Dr John A Muire Periodontist

07/09/2026

03/09/2026

To keep antibiotics effective for everyone, here’s what NOT to do:

❌ Do not use antibiotics for colds, flu or sore throats. Antibiotics do not treat viruses.
❌ Do not share your antibiotics with others.
❌ Do not save leftover antibiotics for use later.

Let’s protect life-saving medicines for everyone!

02/09/2026

New research shows diabetes can silently damage more than just blood sugar control.

Diabetes and oral health are closely connected in ways that are often overlooked.

Persistent high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, and the body's ability to fight infection, making the mouth especially vulnerable. People with diabetes are at greater risk of dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, mouth ulcers, difficulty wearing dentures, changes in taste, and even tooth loss.

Recent research has also found a clear association between type 2 diabetes and severe dental decay, likely linked to elevated blood sugar levels and changes in saliva. Despite growing evidence, many people remain unaware of this two-way relationship.

Gum disease and dry mouth are among the most significant concerns. Increased sugar levels in saliva can promote harmful bacteria that trigger inflammation, leading to gum destruction, bone loss, and eventually loose or missing teeth. Reduced saliva flow further increases the risk of cavities and oral infections by limiting the mouth's natural protective defenses.

The good news is that this cycle can be broken. Good blood sugar control, regular dental check-ups, fluoride-based preventive care, and consistent oral hygiene can help protect both oral and overall health.

A healthy mouth is an important part of diabetes management.

References:
Baysan, A. Oral health and diabetes have a crucial link, expert reveals. ScienceAlert (2025)

26/08/2026

A growing body of research suggests that poor oral health may be linked to faster brain aging.

In a study published in Neurology, researchers found that gum disease and tooth loss were associated with accelerated shrinkage of the hippocampus—the memory center of the brain and one of the first regions affected in Alzheimer's disease.

The study followed 172 adults aged 55 and older for approximately four years. Participants underwent dental examinations, cognitive assessments, and brain MRI scans to track changes in the hippocampus.

Researchers found that the relationship between dental health and brain changes depended on the severity of gum disease. Among individuals with milder periodontitis, losing teeth was associated with greater hippocampal shrinkage. However, among those with severe periodontitis, retaining more teeth was linked to faster brain atrophy, possibly because chronically infected teeth can contribute to persistent inflammation.

While the study doesn’t prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting oral health may influence brain aging.

🦷 Study:
Yamaguchi S et al. Associations of Dental Health With the Progression of Hippocampal Atrophy in Community-Dwelling Individuals. Neurology, 2023.

25/08/2026

A study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that adults who brushed their teeth at least twice daily for two minutes had a significantly lower risk of major cardiovascular events than those who brushed less frequently.

Researchers believe chronic gum inflammation may allow oral bacteria and inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream, where they could contribute to cardiovascular disease. However, the study shows an association and does not prove that brushing itself prevents heart disease.

Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste remains one of the simplest and most effective habits for maintaining healthy teeth, healthy gums, and potentially supporting overall health.

📄 Source: Matsui S, et al. International Journal of Cardiology. PMID: 34979151.