The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA), the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to seeking a cure for ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases, is sponsoring a survey to help dental professionals better understand this debilitating disease. Spondylitis is the name given to a group of chronic or long-lasting diseases that primarily affect the spine and other joints. The survey is intended for dentists and hygienists who have treated patients

Tom’s of Maine is taking an online vote to determine which five U.S. dental clinics should split $100,000 in project sponsorship funding as part of its annual Dental Health for All program. The program was created to award dental clinics that make a difference in their communities by ensuring underserved communities have access to oral healthcare, according to the company. The following 16 clinics applied for funding and were chosen

February is Pet Dental Health month, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is encouraging all dog and cat owners to regularly brush their pet’s teeth and regularly see their veterinarian for checkups. It is estimated that 80% of people brush their teeth every day, but far fewer pet owners do the same for their pets, according to the association. “Most people have no idea that dental health is so

Colgate-Palmolive reported a 27% increase in net income for its 2009 fiscal fourth quarter (end-December 31) compared to the same period of 2008, thanks in part to increased sales of its oral care products worldwide. Earnings for the quarter increased to $631 million from $497 million in the same quarter a year ago, while sales climbed to $4.08 billion from $3.66 billion year-over-year. An increase in advertising spending on its

While gum disease has long been associated with possible adverse outcomes of pregnancy, the first documented case linking pregnancy-associated gingivitis with the death of an unborn child has elevated the importance of this connection (Obstetrics & Gynecology, February 2010, Vol. 115, pp. 442-445). Lead author Yiping Han, Ph.D., an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Dental Medicine, and her colleagues have previously reported on oral bacteria causing

Defend+Plus prophy paste. Image courtesy of Mydent. Mydent International has introduced a prophy paste containing “balanced ingredients for maximum stain removal with minimal enamel loss.” The paste comes in two formulas, Defend and Defend+Plus. They are smooth, pliable, and splatter-free, and contain 1.23% active ion to strengthen tooth enamel, according to Mydent. Both formulas are available in four flavors: mint, cherry, vanilla/orange, and bubble gum. They are gluten-free to assure