In brief: FDA restricts Juul from selling products; potential lidocaine shortage
FDA denies authorization to market Juul products
Late last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) to Juul Labs for all their vaping devices and related products, including the Juul device and four types of Juul pods. As a result, the company must stop selling and distributing these products, and those currently on the US market must be removed.
According to the FDA’s press release, these MDOs concern only commercial distribution, importation, and retail sales of these products, and not individual consumer possession or use: “The FDA cannot and will not enforce against individual consumer possession or use of Juul products or any other tobacco products.”
Lockdown lidocaine shortage
A disruption in supply chain due to China's COVID-19 lockdown could lead to US dental providers needing to conserve their supply and possibly delay, or cancel, dental procedures. Hospital administrators in North Carolina told wral.com that the shortage may not be resolved until next year but that so far, they've been managing.
What the teeth told
Where did the Black Death begin? Based on analysis of preserved tooth pulp from people buried in the 14th century, a group of researchers reports that it began in 1338 or 1339. Central to that quite specific determination is “plague DNA” the researchers found in the teeth of three individuals whose tombstones (in what is now Kyrgyzstan) said had they died of “pestilence."
Bruxism continues to increase
Dental professionals have noted an increase in bruxism and other stress-related conditions in patients over the pandemic. The Washington Post reports the issue continues to plague many, citing a 69% increase, with causes ranging from stress to OSA. It offers patients different treatment options to consider, including wearing a mouthguard, pursuing relaxing activities, and getting physical therapy.
Wellness resources for new dentists
The last few years have not been easy, particularly for those new to the profession. The ADA has compiled a list of wellness resources to help make work and life easier for new—and also not-so-new—dental professionals. The resources include a mental health toolkit, access to webinars, and more.
