Zion Health has released a natural toothpaste formulated with calcium montmorillonite, a highly absorbent, detoxifying clay mineral. ClayBrite Extra does not contain fluoride, helps prevent cavities with active natural ingredients, and has anti-inflammatory properties, according to a company press release. In addition to montmorillonite, ClayBrite Extra contains green tea extract and Xylitol. ClayBrite is available at select health food stores.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a national ad campaign depicting illness and damage caused by smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Beginning March 19, ads will run for at least 12 weeks on television, radio, billboards, and online, as well as in movie theaters, magazines, and newspapers nationwide. The ads focus on smoking-related lung and throat cancer, heart attack, stroke, Buerger’s disease, and asthma.

An injectable contraceptive administered every three months may be putting women who opt for this method at increased risk for periodontal disease, according to a new study in the Journal of Peridontology. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a progestin-only, injectable contraceptive that is most often seen under the brand name Depo-Provera, marketed by Pfizer. It has been suggested that progestins may have an inflammatory component and/or stimulate the synthesis of

A remedy for oral pain utilized by the Incas and passed on to their ancestors in the rainforests of Peru is showing promise in early clinical trials, according to an article in the University of Cambridge’s Research News. A gel made from varieties of the Amazonian plant species Acmella Oleracea has proven to be an effective pain remedy during the first two phases of the trials. Researchers believe that it

A new report from the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health revealed that many kids in low-income families are getting more than the recommended amount of juice, putting them at greater risk of developing early childhood caries. The poll asked parents of young children of all economic levels about their children’s juice consumption. Overall, 35% reported that their children 1 to 5 years old

The campaign includes billboard, radio, and print ads; a website that shows how poor oral health affects a person over a lifetime; and a Facebook app, according to a story in the Wichita Eagle. The app will allow Facebook users to place a tag over their teeth in a photograph of themselves and can either post the photo to their wall or use it as their profile picture. For every

Former students and employees of the Institute of Medical Education (IME) have filed lawsuits against the school after it abruptly shut down last month, leaving them wondering how they were going to finish their degrees and get their money back. At least three people have sued the IME since it closed, claiming students were misled by IME owners about its accreditation and financial stability, according to a story in the

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is now offering a free e-booklet that features new recipes for dental professionals to help improve their patients’ oral health. The free e-booklet features breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, and dessert recipes that use fruits, vegetables, grains, and other ingredients experts have identified as “super smile” foods. The booklet is intended for dental professionals who want to provide healthy, smile-friendly recipes to dental patients

Mydent International has added paper tray covers to its line of Defend disposable products. Made of durable construction, Defend Paper Tray Covers provide low absorbency and fit trays comfortably, according to the company. The tray covers feature rounded corners and are available in a variety of colors, including white, blue, mauve, green, and lavender. They come in “B” size (8 1/2 x 12 1/4) and are packaged 1,000 per box.