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The temporomandibular joint is a unique joint that can become damaged or dysfunctional as the result of many physiologic problems, including estrogen and vitamin deficiencies. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can result in systemic symptoms that often appear unrelated, such as tinnitus, headaches, and motion sickness. The case study presented in this course shows how important the proper function of the temporomandibular joint is to quality of life. By paying close attention to our patients' chief complaints, we can aid in the timely diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine vaporizers and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) continue to be a popular trend in the adult and adolescent population. Besides causing harm to a person's lungs, vaping can have negative effects on the oral cavity, such as stomatitis and ulcerations in the mouth. Tobacco-containing products have been associated with both immediate and long-term adverse oral and systemic effects.1 Dental professionals may feel uncomfortable discussing the ill effects of vaping due to a lack of knowledge regarding the different types of products. Collaboration between medical and dental professionals will assist in providing a consistent and valuable educational message. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nicotine vaporizers (vaping) and e-cigarettes or is one of the newest trends in the adult population. Besides causing harm to the lungs, vaping can have adverse effects on the oral cavity. Despite its negative consequences, the use of these devices is on the rise. Many health care practices are noting an increase in the practice of vaping; however, some professionals may not feel comfortable broaching the subject of its negative effects with their patients. Understanding this issue and having the ability to discuss these issues with patients and their medical care professionals will assist in better health practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the signs and symptoms of achondroplasia which is a genetic disorder referred to as dwarfism. Topics include the physical conditions associated with achondroplasia, the daily limitations of per-sons with achondroplasia, and the oral complications and manifestations of patients with achondroplasia.

The article reports on the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana and cannabis in the U.S. Also cited are the increasing number of states that decriminalize and legalize marijuana, the economic and legal effects of marijuana legalization like job creation, as well as the effects of marijuana use in adolescence.

More than 120 syndromes are associated with oligodontia, including ectodermal dysplasia. The signs and symptoms of ectodermal dysplasia include sparse hair; dry skin; few, malformed teeth; defi cient sweat glands and dystrophic fi ngernails. Ectodermal dysplasia is most commonly the hypohidrotic X-linked version, affecting 80% of sufferers and the syndrome is carried by females. Knowing the signs and symptoms of ectodermal dysplasia may assist dentists and dental hygienists in identifying patients with the disease and possibly potential carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the prevalence of child deaths due to dental anesthesia in the U.S. It discusses the occurrence of toxicity of local anesthetics. It indicates the adverse effects of dental anesthesia, including blood pressure elevation and respiratory failure. It presents several cases of children who died from the side effects of dental anesthesia. In addition, this article offers ways for preventing or reducing the chance of death due to dental anesthesia.

The article discusses crucial role of ethics in dental hygiene education, and the ethical responsibilities of students such as reporting clinical findings to the patient and providing accurate assessment of their dental condition. It highlights that ethical issues related to patients, documentation practices and record keeping should be addressed to the students at program level. The core values of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Code of Ethics are also highlighted.

The article offers suggestions to school nurses for day-to-day management of a dental related emergency taking place at schools, mainly playground injuries. Few suggestions include, keeping the child calm, having students rinse with warm salt water and to have an oral health first-aid kit readily available. Treatment for canker sores, and management of avulsed teeth and injuries in children with braces or other orthodontic appliances is also included.

The article offers news briefs related to dental practice and practitioners. Founding director of dental hygiene at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (OUCODOO) Sharon Barton died on March 16, 2010, in Frisco, Texas. Adult patients received free preventive oral health services in an event held at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC)'s Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including an article about the television program "Saved By the Bell," an article about books for homeless people by Peter Resnik, and an article about John Roach, a man who has reflex sympathetic dystrophy.