In their senior year, UNE dental hygiene students take a leadership course, during which they learn various ways to hone their skills as leaders in the profession of dental hygiene. One of the ways they do this is through dissemination of information to the broader community. Each fall, seniors conduct research, then display their research in a poster session open to all members of the dental community. Many elect to submit their poster for consideration in the annual Yankee Dental Congress Student Poster Session where, if chosen as a finalist, students then compete at the convention in Boston in January.
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Beyond Clean Teeth: Dental Hygiene’s Role In HPV Prevention And Advocacy
Olivia Shallow, Gisele Tay, and Elizabeth Turnbull
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection linked to oropharyngeal and cervical cancers, particularly through HPV16. While the HPV vaccine has proven effective in reducing cancer and genital warts, its uptake remains limited due to low public and professional awareness. Dental hygienists, with their focus on preventive care, can play a key role in promoting HPV vaccination. This literature review explores how increased HPV education for hygienists... Read More
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Consequences: Energy Drinks And Oral Health
Janelle Tweedie and Macie Fletcher
Poster covers the topic of adolescents and young adults drinking energy drinks, a now popular drink. A few things that are found in energy drinks that affect the oral cavity include caffeine, sugars, and acids. With these factors, it was proven that acid erosion and dental caries can be linked to drinking these dangerous drinks, and how harmful it is to this young population.
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Growing Through Adversity: Cultivating Oral Health After Childhood Cancer Care
Alissa Lawson and Becca Dauteuil
Childhood cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are essential but have significant side effects on growth, development, and oral health. These therapies can disrupt cell division, damage growing tissues, and cause complications like delayed tooth eruption, soft tissue abnormalities, and saliva production changes. Despite these risks, there is a lack of comprehensive research and standardized protocols for managing oral health in survivors. Studies reviewed for this paper were... Read More
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The Periodontal Puzzle: Piecing Together The Lupus Connection With Oral Health
Paige Carpenter, Carrie Grace, and Tasia Halliday
The connection of periodontal disease and systemic erythematous lupus connects a multitude of inflammation symptoms. The body is plagued with consistent states of inflammation due to the autoimmune defense against the body's healthy tissues. This coincides with the inflammatory response produced by periodontal diseases. Studies indicate a strong correlation between the presence of periodontal disease in individuals suffering from SLE. Those with lupus are more likely to also have... Read More
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Effect Of Xylitol Versus Sugar On Caries Risk
Alyssa Birmingham, Kailey Hart, Raissa Igihozo, and Amanda Osmolski
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... Read More
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Opioid Addiction And Its Effect On Oral Health
Nicholas Chamberlain-Nunes, Andalena Chancio, and Annika Thomas
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... Read More
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Periodontal Disease And Alzheimer’s Disease
Lexis Labonte and Jaycee Cole
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... Read More
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Teledentistry In Dentistry
Jaycee Murray and Lauren Chestnut
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.... Read More
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The Effect Of Periodontal Therapy On Diabetic Patients
Amelia Cohen, Deidra Perreault, and Riley Reardon
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... Read More
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Vaping Is More Dangerous Than You Think
Chantel Perreault, Jodi Poirier, Chantelle Vazquez, and Kaelyn Gallipeau
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... Read More
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Cranberry Extract’s Potential To Reduce Streptococcus Mutans
Eliza Estey, Baylee Flemming, Emma Graves, Julia Hamilton, and Courtney E. Vannah
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... Read More
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Effects Of Polyphenols On Periodontitis
Scott Roberts, Noah Sawtelle, Emma Nelson, Marayah Hynes, and Joann Moulton
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... Read More
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Effects Of Vaping Nicotine Vs Traditional Cigarette Smoking On Periodontal Patients
Rachel Pion, Brianna Fontes, Megan Robert, and Debra Chalmers
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... Read More
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Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)
Katelynn Perkins, Sophany Srey, and Courtney E. Vannah
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.
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Pour Me Some Polyphenols
Sara Dupont, Sadie Garceau, Sydney Jones, and Debra Chalmers
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... Read More
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Save the Bees, They Prevent Caries
Michaela Godzick, Jessica Meyer, Magnolia Nishan, Aleigh Toof, and Debra Chalmers
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... Read More
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Stopping The Progression Of Periodontal Disease With Laser Therapy
Sarah Almukhtar, Autumn Baker, and Joann Moulton
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... Read More
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Wash Your Hands... And Brush Your Teeth!
Michelle Desjardins, Sarah Desrochers, Emma Heyland, and Joann Moulton
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... Read More
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Dysfunctional Oral Health
Meghan Glidden, Brynn McKay, Taylor Paulison, and Olivia O'Keefe
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... Read More
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Protecting The Oral Health Of Those Who Protected Us
Taylor Acheson, Jessica Daniels, Peyton Janelle, Anne Murphy, and Melissa Rocha
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%... Read More
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The Role Of Periodontal Disease In Lymphatic Function
Kristen Carlisle, Hanna Marie, and Haley Taylor
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... Read More
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Air Polishing: A New Look At An Old Technique
Ellen Bosland and Cristina Sevilla
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... Read More
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Breastfeeding: The Best Formula For The Oral Microbiome
Eliza Lopes and Alexandra Cabana
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... Read More
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Cariogenic Pathogens: One Less Thing To WINE About
Jordan White, Kathleen Kersey, and Jessica Darcy
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... Read More
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How Sweet It Is, To Be Xylitol
Lori Robichaud
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... Read More