Scientists identify genetic mutation associated with cleft palate

Scientists studying birth defects in humans and purebred dogs have identified an association between cleft lip and cleft palate and a mutation in the ADAMTS20 gene. Their findings were presented at the recent American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2014 annual meeting in San Diego. Zena Wolf, University of California, Davis. “These results have potential implications for both human and animal health, by improving our understanding of what causes these

Dental eye-protection movement born from infection-control issues

More than a year ago, Jenn Morrone went to her dentist for a root canal. As she sat in the chair waiting for the routine procedure to begin, she wasn’t offered eye protection, and this would have important consequences. Morrone this summer with her eye patch. All images courtesy of Jenn Morrone. As Morrone relates on her website www.jennsvision.com and her Facebook page, her dentist went to numb her treatment.

Dental Sedation Death and Injuries: Part 1 — Perspectives

There is no official reporting or tabulation of dental sedation morbidity and mortality. The dental profession sees the occasional “horror story” in sensational media reports and is left to wonder. What are the real risks to the public welfare? Who provides oversight? What are the facts relating to these unfortunate events, and what can the dental profession learn to better protect and serve the public? Michael W. Davis, DDS. We

National Brush Day campaign urges twice-a-day brushing

As more than 80% of parents surveyed said their children will participate in a Halloween celebration this week and with cavities a major concern for parents of children, the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign is reminding dentists and the general public that November 1 is National Brush Day. The focus is to reiterate the importance of brushing for two minutes, twice a day, every day. As part of the campaign, parents

Data on NH 3rd-graders shows progress in oral health

A study released last week by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) reported a 31.7% decrease in untreated tooth decay statewide and a 32.5% decrease in children with immediate dental needs when comparing the results of the 2013-2014 Healthy Smiles–Healthy Growth Third Grade Survey with the same 2008-2009 survey. The study also found a more than 20% increase in the

Ancient skulls highlight modern risks of periodontal disease

A new study in the British Dental Journal that examined dried skulls from ancient Britain estimates that the rate of periodontal disease was considerably lower in ancient times than it is today. Periodontal disease might be the most common disease in humans. Although the severity of this disease is associated with poor oral hygiene, the study authors noted that it is now well-recognized that the majority of the population is

Creepypastas! Ready to be Scared?

Bed time stories, urban legends or ghost stories have been told for many generations; some were told to prevent a child mischievousness, teach a lesson or simple scare a child or friend. Well this “tradition” has continued, but today many stories are told in the Internet. In recent years Creepypasta have become extremely, these are ghost, urban legends, scary stories told in the internet. This post will describe 3 Creepypasta

Study: Immune-related gene may predispose to HPV-related cancer

An international coalition of cancer specialists has identified an immune-related gene called transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) that appears to play a pivotal role in determining whether a person develops HPV-related cancer. Their findings are discussed in the journal Cancer Research (October 1, 2014). About 70% of an estimated 30,000 oropharyngeal cancer cases in the U.S. annually are attributed to HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection in

Zimmer reports net sales up in Q3

Zimmer Holdings has reported the financial results for its fiscal third quarter and first nine months of 2014, with increased net sales for both periods. For the quarter (end-September 30), the company reported net sales of $1.11 billion, an increase of 2.9% over the third quarter of 2013. Net earnings for the third quarter were $165.5 million on a reported basis and $232.6 million on an adjusted basis, an increase of

Brain Boosting Foods that you Need to Eat

Have problems concentrating? offer you a few foods that have proven to boost our brains capacities. We hope these can help you or a love one. 1. Avocados All of the organs in our body need a good blood flow in order to function properly, this is especially important for the heart and the brain. A food you should include in your diet is: Avocados. Doctors and research has proven

Study: Cancer prognosis related to newly identified immune cells

A newly discovered type of immune cells in tumors is associated with less severe cancer outcomes in humans and may have therapeutic potential, according to a new study in the journal Cancer Cell (October 16, 2014). Molecules associated with these cells could be the focus of new immunotherapies that are more precisely targeted than current immunotherapies now in clinical trials, according to study lead Matthew Krummel, PhD, a professor of

Dental care linked to fewer respiratory infections in ICU patients

Vulnerable patients in hospital intensive care units (ICUs) who received enhanced oral care from a dentist were at significantly less risk for developing a lower respiratory tract infection, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, during their stay, according to a new study in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (October 2, 2014). “Bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections often start in the oral cavity,” lead study author Fernando Bellissimo-Rodrigues, MD, said in a statement. “This