Study links tooth agenesis, family history of cancer

A new study in the Journal of Dental Research has found an association between tooth agenesis and an individual’s family history of cancer (November 20, 2012). Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the epidemiological and molecular association between tooth agenesis and self-reported family history of cancer. They recruited 82 individuals with tooth agenesis and 328 individuals with no birth defect

Metformin effective on smokers’ chronic periodontitis

A study published earlier this year found that metformin — one of the most commonly used antihyperglycemic agents for treating type 2 diabetes — may also protect against oral cancer. Now a new study in the Journal of Periodontology (November 7, 2012) has shown that metformin is also effective in treating smokers with chronic periodontitis. For the study, researchers from the Government Dental College & Research Institute in Bangalore, India,

Elder abuse victims often suffer dental trauma

Dental trauma and trauma to the face are among the most frequent injuries suffered by elderly victims of abuse, according to a study presented today at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago. Unfortunately, only 2% of physical elder abuse is reported by clinicians, according to lead researcher Kieran Murphy, MD, interim radiologist-in-chief at University Health Network in Toronto. “Unlike cases of child abuse, there is

OrthoExpress contest aids child abuse prevention

OrthoExpress is hosting a Prevent Child Abuse Beautiful Smiles Contest, in which two children will receive free orthodontic treatment — a $3,600 value. For every child that enters the contest, Jan Davidian, DDS, of Riverside, CA, will donate $10 to Prevent Child Abuse of Riverside. The contestants must be between the ages of 10 and 16, and their mouth must be ready for treatment. All contestants will be given a

PET/MRI detects head/neck lymph node metastases

PET/MRI outperformed diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI-MRI) for detecting lymph node metastases in the staging of head and neck cancer patients, according to a study presented November 25 at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago. Researchers from the University of Düsseldorf found that PET/MRI achieved accuracy of 93%, compared with 88% for DWI-MRI. PET/MRI also reached sensitivity of 72%, compared with 36% for DWI-MRI. Lymph node status

Septodont gives $135K in sealants to NCOHF

Septodont has donated nearly $135,000 in Toothfairy Pit & Fissure Sealant Kits to National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) to help prevent pediatric dental disease and promote children’s oral health. The donation of 1,500 sealant kits will directly benefit 26 members of the NCOHF Affiliate network, the company noted. The network consists of community-based, nonprofit programs throughout North America dedicated to providing the best educational, preventive, and treatment services for

Microcracks can strengthen mandibles for implants

Although it seems counterintuitive, a bone break can lead to a stronger bone that can support an oral implant, according to a case report published in the Journal of Oral Implantology (October 2012, Vol. 38:5, pp. 611-616). Introducing microcracks into the mandible stimulates bone growth, according to the study authors. And greater bone density can lead to more successful placement of oral implants and dental prostheses. The report describes an

Eco-friendly toothbrushes clean mouths, reduce landfill

If your patients are maintaining good dental hygiene, chances are they are throwing away multiple toothbrushes in the trash every year. But as part of a growing trend, two U.S. companies have launched eco-friendly toothbrushes in an attempt to alleviate this and help reduce the amount of plastic sent to landfills. LittleBonsai, a Boston-based product studio founded by Olin College graduates Jake Felser and Ollie Haas in May 2011, is

Ivoclar Vivadent to buy Wieland Dental

Ivoclar Vivadent is acquiring Wieland Dental, a German company that sells CAD/CAM materials, dental alloys, veneering ceramics, and electroplating equipment. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012 and is still subject to approval by the German Federal Cartel Office, according to the company. Ivoclar Vivadent will acquire the shares of BWK holding company and of the Wieland founding family. Wieland Dental employs 190 people

Safety-net hospitals a good option for HNC patients

Safety-net hospitals appear to provide head and neck cancer (HNC) surgical care to a vulnerable population without an increase in short-term mortality, morbidity, or costs, according to a report in the Archives of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery (November 2012, Vol. 138:11, pp. 1015-1022). “Safety-net hospitals provide a disproportionate amount of care to those who are uninsured or underinsured, including Medicaid beneficiaries and other vulnerable populations, compared with the

Ad imagines dental floss found on Mars

A new ad from the National Flossing Council imagines that the Mars Curiosity Rover found dental floss on Mars, providing proof that intelligent life once lived on the planet. The video, which speculates what the flossing Martians might have looked like, was created to bring attention to National Flossing Day, November 23. This marks the 12th year that Flossing Day, which falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, has been celebrated

Do snuff users have fewer dental caries?

It is a myth that snus (Swedish snuff) users today have fewer dental caries. On the contrary, some types of nicotine-free snus contain both carbohydrates and starch that increase the risk of cavities, according to a thesis presented November 2 at the Sahlgrenska Academy, part of the University of Gothenburg. Lena Hellqvist, a doctoral student at the academy and a member of staff at Karlstad University, studied oral health among