3M ESPE has released a new formulation of its Vanish varnish. Vanish 5% sodium fluoride white varnish contains tricalcium phosphate (TCP), which “delivers more protection to the teeth, and helps relieve sensitivity,” according to the company. The new product can “flow more than competing varnishes, meaning that it can reach more places and deliver more fluoride to the teeth,” 3M stated in a press release. Vanish includes a protective barrier
Solidscape is furthering its expansion into the dental market through a new distribution agreement with Hainan Giking Technology. Hainan will distribute Solidscape’s 3D model-making systems in China. Solidscape’s 3D systems for lost wax casting applications are designed around the needs of small and medium-sized dental labs. With its open architecture design, Solidscape’s printers can be integrated into a rapid manufacturing lab system to produce wax-ups for casting crowns, bridges, copings
New York Gov. David Paterson has vetoed a bill that would have required caries warnings on sippy cups and baby bottles, according to a story on msnbc.com. The bill would have required the following label: “Warning: Allowing your child to spend prolonged periods of time drinking liquids, other than water, from this baby bottle or sippy cup [whichever is applicable] may cause early childhood tooth decay.” Manufacturers would have to
Researchers from New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry have found the first long-term evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease in healthy individuals and those who already are cognitively impaired. The NYU study offers fresh evidence that inflammation of periodontal tissue may contribute to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease, according to the university. The findings were presented last month at
Plackers, a maker of dental flossers and other oral hygiene products, has launched a new website that features a special section for dental professionals. The section allows professionals to see product specials “and other programs to help improve their patients’ oral hygiene routines,” Plackers stated in a press release. The site also features more information for consumers, including product promotions and oral health news. Key product features are highlighted with
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plans to settle “the vast majority” of several hundred lawsuits that allege consumers suffered zinc poisoning and neurological disabilities after using GSK Super Poligrip denture adhesives. “With respect to the Poligrip product liability litigation, the Group has reached agreement in principle to settle the vast majority of cases,” the company stated on page 26 of a 36-page summary of its second-quarter financial results, released July 21. When contacted
Henry Schein will begin distributing ReDent Nova’s self-adjusting file (SAF) for root canal therapy August 3 worldwide, the company announced. The file, designed to adapt to the shapes of root canals, is “twice as effective as any rotary instrument,” according to Steven Cohen, D.D.S., M.A., Schein’s senior advisor for endodontics, a University of the Pacific adjunct professor, and author of the endodontic textbook Pathways of the Pulp. Copyright © 2010
Women who have four or more children have more than three times as many untreated dental caries as women with fewer children, further evidence that childbearing is related to oral disease, according to a study in the Journal of Dental Research (July 14, 2010). The study involved data on 2,635 U.S. women who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1988 and 1994. Untreated caries was
Hu-Friedy has expanded its line of orthodontic instruments with the new Slim Flush Cut & Hold distal end cutter. The Slim Flush Cut & Hold distal end cutter. Image courtesy of Hu-Friedy. The Slim Flush Cut & Hold distal end cutter. Image courtesy of Hu-Friedy. With a 50% thinner working end, the Slim Flush gives orthodontists greater intraoral access and visibility, the company said. Although the overall design is similar
A U.S. Senate committee on July 29 approved a provision meant to inhibit branded drug companies from delaying the introduction of generic versions of their drugs. The bill would require patent settlements between branded and generic drug companies to pass muster before a judge who would determine whether they are anticompetitive. By a 15-15 vote, the Senate Committee on Appropriations failed to strip the measure from a larger appropriations bill,
Four of the more than 1,800 U.S. veterans who were potentially exposed to infectious diseases at a St. Louis Veterans Affairs (VA) dental clinic have now tested positive for hepatitis, and lawmakers are questioning the agency’s handling of the matter. In June the VA sent letters to 1,812 patients who underwent dental procedures at the John Cochran St. Louis VA Medical Center between February 2009 and March 2010, advising them
Colgate-Palmolive has filed a lawsuit in federal court defending its right to use a “nurdle” image and the phrase “Triple Action” on its toothpaste packaging, according to a story in the Wall Street Journal. “Nurdle” refers to the ubiquitous image used on most toothpaste packaging: “a small amount of toothpaste akin to what consumers would use brushing their teeth,” according to the complaint, filed July 29 in the U.S. District