PeriClean has launched a new version of its toothbrush for kids, with 81 rubber bristles designed to bend and not scrape tooth enamel. Brushing too hard with a standard toothbrush, or an electric one, can damage tooth enamel, explained Jack Gruber, DDS. He invented the PeriClean toothbrush for adults who brush their teeth too hard and customized it for children. The PeriClean toothbrush is now available for purchase through the
Although a large majority of head and neck cancers (HNC) have a deregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, deregulation of this pathway does not necessarily signify that the tumor is dependent on it for survival and progression, according to a new study in Cancer Research (January 29, 2013). Cancer, particularly HNC, is highly heterogeneous, with a large number of genetic alterations rendering it resistant to specific targeted treatments. Because cancer is
Vita has developed a new category of CAD/CAM material, Vita Enamic, the first hybrid dental ceramic with a dual-network structure that combines the best properties of ceramic and composite materials. The dominant ceramic network structure and the reinforcing polymer network structure of Vita Enamic are fully merged with one another, similar to the way that steel reinforces concrete, according to the company. Materials science testing shows that Vita Enamic offers
Komet USA is now offering one-step polishers for the final polishing of composites and ceramics. The polishers feature a silicone bond that provides flexibility and conformation to tooth anatomy, according to the company. They incorporate ultrafine-grit diamond particles for delivery of a high-shine polish on composite materials in a single step, following the thorough finishing of restoration surfaces. The instruments can be sterilized in an autoclave and resist degradation and
Theodent is expanding its chocolate-flavored toothpaste line with a product specifically for younger patients. Theodent Kids is fluoride-free and has the same cavity-fighting properties as regular Theodent, which contains Rennou, an extract from chocolate that strengthens tooth enamel, according to the company. It is gentler than Theodent Classic and its luxury counterpart Theodent 300. Theodent Kids will cost $9.99 and will be available on the company’s website starting February 1
The link between tooth development and weaning is not as strong as previous research has suggested, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (January 28, 2013). Scientists studying human evolution have used juvenile primate tooth development as a frame of reference for milestones in early humans. However, the pattern of development from molar eruption to weaning does not fit the fossil record,
A U.K. National Health Service (NHS) dentist is in hot water for recommending a mouthwash treatment for a patient who had oral cancer, according to an article in the Telegraph. The 58-year-old patient, Paula Drabble, went to Pinfold Dental Practice in Hattersley, Hyde, in June 2008 when she noticed a white lesion on her gum. The dentist she saw, Dr. Ian Hughes, assured her the lesion was not serious, and
The California Dental Association (CDA) has endorsed PureLife Dental gloves for its members. The average dental practice with three chairs goes through 14 boxes of gloves per week — or 720 boxes per year — and can cost a practice more than $10,000 a year, according to the CDA. PureLife’s line of latex lightly powdered, latex powder-free, and nonlatex nitrile powder-free gloves can save dentists up to 50% on glove
Researchers from the University of Adelaide say any health warnings about soft drinks should include the risk of tooth decay, following a new study that looks at the consumption of sweet drinks and fluoridated water by Australian children (American Journal of Public Health, January 17, 2013). “There is growing scrutiny on sweet drinks, especially soft drinks, because of a range of detrimental health effects on adults and children,” said lead
A pediatric dental office in Austin, TX, is closing after state health investigators cut off Medicaid payments over fraud allegations. Glenn Wood, MD, who owns Carousel Pediatrics, disputes the allegations and says the loss of payments is forcing him to shut down his dental affiliate, Trueblood Dental Associates, and lay off 40 staffers and six dentists, according to a story in the Austin American Statesman. The loss of about $400,000
As is the case in many parts of the world, awareness of and treatment for oral cancer is “severely lacking” in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to a presentation January 30 at the 38th Arab Health conference. Healthcare professionals and the community must make the disease a priority, said David Wray, MD, BDS, dean of the Dubai School of Dental Medicine, according to a story in the National. A recently
Triclosan, a common antibacterial agent used in toothpaste, soap, and many other consumer products, is being found in increasing amounts in Minnesota freshwater lakes, according to a new study in Environmental Science and Technology (January 15, 2013). The findings are directly linked to increased triclosan use over the past few decades, according to the study authors, from the University of Minnesota. The researchers also found an increasing amount of chlorinated
