Whitening may prevent biofilm buildup on restored teeth

Whitening may prevent biofilm buildup on restored teeth, according to the findings of a new study. Restorations bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide and 15% carbamide peroxide had significantly lower levels of biofilm than those left untreated. Teeth whitening is a common in-office procedure, including for patients with composite restorations. Researchers from Iran studied whether whitening affects biofilm formation and surface roughness of these materials. They published their findings in the

Study finds elite athletes have poor oral health

Oral disease is prevalent in elite athletes despite the fact that they brush their teeth more than other patients, according to the findings of a U.K. survey. Most of the athletes indicated, however, that they would be willing to change their oral hygiene behavior to improve their oral health. Almost half of the elite and professional athletes from the U.K. in the study had caries, and nearly 22% of these

Preventing medicine-related osteonecrosis takes a team

Collaboration among dental professionals and pharmacists can help prevent medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a rare condition that typically occurs following tooth extractions, according to an article published in the Pharmaceutical Journal on August 20. By working together, dentists and pharmacists can reach more patients and better educate them about the risks and complications of this painful and difficult-to-treat condition. MRONJ can develop while patients are taking medications prescribed

Can SDF reduce restoration bond strength? Yes and no

Can the application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) affect restoration bond strength? The results are mixed, according to a new systematic review published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. The findings suggest that previous SDF application may affect resin composite adhesive systems but not glass ionomer cement. Fortunately, any negative effects appear to be mitigated by rinsing SDF before restoration placement. “The present systematic review showed that the prior

Smiles for Everyone launches free implant program

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation is launching a program to provide a free implant for selected low-income, uninsured patients. The Implanting Inspiration program will offer one implant at no cost to selected patients. The patient must be able to receive the treatment during 2019. Support for the program comes from dental service organization Smile Brands, dental manufacturer Implant Direct, and dental laboratory DDS Lab. This program is expected to provide

4 applications of cinematic rendering in maxillofacial CT

A new technique known as cinematic rendering can help create photorealistic images of head CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans. Researchers assessed the potential benefits of integrating these images into the evaluation of maxillofacial anatomy and pathology in a study published in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. Clinicians are increasingly turning to 3D image reconstruction to facilitate diagnosis and treatment planning for a variety of medical conditions. In the case of maxillofacial lesions,

Restoratives Insider: Whitening may prevent biofilm buildup on restored teeth

Dear Restoratives Insider, Whitening may prevent biofilm buildup on restored teeth, according to the findings of a new study. Restorations bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide and 15% carbamide peroxide had significantly lower levels of biofilm than those left untreated. Read more in our Insider Exclusive. Also in the Restoratives Community, a recent study found that tooth-colored restorations have a 58% five-year survival rate in residents of long-term care facilities. The

ADA responds to water fluoridation study

The ADA has reinforced its support for community water fluoridation in a statement on August 19 following a controversial fluoride study. The ADA noted that community water fluoridation is safe and effective, including at the 0.7-mg/L level currently recommended by the U.S. government. The statement follows the publication of a JADA Pediatrics study that found children with greater prenatal fluoride exposure had lower IQ scores as preschoolers. “The ADA is

Eating disorders linked with poor gum conditions, quality of life

Patients diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia have significantly worse periodontal conditions and poorer oral health-related quality of life, such as physical and psychological limitations, according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology. This quantitative cross-sectional study included 60 patients admitted to the Specialized Mental Health Clinic of the Medical School of Marília in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018. Half of the patients were diagnosed with anorexia or

Orthodontist indicted on fraud, bribery charges

A well-known orthodontist in Arkansas has been charged with 15 counts of fraud and wire fraud on charges that he allegedly paid bribes to and performed free dental work for a former state senator in exchange for legislation that benefited his dental clinics. According to court documents filed on August 16 with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, Benjamin Burris, DDS, is accused of giving bribes

CDC: Vaping linked to severe lung disease

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a cluster of severe lung disease linked to electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, or vaping. Patients experienced cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue that eventually led to hospitalization. Fifteen confirmed cases and almost 100 probable cases were reported in 14 states this year between June 28 and August 15. The disease was originally thought to occur in teenagers and young

Study questions whether fluoride can lower kids’ IQ

Prenatal fluoride exposure may have neurotoxic effects, according to a study published August 19 in JAMA Pediatrics. Researchers found that children with greater prenatal fluoride exposure had lower IQ scores as preschoolers. The study included data on fluoride exposure and IQ scores from hundreds of mothers and their children in six major Canadian cities. About 40% of the participants lived in communities with a fluoridated water supply, all of which