News United Kingdom

New research aims to stop biofilm from forming

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – Biofilms are increasingly recognised as an important issue in dental and health care, as they can cause dental plaque, sinusitis and serious infections, particularly on medical implants. Now, scientists have determined how a molecular switch regulates the formation of biofilm. The new insight could help identify a target for antibiotics and help prevent the formation of biofilm in the future.

Study links craniofacial anomalies to kidney disease

LONDON – New research has suggested that polycystin-2 (PKD 2), a protein encoded by the PKD 2 gene whose mutations have been associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), may play a critical role in craniofacial development and growth. Scientists found that people with the kidney disease also had characteristic dental and facial anomalies.

Almost three-quarters of men want their partner to undergo cosmetic dental surgery

LONDON – According to a new survey, a considerable number of British men want their partner to have cosmetic surgery to improve their looks. Almost 25 per cent said that their partner’s appearance would be enhanced by liposuction, breast enlargement or dental surgery, among others, but the majority would never reveal this to their wife or girlfriend.

Poor food choices cause dental problems in UK children

LONDON & RUGBY – A recently published survey has suggested that UK parents may put the oral health of their children at risk by giving them the wrong foods and drinks. Among other findings, the survey revealed that almost two-thirds of the children aged 12 to 18 months consumed sugary food, preserves and confectionery on a daily basis.

Regular aspirin intake may reduce oral cancer risk

BELFAST – The findings of a new study suggest that regular use of aspirin could cut head and neck cancer risk by almost a quarter. The researchers found that people who consumed aspirin on a daily or weekly basis were less likely to develop the disease, which affects about 16,000 people in the UK every year, according to the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF).

Office workers most at risk of poor oral health

THAME – Almost half of the dentists who responded to a recent survey believe that people who eat many small meals and snacks are more likely to develop dental health issues than those who eat three complete meals a day. In addition, most dental professionals believe that many patients fail to adhere to daily basic oral hygiene.