Researchers examine ancient diets using dental plaque

Reno, Nev., USA: By investigating dental plaque from skeletons buried in a Spanish cathedral, researchers from the USA have found a new way to gain information about the diet of ancient peoples. Their method could be a useful alternative to common research methods of this kind, usually conducted on bone, hair, muscle or nails.

May 15, 2012 | USA

Sports and energy drinks found to erode tooth enamel

CHICAGO, Ill., USA: Tests on tooth enamel samples have shown that the consumption of sports and energy drinks may result in considerable enamel weight loss within a few days. In a recently published study, researchers have warned that acidic levels in these popular beverages vary significantly between brands and between different flavors of the same brand.

May 15, 2012 | USA

Composite is said to kill bacteria, remineralize tooth structure

Baltimore, Md., USA: Scientists using nanotechology at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry have created what they call the first cavity-filling composite that kills harmful bacteria and regenerates tooth structure lost to bacterial decay. Rather than just limiting decay with conventional fillings, the new composite is a revolutionary dental weapon to control harmful bacteria, says professor Huakun (Hockin) Xu, PhD, MS.

May 14, 2012 | USA

Oral bacteria resposible for artificial joint failure

CLEVELAND, Ohio, USA: Study results have suggested that periodontal bacteria can migrate from the mouth to the synovial cavity, which might be the reason for the failure of artificial joints. In recent DNA tests, researchers detected the same bacterial DNA in synovial fluid and dental plaque in 14 percent of patients with arthritis and periodontitis.

May 10, 2012 | USA

A new smile takes flight

NEW YORK, NY, USA: Tyler covered his mouth when he smiled, barely spoke and refrained from eating in public whenever possible. Although he was in desperate need of dental treatment, he had not seen a dentist in many years. Unable to work, his mother is on dialysis several times a week and his father, a veteran, suffers from a brain injury incurred during his time in the service.

May 9, 2012 | USA

Novel portable probe detects early oral cancer

AUSTIN, Texas, USA: In order to reduce the time taken to diagnose oral cancer, researchers have developed the first prototype of a handheld detection device capable of fast imaging with a large field of view. They said that this miniature confocal probe could be used by dentists to screen for early-stage cancer cells in the future.

May 8, 2012 | USA

High fluoride levels in African groundwater put oral health at risk

DURHAM, N.C., USA: Researchers have suggested that the dental health of about 8 million people living in the Main Ethiopian Rift is jeopardized by high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in their groundwater. Their studies revealed a 100 percent prevalence of dental fluorosis in the teeth of the local residents. Furthermore, they found that additional milk intake may reduce the severity of this disease.

May 7, 2012 | USA

CDA holds spring meeting in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif., USA: The California Dental Association held its spring meeting, CDA Presents the Art and Science of Dentistry, May 3-5 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Educational offerings included hands-on workshops, lectures and presentations offered right on the exhibit hall floor. Approximately 600 companies showcased the latest products and services.

May 3, 2012 | USA

Interfaith Medical Center honors periodontist

BROOKLYN, N.Y., USA: At a dental presentation at Interfaith Hospital, Dr. Charles Grannum, DMD, director of the Department of Dentistry, and Dr. Ingrid Dowrich, DDS, chair, presented Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, a periodontist and dental implant specialist of Queens, N.Y., with a Leadership in Dental Education Award. At the end of the presentation on periodontal treatment, Grannum came to the floor and surprised Fialkoff with the plaque.

May 2, 2012 | USA

204 million Americans now have fluoridated water

NEW YORK, NY, USA: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that that 73.9 percent of Americans who get their water from municipal systems now benefit from optimal fluoridation, bringing the number of Americans receiving optimally fluoridated water to an all-time high of 204 million people. In a press release, the American Dental Association (ADA) welcomed the news.

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