Remineralizing agents have limited effect after whitening

Using remineralizing agents following in-office teeth whitening with 35% to 38% hydrogen peroxide does not help tooth enamel fully recover its microhardness over time, according to a new study in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica (March 2013, Vol. 71:2, pp. 343-348). Previous studies have shown that bleaching with high amounts of hydrogen peroxide can alter enamel morphology and mineral content, according to the study authors, from the University of Pernambuco and Potiguar

Perio treatment lowers medical costs for pregnancy, arthritis

Annual medical costs are lower by nearly $4,000 for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and $2,400 for pregnant women when treated for periodontal disease, according to the latest findings from an oral health study by United Concordia and Highmark. The study, conducted by lead researcher Marjorie Jeffcoat, DMD, a professor and dean emeritus of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, is the largest of its kind showing a connection

Nat’l CASA Assoc. will find applicants for S4L

The Smile for a Lifetime Foundation (S4L), an international nonprofit organization that provides orthodontic care and free braces to underserved children with financial challenges and special orthodontic needs, has partnered with the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association to help S4L chapters throughout North America find qualified applicants for their local orthodontic scholarship programs. Through S4L’s partnership with National CASA, young people who are served by the 946 CASA

Sulzer Mixpac resolves lawsuit against copycats

Sulzer Mixpac has received a consent judgment and permanent injunction confirming that Spident USA and Spident Korea infringed its trademark and patent rights by offering counterfeit mixing tips made by Seil Global of Korea. The lawsuit was filed during the 2012 Greater New York Dental Meeting. Entered in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the judgment states that so-called new design transparent base mixing tips

Published evidence supports partial caries removal

The authors of a new critical appraisal in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry (March 19, 2013) trace their perspective on treating caries back to the beginning of modern dentistry, even before the influences of G.V. Black. According to Black, all dentin where decay is suspected should be removed, regardless of the risk to the pulp. But in the 19th century, James Tomes contended that it is better to

Mouthwash compounds may inhibit oral cancer cells

Antibacterial agents commonly found in mouthwash have been found to act as anticancer agents, potentially providing novel uses for everyday chemical compounds, according to a new study in Angewandte Chemie (March 19, 2013). The antibacterial and plaque-fighting compound chlorhexidine is a common mouthwash component, typically included as a 0.1% or 0.2% solution. Now, German researchers have found that chlorhexidine and a related compound alexidine inhibit oral cancer cells by blocking

VCU named America’s ToothFairy Affiliate of the Year

National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF): America’s ToothFairy has named the department of pediatric dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry as the 2013 Affiliate of the Year. Presented annually to a member of the America’s ToothFairy affiliate network, the award recognizes exemplary commitment to eliminating pediatric dental disease. The award was presented to the VCU department of pediatric dentistry during the America’s ToothFairy Celebration of Smiles in

O’Hehir University offers oral health bachelor’s degree

O’Hehir University, an online educational institution, has launched a program for hygienists with a certificate or associate’s degree to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in oral health. The curriculum follows a self-directed, projected-based path to degree completion within six months with tuition of $1,250. The aim of the university is to recognize the academic and clinical accomplishments of licensed or registered dental hygienists by providing a path to degree

Treating perio disease reduces ER, hospital visits

Results of a three-year Cigna dental study, presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) conference in Seattle, support the association between treated periodontal disease and reduced hospital admissions and emergency room (ER) visits, as well as lower medical costs. Cigna’s study looked at periodontal patients from 2009 through 2011. On average, patients who received periodontal disease treatment had better outcomes than patients without treatment. Hospital admission rates were

8th annual NYC Oral Cancer Walk to be held April 21

On Sunday, April 21, 2013, starting at 11 a.m. (rain or shine), oral cancer survivors and their families will join dental students, residents, and faculty of New York University College of Dentistry for New York City’s eighth annual Oral Cancer Walk. This year’s walk will be held in Queens to raise awareness of a disease that kills more than 7,000 men and women in the U.S. each year. Other sponsors

Brasseler Mini handpiece fit KaVo couplings

Brasseler USA has made its Brasseler Mini high-speed handpiece able to connect to KaVo-style couplings, in addition to Brasseler couplings. The handpiece has a fiber-optic light, ceramic ball bearings, and a turbine designed for easy replacement, the company noted. Brasseler has also released a new range of Brasseler Mini burs. They are shorter than conventional short-shank friction grip burs for greater access when combined with the Brasseler Mini high-speed handpiece.

Bitter melon extract: New treatment for head/neck cancer?

A researcher at Saint Louis University is studying whether bitter melon extract can stop the spread of head and neck cancer (HNC). Pathology professor Ratna Ray, PhD, received a $39,425 grant from the Lottie Caroline Hardy Charitable Trust to continue her research on treating cancer with natural substances such as bitter melon extract, which is often used in Indian and Chinese cooking and as a folk remedy for treating diabetes,