digestive system can alter the gut microbiome.

The experts suggested that oral hygiene should be considered a personalized preventive strategy to boost longevity. Salivary diagnostics can provide information about oral dysbiosis, microbial composition, red and white blood cells, oral pH levels as well as genetic markers of the risk of oral and systemic diseases. In addition, improved referral networks and patient health information sharing may expand collaboration between dental and medical professionals for enhanced patient care.

01/20/2026

Combined oral diseases could exacerbate stroke risk

by ADA Huddles
..
An analysis may have uncovered a link between the combined systemic effects of dental caries and periodontal disease and stroke.

In a study published in Neurology Open Access, investigators used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study to examine the risk of ischemic stroke and other major adverse cardiovascular events among nearly 6,000 participants who had either periodontal disease plus dental caries, periodontal disease alone or good oral health.

The investigators found that the participants with both periodontal disease and dental caries had a higher incidence of ischemic stroke — particularly the thrombotic and cardioembolic subtypes — as well as major adverse cardiovascular events compared with those who had periodontal disease alone or good oral health.

The investigators emphasized the need to partake in regular dental care to help mitigate the risk of stroke by reducing the occurrence of oral diseases.

01/09/2026

When should patients replace their toothbrushes?

by ADA Huddles
..
Experts detailed best practices for replacing or sanitizing a toothbrush after sickness.

Some viruses or bacteria can linger on the toothbrush for several days, according to a report from Verywell Health. The experts cited in the article explained that although pathogens can reside on the toothbrush after it’s been used during a sickness, continuing to use the toothbrush doesn’t typically result in reinfection because the antibodies produced during the sickness are capable of preventing recurring infections.

However, if individuals who are sick share toothbrush holders, all of the toothbrushes involved should be replaced to avoid spreading the disease to others. Additionally, individuals who are severely immunocompromised or who have experienced a cold sore should switch out their toothbrush for a new one to minimize the risk of reinfection.

Even though the ADA indicated that the efficacy of toothbrush sanitization is understudied, some data has found that hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light could reduce bacteria on toothbrushes. Further, rinsing a toothbrush under cold running water can also help remove debris and excess toothpaste from the toothbrush after use; also, leaving the toothbrush uncovered and in an upright position can help mitigate the growth of bacteria. The experts concluded that toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months or as soon as the bristles are frayed.

12/29/2025