You are bound to run into a plethora of “Top Ten of 2010” lists, but I can assure you, these top dental stories of 2010 are worth the read.
10. Brooke Mueller Rushed to the ICU After Her Oral Infection Spreads
Aside from being in the headlines for her well publicized divorce from Charlie Sheen, Brook Mueller’s hospitalization after her wisdom teeth extractions made blogs headline
9. Oral Bacteria Linked to Stillbirth
When the press release for this story hit my in-box, I rushed to get the information out to expectant mothers and women considering having a child. There has been a lot of discussion about how a woman’s oral health affects her pregnancy, but this story in particular really hit home for many readers.
8. Consumer Advisory Issued Regarding the Safety Of Super Poligrip ‘Original’, ‘Ultra Fresh’ and ‘Extra Care’
Denture wearers were shocked to learn that a popular brand of denture adhesive may contribute to the development of anemia, neuropathy, and other neurological symptoms that may cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs and difficulties with walking and balance.
7. FDA Recalls Teething Product
A popular teething product was recalled by the FDA in 2010 after it was found to cause cause a fast heart rate, increased body temperature, dry skin and dry mouth, skin flushing, constipation, decreased urination, agitation, disorientation, hallucinations, and dilated pupils; not exactly what parents are looking for in a product meant to ease the pain and discomfort associated with teething.
6. Warning to Parents: Do Not Use Fluoridated Water When Mixing Infant Formula
Parents that choose to use formula to feed their infants were strongly advised to stop using fluoridated water when mixing their infant formula.
5. Should You Be Concerned About BPA in Your Dental Fillings?
After throwing away all our plastic containers and switching to stainless steel and BPA free products, consumers were shocked to learn that certain dental materials may or do contain BPA.
Related: BPA in Dental Material: A Growing Concern?
4. One in Four Children in California Have Never Visited the Dentist
I couldn’t believe that 25% of the children in California have never visited the dentist especially due to the fact that California is one of the few States that required children to have a dental examination before entering kindergarten.
3. Jessica Simpson’s Toothbrush of Choice? Her Sweater…
Oh Jessica Simpson, there is never a dull moment when you are in the media. Learning that Jessica Simpson prefers to scrape the plaque off her teeth with her sweater, rather than a good old toothbrush was rather disgusting.
2. FDA Recall – Propoxyphene (Darvon and Darvocet) Taken Off the Market
I couldn’t make this post number one, because it isn’t entirely related to dentistry, but with 86 comments and counting, the FDA’s decision to pull propoxyphene off the market has obviously caused quite a stir with those that were taking the medication. Often used for chronic pain management, drugs that contain propoxyphene were also prescribed after dental surgery.
1. FDA Panel Reviewing the Safety of Amalgam Fillings
I was kinda confused when I learned that the FDA was going to meet in December to reevaluate the safety of dentistry’s most controversial filling material, especially because they had made a final ruling in the same year.
I hope every one of you has a safe new year’s eve, and I wish you all a prosperous 2011.