Jawbreakers wreak havoc on kids’ teeth

Understanding the erosive potential of jawbreakers and other sour hard candies can help hygienists better explain to pediatric patients the negative effects these popular treats can have on their teeth, according to a study in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene (March 19, 2010). Researchers from the University of Amsterdam examined the consumption patterns of jawbreakers by primary school children to determine the erosive potential of this type of candy

Pit-and-fissure discoloration helps diagnose caries

Digital images of pit-and-fissure discoloration can aid in the diagnosis of occlusal caries, according to researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (International Journal of Dentistry, March 7, 2010). They examined 100 teeth (36 premolars and 64 molars) with pit-and-fissure discoloration from 19 patients to obtain the fractal dimension (FD) and the proportion of the area of pit-and-fissure discoloration to the area of occlusal surface (PA). The occlusal surface of

$50K smile makeover contest announced

Doctors Improving Healthcare — an online resource for patients who want to find physicians and dentists in the San Francisco Bay Area — is launching a $50,000 smile makeover contest in the U.S. to help those who cannot afford costly dental work. To enter the contest, candidates need to visit DoctorsImprovingHealthcare.org, fill out a form, and write about their dental condition and how a smile makeover could change their life.

Chlorhexidine improves gingival health in orthodontic patients

Chlorhexidine varnish can reduce the presence of oral bacteria and related gingival inflammation and enamel decalcification in orthodontic patients, according to a study in the Orthodontic CYBERjournal (March 2010). Researchers from Al-Tahadi University conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of chlorhexidine-1% thymol varnish (Cervitec) on the gingival status and Streptococcus mutans count in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. “Orthodontic appliances often modify the oral environment as

Colgate launches ‘professional grade’ toothpastes

Colgate-Palmolive has introduced Colgate ProClinical, a new line of “professionally inspired” daily toothpaste formulated with clinically proven technologies, according to the company. The ProClinical line includes three variants: Daily Whitening, for removing surface stains; Daily Cleaning, for polishing teeth; and Daily Renewal for Enamel, for fortifying enamel. ProClinical Daily Whitening contains clinically proven whitening technology, according to Colgate. The ProLuminex crystals whiten teeth by removing surface stains, while tartar-fighting ingredients

New OSAP website features infection-control information

The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has launched a new website that gives dental professionals access to up-to-the-minute research-based information on infection control and safety in dentistry. The site features charts, checklists, training tools, continuing education programs, news summaries, and more. The website is updated on at least a daily basis, but when pandemics, natural disasters, or other breaking developments that impact infection control occur, the site is

The dos and don’ts of effective shade matching

Using daylight for shade matching may not always be the best option. Getting a second opinion from a young, female dental assistant may help you achieve a perfectly matched crown. And as for that blue card you use for eye relaxation, it may be time to rethink it. These are a few of the tips from Thomas Ziemiecki, D.D.S., an associate professor of prosthodontics at the University of North Carolina

Performance Healthcare launches antimicrobial scrubs

Performance Healthcare Products has launched a line of “high-performance” scrubs for the dental, medical, and veterinary industries. The product was developed with input from professional nurses, resulting in a scrub that combines comfort and function into a fashionable and durable garment, the company said. Performance Scrubs utilize a proprietary material developed by Milliken & Company, one of the largest privately held textile and chemical manufacturers, according to the company. VisaEndurance,

Milestone Scientific gears up to launch products in China

Milestone Scientific is moving forward with several new business opportunities designed to establish its product line in China, the company announced. Specifically, Milestone is currently working in concert with its Chinese distribution partner, China National Medicines (doing business as Sinopharm) to move the company’s STA injection control system through the required regulatory review process for China’s State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). Upon receiving SFDA clearance — which Sinopharm expects

Jaw bone plays key role in appearance over time

It may take more than a skin-tightening facelift to restore a youthful look. Significant changes in facial bones — particularly the jaw bone — occur as people get older and contribute to an aging appearance. Understanding this offers new insight into procedures that may successfully restore a youthful appearance, said Howard Langstein, M.D., a professor and the chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Study finds dental bib chain contamination

Dental bib chains and clips harbor possibly dangerous pathogens, according to a study conducted at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. UNC researchers in the school’s oral microbiology lab sampled 50 bib clips from hygiene and dental operatories, and found that 20% of the clips showed a measurable presence of staphylococci, streptococci, pseudomonas, and the enteric bacteria E. coli. Microorganisms found on the bib

How effective are self-adhesive composites?

For decades, dental adhesive companies have been squeezing more and more chemistry into fewer and fewer bottles. Now they’re down to no bottles at all. That’s right: You can apply etchant, primer, adhesive, and restoration all in one step. So say the makers of two products launched in the past year. And if they’re right, this could be the beginning of big changes for the way dentists fix teeth. But