Bacteria-killing virus may help prevent root canal infections

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Dental Medicine have proposed a way to turn the tables on harmful bacteria that infect humans, by infecting the bacteria with tiny viruses called bacteriophages. One such virus, cultivated from Jerusalem sewage, may help prevent infections following dental procedures, such as root canals (Applied and Environmental Microbiology, February 6, 2015). Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria. Phages play a

Bone fracture assessment tool may also identify patients at risk for periodontitis

Postmenopausal women with high scores on the Fracture Assessment Risk Tool (FRAX) may also be at a higher risk for periodontitis, according to a new study in the journal Menopause (January 2015, Vol. 22:1). The tool evaluates factors that are often also markers for periodontal disease, including smoking habits and diabetes. Because of this, researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and the Case/Cleveland Clinic Postmenopausal Health

CDC offers new educational materials on water fluoridation

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed several new posters, infocards, and an infographic that can be used to educate the public about the benefits of fluoride and community water fluoridation. Some of the images contain general information appropriate for use in public health and clinicians’ offices, as well as other settings. Others celebrate the efforts of those who work in the water industry and voters

Periodontal disease most prevalent among ethnic minorities

A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study finds that 63% of Hispanic adults in the U.S. have periodontitis (Journal of Periodontology, February 17, 2015). The study also reports that non-Hispanic African-Americans have a 59% prevalence rate of periodontitis, followed by Asian-American adults with a prevalence rate of 50%. Regarding age groups, periodontal disease is present in 68% of U.S. adults age 65 and older. Additionally, the study

Beaver teeth discovery paves way for better fluoride treatments

Beavers have harder and more acid-resistant teeth than humans because of iron in their enamel’s chemical structure, according to a new study in Science. The researchers from the Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at looked at beaver teeth enamel at the nanoscale level and discovered that iron ions surrounding nanowires, the core enamel structure of teeth, are responsible for the added protection. “We have made a

Black diamonds: The case for silver nitrate and silver fluoride

Sooner or later, most of your patients will end up with tooth decay. Brushing and flossing regularly doesn’t guarantee decay prevention any more than when you see them twice a year for checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. None of us should give up trying, but there’s no surefire way to become absolutely cavity-free. John Frachella, DMD. Patients miss a few checkups, snack on decay-causing foods, and even ignore sensations of

Bone growth study set to launch aboard the International Space Station

An 18-year-old project that evaluates bone growth in mammals will finally take flight aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astronauts on the space station will work with scientists on the ground to test a potential new therapy for accelerating bone growth in humans. NASA and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) are collaborating on the study, called Systemic NELL-1 Therapy for Spaceflight-induced Osteoporosis. The mission will

Survey finds kids’ 1st dental visit not meeting AAPD guideline

The average age of a child’s first dental visit is about 2.5 years old, according to the results of a new U.S. survey released today. The findings indicate that three-quarters of parents are not following the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommendation to take their children to the dentist by age 1. Timothy S. Martinez, DMD. “The lack of knowledge parents have, and the lack of urgency of taking

President’s Day

There are many myths today associated with Presidents, for example, that George Washington, had wooden teeth manufactured by Paul Revere, or that Abe Lincoln was an avid vampire hunter. Both of these are fiction, neither Washington had wooden teeth nor Lincoln-faced vampires. Here at , we like to clear these myths through our blogs that offer you dental tips, cultural and entertaining facts, dental procedures, dental tourism, and tips for

Registration opens for OrthoAccel webinar

Registration is now open for a new OrthoAccel Technologies webinar on February 27. The webinar, titled “Accelerate Your Practice: Enhance Efficiency With Accelerated Treatment and Digital Orthodontics,” will be available at OrthoAccelLearning.com. During the webinar, Sonia Palleck, DDS, an orthodontic specialist, will discuss the importance of using new techniques to maximize efficiency and reduce patients’ treatment time and office visits. Participants who complete the webinar and the subsequent exam will

Adults: Their Dental Concerns

Turning 40 is considered a milestone in a person’s life, by this age, many of our life goals have been reached. However, when we reached this age, diseases like diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure become a familiar topic of discussion amongst this age group. Now, age will have a much deeper effect on your health, these include your teeth and gums as much as the rest of your body. We

New research suggests possible cure for HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer

It may be possible for some patients with human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+ OPC) to be cured, even after the disease has spread to other organs, Canadian researchers reported today at the International Conference on Innovative Approaches in Head and Neck Oncology (ICHNO) in Nice, France. Such cancers are usually considered incurable, and the goal of treatment is generally limited to symptom control. Sophie Huang, MSc, an assistant professor in