Less radiation better for HPV/oropharynx cancer patients?

Researchers have completed a phase II clinical trial that may help identify patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer who do not require the full radiation dose given in a standard regimen of intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Preliminary findings will be presented by lead study author Shanthi Marur, MD, an oncologist at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting on

Head/neck cancer patients with HPV fare better

Patients with metastatic or recurrent forms of head and neck cancer respond better to systemic treatments if their tumors arise in association with the human papillomavirus (HPV), according to new findings to be presented June 2 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago. To study whether the same pattern appears in patients with metastatic and recurrent forms of the disease, researchers from Fox Chase Cancer

Are blood thinners OK prior to oral surgery?

Stroke patients do not need to discontinue taking blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin prior to undergoing dental procedures, according to a new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology (Neurology, May 28, 2013). But they should discuss it with their physician or dentist prior to even minor surgery, the guideline authors emphasized. The risk of bleeding varies depending on the procedure, according to the guideline, which was developed

One alcoholic drink a day increases cancer risk

Just one alcoholic drink a day increases the chances of developing cancer, according to a presentation this week at an Irish Cancer Society conference. Drinking one standard alcoholic drink a day is linked to a 9% increase in the risk of developing breast cancer, while three to six drinks pushes the risk up to 41%, according to a story in the Irish Independent. Alcohol consumption can cause cancers of the

Video explains why toothpaste and orange juice don’t mix

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has released a video that explains why toothpaste transforms the sweet flavor of orange juice into something bitter. The animated video explains that the culprit is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), one of the main ingredients in toothpaste, the ACS noted in a press release. During toothbrushing, SLS produces the foamy suds and gives toothpaste its distinct mouth-feel. It also influences the way a person’s chemical

Smartphone app targets orthodontic patients

Mighty Brace is a new HIPAA-compliant smartphone app and educational software suite created by an orthodontist to enhance patient compliance. Mighty Brace, which debuted May 21, uses an interactive touchscreen to teach patients proper oral hygiene techniques and dietary guidelines through videos, game play, and opportunities for rewards. It also allows doctors to monitor home care remotely, the company noted in a press release. “Smart dental hygiene needs to be

AAPD responds to study on value of kids’ dental visits

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) today responded to a recent report in Pediatrics that questioned the value of preventive dental visits in reducing nonpreventive dental visits and costs. According to Paul Casamassimo, DDS, MS, the director of the AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Research and Policy Center, it is important to put the authors’ findings into context in recognition of the inherent limitations of this study. Although the authors

Which dental materials conflict with the use of MRI?

A growing body of research has demonstrated the potential for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clinical dentistry, including endodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics. But there has been little analysis of how dental materials in a patient’s mouth may affect the end result, according to a new study in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (June 2013, Vol. 42:6). “Magnetic susceptibility information is not readily available for many materials used in dentistry, especially those containing several

Bleaching plus abrasive dentifrices impacts enamel

Using 10% carbamide peroxide or 10% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents in conjunction with an abrasive dentifrice can lead to a significant increase in enamel roughness when combined with an abrasive dentifrice, according to a study in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica (May-July 2013, Vol. 71:3-4, pp. 488-497). Researchers from Ankara University, Near East University, and Drexel University examined the effects of the two bleaching agents on enamel at different times. They also

Accutron offers chairside nitrous oxide system

Accutron is now offering chair-mount kits that position the company’s Remote Flow System (RFS) mixed gas and vacuum delivery source chairside. Chairside mounting of the RFS is designed to keep surrounding workspace uncluttered, creating a safer work zone for doctors and staff, and minimizing displacement of the patient mask caused by drag or pull from long hoses, according to the company. RFS Chairmount Kits mount to patient chairs without drilling

Study quantifies global burden of untreated oral disease

Untreated caries in permanent teeth and chronic periodontitis continue to account for two of the most prevalent oral health issues in the world, particularly in developing countries, according to a study published today in the Journal of Dental Research (May 29, 2013). Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 study, which was published in Lancet in December 2012, the researchers compiled comparable estimates of the burden of

The dangers of purchasing counterfeit dental products

The last few years have witnessed a growing problem in the dental industry that has long been an issue in the consumer goods sector: the manufacturing of counterfeit, imitation products. Counterfeit goods account for 5% to 9% of all global trade, representing $450 billion, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). More than 70% of counterfeit products seized by U.S. customs come from China. Counterfeiting costs manufacturers