Dutch scientists claim breakthrough in plaque research

Dutch researchers say they have deciphered the structure and functional mechanism of the glucansucrase enzyme that is responsible for dental plaque sticking to teeth, according to a new study published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (November 30, 2010). This knowledge could stimulate the identification of substances that inhibit the enzyme. Bauke Dijkstra and Lubbert Dijkhuizen of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands analyzed glucansucrase

Survey: Oral health a priority in perception, not practice

Americans place a high value on the importance of oral health, yet there is room for improvement when it comes to practicing proper oral hygiene at home, according to a nationwide survey by Philips Sonicare. The findings suggest that consumers have good intentions toward taking care of their oral health but need more education and motivation to follow through with standards of care. When meeting someone new, a person’s smile

Zimmer offers minimally invasive sinus lift kits

Zimmer Dental has released the Sinus Crestal Approach Kit and Sinus Lateral Approach Kit for minimally invasive and streamlined sinus lift procedures, the company announced. The Sinus Lateral Approach Kit enables access to the sinus via opening the lateral wall. The result is minimal flap size and a smaller window than conventional techniques, the company noted. The kit’s reamers can be used with a standard surgical motor handpiece (2,000 rpm)

Demand for hygienists expected to grow

“Dental hygienist” was named as one of the best career choices in the U.S. for 2011, according to a story in U.S. News and World Report. The position was named on a list of 20 industries that are bouncing back, the story said, and dental hygienist represents a growing field with plenty of opportunity. In 2008, hygienists held 174,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Labor Department. By 2018 that number

J. Morita updates handpiece maintenance system

J. Morita has added increased power and a standard five-hole connection option to its Lubrina automatic handpiece maintenance system, the company announced. Lubrina cleans and purges handpieces and various other equipment via a rapid air blow system. The air flow speed has been increased, resulting in more power, according to the company. Lubrina also offers a long blow-out mode to help ensure proper maintenance and maximize service life. Lubrina is

British baby born with 2 incisors

Breast-feeding can be uncomfortable at the best of times, but one mother who found it particularly painful was amazed to discover her new baby had two lower incisors already erupted, according to a story in the Daily Mail. Patricia Caulfield, 25, of Liverpool, U.K., said she noticed her daughter had two tiny pearly whites the day after she was born. Two weeks later, she had grown two molars as well,

Lawyers in denture cream lawsuit seek delay

Attorneys have requested a delay in a consolidated lawsuit filed against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Procter & Gamble that alleges the zinc in these denture adhesives can cause numerous health problems and that the manufacturers failed to properly warn consumers about these risks, according to a story on aboutlawsuits.com. The request, which was made December 1, asks the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to extend the deadline

DentalEZ unveils RAMVAC Badger at GNY show

The DentalEZ Group released its latest utility room offering at the recent Greater New York (GNY) annual dental meeting in New York City, the company announced. The new RAMVAC Badger is a lube-free, waterless alternative to wet ring or aging dry vacuum systems. It is a dry vacuum unit designed to replace most traditional water ring pumps. Intended for up to three users, the Badger is lightweight, flexible, and compact

Diode laser inhibits dentin demineralization

Diode-laser energy appears to inhibit root dentin demineralization without causing harmful thermal effects, according to a new study in Lasers in Medical Science (November 20, 2010). Researchers from Federal University of Ceará in Brazil evaluated the effects of a low-intensity diode laser (808 nm) on dentinal chemical composition and prevention of demineralization. They also monitored intrapulpal temperature changes during the course of irradiation. Forty dentin specimens were randomly allocated into

Prolonged preop antibiotic regime enhances BRONJ outcomes

Combining surgery with long-term preoperative antibiotic therapy yields the best treatment outcomes in patients suffering from bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), according to a new study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (November 29, 2010). Researchers from Rurh-University Bochum in Germany evaluated the role of the duration of preoperative antibiotic therapy within an otherwise standardized treatment protocol of patients with BRONJ stages I and II. They used

New toothbrushes designed to make brushing fun

Ashtel Dental will begin marketing Brush Buddies, a new toothbrush line featuring five whimsical characters, in January 2011, the company announced. The Brush Buddies family features a dog, a cat, a cow, a pig, and a monkey. Each Brush Buddies character talks along with a playful melody that, when activated, plays for the recommended brush time of two minutes. Brush Buddies aim to educate kids on healthy brushing habits in

Erbium laser enhances endodontic outcomes

Using erbium-laser energy in wet canals in conjunction with EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) irrigation during root canal surgery yields cleaner root canal walls and more open tubules, according to a new study in Lasers in Medical Science (December 1, 2010). Researchers from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health conducted an in vitro analysis of the debriding ability of an Er:YAG laser system equipped with a newly designed radial and