Nurse practitioners can help pregnant women with oral care

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) can play a key role in educating pregnant women about the importance of oral health, according to researchers from Saint Louis University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital (Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, March 31, 2011). For their study, they randomly assigned 170 pregnant women in a hospital-based inner city clinic in the Midwest to either a control or experimental group. Those in the experimental group

Buccal beats lingual for numbing first molars

Buccal infiltration is more effective than lingual infiltration in obtaining anesthesia of the first mandibular molar and premolar teeth, according to researchers from the Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences (International Endodontic Journal, March 30, 2011). In a randomized double-blind study, they administered 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine as a buccal or lingual infiltration in the mandibular first molar region of 20 healthy volunteers. The responses of the

NASA technology helps patients with oral mucositis

A light-based technology originally developed for plant growth experiments on space shuttle missions can help reduce the painful side effects — including oral mucositis — that can occur following chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The WARP 75 is a wound-healing device developed by Quantum Devices for NASA, the agency noted in a press release. It is about the size of a human hand and comprises a bank of 288 red and

Midmark offers dental sterilizer rebates

Midmark has launched its 2011 dental sterilizer rebate promotion, which runs April 1 through June 30, 2011. Dentists and dental facilities purchasing eligible Midmark sterilizers or a combination of sterilizers during the promotional period will receive rebates ranging from $400 to $1,000, with an additional $200 rebate for donating an old sterilizer to Direct Relief International. “Today, safety is at the forefront of every clinician’s mind when treating patients, but

New TMJ braces aid postsurgical healing

TempOrthotics has released a new line of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) orthotic braces designed to aid in the postsurgical healing process. The Stabilizer brace is designed for use where movement of the jaw is desired during healing. By proper positioning of the orthotic, the brace allows movement while avoiding overstretching due to excessive translation of the condyle within the fossa of the temporal bone, according to the company. It also takes

Heraeus raises $40K for breast cancer research

Heraeus Kulzer’s Venus Whitening for Hope campaign raised more than $40,000 in 2010 to help support breast cancer research nationwide. Since 2009, Heraeus has been committed to supporting breast cancer research through the campaign. The pink ribbon logo is displayed on all Venus White patient education materials so patients and dental professionals can see that they are contributing to the fight against breast cancer, the company said. “We all have

How important is perio treatment for dialysis patients?

Treating periodontal disease does not reduce inflammatory markers in renal dialysis patients, according to a poster presentation at the recent International Association for Dental Research (IADR) conference in San Diego. The link between renal disease and periodontal disease has recently been examined in a number of studies, explained lead author Meggan Wehmeyer, DDS, who was completing her residency in periodontology at the University of North Carolina when she conducted the

New Xlear floss contains xylitol

Xlear is now offering Spry Sponge Floss, a patented dental floss that consists of multiple spongy strands of expanded nylon fibers that contain xylitol. The multiple smooth strands of expanded nylon fibers enhance the floss strength and makes it shred-resistant, the company said. “The Spry Sponge Floss is unlike any floss that most people have ever used,” said Blaine Yates, CEO of Xlear, in a press release. “The floss combines

Philips flossing device eliminates string

Philips introduced the Philips Sonicare AirFloss at the International Dental Show last week in Cologne, Germany. It uses a rapid burst of air and water droplets to fill up the interproximal area and force biofilm out, making flossing easier while maximizing the removal of interdental plaque, according to the company. Philips Sonicare AirFloss features an ergonomic handle and a slim, angled nozzle, which was designed for easier access to all

Keystone launches soft-tissue regeneration product

Keystone Dental has introduced DynaMatri Plus, a soft-tissue regeneration product specifically designed to serve as an alternative to a patient’s own tissue for root coverage and tissue bulking procedures. DynaMatrix Plus is a bioactive soft-tissue regeneration product that contains active signaling proteins, allowing the material to work with the patient’s own tissue and jump-start the natural healing process. DynaMatrix Plus was developed based on clinician feedback and the success of

Aspen Dental spotlights Oral Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of April as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, more than 285 Aspen Dental practices in 22 states will donate $5 from every Vizilite Plus screening conducted during Oral Cancer Awareness Screening Week, April 11-15, to the Oral Cancer Foundation. “Unfortunately, oral cancer is often discovered late in its development, which means that the death rate is higher than that of other cancers,” said Maureen Howes, RDH, MS, director of

Some ‘difficult’ ortho patients may have body dysmorphia

Orthodontists are all too familiar with the occasional hard-to-please patient. But some patients may be more than just difficult — they could be suffering from a psychiatric condition known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), according to a study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Mario Polo, DMD, an orthodontist with a private practice in Puerto Rico who specializes in cosmetic treatments for high-profile patients, identified behavioral red