A common technique for determining whether melanoma has spread can be used safely and effectively even in tumors from the head and neck area, according to a new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center (Cancer, July 19, 2011). Sentinel lymph node biopsy involves injecting a special dye to identify the first node where cancer would likely spread. If that node is clean, patients can avoid further debilitating
Sugar-free chewing gum containing magnolia bark extract (MBE) has a positive effect on oral health, including reducing salivary mutans streptococci, according to a new study in Caries Research (August 3, 2011). A team of European researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled intervention trial on 120 with healthy adult volunteers at high risk for caries. All study participants had a salivary mutans streptococci concentration of 105 CFU/mL or more and presence
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, but some people may be overstepping the line in their quest for the perfect smile. According to recent news reports, the public’s obsession with pearly whites has led to excessive teeth whitening — a condition some call “bleachorexia.” Bleachorexia is not a dental term, nor is it a new problem, said Matthew Messina, DDS, a spokesperson for the ADA.
The Ad Council is collaborating with a coalition of more than 20 U.S. dental organizations to conduct a three-year oral health literacy campaign to improve children’s oral health. The goal of the campaign will be to raise awareness and educate parents and caregivers about the value of good oral health for their children and how it can be achieved. The campaign is the brainchild of the Partnership for Healthy Mouths,
Delta Dental of Minnesota Trust has given the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry $3.5 million to fund the only hospital-based dental clinic for children in Minnesota and the most advanced pediatric dental clinic in the Upper Midwest. The University of Minnesota Pediatric Dental Clinic will be a regional resource for children, including those with complex medical, developmental, and emotional needs, according to the trust. It will also feature an
Colgate-Palmolive has reported worldwide net sales of $4.2 billion in the second fiscal quarter of 2011 (end-June 30), an increase of 9.5% over net sales of $3.8 billion in the second quarter of 2010. Net income for the quarter was $622 million, up from $603 million in the same quarter a year ago. Colgate’s global market shares in toothpaste and manual toothbrushes hit record highs, according to the company. “Colgate’s global
Two-photon microscopy is effective in visualizing the spread of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, according to a study in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (July 25, 2011). Orthotopic mouse models of oral cancer have been developed to facilitate the study of factors that impact invasion and serve as a model system for evaluating antitumor therapeutics, noted the study authors, from the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at West Virginia
Echoing conditions in the U.S., two reports released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveal some alarming trends in the oral health of Australian children, particularly those in the lowest socioeconomic areas. Across all states and territories that were included in the analysis, the average number of decayed, missing, and filled deciduous teeth of children from those areas was roughly 70% higher than those from the
Research has shown that infection and inflammation play a role in 15% to 20% of all cancers, and that “highly prevalent” oral diseases are “significantly linked” to some types of cancer. But a literature review in Oral Diseases (accepted for publication July 4, 2011) found that evidence remains weak and that further studies are needed before cancer can be added to the list of diseases caused by oral infections. Inflammation
Zimmer Holdings, the parent company of Zimmer Dental, reported net sales of $1.1 billion for the second fiscal quarter of 2011 (end-June 30), an 8% increase over net sales of $1.05 billion for the same quarter in 2010. Net earnings for the second quarter were $203.8 million on a reported basis and $232.5 million on an adjusted basis, up from earnings of $165.5 million in the prior-year period. Zimmer Dental
Branam Oral Health Technologies has struck a strategic partnership with Health Child Healthy World, a nonprofit focused on educating the public about preventing children’s exposure to harmful chemicals. Branam has been selected as a trusted partner by the organization. Branam made an early commitment to only manufacture products free of all artificial ingredients, FD&C colorants, plastics, and other chemicals that have long-term risks to children, the company noted. Last year
Kerr has created a new customer protection program designed to protect its customers from fraudulent, counterfeit products. Kerr will be rolling out the protection plan in several stages during the coming months, according to Leo Pranitis, vice president of global marketing and innovation for Kerr. The best way to be certain that products purchased are legitimate is to only buy from an authorized Kerr dealer or by contacting the company
