Research that fluoride affects kids’ IQs may be flawed

A 2019 study that suggested fluoride negatively affects children’s IQ scores and has been cited to sabotage public water fluoridation is “unacceptable” for legal and policy purposes. The commentary was published on March 25 in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Research, including the 2019 Canadian study, published based on the Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study database, fails to offer valid fluoride and IQ measurements, which means the

Spectrum launches oral disease detection test

Saliva diagnostic company Spectrum Solutions has released the new saliva diagnostic test SimplyPerio, which measures periodontal bacteria, caries, and fungal and viral targets. It takes less than 30 seconds for patients to collect their own samples. The patented blue buffer solution located inside the collection device’s cap stabilizes saliva samples at room temperature.

This research may make filling cavities a thing of the past

Using ongoing bone regeneration research, University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry researchers are studying whether DNA nanotechnology can restore teeth, possibly reducing the need for cavities to be filled, according to university news published March 25. Preliminary studies have already shown the potential of injecting DNA gel, which is made by mixing two solutions together creating a structure that functions like scaffolding and induces minerals to restore bones, to promote

Understanding dental anesthesia: What to know about the ASMA injection

I still remember the very first day of learning dental anesthesia and injections in dental hygiene school. Do you remember that day as well? Even though it was more than 16 years ago, I vividly remember walking into the clinic that day with my white long coat and bright white clinic shoes, toting a container full of everything you would need to give the best possible injection. My assigned clinic

Dentsply’s academy offers indirect restorations courses

Dentsply Sirona (DS) is offering a new indirect restorations continuing education course series through its DS Academy. The course series aims to equip dental professionals with skills and knowledge in restorative dentistry, focusing on digital technology advancements, material selection science, and integrating new technology into practice. It consists of 11 self-paced online courses, progressing from foundational to mastery levels. To register for the course series, visit Dentsply Sirona’s website.

Elephant once owned by King of Pop recovering from dental surgery

An African elephant once owned by pop star Michael Jackson that lived at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch has successfully undergone dental surgery at his current home, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Florida, according to multiple news reports. International specialists from as far away as South Africa and India, along with 30 veterinarians and technicians, conducted the surgery on Ali’s infected right tusk. This was the third procedure on the 34-year-old

Invisalign palatal expander available in Australia, New Zealand

Align Technology’s Invisalign palatal expander system is now available in Australia and New Zealand. The system is a 3D-printed device designed to expand narrow upper jaws in patients with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition, personalized to each patient through iTero intraoral digital scans. When expanders are combined with aligners, they can offer an early intervention solution for phase I orthodontic treatment in young patients.

1st IOF-AFI orthodontic symposium to be held in the fall

The first International Orthodontics Foundation (IOF)-ADA Forsyth Institute (AFI) International Orthodontic Symposium will be held October 5-6 in Boston. The conference, themed “Orthodontic Innovation and Technology for the Practicing Orthodontists,” plans to represent a collaborative initiative to develop a global series of symposia to share the latest research and clinical evidence in orthodontics. The symposium will focus on the clinical innovation of orthodontics, including the latest technologies, new materials, and

Align Technology’s latest innovations and what they mean for dentistry

Align Technology’s recent showcase at the 2024 Chicago Midwinter Meeting unveiled a series of groundbreaking products that the company believes are set to redefine the dental care landscape. Among these innovations, the iTero Lumina intraoral scanner stands out as a game changer, according to Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, senior vice president, global clinical for Align Technology, representing a significant advancement in scanning technology. This scanner utilizes new iTero Multidirect Capture technology,

Bad mouthguard partially blamed for UFC loss

Mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey believes that a faulty mouthguard and a concussion led to her losing the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 193 headliner in 2015, according to an interview released on April 2 on Valeria Lipovetsky’s “Not Alone” podcast. Ronda Rousey. Image courtesy of Wikipedia. Rousey, who is also a U.S. professional wrestler, had a 12-0 record when she experienced the crushing head-kick knockout from Holly Holm that spelled

The U.S. is changing. Are orthodontists ready for it?

In the U.S., the generational makeup is changing, and orthodontists need to shift as well seize practice expansion opportunities, according to the 2024 American Association of Orthodontists’ (AAO) Environmental and Technology Scan. Also, focusing on how relevant generations make informed decisions about healthcare and how they feel about the economy are key to managing growth strategies, according to the report. To better understand changes, U.S. Census Bureau data, past AAO

This therapy make take the ouch out of burning mouth syndrome

Low-level laser therapy, which uses special lights to stimulate cell function, may offer immediate pain relief from burning mouth syndrome, according to a press release recently released from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Although there was a small rise in average pain scores in the week following the last treatment, it remained significantly lower than the initial scores, according to the study conducted by university researchers. Characterized by persistent intraoral burning or abnormal sensations