Study finds perio health, respiratory disease link

Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to a new study in the Journal of Periodontology (January 10, 2011). The study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. Researchers from Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust (KMCT) Dental College and the Institute of Technology and Science (ITS) Centre for Dental Studies and Research in India

Clinical drug trial addresses xerostomia in cancer patients

Acacia Pharma has initiated a phase I clinical study of APD515, an oromucosal formulation of an existing drug, for use in the treatment of xerostomia in advanced cancer patients. APD515 has been specifically developed by Acacia Pharma to be delivered locally to the salivary glands distributed throughout the oral cavity, minimizing absorption into the general circulation and reducing the potential for side effects, according to the company. The clinical trial

4th Merck osteonecrosis trial begins

Merck will again “vigorously defend itself” against allegations that its Fosamax bisphosphonate drug caused dental and jaw-related problems in a jury trial that began January 18 in New Jersey. In Rosenberg v. Merck, the plaintiff alleges she used Fosamax from 1999 to 2006 and that she suffered various jaw problems and complications following a tooth extraction in December 2005. The company believes the evidence will show that Fosamax did not

Oasis Diagnostics to market dry mouth product

Amarillo Biosciences and Oasis Diagnostics have entered into an agreement for Oasis to exclusively market Maxisal, Amarillo Biosciences’ dietary supplement for enhancing salivary function, promoting oral comfort, and relieving dry mouth, in North, Central, and South America; China; and Taiwan. Oasis, a salivary diagnostics and genomics company, plans to expand on Amarillo’s current marketing efforts by exploring new potential markets for Maxisal in patients undergoing kidney dialysis and chemotherapy, those

Dental implant firm announces IPO terms

BioHorizons, a manufacturer of dental implants, said it expects to raise $90 million by offering 5.6 million shares at a price range of $15 to $17 in its initial public offering (IPO). At the midpoint of the proposed range, BioHorizons will command a market value of $315 million, according to a news brief from Renaissance Capital. The company originally filed for its IPO in June 2010. The IPO is expected

Patterson donates $30K for at-risk kids

Patterson Dental has contributed more than $30,000 in dental products to a pair of dental school clinics that serve at-risk children, the company announced. The A.T. Still School of Dentistry and the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry received the donation of composite materials that will aid in delivery of vital services to the at-risk children served in their clinics. The schools operate comprehensive clinical programs providing preventive,

Deconstructing the arguments against BPA

The case against bisphenol A (BPA) as an estrogen-mimetic toxin is weakening, according to a presentation last week at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver. The most recent statement justifying acceptance of the compound at low levels in dental sealants and composites was issued in July 2010 by the ADA, Sheldon Newman, DDS, an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, said January 13. Dr.

NY dental school, society offer aid to Allcare patients

The University at Buffalo (UB) School of Dental Medicine and the Eighth District Dental Society are reaching out to former patients of Allcare Dental & Dentures in the wake of last week’s sudden closure of all Allcare clinics in the U.S. The dental school has set up a call center to assist Western New York dental patients who are without dental care because of the company’s shutdown. In addition, all

Interproximal toothbrush firm eyes China market

Hoping to build on its success in Japan, Thornton International plans to work with its Japanese distributor to begin selling its interproximal toothbrush in China, according to a story in the Danbury News Times. The company has already begun introducing the toothbrush to dental clinics in China, Thomas Thornton, president of Thornton International, told the News Times. The company ships about $1 million worth of products to Japan annually, he

Cancer patient loses case against tobacco firm

A Saudi Arabian court dismissed a lawsuit filed by a man with throat cancer against a tobacco company because there was no clear-cut evidence that his cancer was caused by smoking, according to a report by Emirates News. The man was seeking $10 million in damages. “Moslem scholars have established that if someone gives poisoned food to a man and tells him about the poison, then there should be no

AAPHD applauds new fluoride recommendations

The American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) supports the recent recommendation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set the optimal level for fluoride in drinking water at 0.7 parts per million. The AAPHD is “committed to educating the public about proper use of fluorides for preventing tooth decay,” including fluoride toothpaste and the benefits of community water fluoridation, the

Do dentists underreport inhalation/ingestion of ortho objects?

In 2008, HuangshanDental.com reported on a curious case of an elderly patient who swallowed a screwdriver and aspirated a wrench during two different dental appointments with the same practitioner. Now a new study has found that such cases may not be that curious after all (Journal of the American Dental Association, January 2011, Vol. 142:1, pp. 45-52). The authors looked specifically at the inhalation and ingestion of orthodontic objects and