ACS awards $1.7M to study racial disparities in HNC patients

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has awarded a $1.7 million grant to Philadelphia researchers to investigate factors that may contribute to the racial disparities seen among those diagnosed and treated for head and neck cancers (HNC) — specifically head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). While head and neck cancers account for only 3% of all cancers in the U.S., a disproportionately high number of African Americans are affected. Recent

Study: Squid sucker teeth could aid reconstructive surgery

Squid tentacles are loaded with hundreds of suction cups, or suckers, that help the animal catch its prey. Each sucker, in turn, has a ring of razor-sharp “teeth,” called sucker ring teeth (SRT), that are made up entirely of proteins. Teeth on squid suckers are inspiring new materials for a wide range of applications from surgery to packaging. Above is a jumbo (Humboldt) squid with sucker ring teeth illustrated. Image

Colors, Flavors, Benefits in Toothpaste

Going to the market can be a big challenge; there are so many brands on the shelves and so many needs that you can have. Once in the market you will see several items, some of the items you purchase will take care of physical needs, other items you purchase will take care of emotional needs. Once you reach the dental department, you have to make a hard choice. What

Sharpen filter best for detecting vertical root fractures

Finding vertical root fractures can be tricky. As digital imaging technology improves, clinicians and researchers are fine-tuning the best approach for radiographically detecting vertical root fractures, and there is plenty of room for improvement at present. Currently, it requires a combination of clinical signs and periapical radiography as the first imaging modality employed, noted Brazilian researchers from the division of oral radiology at the State University of Campinas Piracicaba Dental

Study confirms high rate of caries among Navajo children

A new study has confirmed that the rate of dental caries in preschool-aged children in the Navajo Nation is extremely high compared with other U.S. populations and that the rates of decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces have not appreciably changed for more than a decade. The study, led by researchers from the Center of American Indian and Alaska Native Health at the Colorado School of Public Health at the

United Concordia, Philadelphia Zoo partner to improve kids’ oral health

United Concordia Dental and the Philadelphia Zoo have announced a three-year partnership to increase children’s awareness of how oral health impacts full-body health. “Today cavities have become one of the most common diseases of childhood,” James Bramson, DDS, United Concordia’s chief dental officer, stated in a press release. “They are now five times as common as asthma and seven times as common as hay fever in children, according to the

Study suggests dental pulp stem cells may aid vision restoration

What if stem cells from extracted teeth could be used to save someone’s vision after a terrible injury that caused them to lose their sight? That provocative premise fueled research from the U.K. that is a promising first step in the use of dental pulp stem cells. As stem cell therapies move from theory to practice, researchers are investigating the use of different kinds of stem cells, including stem cells

Pew report: MLPs expand dental care to the poor

Innovative models using dental therapists and hygienists can provide cost-effective dental care to some of the millions of Americans who now lack it and need it the most, according to a new study from the Pew Charitable Trusts. The report examines three nonprofit settings where midlevel providers (MLPs) work as part of larger dental teams. One of the settings in the report, entitled “Expanding the Dental Team: Increasing Access to

Thrush

There is a silent monster inside of us; this monster is dark, smart and could be lethal, but at the same time it can be harmless if we know how to identify him. Candida is the name of this killer. All of us have small amounts of Candida in the mouth and on other mucous membranes; such as: throat, nose, mouth, urethra, rectum, and vagina. In small amounts, this yeast

Traveling Tips

Vacation time is finally here! Many of our readers enjoy the summer months to spend time with their loves and travel. Some decide to travel by plane other hit the road and reach beautiful destinations. The problem is that when traveling sometimes you can forget a few things, this week would like to provide you a few traveling tips, tips that are easy to digest and can help you have

Independence Day

July is a special month for Americans, in this month Americans commemorate their independence. How would you celebrate this date? There are several ways you can celebrate this special date, but the most significant way you can remember Independence Day is by spending time with your loved ones and making memories with your family and friends. This federal holiday reminds Americans how their nation was formed. In July 4, 1776

Cat’s claw shows ‘promise’ as denture stomatitis treatment

Cat’s claw, or Uncaria tomentosa, is a plant that is used to improve various symptoms associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. But does it have the potential to treat denture stomatitis? Denture stomatitis affects many denture prostheses wearers, including up to 65% of the elderly who rely on total dentures, according Brazilian researchers from Ponta Grossa State University, the University of Estadual Paulista, and the University of Campinas (Oral Surgery,