The emergence of acupuncture is allowing some patients to relieve or significantly reduce dry mouth's debilitating
effects, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD)
clinical, peer-reviewed journal.
Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) is a painful condition caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth when
salivary glands do not work properly. Saliva is a natural defense for teeth and plays a major role in preventing tooth decay
by rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids.
A decrease in saliva puts patients at risk for cavities, gum disease and discomfort since foods that are consumed adhere to
the teeth longer. Dry mouth can be caused by medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics
and can often be treated by the dentist.
The quality of life of patients suffering from dry mouth is often profoundly impaired. Symptoms include extensive dental
decay, infections of the tissues of the mouth, difficulty in speaking, eating and swallowing, ulceration or soreness of the
mouth, an altered sense of taste and difficulty in wearing dentures.
However, "typical treatment options for dry mouth have been short-term at best," according to Warren M. Morganstein, DDS,
MPH, and associate dean at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland Dental School. "Studies have found
that acupuncture was a viable option to successfully treat dry mouth pain in patients and provide long-term relief."
After undergoing head and neck radiation therapy, seven patients with dry mouth were treated using acupuncture. Patients were
seen once a week for four to five weeks, followed by two or three biweekly sessions. Dr. Morganstein found that eight months
after treatment, all patients reported a reduction in dry mouth symptoms, as well as an increase in saliva flow and the
ability to eat and speak, and improved sleep.
In the United States, acupuncture is performed primarily by licensed, non-physician acupuncturists. Additionally, physicians
and a small number of dentists have been trained in medical acupuncture.
Acupuncture is effective in increasing the amount of saliva and, by doing so, alleviating or decreasing the symptoms of dry
mouth.
To Ease Dry Mouth Pain:
-- Brush and floss twice a day
-- Chew sugarless gum
-- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
-- Avoid smoking
-- Avoid overly salty foods
-- Drink plenty of water
-- Avoid citrus juices (tomato, orange, grapefruit)
-- Avoid dry foods, such as toast or crackers
-- Use over-the-counter moisture replacement therapies
-- Visit the dentist regularly
Contact: Jennifer Starkey
jennifersagd
312-440-4341
Academy of General Dentistry
agd
суббота, 14 мая 2011 г.
Osteoporosis Drug Linked To Bone Death In Jaw
A new US study found that even short term use of oral bisphosphonates like Fosomax (alendronate), commonly used to treat osteoporosis, may
leave the jaw vulnerable to devastating necrosis (death of bone tissue).
The study was the work of principal investigator Dr Parish Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry with the University of Southern
California (USC) School of Dentistry, and colleagues, and is published in the 1 January 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dental
Association (JADA).
Previous studies had already suggested that patients taking bisphosphonates like Fosomax orally were at higher risk of developing osteonecrosis (death
of bone tissue) of the jaw, but this study shows the side effect may be more common than had previously been suggested.
For the study, Sedghizadeh and colleagues looked at the electronic medical records of patients attending USC's School of Dentistry to find out who
had ever used alendronate (Fosomax) and of those who was also having treatment for osteonecrosis of the jaw.
After controlling for referral bias, they found that of 208 patients with a history of alendronate (Fosomax) use, nine were being treated for
osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is about 4 per cent of the patient population (or 1 in 23 patients).
The researchers concluded that this was "the first large institutional study in the United States with respect to the epidemiology of ONJ [osteonecrosis
of the jaw] and oral bisphosphonate use".
They wrote that more studies were now needed to "help delineate more clearly the relationship between oral BP [bisphosphonate] use and
ONJ".
In a separate press statement, Sedghizadeh commented on the contrast between this study's findings and the drug maker's assertions that
bisphosphonate-related ONJ risk is only noticeable with intravenous use of the drugs:
"We've been told that the risk with oral bisphosphonates is negligible, but four percent is not negligible," said Sedghizadeh.
The USC statement said that most doctors who have prescribed bisphosphonates have not told their patients about the potential risks, even from
short term use, due to the drug taking a long time to leave bone tissue (after stopping use it takes 10 years for the drug's level to halve).
The statement related how Lydia Macwilliams of Los Angeles said no one had told her about the risk of Fosomax. She was on it for three years before
she became Sedghizadeh's patient of at the USC School of Dentistry. She said she was "surprised" that her doctor who prescribed Fosomax "didn't tell
me about any possible problems with my teeth."
Macwilliams was especially at risk for because she was to have three teeth removed, said Sedghizadeh, explaining that bisphosphonate use makes
mouth and jaw tissue bacterial infection more aggressive because it sticks more firmly to the jaw. The type of infection that occurs here is often
resistant to many antibiotic treatments because it is a "biofilm bacterial process" where the germs live in a slimy protective matrix. Procedures like
tooth extractions that directly expose the jaw bone, raise the danger under these circumstances.
Two of Macwilliams' three tooth extractions had difficulty healing due to infection. But she said luckily they healed slowly but
completely because of the treatment and USC's rigorous oral hygiene routine for patients with a history of bisphosphonate use.
"It took about a year to heal," said Macwilliams, "but it's doing just fine now."
Sedghizadeh said he hoped more studies would confirm their findings so that more doctors and dentists are encouraged to talk to their patients about
the oral health risks of these widely used drugs.
"Here at the School of Dentistry we're getting two or three new patients a week that have bisphosphonate-related ONJ," said Sedghizadeh.
"I know we're not the only ones seeing it," he added.
Today, osteoporosis affects about 10 million people in the US and according to a 2007 report from IMS Health, Fosomax is the most widely
prescribed oral bisphosphonate and ranks as the 21st most prescribed drug on the market since 2006.
"Oral bisphosphonate use and the prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw: An institutional inquiry."
Parish P. Sedghizadeh, Kyle Stanley, Matthew Caligiuri, Shawn Hofkes, Brad Lowry, and Charles F. Shuler.
J Am Dent Assoc 1 January 2009, Volume 140, Issue 1, pages 61-66.
Click here for Abstract.
Sources: Journal abstract, University of Southern California.
, PhD
leave the jaw vulnerable to devastating necrosis (death of bone tissue).
The study was the work of principal investigator Dr Parish Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry with the University of Southern
California (USC) School of Dentistry, and colleagues, and is published in the 1 January 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dental
Association (JADA).
Previous studies had already suggested that patients taking bisphosphonates like Fosomax orally were at higher risk of developing osteonecrosis (death
of bone tissue) of the jaw, but this study shows the side effect may be more common than had previously been suggested.
For the study, Sedghizadeh and colleagues looked at the electronic medical records of patients attending USC's School of Dentistry to find out who
had ever used alendronate (Fosomax) and of those who was also having treatment for osteonecrosis of the jaw.
After controlling for referral bias, they found that of 208 patients with a history of alendronate (Fosomax) use, nine were being treated for
osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is about 4 per cent of the patient population (or 1 in 23 patients).
The researchers concluded that this was "the first large institutional study in the United States with respect to the epidemiology of ONJ [osteonecrosis
of the jaw] and oral bisphosphonate use".
They wrote that more studies were now needed to "help delineate more clearly the relationship between oral BP [bisphosphonate] use and
ONJ".
In a separate press statement, Sedghizadeh commented on the contrast between this study's findings and the drug maker's assertions that
bisphosphonate-related ONJ risk is only noticeable with intravenous use of the drugs:
"We've been told that the risk with oral bisphosphonates is negligible, but four percent is not negligible," said Sedghizadeh.
The USC statement said that most doctors who have prescribed bisphosphonates have not told their patients about the potential risks, even from
short term use, due to the drug taking a long time to leave bone tissue (after stopping use it takes 10 years for the drug's level to halve).
The statement related how Lydia Macwilliams of Los Angeles said no one had told her about the risk of Fosomax. She was on it for three years before
she became Sedghizadeh's patient of at the USC School of Dentistry. She said she was "surprised" that her doctor who prescribed Fosomax "didn't tell
me about any possible problems with my teeth."
Macwilliams was especially at risk for because she was to have three teeth removed, said Sedghizadeh, explaining that bisphosphonate use makes
mouth and jaw tissue bacterial infection more aggressive because it sticks more firmly to the jaw. The type of infection that occurs here is often
resistant to many antibiotic treatments because it is a "biofilm bacterial process" where the germs live in a slimy protective matrix. Procedures like
tooth extractions that directly expose the jaw bone, raise the danger under these circumstances.
Two of Macwilliams' three tooth extractions had difficulty healing due to infection. But she said luckily they healed slowly but
completely because of the treatment and USC's rigorous oral hygiene routine for patients with a history of bisphosphonate use.
"It took about a year to heal," said Macwilliams, "but it's doing just fine now."
Sedghizadeh said he hoped more studies would confirm their findings so that more doctors and dentists are encouraged to talk to their patients about
the oral health risks of these widely used drugs.
"Here at the School of Dentistry we're getting two or three new patients a week that have bisphosphonate-related ONJ," said Sedghizadeh.
"I know we're not the only ones seeing it," he added.
Today, osteoporosis affects about 10 million people in the US and according to a 2007 report from IMS Health, Fosomax is the most widely
prescribed oral bisphosphonate and ranks as the 21st most prescribed drug on the market since 2006.
"Oral bisphosphonate use and the prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw: An institutional inquiry."
Parish P. Sedghizadeh, Kyle Stanley, Matthew Caligiuri, Shawn Hofkes, Brad Lowry, and Charles F. Shuler.
J Am Dent Assoc 1 January 2009, Volume 140, Issue 1, pages 61-66.
Click here for Abstract.
Sources: Journal abstract, University of Southern California.
, PhD
Compulsory CPD For Dental Care Professionals Coming Soon, UK
Following public consultation the GDC has agreed that all dental care professionals (DCPs) will be required to complete and record 150 hours of continuing professional development every five years, a third of which should be verifiable (50 hours). We expect to introduce this requirement from July 2008 when registration will become compulsory for dental nurses and technicians.
Dental care professionals will be required to complete CPD in the same core subjects as dentists:
-- medical emergencies (10 hours per cycle)
-- disinfection and decontamination (5 hours per cycle)
-- radiography and radiation protection (5 hours per cycle)
Dental technicians should substitute radiography and radiation protection for materials and equipment (5 hours per cycle) as radiography is not within the dental technician curriculum.
In line with the dentists' CPD scheme, we recommend that DCPs involved in the care of patients should undertake CPD in legal and ethical issues and complaints handling.
Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:
"Compulsory CPD maintains public confidence in the Dentists and Dental Care Professionals Registers by showing that dentists and registered dental care professionals keep up to date so that they can give their patients a good standard of care.
The CPD hours requirement is lower for dental care professionals than for dentists as CPD provision is still developing for these groups. We would like to see greater availability of training courses for dental care professionals and hope the introduction of compulsory CPD will drive this provision."
There are many ways for dental care professionals to complete CPD, ranging from attendance at courses, lectures and staff training to reading journals and private study. Further information about CPD for DCPs is available on the
GDC website.
1. The consultation 'Compulsory continuing professional development for dental care professionals' took place between December 2006 and March 2007, the results of the consultation can be downloaded from the GDC website.
2. CPD is defined as "study, training courses, seminars, reading and other activities under taken by a dental professional, which could reasonably be expected to advance his or her professional development as a dental professional."
3. Verifiable CPD means the activity must have:
-- concise educational aims and objectives - a clear purpose or goal;
-- clear anticipated outcomes - you should know what you can expect to gain as a result of taking part in the activity;
-- quality controls - you should have the chance to give feedback; and
-- documentary proof (e.g. a certificate) - to prove that you took part in the activity.
4. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. The GDC is encouraging dental nurses and technicians to join the register during the two-year transition period, which will enable dental nurses and technicians who have been working in their role for a number of years to join the register on the basis of validated experience. Dental nurses and technicians joining the register after 30 July 2008 will need to have a GDC-recognised qualification.
gdc-uk
Dental care professionals will be required to complete CPD in the same core subjects as dentists:
-- medical emergencies (10 hours per cycle)
-- disinfection and decontamination (5 hours per cycle)
-- radiography and radiation protection (5 hours per cycle)
Dental technicians should substitute radiography and radiation protection for materials and equipment (5 hours per cycle) as radiography is not within the dental technician curriculum.
In line with the dentists' CPD scheme, we recommend that DCPs involved in the care of patients should undertake CPD in legal and ethical issues and complaints handling.
Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:
"Compulsory CPD maintains public confidence in the Dentists and Dental Care Professionals Registers by showing that dentists and registered dental care professionals keep up to date so that they can give their patients a good standard of care.
The CPD hours requirement is lower for dental care professionals than for dentists as CPD provision is still developing for these groups. We would like to see greater availability of training courses for dental care professionals and hope the introduction of compulsory CPD will drive this provision."
There are many ways for dental care professionals to complete CPD, ranging from attendance at courses, lectures and staff training to reading journals and private study. Further information about CPD for DCPs is available on the
GDC website.
1. The consultation 'Compulsory continuing professional development for dental care professionals' took place between December 2006 and March 2007, the results of the consultation can be downloaded from the GDC website.
2. CPD is defined as "study, training courses, seminars, reading and other activities under taken by a dental professional, which could reasonably be expected to advance his or her professional development as a dental professional."
3. Verifiable CPD means the activity must have:
-- concise educational aims and objectives - a clear purpose or goal;
-- clear anticipated outcomes - you should know what you can expect to gain as a result of taking part in the activity;
-- quality controls - you should have the chance to give feedback; and
-- documentary proof (e.g. a certificate) - to prove that you took part in the activity.
4. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. The GDC is encouraging dental nurses and technicians to join the register during the two-year transition period, which will enable dental nurses and technicians who have been working in their role for a number of years to join the register on the basis of validated experience. Dental nurses and technicians joining the register after 30 July 2008 will need to have a GDC-recognised qualification.
gdc-uk
MRSA Discovered On Braces, UK
A recent study has revealed some of the bacteria found on orthodontic retainers, worn after orthodontic treatment is completed, can be associated with the hospital superbug MRSA, a condition which can lead to blood poisoning.
The research, carried out by the UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London (1), also found a further two thirds of retainers examined contained a type of yeast connected with fungal infections, with both types of organism found potentially harmful to the population.
According to the British Orthodontic Society, nearly one million people in the UK began orthodontic treatment last year, and with more adults than ever before wanting treatment, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, took the opportunity to encourage those who wear removeable braces or retainers to develop high standards of oral hygiene.
Dr Carter said: "If you wear a removable appliance, it's important you take the time and effort needed to keep your teeth and braces clean. If you have good oral hygiene while wearing a brace, this will help avoid developing problems such as dental decay, gum disease and tooth decalcification, and can often be the difference between a successful course of treatment or otherwise. Removable appliances should be cleaned with a brush soak brush method of cleaning using an effervescent denture cleaner to help remove the bacteria and other organisms from the surface of the appliance. Simple things such as washing your hands before touching anything that can come into contact with your mouth can go a long way to reduce the risk of infection."
Keeping to the Foundation's three key messages, regardless of whether you have a fixed or removable brace, can go a long way to ensuring successful treatment. Visiting your dentist, as often as they recommend, will help your dentist monitor how effective the brace is, and make any necessary adjustments. Brushing for two minutes twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste and paying special attention to each individual tooth and gum line around it can stop white spots on your teeth showing up after the brace is removed. Cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks will help reduce tooth decay and erosion. Using interdental brushes or floss threaders will help to remove trapped particles of food, particularly around fixed braces.
Living with a brace can, at first, alter the foods you consume. The Foundation's own 'Tell Me About' leaflet range has a title devoted to the topic called 'Living With My Brace', which gives all the relevant information about a fixed or removable brace. The title, and many more, are also available online.
Notes
1. Pratten, J., Al Groosh, D., Roudsari G.B., Moles D.R., Ready, D., and Noar, J.H. (2010) The prevalence of opportunistic pathogens associated with intraoral implants, Letters in Applied Microbiology 52, 501-505.
The research, carried out by the UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London (1), also found a further two thirds of retainers examined contained a type of yeast connected with fungal infections, with both types of organism found potentially harmful to the population.
According to the British Orthodontic Society, nearly one million people in the UK began orthodontic treatment last year, and with more adults than ever before wanting treatment, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, took the opportunity to encourage those who wear removeable braces or retainers to develop high standards of oral hygiene.
Dr Carter said: "If you wear a removable appliance, it's important you take the time and effort needed to keep your teeth and braces clean. If you have good oral hygiene while wearing a brace, this will help avoid developing problems such as dental decay, gum disease and tooth decalcification, and can often be the difference between a successful course of treatment or otherwise. Removable appliances should be cleaned with a brush soak brush method of cleaning using an effervescent denture cleaner to help remove the bacteria and other organisms from the surface of the appliance. Simple things such as washing your hands before touching anything that can come into contact with your mouth can go a long way to reduce the risk of infection."
Keeping to the Foundation's three key messages, regardless of whether you have a fixed or removable brace, can go a long way to ensuring successful treatment. Visiting your dentist, as often as they recommend, will help your dentist monitor how effective the brace is, and make any necessary adjustments. Brushing for two minutes twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste and paying special attention to each individual tooth and gum line around it can stop white spots on your teeth showing up after the brace is removed. Cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks will help reduce tooth decay and erosion. Using interdental brushes or floss threaders will help to remove trapped particles of food, particularly around fixed braces.
Living with a brace can, at first, alter the foods you consume. The Foundation's own 'Tell Me About' leaflet range has a title devoted to the topic called 'Living With My Brace', which gives all the relevant information about a fixed or removable brace. The title, and many more, are also available online.
Notes
1. Pratten, J., Al Groosh, D., Roudsari G.B., Moles D.R., Ready, D., and Noar, J.H. (2010) The prevalence of opportunistic pathogens associated with intraoral implants, Letters in Applied Microbiology 52, 501-505.
AAPD Offers Tips That Scare Away Cavities And Promote A Healthy Holiday
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recognized leader in children's dental and oral health, is providing parents with recommendations on how to help preserve children's teeth during Halloween and throughout the year.
AAPD offers the following tips that allow children to enjoy Halloween fun, while keeping their teeth healthy and establishing a foundation of a lifetime of oral health, including:
- Mix in healthy snacks along with Halloween candy: A balanced diet is one that includes cheese, fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat, milk and yogurt.
- Be the tooth-healthy house on the block: Pass out alternative treats to ghouls and goblins such as cracker snack-packs, trail mix packs, rice crispy treats, etc.
- Avoid chewy treats that tend to stick to teeth and cause more damage.
- Monitor candy consumption: Only allow Halloween treats in moderation.
- Take the fear out of flossing: Teach children flossing techniques for improved oral health at Halloween.
- Make tooth brushing fun: Seasonal tooth brushes featuring Halloween themes get children excited about taking care of their tiny teeth.
- Don't be afraid of the dentist: With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children.
"Let's face it, Halloween is a holiday that every child looks forward to and embraces each year," stated Dr. John R. Liu, President of the AAPD. "Rather than denying children the option to trick or treat, we advise that parents maintain their regular routine. In anticipation of their candy consumption, choose each child's favorite treat and allow them to enjoy one piece after a meal. The remainder of the candy can then be given to a local homeless shelter or a food bank in order to prevent overindulgence. Again, the key is to continue doing everything in moderation so that a healthy Halloween celebration can be enjoyed by all," concluded Liu.
Occasional snacking isn't enough to harm teeth, however, the degree to which children eat Halloween treats, and candy in general, can severely affect dental decay. In fact, candy is no more likely to cause cavities than most other foods. Children who snack frequently, whether on candy or healthful offerings, are at the greatest risk for cavities.
For more helpful tips to ensure that your family enjoys a happy and healthy Halloween, please visit here.
AAPD offers the following tips that allow children to enjoy Halloween fun, while keeping their teeth healthy and establishing a foundation of a lifetime of oral health, including:
- Mix in healthy snacks along with Halloween candy: A balanced diet is one that includes cheese, fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat, milk and yogurt.
- Be the tooth-healthy house on the block: Pass out alternative treats to ghouls and goblins such as cracker snack-packs, trail mix packs, rice crispy treats, etc.
- Avoid chewy treats that tend to stick to teeth and cause more damage.
- Monitor candy consumption: Only allow Halloween treats in moderation.
- Take the fear out of flossing: Teach children flossing techniques for improved oral health at Halloween.
- Make tooth brushing fun: Seasonal tooth brushes featuring Halloween themes get children excited about taking care of their tiny teeth.
- Don't be afraid of the dentist: With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children.
"Let's face it, Halloween is a holiday that every child looks forward to and embraces each year," stated Dr. John R. Liu, President of the AAPD. "Rather than denying children the option to trick or treat, we advise that parents maintain their regular routine. In anticipation of their candy consumption, choose each child's favorite treat and allow them to enjoy one piece after a meal. The remainder of the candy can then be given to a local homeless shelter or a food bank in order to prevent overindulgence. Again, the key is to continue doing everything in moderation so that a healthy Halloween celebration can be enjoyed by all," concluded Liu.
Occasional snacking isn't enough to harm teeth, however, the degree to which children eat Halloween treats, and candy in general, can severely affect dental decay. In fact, candy is no more likely to cause cavities than most other foods. Children who snack frequently, whether on candy or healthful offerings, are at the greatest risk for cavities.
For more helpful tips to ensure that your family enjoys a happy and healthy Halloween, please visit here.
University Of Colorado Professor To Receive IADR Wilmer Souder Award
The 2009 Wilmer Souder Award is being presented to Dr. Jeffrey Stansbury, from the University of Colorado, Aurora, USA. The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) will present the award at its 87th General Session & Exhibition in Miami, Florida, USA, on April 1, 2009.
Dr. Stansbury is vice-chair of the Department of Craniofacial Biology at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. In 2000, after more than 20 years in various roles at the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), Dr. Stansbury moved to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Stansbury's current research is centered on dental and biomedical polymeric materials, and his research group is designing, synthesizing, characterizing and evaluating novel polymeric materials for a wide array of dental and biomedical applications. Dr. Stansbury has presented various papers on this subject at IADR General Sessions and other scientific meetings.
Dr. Stansbury has more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and 18 patents. Recent honors include the University of Colorado's Pinnacles of Inventorship Group New Inventor of the Year and the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal.
Supported by the William T. Sweeney Memorial Fund and the IADR Dental Materials Group, this is the oldest of the 16 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards and consists of a monetary prize and a plaque. The award honors Dr. Wilmer Souder, the motivating force in establishing the Dental Section at the National Bureau of Standards, and is designed to encourage interest in dental materials research. It is one of the highest honors bestowed by IADR.
Notes:
About the International Association for Dental Research
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with more than 11,300 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health, (2) supporting the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings for the improvement of oral health worldwide.
Dr. Stansbury is vice-chair of the Department of Craniofacial Biology at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. In 2000, after more than 20 years in various roles at the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), Dr. Stansbury moved to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Stansbury's current research is centered on dental and biomedical polymeric materials, and his research group is designing, synthesizing, characterizing and evaluating novel polymeric materials for a wide array of dental and biomedical applications. Dr. Stansbury has presented various papers on this subject at IADR General Sessions and other scientific meetings.
Dr. Stansbury has more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and 18 patents. Recent honors include the University of Colorado's Pinnacles of Inventorship Group New Inventor of the Year and the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal.
Supported by the William T. Sweeney Memorial Fund and the IADR Dental Materials Group, this is the oldest of the 16 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards and consists of a monetary prize and a plaque. The award honors Dr. Wilmer Souder, the motivating force in establishing the Dental Section at the National Bureau of Standards, and is designed to encourage interest in dental materials research. It is one of the highest honors bestowed by IADR.
Notes:
About the International Association for Dental Research
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with more than 11,300 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health, (2) supporting the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings for the improvement of oral health worldwide.
Dental student calls on dentists to take patients' blood pressure
University of Michigan dentistry student Sara Kellogg believes dentists could save lives simply by taking a few minutes to measure the blood pressure of every patient.
This isn't just the opinion of one dentist-to-be. Kellogg has data to back it up.
In an article in the Sept. 10 issue of the Journal of Dental Education, Kellogg reports that after reviewing the records of patients treated at U-M School of Dentistry clinics in 1999, she found about one third had high blood pressure. More significantly, nearly half of those had never been diagnosed as hypertensive.
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because although it contributes to such potential killers as stroke and heart attack, those who suffer from it often have no signs or symptoms.
"As dentists, we have the opportunity to screen for this medical condition," said Kellogg's faculty advisor, Jack Gobetti, U-M professor of dentistry. "Blood pressure screening is going to be part of the modern dental office protocol.
"It is a tremendous public service to do this as a public health screening," Gobetti said.
U-M student dentists are encouraged to follow the protocol to measure patients' blood pressure before treatment, Gobetti and Kellogg noted. They told the story of one healthy-looking woman who came in for treatment and the student measuring her blood pressure thought the equipment must be faulty because it showed a reading of 226 over 136. After repeated checks, Gobetti confirmed that, yes, the equipment was working. The woman was referred to the emergency room and immediately put on medications to control her previously undiagnosed hypertension.
High blood pressure is defined as 140 over 90 or higher. Blood pressure of 120 over 80 is generally considered ideal. People between these categories are called pre-hypertensive, a category that also requires medical observation.
Kellogg noted that many people see their dentist more regularly than a physician and could get an early warning about high blood pressure when getting their teeth cleaned or having some other dental treatment done.
Kellogg would like to see every dentist take an initial blood pressure reading for every new patient, then record blood pressure with every follow-up visit.
The benefit is not only for the patient. Gobetti said anesthetic behaves differently in patients with high blood pressure and hypertensive patients typically bleed more during surgery, so dentists should know patients' blood pressures before beginning treatment. Some patients, he said, should be referred for medical evaluation before receiving dental treatment, and should not be treated until their blood pressure is under control.
Few people relish the thought of a filling or root canal. Gobetti said a typical patient's blood pressure might rise by 10 or 15 points because of nervousness just walking into a dentist's office. However if the dentist has a record of blood pressure readings for the last few years of office visits, the dentist can see if a reading is particularly high for that patient.
A Health and Human Services study released in August states that about 31 percent of Americans suffer from hypertension, almost identical to the rates Kellogg found.
Still, Kellogg said that because the dental school tends to see a population that includes many patients without insurance or with minimal insurance, it is possible they are less likely to visit their doctors for check-ups than the general population. If that is the case, she said, it is even more important that dental schools around the country take the lead in making blood pressure determination a standard part of office visit procedure.
Kellogg began this research project while an undergraduate student at Kalamazoo College in western Michigan. She knew she wanted to come to Michigan for dental school, so she sought out a research project at U-M School of Dentistry to initiate her senior project, required by Kalamazoo for graduation.
Now beginning her second year of dental school, Kellogg already has won first place at the American Dental Education Association for her student research presentation. Gobetti applauded her ambition and dedication, and said she's gotten an ideal educational experience about the demands and rewards of research.
Kellogg will graduate from the School of Dentistry in 2007.
For Gobetti's profile: ompo.dent.umich/jpgbio.html
Journal of Dental Education: jdentaled
A recent AP story on the number of Americans with hypertension: cnn/2004/HEALTH/conditions/08/23/blood.pressure.ap
Contact: Colleen Newvine
Phone: (734) 647-4411
E-mail: cnewvineumich
This isn't just the opinion of one dentist-to-be. Kellogg has data to back it up.
In an article in the Sept. 10 issue of the Journal of Dental Education, Kellogg reports that after reviewing the records of patients treated at U-M School of Dentistry clinics in 1999, she found about one third had high blood pressure. More significantly, nearly half of those had never been diagnosed as hypertensive.
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because although it contributes to such potential killers as stroke and heart attack, those who suffer from it often have no signs or symptoms.
"As dentists, we have the opportunity to screen for this medical condition," said Kellogg's faculty advisor, Jack Gobetti, U-M professor of dentistry. "Blood pressure screening is going to be part of the modern dental office protocol.
"It is a tremendous public service to do this as a public health screening," Gobetti said.
U-M student dentists are encouraged to follow the protocol to measure patients' blood pressure before treatment, Gobetti and Kellogg noted. They told the story of one healthy-looking woman who came in for treatment and the student measuring her blood pressure thought the equipment must be faulty because it showed a reading of 226 over 136. After repeated checks, Gobetti confirmed that, yes, the equipment was working. The woman was referred to the emergency room and immediately put on medications to control her previously undiagnosed hypertension.
High blood pressure is defined as 140 over 90 or higher. Blood pressure of 120 over 80 is generally considered ideal. People between these categories are called pre-hypertensive, a category that also requires medical observation.
Kellogg noted that many people see their dentist more regularly than a physician and could get an early warning about high blood pressure when getting their teeth cleaned or having some other dental treatment done.
Kellogg would like to see every dentist take an initial blood pressure reading for every new patient, then record blood pressure with every follow-up visit.
The benefit is not only for the patient. Gobetti said anesthetic behaves differently in patients with high blood pressure and hypertensive patients typically bleed more during surgery, so dentists should know patients' blood pressures before beginning treatment. Some patients, he said, should be referred for medical evaluation before receiving dental treatment, and should not be treated until their blood pressure is under control.
Few people relish the thought of a filling or root canal. Gobetti said a typical patient's blood pressure might rise by 10 or 15 points because of nervousness just walking into a dentist's office. However if the dentist has a record of blood pressure readings for the last few years of office visits, the dentist can see if a reading is particularly high for that patient.
A Health and Human Services study released in August states that about 31 percent of Americans suffer from hypertension, almost identical to the rates Kellogg found.
Still, Kellogg said that because the dental school tends to see a population that includes many patients without insurance or with minimal insurance, it is possible they are less likely to visit their doctors for check-ups than the general population. If that is the case, she said, it is even more important that dental schools around the country take the lead in making blood pressure determination a standard part of office visit procedure.
Kellogg began this research project while an undergraduate student at Kalamazoo College in western Michigan. She knew she wanted to come to Michigan for dental school, so she sought out a research project at U-M School of Dentistry to initiate her senior project, required by Kalamazoo for graduation.
Now beginning her second year of dental school, Kellogg already has won first place at the American Dental Education Association for her student research presentation. Gobetti applauded her ambition and dedication, and said she's gotten an ideal educational experience about the demands and rewards of research.
Kellogg will graduate from the School of Dentistry in 2007.
For Gobetti's profile: ompo.dent.umich/jpgbio.html
Journal of Dental Education: jdentaled
A recent AP story on the number of Americans with hypertension: cnn/2004/HEALTH/conditions/08/23/blood.pressure.ap
Contact: Colleen Newvine
Phone: (734) 647-4411
E-mail: cnewvineumich
Using GPS To Map Bat Teeth, Explore Diet Adaptations
In a clever use of GPS technology, biologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have "mapped" the topography of bat teeth as if they were uncharted mountain ranges, in order to better understand how toothy ridges, peaks and valleys have evolved to allow different species to eat everything from hard-shelled insects to blood and nectar.
Using a method based on geographic positioning systems that allowed them to characterize the topography of the bats' molars in a way similar to how geographers characterize mountain surfaces, the researchers calculated a measure of dental complexity that reflects how "rugged" the surface of the tooth is. They illustrate a trend from relative simplicity of the shearing molars in insect eaters and omnivores to high complexity of the crushing molars in fruit eaters.
Working with field-collected bat skulls, researchers Sharlene Santana and Betsy Dumont of UMass Amherst, with Suzanne Strait of Marshall University, W. Va., compared the structure of molars across 17 species of the New World leaf-nosed bats that specialize in a variety of different diets (insects, fruits, and a combination). It's well known that mammalian tooth structure and function are strongly related to diet, but this study goes further, the authors explain, to directly measure trends in the relationships among diet, tooth structure, feeding performance and feeding behavior.
They found that the molars of fruit-eating species had sharp outer edges that likely allow them to pierce tough fruit skin and pulp, plus large surfaces with tiny indentations that may help them grind fruit pulp efficiently. By contrast, the molars of insect-eating species were less complex, possibly because of their smoother shearing surfaces. The more simply-shaped teeth would presumably be good for cutting through hard insect exoskeleton. This study is published in the Feb. 16 online issue of the journal Functional Ecology.
Santana and colleagues further tested if, within insect-eating species, higher molar complexity was related to a greater ability to crush insect prey. They fed beetles to field-caught bats, recorded their feeding behavior, then collected fecal samples to measure how well the beetles had been broken down. "We found that insect-eating bats with more complex molars were better at breaking down prey, but how much bats chewed their prey was also important," Santana and colleagues say.
Like any specialized tool, teeth are designed to match the task, in this case breaking down food. Tooth shapes are very specialized to meet specific functions, Santana explains. "However, little is known about how the structure of teeth in bats from this family evolved in relation to the types of food they eat. Across mammals, there's also little information about how differences in tooth structure among species relate to how well they perform during feeding."
"Our study highlights the functional significance of tooth structure and chewing behavior in breaking down natural prey and provides the basis for future studies relating 3D tooth structure to the animals' ability to break down food, how species divide up food resources and how those divisions evolve," they point out. This work provides a major step forward in understanding mammalian feeding systems.
This research was supported by the National Science Foundation, a UMass Natural History Collections David J. Klingener Endowment Scholarship, a Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Predoctoral Fellowship and a Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Grant from the American Museum of Natural History.
Using a method based on geographic positioning systems that allowed them to characterize the topography of the bats' molars in a way similar to how geographers characterize mountain surfaces, the researchers calculated a measure of dental complexity that reflects how "rugged" the surface of the tooth is. They illustrate a trend from relative simplicity of the shearing molars in insect eaters and omnivores to high complexity of the crushing molars in fruit eaters.
Working with field-collected bat skulls, researchers Sharlene Santana and Betsy Dumont of UMass Amherst, with Suzanne Strait of Marshall University, W. Va., compared the structure of molars across 17 species of the New World leaf-nosed bats that specialize in a variety of different diets (insects, fruits, and a combination). It's well known that mammalian tooth structure and function are strongly related to diet, but this study goes further, the authors explain, to directly measure trends in the relationships among diet, tooth structure, feeding performance and feeding behavior.
They found that the molars of fruit-eating species had sharp outer edges that likely allow them to pierce tough fruit skin and pulp, plus large surfaces with tiny indentations that may help them grind fruit pulp efficiently. By contrast, the molars of insect-eating species were less complex, possibly because of their smoother shearing surfaces. The more simply-shaped teeth would presumably be good for cutting through hard insect exoskeleton. This study is published in the Feb. 16 online issue of the journal Functional Ecology.
Santana and colleagues further tested if, within insect-eating species, higher molar complexity was related to a greater ability to crush insect prey. They fed beetles to field-caught bats, recorded their feeding behavior, then collected fecal samples to measure how well the beetles had been broken down. "We found that insect-eating bats with more complex molars were better at breaking down prey, but how much bats chewed their prey was also important," Santana and colleagues say.
Like any specialized tool, teeth are designed to match the task, in this case breaking down food. Tooth shapes are very specialized to meet specific functions, Santana explains. "However, little is known about how the structure of teeth in bats from this family evolved in relation to the types of food they eat. Across mammals, there's also little information about how differences in tooth structure among species relate to how well they perform during feeding."
"Our study highlights the functional significance of tooth structure and chewing behavior in breaking down natural prey and provides the basis for future studies relating 3D tooth structure to the animals' ability to break down food, how species divide up food resources and how those divisions evolve," they point out. This work provides a major step forward in understanding mammalian feeding systems.
This research was supported by the National Science Foundation, a UMass Natural History Collections David J. Klingener Endowment Scholarship, a Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Predoctoral Fellowship and a Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Grant from the American Museum of Natural History.
Many American Elderly Do Not See A Dentist Because of Cost
A survey of 415 senior citizens in Western New York, conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo's School of
Dental Medicine, found that more than half faced barriers to seeing a dentist. Not surprisingly, the most serious barrier
reported was cost.
Respondents also named lack of dental insurance, anxiety about going to the dentist and not having transportation among the
several barriers to receiving dental care that seniors face.
The study provides a snapshot of dental care to the elderly that could be relevant anywhere there are high concentrations of
low-income older citizens.
Results of the study were presented today (March 12, 2005) at the International and American Association on Dental Research
general session being held in Baltimore. Kimberley Zittel-Palamara, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., director of the Counseling, Advocacy,
Referral, Education and Service (CARES) program in the UB dental school, is lead author.
Seniors participating in the study, accessed through senior-citizen centers and nutrition centers across the eight counties
of Western New York, were 71 percent female, 88 percent Caucasian and 66 percent rural. The data revealed that barriers
affect different age groups of seniors in different ways.
Participants were categorized as "early seniors" (ages 60-74); "middle seniors" (ages 75-84) and "late seniors" (ages 85 and
older). The researchers combined the barriers that were named most often into three categories: anxiety/depression,
transportation/weather and finances.
Analysis showed that anxiety/depression was the most significant barrier named by early seniors, accounting for more than
half the barrier effect. However, as age increased, the impact of anxiety decreased and eventually disappeared, while the
importance of transportation/weather increased.
Transportation issues accounted for nearly 85 percent of dental-care barriers listed by late seniors, with finances
accounting for the remaining 15 percent.
For the middle seniors, the three categories of barriers were nearly equal in importance.
Of the major differences between age groups, Zittel-Palamara said: "It may be that younger seniors have more apprehension
about spending a significant amount of money on dental treatment because they may have retired recently and now are living on
a fixed income. This generation of seniors also remembers a time when going to the dentist was associated with painful
procedures without anesthesia, resulting in more anxiety about going to the dentist.
"As wearing dentures increases with age," said Zittel-Palamara, "the likelihood of needing more complex procedures often
associated with pain will inevitably decrease.
Further, transportation needs by young seniors may be less frequent than the other senior age groups because they still are
able to drive. As the loss of driving ability increases with age, so too does the need for transportation assistance to the
dentist. And in rural areas, the dentist may be more than an hour away. Distance, coupled with difficult winters, may make it
even more difficult to get to the dentist."
A breakdown of the data showed that, of the 415 persons surveyed, 402 reported having no dental insurance. In light of that
piece of data, it was surprising that only 207 people reported they had no barriers to dental care.
Zittel-Palamara theorizes that a substantial portion of those reporting no insurance were denture wearers who didn't think
they needed dental care because they had no natural teeth. Therefore, the lack of insurance was not perceived as a barrier
for these people.
"I think this difference is due to lack of knowledge that you need dental care, and by extension, dental insurance, even if
you wear dentures and have been wearing them for many years," she said. "Denture wearers need to be checked for periodontal
disease, which we now know is a risk factor for heart disease, and for cancerous lesions."
Of the 208 seniors who did report barriers to receiving dental care, 191 named finances; 92 named not having a dentist; 52
named transportation and the weather, and 34 named anxiety/depression.
Zittel-Palamara said the results of the study may help dentists identify barriers seniors face and to feel comfortable
discussing them with their patients.
"For seniors who do not have a dentist, Offices for the Aging staff may assess access to dental care needs. In fact, we are
expecting to start another project in the summer, training Offices for the Aging staff in Erie and Niagara counties on how to
assess access to dental care needs in semi-dependent seniors living at home.
"Knowing that senior patients of different ages face different barriers will help guide these conversations and keep seniors
in the dental-health-care system," she said.
Additional UB researchers on the study were Elaine L. Davis, D.D.S., associate professor of oral diagnostic sciences; Meelin
D. Chinkit-Wells, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatric and community dentistry; James A. Wysocki, M.S.W., clinical
manager of the CARES program; Jude A. Fabiano, D.D.S., director of the dental school's Advanced Education in General
Dentistry Program, and Frank Scannapieco, D.M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Oral Biology.
The research was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the
State University of New York.
Contact: Lois Baker
ljbakerbuffalo
716-645-5000 x1417
University at Buffalo
buffalo
Dental Medicine, found that more than half faced barriers to seeing a dentist. Not surprisingly, the most serious barrier
reported was cost.
Respondents also named lack of dental insurance, anxiety about going to the dentist and not having transportation among the
several barriers to receiving dental care that seniors face.
The study provides a snapshot of dental care to the elderly that could be relevant anywhere there are high concentrations of
low-income older citizens.
Results of the study were presented today (March 12, 2005) at the International and American Association on Dental Research
general session being held in Baltimore. Kimberley Zittel-Palamara, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., director of the Counseling, Advocacy,
Referral, Education and Service (CARES) program in the UB dental school, is lead author.
Seniors participating in the study, accessed through senior-citizen centers and nutrition centers across the eight counties
of Western New York, were 71 percent female, 88 percent Caucasian and 66 percent rural. The data revealed that barriers
affect different age groups of seniors in different ways.
Participants were categorized as "early seniors" (ages 60-74); "middle seniors" (ages 75-84) and "late seniors" (ages 85 and
older). The researchers combined the barriers that were named most often into three categories: anxiety/depression,
transportation/weather and finances.
Analysis showed that anxiety/depression was the most significant barrier named by early seniors, accounting for more than
half the barrier effect. However, as age increased, the impact of anxiety decreased and eventually disappeared, while the
importance of transportation/weather increased.
Transportation issues accounted for nearly 85 percent of dental-care barriers listed by late seniors, with finances
accounting for the remaining 15 percent.
For the middle seniors, the three categories of barriers were nearly equal in importance.
Of the major differences between age groups, Zittel-Palamara said: "It may be that younger seniors have more apprehension
about spending a significant amount of money on dental treatment because they may have retired recently and now are living on
a fixed income. This generation of seniors also remembers a time when going to the dentist was associated with painful
procedures without anesthesia, resulting in more anxiety about going to the dentist.
"As wearing dentures increases with age," said Zittel-Palamara, "the likelihood of needing more complex procedures often
associated with pain will inevitably decrease.
Further, transportation needs by young seniors may be less frequent than the other senior age groups because they still are
able to drive. As the loss of driving ability increases with age, so too does the need for transportation assistance to the
dentist. And in rural areas, the dentist may be more than an hour away. Distance, coupled with difficult winters, may make it
even more difficult to get to the dentist."
A breakdown of the data showed that, of the 415 persons surveyed, 402 reported having no dental insurance. In light of that
piece of data, it was surprising that only 207 people reported they had no barriers to dental care.
Zittel-Palamara theorizes that a substantial portion of those reporting no insurance were denture wearers who didn't think
they needed dental care because they had no natural teeth. Therefore, the lack of insurance was not perceived as a barrier
for these people.
"I think this difference is due to lack of knowledge that you need dental care, and by extension, dental insurance, even if
you wear dentures and have been wearing them for many years," she said. "Denture wearers need to be checked for periodontal
disease, which we now know is a risk factor for heart disease, and for cancerous lesions."
Of the 208 seniors who did report barriers to receiving dental care, 191 named finances; 92 named not having a dentist; 52
named transportation and the weather, and 34 named anxiety/depression.
Zittel-Palamara said the results of the study may help dentists identify barriers seniors face and to feel comfortable
discussing them with their patients.
"For seniors who do not have a dentist, Offices for the Aging staff may assess access to dental care needs. In fact, we are
expecting to start another project in the summer, training Offices for the Aging staff in Erie and Niagara counties on how to
assess access to dental care needs in semi-dependent seniors living at home.
"Knowing that senior patients of different ages face different barriers will help guide these conversations and keep seniors
in the dental-health-care system," she said.
Additional UB researchers on the study were Elaine L. Davis, D.D.S., associate professor of oral diagnostic sciences; Meelin
D. Chinkit-Wells, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatric and community dentistry; James A. Wysocki, M.S.W., clinical
manager of the CARES program; Jude A. Fabiano, D.D.S., director of the dental school's Advanced Education in General
Dentistry Program, and Frank Scannapieco, D.M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Oral Biology.
The research was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the
State University of New York.
Contact: Lois Baker
ljbakerbuffalo
716-645-5000 x1417
University at Buffalo
buffalo
New Dental Treatments Take A Bite Out Of The Credit Crunch - British Academy Of Cosmetic Dentistry
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the not-for-profit, leading organisation for the advancement and ethical delivery of cosmetic dentistry, today unveiled results for their 2007 audit which polled over 200 practices around the country and outlines over 100,000 procedures. In a possible backlash against dramatic smile makeovers and perhaps as a nod to the expected credit crunch, Britons - and considerably more males than ever before - are opting for more subtle and less invasive treatments, such as braces instead of veneers.
Highlights:
-- 106,536 cosmetic dentistry cases, women accounted for 61% of all procedures
-- Orthodontics (which include both visible 'train track' braces as well as invisible and removable) have more than tripled since 2006, going up by a whopping 345%
-- Males, who used to account for less than a fifth of all orthodontics, now represent almost a quarter at 24%, with 400 cases this year
-- Veneers have stayed consistent, with dentists averaging about the same number as last year, but male patients, who used to account for 28% of the total, now account for nearly a third, or 32%, of all procedures
-- Onlays were another area of considerable growth, increasing by more than a third (34%) - this treatment is much less invasive than its traditional counterpart, crowns
-- With 5,564 cases, whitening remained similar to last year in terms of average number of cases per dentist. Women still account for the majority of these (70%), but unlike last year, when 4% of people said they were 'unhappy' with the results, in 2007 only 0.8% stated dissatisfaction
-- Bridges are another procedure which has become more popular with men, who used to account for 42% and now edging ever closer to women at 46%
-- The number of 'removable' braces, such as the innovative Inman Aligner (which only takes months to straighten teeth) used to account for less than a quarter (22%) of all orthodontic cases now accounts more than half at 58%
According to Dr. David Bloom, dentist and President of the BACD;
"This audit has highlighted some very exciting trends, such as an impressive increase in the number of orthodontic cases. This could well be a backlash against the dramatic smile 'overhauls' popularised in makeover shows but may also herald a more subtle, and indeed cost-effective, approach to cosmetic dentistry by the industry as a whole. It's also interesting to note the overwhelming preference for less invasive treatments such as onlays, which are porcelain fillings to cover part of the tooth, over crowns - which involve drilling to achieve full coverage."
The audit mechanism tracks the top 10 most popular procedures including whitening procedures, tooth-coloured fillings, veneers, implants and crowns. This year's results encompass all practices of full members as of 2007.
According to Dr. James Goolnik, dentist and BACD Board member;
"These results show that men have become more accepting of cosmetic treatments in general - reflecting the importance we now place on a healthy smile. The advent of new procedures such as the removable adult braces and more realistic-looking veneers which require much less drilling also means people are less likely to choose invasive and irreversible treatments. At the BACD our mission is to continue training dentists around the country in these innovative and cutting-edge options."
David Bloom adds;
"The remarkable increase in satisfaction levels with whitening results also shows that not only are techniques advancing, but the public is more educated and realistic in terms of their expectations of what can be achieved."
The results in full:
-- White fillings (back teeth) 39,308
-- Crowns, Inlays and Onlays 27,972
-- Porcelain Veneers 14,500
-- White fillings (front teeth) 10,800
-- Whitening 5,978
-- Bridges 2,900
-- Implants 2,856
-- Orthodontics 1,644
-- Gum Contouring 1,444
Women accounted for 61% of all procedures this year (64,620 treatments carried out). The top 5 dentistry procedures for women in 2007 are: white fillings (back teeth, usually replacing silver amalgams, 22,056 procedures), Crowns-Inlays-Onlays (16,884), Veneers (9,488), white fillings (front teeth, 6,944 procedures) and teeth whitening (3,800).
Men had 39% of all dentistry treatments (41,916 procedures in 2007). The top 5 procedures for men are: White fillings (back teeth, 17,252 procedures carried out in 2007), Crowns-Inlays-Onlays (11,088), Veneers (4,568), white fillings (front teeth, 3,856 procedures) and whitening (1,764).
About the BACD
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is a not-for-profit, inclusive organisation for the advancement and ethical delivery of cosmetic dentistry, open to all dental professionals including dental technicians and hygienists. The BACD, which has over 900 members, is affiliated with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. bacd
Source
Jennifer McGarrigle
bacd
Highlights:
-- 106,536 cosmetic dentistry cases, women accounted for 61% of all procedures
-- Orthodontics (which include both visible 'train track' braces as well as invisible and removable) have more than tripled since 2006, going up by a whopping 345%
-- Males, who used to account for less than a fifth of all orthodontics, now represent almost a quarter at 24%, with 400 cases this year
-- Veneers have stayed consistent, with dentists averaging about the same number as last year, but male patients, who used to account for 28% of the total, now account for nearly a third, or 32%, of all procedures
-- Onlays were another area of considerable growth, increasing by more than a third (34%) - this treatment is much less invasive than its traditional counterpart, crowns
-- With 5,564 cases, whitening remained similar to last year in terms of average number of cases per dentist. Women still account for the majority of these (70%), but unlike last year, when 4% of people said they were 'unhappy' with the results, in 2007 only 0.8% stated dissatisfaction
-- Bridges are another procedure which has become more popular with men, who used to account for 42% and now edging ever closer to women at 46%
-- The number of 'removable' braces, such as the innovative Inman Aligner (which only takes months to straighten teeth) used to account for less than a quarter (22%) of all orthodontic cases now accounts more than half at 58%
According to Dr. David Bloom, dentist and President of the BACD;
"This audit has highlighted some very exciting trends, such as an impressive increase in the number of orthodontic cases. This could well be a backlash against the dramatic smile 'overhauls' popularised in makeover shows but may also herald a more subtle, and indeed cost-effective, approach to cosmetic dentistry by the industry as a whole. It's also interesting to note the overwhelming preference for less invasive treatments such as onlays, which are porcelain fillings to cover part of the tooth, over crowns - which involve drilling to achieve full coverage."
The audit mechanism tracks the top 10 most popular procedures including whitening procedures, tooth-coloured fillings, veneers, implants and crowns. This year's results encompass all practices of full members as of 2007.
According to Dr. James Goolnik, dentist and BACD Board member;
"These results show that men have become more accepting of cosmetic treatments in general - reflecting the importance we now place on a healthy smile. The advent of new procedures such as the removable adult braces and more realistic-looking veneers which require much less drilling also means people are less likely to choose invasive and irreversible treatments. At the BACD our mission is to continue training dentists around the country in these innovative and cutting-edge options."
David Bloom adds;
"The remarkable increase in satisfaction levels with whitening results also shows that not only are techniques advancing, but the public is more educated and realistic in terms of their expectations of what can be achieved."
The results in full:
-- White fillings (back teeth) 39,308
-- Crowns, Inlays and Onlays 27,972
-- Porcelain Veneers 14,500
-- White fillings (front teeth) 10,800
-- Whitening 5,978
-- Bridges 2,900
-- Implants 2,856
-- Orthodontics 1,644
-- Gum Contouring 1,444
Women accounted for 61% of all procedures this year (64,620 treatments carried out). The top 5 dentistry procedures for women in 2007 are: white fillings (back teeth, usually replacing silver amalgams, 22,056 procedures), Crowns-Inlays-Onlays (16,884), Veneers (9,488), white fillings (front teeth, 6,944 procedures) and teeth whitening (3,800).
Men had 39% of all dentistry treatments (41,916 procedures in 2007). The top 5 procedures for men are: White fillings (back teeth, 17,252 procedures carried out in 2007), Crowns-Inlays-Onlays (11,088), Veneers (4,568), white fillings (front teeth, 3,856 procedures) and whitening (1,764).
About the BACD
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is a not-for-profit, inclusive organisation for the advancement and ethical delivery of cosmetic dentistry, open to all dental professionals including dental technicians and hygienists. The BACD, which has over 900 members, is affiliated with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. bacd
Source
Jennifer McGarrigle
bacd
Guidance On Commissioning And Manufacturing Dental Appliances, UK
The GDC has issued new guidance for all GDC registrants involved in prescribing, manufacturing and fitting dental appliances. This follows a 12 week consultation on the issue which closed in August 2008. All registrants have a role to play in protecting patients from harm and in providing a safe and effective standard of care. The purpose of this guidance is to ensure that dentists, dental technicians and clinical dental technicians (CDTs) understand and are responsible for the decisions they make when commissioning or manufacturing dental appliances.
The guidance, which complements the GDC's Principles of Dental Team Working, is in three parts:
- GDC expectations with regards to the European Commission's Medical Devices Directive,
- guidance for those who arrange for dental appliances to be made in the UK, and
- a third section for registrants who subcontract or prescribe dental appliances to be made outside the UK - or use a dental laboratory or agent which sources dental appliances outside the UK.
The full guidance can be read on our website gdc-uk
1: The full guidance is as follows:
Standards On Commissioning And Manufacturing Dental Appliances
Issued by the General Dental Council under Sections 26B and 36M of the Dentists Act 1984.
All GDC registrants involved in prescribing, manufacturing and fitting dental appliances have a role to play in protecting patients from harm and in providing a safe and effective standard of care.
All GDC registrants must comply with the GDC Standards guidance. With regards to the commissioning and manufacturing of dental appliances, Principles 4.7 to 4.9 of the Principles of Dental Team Working have particular relevance. These overriding principles are complemented by the standards of practice below.
Registrants who make dental appliances
If you make a dental appliance, you must understand and comply with your legal responsibilities as "manufacturer" under the Medical Devices Directive. These are legal requirements rather than GDC rules and the GDC expects you to fulfil these responsibilities and will hold you accountable for doing so.
Registrants who arrange for dental appliances to be made
If you arrange for dental appliances to be made in the UK, you are professionally responsible for issuing the prescription to and receiving the appliance from a UK-registered dental technician. If you prescribe a dental appliance to be made by a person in the UK who is not a registered dental technician you are liable to face a GDC fitness to practise inquiry. Equally, you are liable to face a GDC fitness to practise inquiry if you receive a dental appliance made in the UK by a person who is not a registered dental technician.
Registrants who sub-contract or prescribe dental appliances to be made outside the UK
When making the decision to either sub-contract the manufacture of a dental appliance, or use a dental laboratory or agent which sources dental appliances, outside the UK, your choice not to use a UK-registered dental technician puts a particular responsibility on you.
You will be held professionally accountable for the safety and quality of the appliance. This is because you have chosen not to sub-contract or issue the prescription to a registered dental technician who would otherwise be accountable him or herself. You take on the dental technician's responsibilities for the appliance and the GDC will hold you accountable for your decision.
Further we expect you to have taken appropriate steps to discharge the extra responsibilities you choose to accept when you make this decision.
General Dental Council (UK)
The guidance, which complements the GDC's Principles of Dental Team Working, is in three parts:
- GDC expectations with regards to the European Commission's Medical Devices Directive,
- guidance for those who arrange for dental appliances to be made in the UK, and
- a third section for registrants who subcontract or prescribe dental appliances to be made outside the UK - or use a dental laboratory or agent which sources dental appliances outside the UK.
The full guidance can be read on our website gdc-uk
1: The full guidance is as follows:
Standards On Commissioning And Manufacturing Dental Appliances
Issued by the General Dental Council under Sections 26B and 36M of the Dentists Act 1984.
All GDC registrants involved in prescribing, manufacturing and fitting dental appliances have a role to play in protecting patients from harm and in providing a safe and effective standard of care.
All GDC registrants must comply with the GDC Standards guidance. With regards to the commissioning and manufacturing of dental appliances, Principles 4.7 to 4.9 of the Principles of Dental Team Working have particular relevance. These overriding principles are complemented by the standards of practice below.
Registrants who make dental appliances
If you make a dental appliance, you must understand and comply with your legal responsibilities as "manufacturer" under the Medical Devices Directive. These are legal requirements rather than GDC rules and the GDC expects you to fulfil these responsibilities and will hold you accountable for doing so.
Registrants who arrange for dental appliances to be made
If you arrange for dental appliances to be made in the UK, you are professionally responsible for issuing the prescription to and receiving the appliance from a UK-registered dental technician. If you prescribe a dental appliance to be made by a person in the UK who is not a registered dental technician you are liable to face a GDC fitness to practise inquiry. Equally, you are liable to face a GDC fitness to practise inquiry if you receive a dental appliance made in the UK by a person who is not a registered dental technician.
Registrants who sub-contract or prescribe dental appliances to be made outside the UK
When making the decision to either sub-contract the manufacture of a dental appliance, or use a dental laboratory or agent which sources dental appliances, outside the UK, your choice not to use a UK-registered dental technician puts a particular responsibility on you.
You will be held professionally accountable for the safety and quality of the appliance. This is because you have chosen not to sub-contract or issue the prescription to a registered dental technician who would otherwise be accountable him or herself. You take on the dental technician's responsibilities for the appliance and the GDC will hold you accountable for your decision.
Further we expect you to have taken appropriate steps to discharge the extra responsibilities you choose to accept when you make this decision.
General Dental Council (UK)
Grand Opportunity Grant Funds Rapid Saliva Test Using Lab-On-A-Chip
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded researchers in Rice University's new BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC) a $2 million Grand Opportunity (GO) grant to develop a fast, inexpensive test for oral cancer that a dentist could perform simply by using a brush to collect a small sample of cells from a patient's mouth.
"We want to provide an accurate diagnosis for oral cancer in less than 30 minutes using a minimally invasive test that requires no scalpels or off-site lab tests," said principal investigator John McDevitt, Rice's Brown-Wiess Professor in Bioengineering and Chemistry. "The payoff for this could be tremendous because oral cancers today are typically diagnosed much too late in their development."
NIH established the GO grant program to support projects that address large, specific research endeavors that are likely to deliver near-term growth and investment in biomedical research and development, public health and health care delivery. GO grant funding was provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
If oral cancer is detected early, the prognosis for patients is excellent, with a five-year survival rate of more than 90 percent. Unfortunately, the actual five-year survival rate for oral squamous cell carcinoma is only about 50 percent, among the lowest rates for all major cancers. Oral squamous cell carcinoma affects about 300,000 people per year worldwide, and most cases are diagnosed in their late stages.
The new test is possible because of a novel microchip invented in McDevitt's lab. This "lab-on-a-chip" uses the latest techniques in microchip design, nanotechnology, microfluidics, image analysis, pattern recognition and biotechnology to shrink many of the main functions of a state-of-the-art clinical pathology laboratory onto a microchip the size of a postage stamp.
The microchips are mounted on disposable, plastic cards that are slotted into a battery-powered analyzer. A brush-biopsy sample is placed on the card and microfluidic circuits wash cells from the sample into a reaction chamber. The cells pass through mini-fluidic channels about the size of small veins and come in contact with "biomarkers" that react only with specific types of diseased cells. The machine uses two LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, to light up various regions of the cells and cell compartments. Healthy and diseased cells can be distinguished from one another by the way they glow in response to the LEDs.
The oral-cancer test will be developed in collaboration with scientists at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. In addition to cancer, McDevitt's lab is developing tests for heart attacks and HIV, and it is developing a process to produce the disposable cards for pennies apiece.
"An affordable oral-cancer test that can be performed painlessly and quickly in either a regular visit at the doctor or dentist's office benefits patients and clinicians by detecting cancer earlier and lowering health care costs," McDevitt said.
The analyzers used in the test are made by Austin-based startup LabNow, a company McDevitt launched while at the University of Texas at Austin. McDevitt moved his lab from UT-Austin to Rice in July 2009 to be in the BRC, a state-of-the-art research facility that's within walking distance of the major research institutions of the Texas Medical Center (TMC). McDevitt's lab is slated to begin trials of a lab-on-a-chip saliva test for heart attacks with the TMC's Baylor College of Medicine in January. In addition, LabNow is preparing for tests next spring in Africa of a lab-on-a-chip test for HIV immune function.
"We want to provide an accurate diagnosis for oral cancer in less than 30 minutes using a minimally invasive test that requires no scalpels or off-site lab tests," said principal investigator John McDevitt, Rice's Brown-Wiess Professor in Bioengineering and Chemistry. "The payoff for this could be tremendous because oral cancers today are typically diagnosed much too late in their development."
NIH established the GO grant program to support projects that address large, specific research endeavors that are likely to deliver near-term growth and investment in biomedical research and development, public health and health care delivery. GO grant funding was provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
If oral cancer is detected early, the prognosis for patients is excellent, with a five-year survival rate of more than 90 percent. Unfortunately, the actual five-year survival rate for oral squamous cell carcinoma is only about 50 percent, among the lowest rates for all major cancers. Oral squamous cell carcinoma affects about 300,000 people per year worldwide, and most cases are diagnosed in their late stages.
The new test is possible because of a novel microchip invented in McDevitt's lab. This "lab-on-a-chip" uses the latest techniques in microchip design, nanotechnology, microfluidics, image analysis, pattern recognition and biotechnology to shrink many of the main functions of a state-of-the-art clinical pathology laboratory onto a microchip the size of a postage stamp.
The microchips are mounted on disposable, plastic cards that are slotted into a battery-powered analyzer. A brush-biopsy sample is placed on the card and microfluidic circuits wash cells from the sample into a reaction chamber. The cells pass through mini-fluidic channels about the size of small veins and come in contact with "biomarkers" that react only with specific types of diseased cells. The machine uses two LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, to light up various regions of the cells and cell compartments. Healthy and diseased cells can be distinguished from one another by the way they glow in response to the LEDs.
The oral-cancer test will be developed in collaboration with scientists at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. In addition to cancer, McDevitt's lab is developing tests for heart attacks and HIV, and it is developing a process to produce the disposable cards for pennies apiece.
"An affordable oral-cancer test that can be performed painlessly and quickly in either a regular visit at the doctor or dentist's office benefits patients and clinicians by detecting cancer earlier and lowering health care costs," McDevitt said.
The analyzers used in the test are made by Austin-based startup LabNow, a company McDevitt launched while at the University of Texas at Austin. McDevitt moved his lab from UT-Austin to Rice in July 2009 to be in the BRC, a state-of-the-art research facility that's within walking distance of the major research institutions of the Texas Medical Center (TMC). McDevitt's lab is slated to begin trials of a lab-on-a-chip saliva test for heart attacks with the TMC's Baylor College of Medicine in January. In addition, LabNow is preparing for tests next spring in Africa of a lab-on-a-chip test for HIV immune function.
The H1N1 Flu Epidemic: What Dentists Can Learn
The H1N1 flu epidemic has lessons to offer health care providers. The limited amount of vaccine available initially left pregnant women, small children with medical conditions, and other high-risk populations waiting in long lines. The problems encountered in reaching certain segments of the population apply to the provision of dental care as well as other disciplines.
An editorial in the current issue of the journal Anesthesia Progress discusses the inequities of the health care delivery system that became apparent in the distribution of the H1N1 flu vaccine. Early distribution did not adequately address certain high-risk groups, such as those who are homebound or have physical or mental impairment making them unable to wait in long lines. Meeting the dental needs of these people also poses a challenge for dentists.
Special needs populations are too often overlooked by dentists because of a lack of experience in managing these patients in the dental office. The author asserts that "the addition of a highly skilled mobile ambulatory general anesthesia practitioner can transform a dentist's office into a fully monitored mini-operating room." This would allow dentists to provide safe, high-quality care to people who cannot otherwise cooperate with treatment.
The advanced training of a dental anesthesiologist already requires extensive experience in providing ambulatory general anesthesia to dental patients with special needs. New ultra-short-acting drugs offer a rapid recovery, allowing office efficiency for dentists and cost savings for patients.
Finding different avenues to meet the needs of special populations is a lesson for government and medical communities. The solutions found in the dental profession may provide a model.
The author also notes positive changes in the health care community and beyond because of the H1N1 flu epidemic. Much as the impact of the HIV/AIDS virus spawned the wearing of gloves and other protective equipment by dental professionals, this epidemic is also bringing about transformations. These include a better awareness of hygiene and improved measures, such as hand-washing, that will decrease the spread of illness.
Full text of the editorial article, "What Can We Learn From the H1N1 Flu Epidemic?" is available here.
About Anesthesia Progress
Anesthesia Progress is the official publication of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA). The quarterly journal is dedicated to providing a better understanding of the advances being made in the science of pain and anxiety control in dentistry. The journal invites submissions of review articles, reports on clinical techniques, case reports, and conference summaries. To learn more about the ADSA, visit here.
Source
Allen Press Publishing Services
An editorial in the current issue of the journal Anesthesia Progress discusses the inequities of the health care delivery system that became apparent in the distribution of the H1N1 flu vaccine. Early distribution did not adequately address certain high-risk groups, such as those who are homebound or have physical or mental impairment making them unable to wait in long lines. Meeting the dental needs of these people also poses a challenge for dentists.
Special needs populations are too often overlooked by dentists because of a lack of experience in managing these patients in the dental office. The author asserts that "the addition of a highly skilled mobile ambulatory general anesthesia practitioner can transform a dentist's office into a fully monitored mini-operating room." This would allow dentists to provide safe, high-quality care to people who cannot otherwise cooperate with treatment.
The advanced training of a dental anesthesiologist already requires extensive experience in providing ambulatory general anesthesia to dental patients with special needs. New ultra-short-acting drugs offer a rapid recovery, allowing office efficiency for dentists and cost savings for patients.
Finding different avenues to meet the needs of special populations is a lesson for government and medical communities. The solutions found in the dental profession may provide a model.
The author also notes positive changes in the health care community and beyond because of the H1N1 flu epidemic. Much as the impact of the HIV/AIDS virus spawned the wearing of gloves and other protective equipment by dental professionals, this epidemic is also bringing about transformations. These include a better awareness of hygiene and improved measures, such as hand-washing, that will decrease the spread of illness.
Full text of the editorial article, "What Can We Learn From the H1N1 Flu Epidemic?" is available here.
About Anesthesia Progress
Anesthesia Progress is the official publication of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA). The quarterly journal is dedicated to providing a better understanding of the advances being made in the science of pain and anxiety control in dentistry. The journal invites submissions of review articles, reports on clinical techniques, case reports, and conference summaries. To learn more about the ADSA, visit here.
Source
Allen Press Publishing Services
Lectures, Keynoters, Symposia Highlight International Dental Research Meeting
Following is a summary of the key lectures, symposia, and workshops that will anchor the 85th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, convening here March 21 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Featured Presentations: Distinguished Lecture Series
* "Human Embryonic Stem Cells: The Time is Now", Susan Fisher (Professor, University of California, San Francisco, USA), Thursday, March 22, 8:00 am, Convention Center, Auditorium A (This event is graciously sponsored by Quintessence Publishing.)
* "Global Perspectives on Health Science Institutions and Research", Karen Holbrook (President, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA), Saturday, March 24, 8:00 am, Convention Center, Auditorium A [NB: This is the W.J. Gies Distinguished Speaker Lecture.]
Special Presentation
* "An Update on the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research", Larry Tabak (Director, NIDCR, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA), Friday, March 23, 8:00 a.m., Convention Center, Auditorium A
The mission of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is to improve oral, dental, and craniofacial health through research, research training, and the dissemination of health information. The mission is accomplished by: performing and supporting basic and clinical research; conducting and funding research training and career development programs to ensure an adequate number of talented, well-prepared, and diverse investigators; coordinating and assisting relevant research and research-related activities among all sectors of the research community; and promoting the timely transfer of knowledge gained from research and its implications for health to the public, health professionals, researchers, and policy-makers.
An overview of the Institute and how Institute priorities are reached will be provided. Current national and international funding opportunities and initiatives will be highlighted. The talk will conclude with a discussion of potential future research and training directions.
Keynote Speakers
The Scientific Groups have been asked to select a keynote speaker to give an overview of research in that area of expertise. Delegates can benefit from these 30-minute presentations by getting an overall understanding of what is currently being done in other disciplines.
Wednesday, March 21
* "The Multifunctional Osteocyte: Orchestrator of Bone Remodeling", Lynda Bonewald (University of Missouri- Kansas City, USA), 2:30 pm, Room 294
* "Floss for Life: Biological Mechanisms of the Perio-Cardio Relationship", Ann Progulske-Fox (University of Florida, Gainesville, USA), 2:30 pm, Room 289
Thursday, March 22
* "Toward a Systems Approach to Behavioral & Social Science Issues for Oral Health", Lois Cohen (National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, USA), 9 am, Room 293
* "The Performance of Resin Adhesives: How Testing Methods Affect Results", Dan Nathanson (Boston University, MA, USA), 9:00 am, Room 391
* "The Dental Pulp: Big Issues about a Little Tissue", Rena D'Souza (Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA), 9 am, Room 389
* "Clinical Evidence for Selection of Materials and Techniques for Posterior Composite Restorations", David Sarrett (Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA), 10:45 am, Room 391
* "A Skeptic's Assessment of Dental Digital Radiography", Mel Kantor (New Jersey Dental School UMDNJ, Newark, USA), 10:45 am, Room 387
* "Periodontal Disease in the Elderly", Anja Ainamo (University of Helsinki, Finland), 10:45 am, Room 285
Friday, March 23
* "Can Clinical Failures and Survival Statistics for Ceramic-based Prostheses be Predicted Reliably from in vitro Tests?", Ken Anusavice (University of Florida, Gainesville, USA), 9 am, Room 391
* "AADR's Oral Health Research Group: Interests, Activities, and Opportunities", Nancy Williams (University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA), 9 am, Room 388
* "Clinical Research in Dental Local Anesthesia: Beyond Myths and Dreams", John Meechan (University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom), 9 am, Room 287
* "Interaction of Dental Resins with Osteoblastic/Odontoblastic Cells", Satoshi Imazato (Osaka University, Japan), 10:45 am, Room 391
* "Impact of Environments on Caries and Diet", Peter Lingstr?¶m (University of G?¶teborg, Sweden), 10:45 am, Room 284
* "Antimicrobial Peptides in the Oral Environment", Libuse Bobek (State University of New York - Buffalo, USA), 10:45 am, Room 290
Saturday, March 24
* "An Update on the Interaction between Glass-ionomer Cements and Their Immediate Environment", Hien Ngo (University of Adelaide, Athelstone, SA, Australia), 9 am, Room 391
Symposia
Wednesday, March 21
* "Dental School Participation in the NIH Clinical Translational Science Awards (CTSAs)", 1:00-3:00 pm, Rooms 283-284 (Joint with ADEA)
* "Bisphosphonates and Bisphosphonate-associated Osteonecrosis", 2:30-4:00 pm, Room 295 (Joint with ADEA)
* "Dental Education at the Crossroads + 12 Years: Taking Stock", 2:30-4:00 pm, Room 293 (Joint with ADEA)
* "Status of Laboratory Studies for Predicting Clinical Behavior", 2:30-4:00 pm, Room 298 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Oral Medicine and Pathology in New Orleans", 2:30-4:00 pm, Room 292 (Joint with ADEA)
Thursday, March 22
* "Gender Effects on Temporomandibular Disorders", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 298 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Susceptibility to and Development of Periodontitis", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 284 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Essentials in Grant Writing", 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Room 288 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Genetic and Transcriptional Control of Osteoblast Differentiation", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 293 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Methodological Issues in Measuring Oral-health-related Quality of Life in Children", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 284 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Micronutrition, Periodontitis, and Systemic Diseases - Potential Mechanistic Links", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 287 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
Friday, March 23
* "Frail Older Adults, Dementia, and the Failing Dentition", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 284 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "International Bioethics and Human Rights in Relation to Dental Research", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 292 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Pulp Fiction and Reality: Cell-Material Interactions, Degradation, and Regeneration", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 283 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Rapid Orthodontics Following Selective Alveolar Decortication", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 288 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Bridging the Biological and Materials Science Disciplines to Build the Tooth", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 283 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Cariogenic Dental Biofilm", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 292 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Molecular and Nano-design of Dental Implants", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 293 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Practice-based Research - What's It All About?", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 295 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
Saturday, March 24
* "Applications of High-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis in Oral Sciences", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 298 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms in Microbial Pathogenesis", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 292 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
Satellite Symposium
* "Complete Oral Care: A Comprehensive Look at Oral Hygiene and Oral Health for a Healthier Body", Friday, March 23, 1:30-4:00 pm, Room 292 (Sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive Co.)
The symposium will cover the latest research and scientific information on the following topics: (1) oral biofilms, their development on tooth surfaces and on the oral soft tissues, and their role in oral health and disease; (2) inflammation, its role in periodontal disease, from gingivitis to systemic disease; (3) the growing evidence for connections among cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and periodontal disease; and (4) effective oral hygiene and oral health solutions for a healthier mouth.
Hands-on Workshops (HOW)
Wednesday, March 21
* (HOW #1) "Technology Support for Teaching Clinical Decision-making", Room 299 (10:30 am-12 Noon)
* (HOW #2) "Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Hands-on Workshop for Examination Skills Development", Room 299 (2:30-4:00 pm)
Thursday, March 22
* (HOW #3) "Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status Assessment in Dental Research", Room 299 (9:00-10:30 am)
* (HOW #4) "The Nutrition Data System for Research with Fluoride: A New Software for Assessing Fluoride Intake", Room 283 (10:45 am-12:15 pm)
* (HOW #5) "The SBIR and STTR Programs: A Pathway to Translational Research", Room 298 (10:45 am-12:15 pm)
* (HOW #6) "Introduction to the NIDCR/CDC Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Data Resource Center", Room 299 (10:45 am-12:15 pm)
Friday, March 23
* (HOW #7) "Oral Pathogen Sequence Analysis and Comparative Study", Room 298 (9:00-10:30 am)
* (HOW #8) "Using 3D Simulation Models in Education and Research", Room 299 (9:00-10:30 am)
Contact: Linda Hemphill
International & American Association for Dental Research
Featured Presentations: Distinguished Lecture Series
* "Human Embryonic Stem Cells: The Time is Now", Susan Fisher (Professor, University of California, San Francisco, USA), Thursday, March 22, 8:00 am, Convention Center, Auditorium A (This event is graciously sponsored by Quintessence Publishing.)
* "Global Perspectives on Health Science Institutions and Research", Karen Holbrook (President, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA), Saturday, March 24, 8:00 am, Convention Center, Auditorium A [NB: This is the W.J. Gies Distinguished Speaker Lecture.]
Special Presentation
* "An Update on the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research", Larry Tabak (Director, NIDCR, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA), Friday, March 23, 8:00 a.m., Convention Center, Auditorium A
The mission of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is to improve oral, dental, and craniofacial health through research, research training, and the dissemination of health information. The mission is accomplished by: performing and supporting basic and clinical research; conducting and funding research training and career development programs to ensure an adequate number of talented, well-prepared, and diverse investigators; coordinating and assisting relevant research and research-related activities among all sectors of the research community; and promoting the timely transfer of knowledge gained from research and its implications for health to the public, health professionals, researchers, and policy-makers.
An overview of the Institute and how Institute priorities are reached will be provided. Current national and international funding opportunities and initiatives will be highlighted. The talk will conclude with a discussion of potential future research and training directions.
Keynote Speakers
The Scientific Groups have been asked to select a keynote speaker to give an overview of research in that area of expertise. Delegates can benefit from these 30-minute presentations by getting an overall understanding of what is currently being done in other disciplines.
Wednesday, March 21
* "The Multifunctional Osteocyte: Orchestrator of Bone Remodeling", Lynda Bonewald (University of Missouri- Kansas City, USA), 2:30 pm, Room 294
* "Floss for Life: Biological Mechanisms of the Perio-Cardio Relationship", Ann Progulske-Fox (University of Florida, Gainesville, USA), 2:30 pm, Room 289
Thursday, March 22
* "Toward a Systems Approach to Behavioral & Social Science Issues for Oral Health", Lois Cohen (National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, USA), 9 am, Room 293
* "The Performance of Resin Adhesives: How Testing Methods Affect Results", Dan Nathanson (Boston University, MA, USA), 9:00 am, Room 391
* "The Dental Pulp: Big Issues about a Little Tissue", Rena D'Souza (Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA), 9 am, Room 389
* "Clinical Evidence for Selection of Materials and Techniques for Posterior Composite Restorations", David Sarrett (Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA), 10:45 am, Room 391
* "A Skeptic's Assessment of Dental Digital Radiography", Mel Kantor (New Jersey Dental School UMDNJ, Newark, USA), 10:45 am, Room 387
* "Periodontal Disease in the Elderly", Anja Ainamo (University of Helsinki, Finland), 10:45 am, Room 285
Friday, March 23
* "Can Clinical Failures and Survival Statistics for Ceramic-based Prostheses be Predicted Reliably from in vitro Tests?", Ken Anusavice (University of Florida, Gainesville, USA), 9 am, Room 391
* "AADR's Oral Health Research Group: Interests, Activities, and Opportunities", Nancy Williams (University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA), 9 am, Room 388
* "Clinical Research in Dental Local Anesthesia: Beyond Myths and Dreams", John Meechan (University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom), 9 am, Room 287
* "Interaction of Dental Resins with Osteoblastic/Odontoblastic Cells", Satoshi Imazato (Osaka University, Japan), 10:45 am, Room 391
* "Impact of Environments on Caries and Diet", Peter Lingstr?¶m (University of G?¶teborg, Sweden), 10:45 am, Room 284
* "Antimicrobial Peptides in the Oral Environment", Libuse Bobek (State University of New York - Buffalo, USA), 10:45 am, Room 290
Saturday, March 24
* "An Update on the Interaction between Glass-ionomer Cements and Their Immediate Environment", Hien Ngo (University of Adelaide, Athelstone, SA, Australia), 9 am, Room 391
Symposia
Wednesday, March 21
* "Dental School Participation in the NIH Clinical Translational Science Awards (CTSAs)", 1:00-3:00 pm, Rooms 283-284 (Joint with ADEA)
* "Bisphosphonates and Bisphosphonate-associated Osteonecrosis", 2:30-4:00 pm, Room 295 (Joint with ADEA)
* "Dental Education at the Crossroads + 12 Years: Taking Stock", 2:30-4:00 pm, Room 293 (Joint with ADEA)
* "Status of Laboratory Studies for Predicting Clinical Behavior", 2:30-4:00 pm, Room 298 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Oral Medicine and Pathology in New Orleans", 2:30-4:00 pm, Room 292 (Joint with ADEA)
Thursday, March 22
* "Gender Effects on Temporomandibular Disorders", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 298 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Susceptibility to and Development of Periodontitis", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 284 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Essentials in Grant Writing", 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Room 288 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Genetic and Transcriptional Control of Osteoblast Differentiation", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 293 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Methodological Issues in Measuring Oral-health-related Quality of Life in Children", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 284 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Micronutrition, Periodontitis, and Systemic Diseases - Potential Mechanistic Links", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 287 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
Friday, March 23
* "Frail Older Adults, Dementia, and the Failing Dentition", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 284 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "International Bioethics and Human Rights in Relation to Dental Research", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 292 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Pulp Fiction and Reality: Cell-Material Interactions, Degradation, and Regeneration", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 283 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Rapid Orthodontics Following Selective Alveolar Decortication", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 288 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Bridging the Biological and Materials Science Disciplines to Build the Tooth", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 283 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Cariogenic Dental Biofilm", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 292 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Molecular and Nano-design of Dental Implants", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 293 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Practice-based Research - What's It All About?", 10:45 am-12:15 pm, Room 295 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
Saturday, March 24
* "Applications of High-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis in Oral Sciences", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 298 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
* "Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms in Microbial Pathogenesis", 9:00-10:30 am, Room 292 (Group-/Division-sponsored)
Satellite Symposium
* "Complete Oral Care: A Comprehensive Look at Oral Hygiene and Oral Health for a Healthier Body", Friday, March 23, 1:30-4:00 pm, Room 292 (Sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive Co.)
The symposium will cover the latest research and scientific information on the following topics: (1) oral biofilms, their development on tooth surfaces and on the oral soft tissues, and their role in oral health and disease; (2) inflammation, its role in periodontal disease, from gingivitis to systemic disease; (3) the growing evidence for connections among cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and periodontal disease; and (4) effective oral hygiene and oral health solutions for a healthier mouth.
Hands-on Workshops (HOW)
Wednesday, March 21
* (HOW #1) "Technology Support for Teaching Clinical Decision-making", Room 299 (10:30 am-12 Noon)
* (HOW #2) "Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Hands-on Workshop for Examination Skills Development", Room 299 (2:30-4:00 pm)
Thursday, March 22
* (HOW #3) "Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status Assessment in Dental Research", Room 299 (9:00-10:30 am)
* (HOW #4) "The Nutrition Data System for Research with Fluoride: A New Software for Assessing Fluoride Intake", Room 283 (10:45 am-12:15 pm)
* (HOW #5) "The SBIR and STTR Programs: A Pathway to Translational Research", Room 298 (10:45 am-12:15 pm)
* (HOW #6) "Introduction to the NIDCR/CDC Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Data Resource Center", Room 299 (10:45 am-12:15 pm)
Friday, March 23
* (HOW #7) "Oral Pathogen Sequence Analysis and Comparative Study", Room 298 (9:00-10:30 am)
* (HOW #8) "Using 3D Simulation Models in Education and Research", Room 299 (9:00-10:30 am)
Contact: Linda Hemphill
International & American Association for Dental Research
Periodontal Stem Cell Transplantation Shows Promise
Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have been found to be the most efficacious of three kinds of clinically tested dental tissue-derived stem cells, reports a study published in the current issue of Cell Transplantation (20:2), freely available on-line here.
According to researchers in Seoul, South Korea, transplantation of PDLSCs into beagle dogs modeled with advanced periodontal (gum) disease that affected their premolars and molars, which are morphologically similar to the corresponding areas in human dentition, was most effective. PDLSCs showed the best regenerating capacity of the periodontal ligament (which attaches the tooth to the alveolar bone in which the teeth sit), alveolar bone, cementum (material that comprises the surface of a tooth's root), peripheral nerve and blood vessels when compared to similar transplants using dental pulp stem cells (taken from the center of teeth) or periapical follicular stem cells (taken from the developing root).
"Periodontitis, characterized by bone resorption, periodontal pocketing and gingival inflammation, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults and affects 10 to 15 percent of adults worldwide," said corresponding author Dr. Pill-Hoon Choung of the Seoul National University School of Dentistry. "Our study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous stem cell transplantation (i.e. transplant of a patient's own cells) using three kinds of autologous dental stem cells similar to mensenchymal stem cells."
Past efforts at improving periodontal regeneration included xenogenic (from a different species) bone particle graft using growth factors, but the clinical results were generally unsatisfactory, said the researchers.
In their stem cell transplant study, Dr. Choung's group found PDLSCs to be most efficacious of the three cell types since they offered the best results with respect to the quality and quantity of regenerated tissues.
"PDLSCs made more calcium nodules and showed higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity than did the other two stem cell varieties," added Dr. Choung.
The researchers concluded that further studies should investigate which factors influence the stabilization and differentiation in the diseased periodontal microenvironment and which factors make the three kinds of dental stem cells react differently in vivo.
"This study highlights the diverse sources of stem cells available in the tissues of the body for repair and how the optimal cell type for possible treatments needs to be determined - in this case for the treatment of dental-related disorders such as gum disease" said Dr. Paul Sanberg, coeditor-in-chief of Cell Transplantation and executive director of the University of South Florida Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair.
Citation:
Park, J-Y.; Jeon, S. H.; Choung, P-H. Efficacy of periodontal stem cell transplantation in the treatment of advanced periodontitis. Cell Transplantation. 20(2):271-285; 2011.
According to researchers in Seoul, South Korea, transplantation of PDLSCs into beagle dogs modeled with advanced periodontal (gum) disease that affected their premolars and molars, which are morphologically similar to the corresponding areas in human dentition, was most effective. PDLSCs showed the best regenerating capacity of the periodontal ligament (which attaches the tooth to the alveolar bone in which the teeth sit), alveolar bone, cementum (material that comprises the surface of a tooth's root), peripheral nerve and blood vessels when compared to similar transplants using dental pulp stem cells (taken from the center of teeth) or periapical follicular stem cells (taken from the developing root).
"Periodontitis, characterized by bone resorption, periodontal pocketing and gingival inflammation, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults and affects 10 to 15 percent of adults worldwide," said corresponding author Dr. Pill-Hoon Choung of the Seoul National University School of Dentistry. "Our study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous stem cell transplantation (i.e. transplant of a patient's own cells) using three kinds of autologous dental stem cells similar to mensenchymal stem cells."
Past efforts at improving periodontal regeneration included xenogenic (from a different species) bone particle graft using growth factors, but the clinical results were generally unsatisfactory, said the researchers.
In their stem cell transplant study, Dr. Choung's group found PDLSCs to be most efficacious of the three cell types since they offered the best results with respect to the quality and quantity of regenerated tissues.
"PDLSCs made more calcium nodules and showed higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity than did the other two stem cell varieties," added Dr. Choung.
The researchers concluded that further studies should investigate which factors influence the stabilization and differentiation in the diseased periodontal microenvironment and which factors make the three kinds of dental stem cells react differently in vivo.
"This study highlights the diverse sources of stem cells available in the tissues of the body for repair and how the optimal cell type for possible treatments needs to be determined - in this case for the treatment of dental-related disorders such as gum disease" said Dr. Paul Sanberg, coeditor-in-chief of Cell Transplantation and executive director of the University of South Florida Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair.
Citation:
Park, J-Y.; Jeon, S. H.; Choung, P-H. Efficacy of periodontal stem cell transplantation in the treatment of advanced periodontitis. Cell Transplantation. 20(2):271-285; 2011.
Orthodontic Researchers Ask, Where's Your Retainer?
Have you been wearing your retainer? It's a question countless parents ask of their children post-braces. Now Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers are getting serious about the question.
"We found little written about the kinds of retainers prescribed and how compliant patients are in using them," said Case Western Reserve's Manish Valiathan, an assistant professor of orthodontics and a member of the American Board of Orthodontics. He notes that there is a dearth of information despite the devices being common in orthodontics practice.
Consequently Valiathan and fellow researchers embarked on three studies that examined how people are using retainers, which types are prescribed and what happens when patients don't follow up orthodontic work with a retainer.
After randomly sending 2,000 surveys to orthodontists throughout the country, researchers received responses from 658 practitioners regarding the kinds of retainers they prescribe. The majority (58.2 percent) prescribed removable retainers; about 40 percent opted for fixed lingual retainers that, once in place, are worn for life.
Post-braces, the majority of orthodontists said they required wearing removable retainers full-time for the first nine months and then part-time after that. They also encouraged part-time retainer use throughout life.
Valiathan said that without retainers specific prior conditions may return but that definitive research does not exist as to what conditions require ongoing retainer use. More evidence is needed, he said.
Another survey study of 1,200 patients from four practices focused on patient compliance two years after prescribing retainers. Patients self-reported and 36 percent responded to the researchers' questions regarding type of retainer used, age, gender, length of time since braces were removed, and hours per day and night retainer is worn.
The overall responses showed that 60 percent wore retainers more than 10 hours a day in the first three months and 69 percent wore them every night. By the time retainer users reached 19 to 24 months, 19 percent were not wearing retainers but 81 percent were even if it was only one night a week. About 4 percent never wore their retainer at all.
Research indicated that many patients were still using their original retainers two years later a sign that teeth had not moved, Valiathan said. Additionally, researchers found that age, gender and the type of retainer did not impact compliance.
The third study was a pilot research project. It examined the ramifications of no retainer use within the first four weeks after braces removal. Researchers measured patients' teeth before and after for spacing issues, overbites, under bites and tooth crowding.
Thirty patients had the wires removed from their braces but kept the appliances affixed to the teeth to monitor any changes without a retainer. Nearly half of the participants showed no movement, and many showed positive settling of the back teeth including the molars. Some did require additional orthodontic treatment at the end of the four weeks.
"Further studies with a larger study population will let us know if some patients can go without using retainers," Valiathan said.
He added that orthodontic researchers need to study what kinds of conditions require long-term retainer use.
For more detailed information, consult the studies mentioned in this report:
-- "Retainer wear and compliance in the first 2 years after active orthodontic treatment," in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Volume 138, Number 5) was conducted by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers Kurtis A. Kacer, Manish Valiathan, Sena Narendran and Mark G. Hans.
-- "Results of a survey-based study to identify common retention practices in the United States," in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Volume 137, Number 2) by Manish Valiathan from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and Eric Hughes, a private practice dentist from Tuscaloosa, Ala.
-- "Short-term postorthodontic changes in the absence of retention" in Angle Orthodontist (Volume 80, Number 6) by Nadia Lyotard, private practice dentist from Houston, Texas; and Case Western Reserve University dental researchers Mark Hans, Suchitra Nelson and Manish Valiathan.
"We found little written about the kinds of retainers prescribed and how compliant patients are in using them," said Case Western Reserve's Manish Valiathan, an assistant professor of orthodontics and a member of the American Board of Orthodontics. He notes that there is a dearth of information despite the devices being common in orthodontics practice.
Consequently Valiathan and fellow researchers embarked on three studies that examined how people are using retainers, which types are prescribed and what happens when patients don't follow up orthodontic work with a retainer.
After randomly sending 2,000 surveys to orthodontists throughout the country, researchers received responses from 658 practitioners regarding the kinds of retainers they prescribe. The majority (58.2 percent) prescribed removable retainers; about 40 percent opted for fixed lingual retainers that, once in place, are worn for life.
Post-braces, the majority of orthodontists said they required wearing removable retainers full-time for the first nine months and then part-time after that. They also encouraged part-time retainer use throughout life.
Valiathan said that without retainers specific prior conditions may return but that definitive research does not exist as to what conditions require ongoing retainer use. More evidence is needed, he said.
Another survey study of 1,200 patients from four practices focused on patient compliance two years after prescribing retainers. Patients self-reported and 36 percent responded to the researchers' questions regarding type of retainer used, age, gender, length of time since braces were removed, and hours per day and night retainer is worn.
The overall responses showed that 60 percent wore retainers more than 10 hours a day in the first three months and 69 percent wore them every night. By the time retainer users reached 19 to 24 months, 19 percent were not wearing retainers but 81 percent were even if it was only one night a week. About 4 percent never wore their retainer at all.
Research indicated that many patients were still using their original retainers two years later a sign that teeth had not moved, Valiathan said. Additionally, researchers found that age, gender and the type of retainer did not impact compliance.
The third study was a pilot research project. It examined the ramifications of no retainer use within the first four weeks after braces removal. Researchers measured patients' teeth before and after for spacing issues, overbites, under bites and tooth crowding.
Thirty patients had the wires removed from their braces but kept the appliances affixed to the teeth to monitor any changes without a retainer. Nearly half of the participants showed no movement, and many showed positive settling of the back teeth including the molars. Some did require additional orthodontic treatment at the end of the four weeks.
"Further studies with a larger study population will let us know if some patients can go without using retainers," Valiathan said.
He added that orthodontic researchers need to study what kinds of conditions require long-term retainer use.
For more detailed information, consult the studies mentioned in this report:
-- "Retainer wear and compliance in the first 2 years after active orthodontic treatment," in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Volume 138, Number 5) was conducted by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers Kurtis A. Kacer, Manish Valiathan, Sena Narendran and Mark G. Hans.
-- "Results of a survey-based study to identify common retention practices in the United States," in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Volume 137, Number 2) by Manish Valiathan from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and Eric Hughes, a private practice dentist from Tuscaloosa, Ala.
-- "Short-term postorthodontic changes in the absence of retention" in Angle Orthodontist (Volume 80, Number 6) by Nadia Lyotard, private practice dentist from Houston, Texas; and Case Western Reserve University dental researchers Mark Hans, Suchitra Nelson and Manish Valiathan.
Academy Of General Dentistry: Pacifier Use Assists In Reducing The Incidence Of SIDS
Pacifier use often attracts
negative attention for potentially harming children's oral health. There
are positive effects of pacifier use, however. In addition to calming the
infant, pacifier use can also assist in reducing the incidence of Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, according to a report/study that appeared
in the January/February 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of
General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.
"Contrary to popular belief, there are some positive effects that
result from sucking on pacifiers," says Jane Soxman, DDS, author of the
study and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. "One is
that they assist in reducing the incidence of SIDS. Babies who are offered
a pacifier do not sleep as deeply as those who sleep without a pacifier
Pacifier sucking makes it possible for the infant to be aroused from a deep
sleep that could result in the stopping of breathing. Pacifiers also
increase sucking satisfaction and provide a source of comfort to infants."
Parents should be aware of the effects of pacifier sucking on an
infant's oral health. "Children should stop using pacifiers by age two,"
says Luke Matranga, DDS, MAGD, ABGD, AGD spokesperson. "Up until the age of
two, any alignment problem with the teeth or the developing bone is usually
corrected within a 6-month period after pacifier use is stopped. Prolonged
pacifier use and thumb sucking can cause problems with the proper growth of
the mouth, alignment of the teeth and changes in the shape of the roof of
the mouth."
Breaking the habit is not always easy, and there are several methods
parents can use to stop it. Parents can dip the pacifier in white vinegar,
making it distasteful; pierce the nipple of the pacifier with an ice pick
or cut it shorter to reduce sucking satisfaction; leave it behind on a
trip; or implement the "cold turkey" method.
Tips and recommendations:
-- Pacifier use should be restricted to the time when the infant is
falling asleep.
-- Pacifiers can cause severe lacerations if the shield is held inside
the lips.
-- Look for a pacifier with ventilation holes in the shield, as they
permit air passage. This is important if the pacifier accidentally becomes
lodged in the child's throat.
-- In order to prevent strangulation, do not place a cord around a
child's neck to hold a pacifier. Look for pacifiers that have a ring.
-- A symmetrical nipple permits the pacifier to remain in the correct
sucking position.
-- Dispose of the pacifier after use; it is not sanitary to keep it or
give it away.
About the AGD:
The AGD is a professional association of more than 35,000 general
dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through
continuing education. Founded in 1952, the AGD has grown to become the
world's second- largest dental association, which is the only association
that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists.
More than 758,000 persons are employed directly in the field of general
dentistry. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of
all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and
overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs.
Academy of General Dentistry
agd
negative attention for potentially harming children's oral health. There
are positive effects of pacifier use, however. In addition to calming the
infant, pacifier use can also assist in reducing the incidence of Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, according to a report/study that appeared
in the January/February 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of
General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.
"Contrary to popular belief, there are some positive effects that
result from sucking on pacifiers," says Jane Soxman, DDS, author of the
study and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. "One is
that they assist in reducing the incidence of SIDS. Babies who are offered
a pacifier do not sleep as deeply as those who sleep without a pacifier
Pacifier sucking makes it possible for the infant to be aroused from a deep
sleep that could result in the stopping of breathing. Pacifiers also
increase sucking satisfaction and provide a source of comfort to infants."
Parents should be aware of the effects of pacifier sucking on an
infant's oral health. "Children should stop using pacifiers by age two,"
says Luke Matranga, DDS, MAGD, ABGD, AGD spokesperson. "Up until the age of
two, any alignment problem with the teeth or the developing bone is usually
corrected within a 6-month period after pacifier use is stopped. Prolonged
pacifier use and thumb sucking can cause problems with the proper growth of
the mouth, alignment of the teeth and changes in the shape of the roof of
the mouth."
Breaking the habit is not always easy, and there are several methods
parents can use to stop it. Parents can dip the pacifier in white vinegar,
making it distasteful; pierce the nipple of the pacifier with an ice pick
or cut it shorter to reduce sucking satisfaction; leave it behind on a
trip; or implement the "cold turkey" method.
Tips and recommendations:
-- Pacifier use should be restricted to the time when the infant is
falling asleep.
-- Pacifiers can cause severe lacerations if the shield is held inside
the lips.
-- Look for a pacifier with ventilation holes in the shield, as they
permit air passage. This is important if the pacifier accidentally becomes
lodged in the child's throat.
-- In order to prevent strangulation, do not place a cord around a
child's neck to hold a pacifier. Look for pacifiers that have a ring.
-- A symmetrical nipple permits the pacifier to remain in the correct
sucking position.
-- Dispose of the pacifier after use; it is not sanitary to keep it or
give it away.
About the AGD:
The AGD is a professional association of more than 35,000 general
dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through
continuing education. Founded in 1952, the AGD has grown to become the
world's second- largest dental association, which is the only association
that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists.
More than 758,000 persons are employed directly in the field of general
dentistry. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of
all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and
overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs.
Academy of General Dentistry
agd
Align Technology Announces International Availability Of Invisalign Teen(TM)
Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN) announced the international
availability of Invisalign Teen(TM) for non-adult, comprehensive orthodontic
treatment. Invisalign Teen is based on the innovative technology and
demonstrated effectiveness of the Invisalign(R) system, with new features to
address patient compliance, natural eruption of permanent teeth, and
root-movement control - issues that are common in treatment of younger
patients. Invisalign Teen was launched in the U.S. and Canada in July 2008.
"We are pleased to offer Invisalign Teen to our customers in key markets
around the world," said Gil Laks, Align Technology vice president,
international. "The addition of Invisalign Teen to our product portfolio will
allow doctors to extend the benefits of Invisalign treatment to more of their
patients and offer a more comprehensive solution that meets the needs,
activities and lifestyle of today's teenagers."
Invisalign providers like Dr. Werner Schupp, an Invisalign Platinum Elite
doctor practicing in Europe, see Invisalign Teen as a 21st century treatment
option for an increasingly discerning patient group: "Invisalign Teen is a
great way for me to offer a clinical and aesthetic alternative treatment to
my teenage patients. As today's teenagers become increasingly more demanding,
better informed, and more empowered to make their own decisions, I am finding
more and more that Invisalign is the treatment they want."
With Invisalign Teen, teenagers get clear, removable aligners that meet
their desire for aesthetic treatment and their need for appliances that fit
their busy schedules of sports, music and other activities. Invisalign
doctors see additional benefits to Invisalign Teen's removable aligners.
"Invisalign Teen meets the needs of this patient group effectively and can
also greatly reduce the issues we see with traditional fixed appliances such
as broken wires and brackets and poor oral hygiene," said Dr. Schupp. "With
Invisalign Teen, patients can brush and floss more effectively, thus helping
reduce the risk of decalcification and increase the level of their overall
oral health."
Invisalign Teen is available through Invisalign-trained doctors
world-wide, with the exception of Japan.
For more information on Invisalign Teen, please see Align's press release
titled, "Align Technology Targets Mainstream Orthodontics Market with
Invisalign Teen" or visit invisalignteen.
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a
proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth.
Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible,
removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position.
Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires,
Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations
associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and
teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance
to market Invisalign in 1998. Today, the Invisalign product family includes
Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist(TM), Invisalign Express(TM),
and Vivera(TM) retainers.
To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign-trained doctor in
your area, please visit invisalign or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.
Align Technology, Inc
availability of Invisalign Teen(TM) for non-adult, comprehensive orthodontic
treatment. Invisalign Teen is based on the innovative technology and
demonstrated effectiveness of the Invisalign(R) system, with new features to
address patient compliance, natural eruption of permanent teeth, and
root-movement control - issues that are common in treatment of younger
patients. Invisalign Teen was launched in the U.S. and Canada in July 2008.
"We are pleased to offer Invisalign Teen to our customers in key markets
around the world," said Gil Laks, Align Technology vice president,
international. "The addition of Invisalign Teen to our product portfolio will
allow doctors to extend the benefits of Invisalign treatment to more of their
patients and offer a more comprehensive solution that meets the needs,
activities and lifestyle of today's teenagers."
Invisalign providers like Dr. Werner Schupp, an Invisalign Platinum Elite
doctor practicing in Europe, see Invisalign Teen as a 21st century treatment
option for an increasingly discerning patient group: "Invisalign Teen is a
great way for me to offer a clinical and aesthetic alternative treatment to
my teenage patients. As today's teenagers become increasingly more demanding,
better informed, and more empowered to make their own decisions, I am finding
more and more that Invisalign is the treatment they want."
With Invisalign Teen, teenagers get clear, removable aligners that meet
their desire for aesthetic treatment and their need for appliances that fit
their busy schedules of sports, music and other activities. Invisalign
doctors see additional benefits to Invisalign Teen's removable aligners.
"Invisalign Teen meets the needs of this patient group effectively and can
also greatly reduce the issues we see with traditional fixed appliances such
as broken wires and brackets and poor oral hygiene," said Dr. Schupp. "With
Invisalign Teen, patients can brush and floss more effectively, thus helping
reduce the risk of decalcification and increase the level of their overall
oral health."
Invisalign Teen is available through Invisalign-trained doctors
world-wide, with the exception of Japan.
For more information on Invisalign Teen, please see Align's press release
titled, "Align Technology Targets Mainstream Orthodontics Market with
Invisalign Teen" or visit invisalignteen.
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a
proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth.
Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible,
removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position.
Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires,
Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations
associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and
teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance
to market Invisalign in 1998. Today, the Invisalign product family includes
Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist(TM), Invisalign Express(TM),
and Vivera(TM) retainers.
To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign-trained doctor in
your area, please visit invisalign or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.
Align Technology, Inc
Oral Health America Gala Raises Funds For Public School-Based Dental Services
Over 900 Oral Health America
supporters gather tonight at Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom for the
nation's largest charitable event in dentistry, raising funds to improve
access to care for the 108 million Americans without dental insurance.
Oral Health America (OHA), the nation's premier, independent oral
health advocacy organization, is pleased to welcome Chicago Mayor Richard
M. Daley as Honorary Chairman for its 17th Annual Gala Dinner and Benefit.
The event will raise funds to support educational and service programs
designed to improve oral health-and raise the profile of oral health's
importance to overall health.
According to Dr. Mary Hayes, Gala chair and a Chicago pediatric
dentist, "The Mayor has worked to ensure that school children in Chicago
are free of dental disease. Funds raised from the Gala make it possible for
OHA to continue to support school-based oral health programs in our city
and throughout the country."
Since 2004, OHA provided more than $200,000 to the Chicago Oral Health
Program, a cooperative effort between the Chicago Department of Public
Health and Chicago Public Schools. The oral health program expanded from
approximately 30 schools in 2004 to more than 260 schools in spring 2006.
Program officials plan to reach every school-aged child in the city within
two years with oral exams, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.
"I commend Oral Health America for helping to make Chicago a better and
healthier place to live, work and raise families," said Mayor Daley.
Nationally, over 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental
disease, and for every dollar spent in preventive care now, communities
save $8 to $50 in restorative care later, especially for the many thousands
of Americans without insurance and routine access to a dentist. Tooth
decay, caused by bacteria in the mouth, is the most common chronic
childhood disease.
In 2006 alone, OHA donated over $1.1 million to support oral health
programs from Maine to California.
The Oral Health America Gala, held each year during the Chicago Dental
Society Midwinter Meeting, is one of the dental industry's premier
networking events. The event will run from 6:30pm to 11pm. For more
information about Oral Health America visit oralhealthamerica/.
Oral Health America
oralhealthamerica/
supporters gather tonight at Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom for the
nation's largest charitable event in dentistry, raising funds to improve
access to care for the 108 million Americans without dental insurance.
Oral Health America (OHA), the nation's premier, independent oral
health advocacy organization, is pleased to welcome Chicago Mayor Richard
M. Daley as Honorary Chairman for its 17th Annual Gala Dinner and Benefit.
The event will raise funds to support educational and service programs
designed to improve oral health-and raise the profile of oral health's
importance to overall health.
According to Dr. Mary Hayes, Gala chair and a Chicago pediatric
dentist, "The Mayor has worked to ensure that school children in Chicago
are free of dental disease. Funds raised from the Gala make it possible for
OHA to continue to support school-based oral health programs in our city
and throughout the country."
Since 2004, OHA provided more than $200,000 to the Chicago Oral Health
Program, a cooperative effort between the Chicago Department of Public
Health and Chicago Public Schools. The oral health program expanded from
approximately 30 schools in 2004 to more than 260 schools in spring 2006.
Program officials plan to reach every school-aged child in the city within
two years with oral exams, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.
"I commend Oral Health America for helping to make Chicago a better and
healthier place to live, work and raise families," said Mayor Daley.
Nationally, over 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental
disease, and for every dollar spent in preventive care now, communities
save $8 to $50 in restorative care later, especially for the many thousands
of Americans without insurance and routine access to a dentist. Tooth
decay, caused by bacteria in the mouth, is the most common chronic
childhood disease.
In 2006 alone, OHA donated over $1.1 million to support oral health
programs from Maine to California.
The Oral Health America Gala, held each year during the Chicago Dental
Society Midwinter Meeting, is one of the dental industry's premier
networking events. The event will run from 6:30pm to 11pm. For more
information about Oral Health America visit oralhealthamerica/.
Oral Health America
oralhealthamerica/
The Search Is On For Sensitive Types
Football legend and tough-guy Brett
Favre is leading a nationwide Sensodyne Search for America's Most Sensitive
by revealing his sensitive side and encouraging Americans to get in touch
with theirs to help shine the spotlight on the issue of sensitive teeth.
Approximately one out of five adult Americans (48 million people)
suffer from sensitive teeth -- getting sacked each time they bite into an
ice cream cone or sip a hot cup of coffee. Now Brett, who suffered from
sensitive teeth until recently, is calling all Americans to talk about
their softer sides and sensitive teeth on tour stops across the country and
online at SensodyneSearch.
"I was in my 30s when my teeth really started bothering me, especially
when I played football in the cold air of Green Bay, or when I was eating
one of my favorite spicy Cajun dishes," says Favre. "But then my dentist
recommended Sensodyne to relieve the pain. Now I use it twice a day, every
day and enjoy the foods and drinks I love and play football without worry
of cold-air blasts. I want to help other people who suffer to see how easy
it is to stop the pain and get back to living life to its fullest."
Nine out of ten dentists recommend Sensodyne to relieve the pain,
making it the number one selling desensitizing toothpaste.
Sensitivity Search Makes Americans Smile
The nationwide Sensodyne Search for America's Most Sensitive, an
18-city tour and interactive online campaign, is showing people young and
old how easy and pleasant it is to stop painful teeth sensitivity and keep
it from coming back by using Sensodyne twice a day, every day.
The Sensodyne Sensitivity Challenge quizzes couples on how well they
know each other's sensitivities with questions like:
-- Does your partner prefer kittens or puppies?
-- What movie brings a tear to your partner's eye?
-- Which ice cream flavor would your partner say is good enough to enjoy
with painful teeth sensitivity?
Sensodyne fans also can audition to become the next Sensitive Star to
be featured in an upcoming national Sensodyne advertising campaign. And
along the way, Americans with sensitive teeth are encouraged to take the
Sensodyne 2 Week Taste Test. Everyone who signs up will receive a free
sample of one of the eight great flavors and varieties of Sensodyne and be
entered to win a package of two weekend getaways to hot and cool vacation
destinations. For each of the first 50,000 people who sign up, Sensodyne
will donate $1 to the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, a non-profit
organization that supports programs for disadvantaged and disabled kids in
Brett's home state of Mississippi and in Wisconsin.
Event attendees can visit one-on-one with dental professionals about
their teeth sensitivity and the best way to treat their pain. Information
on the campaign and teeth sensitivity are also available at
SensodyneSearch.
Sensitive Teeth are a Common Problem
Teeth sensitivity, also called dentin hypersensitivity, is one of the
most common dental complaints, with approximately one in five adults
suffering from the problem. Left untreated, hypersensitivity can lead to
more serious problems. It can cause oral hygiene neglect and diminished
brushing and flossing, which can result in a progression of problems,
including gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth loss.
"Tooth sensitivity happens when gum tissue recedes and or tooth enamel
is worn away. There are many potential causes for sensitivity such as using
the wrong type of toothbrush or brushing your teeth in an incorrect way,
and we see it in a significant number of our patients," says Lou Graham,
D.D.S. "But sensitive teeth can be easily treated with regular use of a
desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne. The key is to use it for at least
two weeks and to keep on using it so as to prevent the pain from coming
back."
The problem of sensitive teeth hits earlier than many people might
think - research shows younger Americans in the 18-24 age group are most
likely to suffer with 28 percent saying they experience teeth sensitivity,
much higher than adults 50+ with an incidence of 17 percent. And, although
younger adults have a higher incidence of sensitivity, they are least
likely to treat the problem.(1)
How Sensodyne Provides Strong Relief, Great Taste
Beneath the tooth enamel is a layer called dentin, made from thousands
of microscopic tubes or tubules. When the nerve endings within these
tubules are exposed to triggers like hot and cold foods and drinks and cold
air, sufferers feel short, sharp pains. Sensodyne contains the maximum
FDA-permitted level of potassium nitrate (5 percent) which penetrates
dentin to calm the nerve endings, thus reducing the pain associated with
triggers (like hot or cold food or cold air). Continued use of Sensodyne
helps build a barrier to block painful stimuli and prevent teeth
sensitivity from returning. Besides relieving teeth sensitivity, Sensodyne
also prevents cavities with fluoride, freshens breath, whitens teeth,
fights plaque and tartar, and promotes healthy gums.
Sensodyne is available in eight varieties -- Cool Gel, Original, Baking
Soda, Extra Whitening, Fresh Impact, Tartar Control plus Whitening, Fresh
Mint and Full Protection plus Whitening -- providing a great taste to help
keep sensitive mouths feeling fresh and clean.
For More Information
Anyone who thinks they might be feeling a bit sensitive can get more
information, sign up for the Sensodyne 2 Week Taste Test and get all the
rules and regulations online at SensodyneSearch.
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest
over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30
well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products,
Nicorette(R) and NicoDerm(R), as well as many medicine cabinet staples,
Abreva(R), Aquafresh(R), Sensodyne(R) and Tums(R).
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based
pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies. GlaxoSmithKline is
committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do
more, feel better and live longer.
About the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation
The Brett Favre Fourward Foundation is a non-profit organization that
supports programs for disadvantaged and disabled kids and has donated in
excess of $2 million to 12 charities in Brett's home state of Mississippi
and in Wisconsin. Donations can be made via online merchandise sales at
favrefoundationgear .
(1) Compared to 18-24, 25-35, 35-49, 50-64 and 65+ age groups.
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
SensodyneSearch
Favre is leading a nationwide Sensodyne Search for America's Most Sensitive
by revealing his sensitive side and encouraging Americans to get in touch
with theirs to help shine the spotlight on the issue of sensitive teeth.
Approximately one out of five adult Americans (48 million people)
suffer from sensitive teeth -- getting sacked each time they bite into an
ice cream cone or sip a hot cup of coffee. Now Brett, who suffered from
sensitive teeth until recently, is calling all Americans to talk about
their softer sides and sensitive teeth on tour stops across the country and
online at SensodyneSearch.
"I was in my 30s when my teeth really started bothering me, especially
when I played football in the cold air of Green Bay, or when I was eating
one of my favorite spicy Cajun dishes," says Favre. "But then my dentist
recommended Sensodyne to relieve the pain. Now I use it twice a day, every
day and enjoy the foods and drinks I love and play football without worry
of cold-air blasts. I want to help other people who suffer to see how easy
it is to stop the pain and get back to living life to its fullest."
Nine out of ten dentists recommend Sensodyne to relieve the pain,
making it the number one selling desensitizing toothpaste.
Sensitivity Search Makes Americans Smile
The nationwide Sensodyne Search for America's Most Sensitive, an
18-city tour and interactive online campaign, is showing people young and
old how easy and pleasant it is to stop painful teeth sensitivity and keep
it from coming back by using Sensodyne twice a day, every day.
The Sensodyne Sensitivity Challenge quizzes couples on how well they
know each other's sensitivities with questions like:
-- Does your partner prefer kittens or puppies?
-- What movie brings a tear to your partner's eye?
-- Which ice cream flavor would your partner say is good enough to enjoy
with painful teeth sensitivity?
Sensodyne fans also can audition to become the next Sensitive Star to
be featured in an upcoming national Sensodyne advertising campaign. And
along the way, Americans with sensitive teeth are encouraged to take the
Sensodyne 2 Week Taste Test. Everyone who signs up will receive a free
sample of one of the eight great flavors and varieties of Sensodyne and be
entered to win a package of two weekend getaways to hot and cool vacation
destinations. For each of the first 50,000 people who sign up, Sensodyne
will donate $1 to the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, a non-profit
organization that supports programs for disadvantaged and disabled kids in
Brett's home state of Mississippi and in Wisconsin.
Event attendees can visit one-on-one with dental professionals about
their teeth sensitivity and the best way to treat their pain. Information
on the campaign and teeth sensitivity are also available at
SensodyneSearch.
Sensitive Teeth are a Common Problem
Teeth sensitivity, also called dentin hypersensitivity, is one of the
most common dental complaints, with approximately one in five adults
suffering from the problem. Left untreated, hypersensitivity can lead to
more serious problems. It can cause oral hygiene neglect and diminished
brushing and flossing, which can result in a progression of problems,
including gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth loss.
"Tooth sensitivity happens when gum tissue recedes and or tooth enamel
is worn away. There are many potential causes for sensitivity such as using
the wrong type of toothbrush or brushing your teeth in an incorrect way,
and we see it in a significant number of our patients," says Lou Graham,
D.D.S. "But sensitive teeth can be easily treated with regular use of a
desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne. The key is to use it for at least
two weeks and to keep on using it so as to prevent the pain from coming
back."
The problem of sensitive teeth hits earlier than many people might
think - research shows younger Americans in the 18-24 age group are most
likely to suffer with 28 percent saying they experience teeth sensitivity,
much higher than adults 50+ with an incidence of 17 percent. And, although
younger adults have a higher incidence of sensitivity, they are least
likely to treat the problem.(1)
How Sensodyne Provides Strong Relief, Great Taste
Beneath the tooth enamel is a layer called dentin, made from thousands
of microscopic tubes or tubules. When the nerve endings within these
tubules are exposed to triggers like hot and cold foods and drinks and cold
air, sufferers feel short, sharp pains. Sensodyne contains the maximum
FDA-permitted level of potassium nitrate (5 percent) which penetrates
dentin to calm the nerve endings, thus reducing the pain associated with
triggers (like hot or cold food or cold air). Continued use of Sensodyne
helps build a barrier to block painful stimuli and prevent teeth
sensitivity from returning. Besides relieving teeth sensitivity, Sensodyne
also prevents cavities with fluoride, freshens breath, whitens teeth,
fights plaque and tartar, and promotes healthy gums.
Sensodyne is available in eight varieties -- Cool Gel, Original, Baking
Soda, Extra Whitening, Fresh Impact, Tartar Control plus Whitening, Fresh
Mint and Full Protection plus Whitening -- providing a great taste to help
keep sensitive mouths feeling fresh and clean.
For More Information
Anyone who thinks they might be feeling a bit sensitive can get more
information, sign up for the Sensodyne 2 Week Taste Test and get all the
rules and regulations online at SensodyneSearch.
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest
over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30
well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products,
Nicorette(R) and NicoDerm(R), as well as many medicine cabinet staples,
Abreva(R), Aquafresh(R), Sensodyne(R) and Tums(R).
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based
pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies. GlaxoSmithKline is
committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do
more, feel better and live longer.
About the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation
The Brett Favre Fourward Foundation is a non-profit organization that
supports programs for disadvantaged and disabled kids and has donated in
excess of $2 million to 12 charities in Brett's home state of Mississippi
and in Wisconsin. Donations can be made via online merchandise sales at
favrefoundationgear .
(1) Compared to 18-24, 25-35, 35-49, 50-64 and 65+ age groups.
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
SensodyneSearch
The Connection Between Oral Health And Systemic Diseases
It's not news that there is a significant link between one's oral health and overall health. Though studies are ongoing, researchers have known for quite some time that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body.
"Your mouth is the entry point of many bacteria," said Dr. Steven Grater, Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) member and general dentist from Harrisburg. "To keep this bacteria from going into your body, cleaning your mouth (brushing, flossing and rinsing) is necessary."
PDA strives to educate the public about the role oral health plays in some systemic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, and oral health complications during pregnancy. PDA wants you to know what you can do to keep your teeth, gums and body healthy.
Diabetics are more prone to several oral health conditions, including tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth and infection. According to "Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General," the relationship between type I and type II diabetes and periodontal disease has often been referred to as the "sixth complication" of the disease.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, and is caused by plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. In diabetics, it is often linked to how well a person's diabetes is under control. Diabetic patients should contact their dentist immediately if they observe any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, including red, swollen or sore gums or gums that bleed easily or are pulling away from the teeth; chronic bad breath; teeth that are loose or separating; pus appearing between the teeth and gums; or changes in the alignment of the teeth.
Diabetic patients often suffer from dry mouth, which greatly increases their risk of developing periodontal disease. If you suffer from dry mouth, talk to your dentist. He or she may recommend chewing sugarless gum or mints, drinking water, sucking on ice chips or the use of an artificial saliva or oral rinse.
Studies also have shown that periodontal disease may be linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, preterm births and low-birth weight babies. Research suggests that people with periodontal disease are nearly three times as likely to suffer from heart disease. Oral bacteria can affect the heart when it enters the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the heart's blood vessels and contributing to the formation of clots.
Due to the increase in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, pregnant women are at greater risk to develop inflamed gums, which if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease. A five-year study conducted at the University of North Carolina found that pregnant women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to deliver a premature, low-birth-weight baby.
Oral health problems can cause more than just pain and suffering. They can lead to difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing, affecting your ability to consume the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy, participate in daily activities and interact with others. Poor nutrition also can lead to tooth decay and obesity. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Buffalo examined 65 children, ages two through five, who were treated for cavities in their baby teeth. Nearly 28 percent of them had a body-mass index indicating they were either overweight or obese.
To keep your teeth, gums and body healthy, PDA recommends the following:
-- Provide your dentist with a complete health history, including any illnesses and medication use.
-- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
-- Floss daily to help remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that gets stuck between your teeth and under your gums.
-- Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and professional cleaning to help prevent any problems and detect possible problems in their early stages. The mouth is often the location used to diagnose a variety of diseases.
-- Eat a well balanced diet, which will help you maintain a healthier immune system, help prevent heart disease and slow diabetes disease progression.
-- If you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting.
"A clean mouth will lead to a clean body," Dr. Grater said. "Although you clean your mouth every day at home, regular checkups to the dentist will prevent additional disease that can likely cause you to be sick."
"Your mouth is the entry point of many bacteria," said Dr. Steven Grater, Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) member and general dentist from Harrisburg. "To keep this bacteria from going into your body, cleaning your mouth (brushing, flossing and rinsing) is necessary."
PDA strives to educate the public about the role oral health plays in some systemic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, and oral health complications during pregnancy. PDA wants you to know what you can do to keep your teeth, gums and body healthy.
Diabetics are more prone to several oral health conditions, including tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth and infection. According to "Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General," the relationship between type I and type II diabetes and periodontal disease has often been referred to as the "sixth complication" of the disease.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, and is caused by plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. In diabetics, it is often linked to how well a person's diabetes is under control. Diabetic patients should contact their dentist immediately if they observe any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, including red, swollen or sore gums or gums that bleed easily or are pulling away from the teeth; chronic bad breath; teeth that are loose or separating; pus appearing between the teeth and gums; or changes in the alignment of the teeth.
Diabetic patients often suffer from dry mouth, which greatly increases their risk of developing periodontal disease. If you suffer from dry mouth, talk to your dentist. He or she may recommend chewing sugarless gum or mints, drinking water, sucking on ice chips or the use of an artificial saliva or oral rinse.
Studies also have shown that periodontal disease may be linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, preterm births and low-birth weight babies. Research suggests that people with periodontal disease are nearly three times as likely to suffer from heart disease. Oral bacteria can affect the heart when it enters the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the heart's blood vessels and contributing to the formation of clots.
Due to the increase in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, pregnant women are at greater risk to develop inflamed gums, which if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease. A five-year study conducted at the University of North Carolina found that pregnant women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to deliver a premature, low-birth-weight baby.
Oral health problems can cause more than just pain and suffering. They can lead to difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing, affecting your ability to consume the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy, participate in daily activities and interact with others. Poor nutrition also can lead to tooth decay and obesity. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Buffalo examined 65 children, ages two through five, who were treated for cavities in their baby teeth. Nearly 28 percent of them had a body-mass index indicating they were either overweight or obese.
To keep your teeth, gums and body healthy, PDA recommends the following:
-- Provide your dentist with a complete health history, including any illnesses and medication use.
-- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
-- Floss daily to help remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that gets stuck between your teeth and under your gums.
-- Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and professional cleaning to help prevent any problems and detect possible problems in their early stages. The mouth is often the location used to diagnose a variety of diseases.
-- Eat a well balanced diet, which will help you maintain a healthier immune system, help prevent heart disease and slow diabetes disease progression.
-- If you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting.
"A clean mouth will lead to a clean body," Dr. Grater said. "Although you clean your mouth every day at home, regular checkups to the dentist will prevent additional disease that can likely cause you to be sick."
Effective Treatment For Infective Endocarditis Using A Rigorous Hospital Management-based Approach
A clinical study carried out at H??pital de la Timone in Marseille has demonstrated that a standardized management protocol for patients with infective endocarditis can dramatically reduce mortality rates. In 2002, a simple, rigorous and standardized protocol for therapeutic management were introduced by the team led by Didier Raoult from the Unit?© de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (Universit?© Aix Marseille 2/CNRS). The results were eloquent: mortality rates were divided by three during the hospitalization of patients. This study was the subject of a publication in the Archive of Internal Medicine.
Infective endocarditis is a serious condition that affects nearly 2000 people each year in France, a quarter of whom will die. This infection is usually of bacterial origin, and affects the heart tissues or implanted medical devices such as prostheses, pacemakers or defibrillators. In around 50% of cases, treatment for this condition includes a surgical procedure. Despite advances in the therapeutic resources available, mortality rates associated with this disease have not diminished for many years.
Because international therapeutic guidelines differ from one continent to another, and because of the large number of medical specialties involved, the management of patients can vary considerably. For this reason, in 2002, Didier Raoult from URMITE (Universit?© Aix Marseille 2/CNRS) set up a multidisciplinary medical team comprising cardiologists, specialists in infectious diseases and heart surgeons at the H??pital de la Timone. They drew up a consensus protocol for the specific management of infective endocarditis. Rigorous, precise and simple, this protocol was designed to standardize diagnostic and therapeutic methods and practices that could be applied at a very broad scale. For example, prescriptions were restricted to only four types of antibiotic, and surgical indications - as well as their degree of urgency - were very clearly defined.
During this clinical study, the vital prognosis of 333 patients, treated using this protocol or not, was monitored. Thanks to this new, standardized management, the mortality rates observed during hospitalization fell from 12.7% to 4.4%, and mortality at 1 year from 18.5% to 8.2%. These mortality rates, the lowest ever published, reinforce the conviction that the multidisciplinary but standardized management of a disease as severe as infective endocarditis is crucial to therapeutic success.
Infective endocarditis is a serious condition that affects nearly 2000 people each year in France, a quarter of whom will die. This infection is usually of bacterial origin, and affects the heart tissues or implanted medical devices such as prostheses, pacemakers or defibrillators. In around 50% of cases, treatment for this condition includes a surgical procedure. Despite advances in the therapeutic resources available, mortality rates associated with this disease have not diminished for many years.
Because international therapeutic guidelines differ from one continent to another, and because of the large number of medical specialties involved, the management of patients can vary considerably. For this reason, in 2002, Didier Raoult from URMITE (Universit?© Aix Marseille 2/CNRS) set up a multidisciplinary medical team comprising cardiologists, specialists in infectious diseases and heart surgeons at the H??pital de la Timone. They drew up a consensus protocol for the specific management of infective endocarditis. Rigorous, precise and simple, this protocol was designed to standardize diagnostic and therapeutic methods and practices that could be applied at a very broad scale. For example, prescriptions were restricted to only four types of antibiotic, and surgical indications - as well as their degree of urgency - were very clearly defined.
During this clinical study, the vital prognosis of 333 patients, treated using this protocol or not, was monitored. Thanks to this new, standardized management, the mortality rates observed during hospitalization fell from 12.7% to 4.4%, and mortality at 1 year from 18.5% to 8.2%. These mortality rates, the lowest ever published, reinforce the conviction that the multidisciplinary but standardized management of a disease as severe as infective endocarditis is crucial to therapeutic success.
Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month By Taking Care Of Tiny Teeth
Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. This February, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) encourages parents and caregivers to "Get it Done in Year One." Visiting a pediatric dentist by the time the first baby tooth appears enables the child to begin a lifetime of preventive dental care, helping to minimize tooth decay and cavities. In fact, studies show that dental costs for children who have their first dental visit before age one are 40 percent lower in the first five years than for those who do not see a dentist prior to their first birthday.
Baby teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay from their very first appearance, on average between the ages of six and 12 months. Pediatric dentists specialize in caring for these tiny teeth, imperative for proper speech development and nutrition. The specialized care offered by a pediatric dentist includes unique strategies for working with children that alleviate fear and anxiety through the use of positive reinforcement and behavior guidance. Pediatric dentists monitor babies' growth and development and provide essential dentistry services including tooth cleaning, polishing and fluoride treatment.
For healthy smiles, dental care must be established in - and out - of the pediatric dentist's chair. The AAPD recommends the following at-home methods for infant oral health care:
- Clean infant mouths and gums regularly with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water.
- Children older than six months need fluoride supplements if their drinking water does not contain enough fluoride. Fluoride supplementation in infants has been shown to reduce tooth decay by as much as 50 percent. Check with your pediatric dentist first.
- Babies should be weaned from the bottle by 12-14 months of age and at will breast-feeding should be discouraged.
- Baby teeth should be brushed at least twice a day with a toothbrush made for small children using a "smear" of fluoridated toothpaste.
Visit aapd for more information or to locate a pediatric dentist.
Source
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Baby teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay from their very first appearance, on average between the ages of six and 12 months. Pediatric dentists specialize in caring for these tiny teeth, imperative for proper speech development and nutrition. The specialized care offered by a pediatric dentist includes unique strategies for working with children that alleviate fear and anxiety through the use of positive reinforcement and behavior guidance. Pediatric dentists monitor babies' growth and development and provide essential dentistry services including tooth cleaning, polishing and fluoride treatment.
For healthy smiles, dental care must be established in - and out - of the pediatric dentist's chair. The AAPD recommends the following at-home methods for infant oral health care:
- Clean infant mouths and gums regularly with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water.
- Children older than six months need fluoride supplements if their drinking water does not contain enough fluoride. Fluoride supplementation in infants has been shown to reduce tooth decay by as much as 50 percent. Check with your pediatric dentist first.
- Babies should be weaned from the bottle by 12-14 months of age and at will breast-feeding should be discouraged.
- Baby teeth should be brushed at least twice a day with a toothbrush made for small children using a "smear" of fluoridated toothpaste.
Visit aapd for more information or to locate a pediatric dentist.
Source
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
2010 Max Planck Research Award For NYU Dental Professor Dr. Timothy Bromage
New York University College of Dentistry's Dr. Timothy Bromage has been selected to receive the 2010 Max Planck Research Award. Dr. Bromage will collaborate with Dr. Friedemann Schrenk of Frankfurt's Senckenberg Research Institute to research the microanatomical structure of bones and teeth, and the links between metabolic states, growth rates, life spans, and biological features such as sex and body size.
The award, given by the Max Planck Society and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, includes a stipend of 750,000 Euros ($1.02 million USD). The 2010 award, given annually to two researchers, will be presented during the Annual Meeting of the Max Planck Society on June 17th in Hanover, Germany. This year's other recipient is psychologist Michael Tomasello, director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig.
In citing Dr. Bromage's qualifications for receiving the award, the selection committee noted that his research on the microanatomical structure of ancestral human teeth and bones has established the modern fields of human evolution growth, development, and life history -- the pace by which an organism grows. Moreover, noted the committee, his research has shown a relationship between bone and tooth microstructure and body size, metabolic rate, age, and other biological features.
Dr. Bromage, a professor of basic science and craniofacial biology and of biomaterials and biomimetics, was the first researcher to use biologically based principles of craniofacial development to reconstruct early hominid skulls. His computer-generated reconstruction of a 1.9 million-year-old skull originally discovered in Kenya in 1972 by renowned paleontologist and archeologist Richard Leakey showed that Homo rudolfensis, modern man's earliest-known close ancestor, looked more apelike than previously believed. Dr. Bromage's reconstruction had a surprisingly smaller brain and more distinctly protruding jaw than the reconstruction that Dr. Leakey assembled by hand, suggesting that early humans had features approaching those commonly associated with more apelike members of the hominid family living as long as four million years ago.
In human evolution fieldwork, Dr. Bromage's 1992 discovery of a 2.4-million-year-old jaw in Malawi unearthed the oldest known remains of the genus, Homo. The discovery, made in collaboration with Dr. Schrenk, director of Paleoanthropology at the Senckenberg Research Institute, marked the first time that scientists discovered an early human fossil outside of established early human sites in eastern and southern Africa.
In experimental biology approaches to human evolution research, Dr. Bromage discovered a new biological clock, or long-term rhythm, which controls many metabolic functions. Dr. Bromage discovered the new rhythm while observing incremental growth lines in tooth enamel, which appear much like the annual rings on a tree. He also observed a related pattern of incremental growth in skeletal bone tissue -- the first time such an incremental rhythm has ever been observed in bone. The findings suggest that the same biological rhythm that controls incremental tooth and bone growth also affects bone and body size and many metabolic processes, including heart and respiration rates.
"In fact," Dr. Bromage said, "the rhythm affects an organism's overall pace of life, and its life span. So, a rat that grows teeth and bone in one-eighth the time of a human also lives faster and dies younger."
"Dr. Bromage has fundamentally altered the field of human evolution by prompting paradigm shifts in morphology, fieldwork, and experimental biology, thereby establishing the modern field of growth, development, and life history in paleoanthropology," said Dr. Charles N. Bertolami, dean of the NYU College of Dentistry.
A portion of the award will be dedicated to training junior scientists in the United States and Germany to assist on this research. Dr. Bromage has been honored for his academic achievements by the National Science Foundation (2009, 2007), the National Geographic Society (2008), and the National Institute of Health.
The award, given by the Max Planck Society and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, includes a stipend of 750,000 Euros ($1.02 million USD). The 2010 award, given annually to two researchers, will be presented during the Annual Meeting of the Max Planck Society on June 17th in Hanover, Germany. This year's other recipient is psychologist Michael Tomasello, director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig.
In citing Dr. Bromage's qualifications for receiving the award, the selection committee noted that his research on the microanatomical structure of ancestral human teeth and bones has established the modern fields of human evolution growth, development, and life history -- the pace by which an organism grows. Moreover, noted the committee, his research has shown a relationship between bone and tooth microstructure and body size, metabolic rate, age, and other biological features.
Dr. Bromage, a professor of basic science and craniofacial biology and of biomaterials and biomimetics, was the first researcher to use biologically based principles of craniofacial development to reconstruct early hominid skulls. His computer-generated reconstruction of a 1.9 million-year-old skull originally discovered in Kenya in 1972 by renowned paleontologist and archeologist Richard Leakey showed that Homo rudolfensis, modern man's earliest-known close ancestor, looked more apelike than previously believed. Dr. Bromage's reconstruction had a surprisingly smaller brain and more distinctly protruding jaw than the reconstruction that Dr. Leakey assembled by hand, suggesting that early humans had features approaching those commonly associated with more apelike members of the hominid family living as long as four million years ago.
In human evolution fieldwork, Dr. Bromage's 1992 discovery of a 2.4-million-year-old jaw in Malawi unearthed the oldest known remains of the genus, Homo. The discovery, made in collaboration with Dr. Schrenk, director of Paleoanthropology at the Senckenberg Research Institute, marked the first time that scientists discovered an early human fossil outside of established early human sites in eastern and southern Africa.
In experimental biology approaches to human evolution research, Dr. Bromage discovered a new biological clock, or long-term rhythm, which controls many metabolic functions. Dr. Bromage discovered the new rhythm while observing incremental growth lines in tooth enamel, which appear much like the annual rings on a tree. He also observed a related pattern of incremental growth in skeletal bone tissue -- the first time such an incremental rhythm has ever been observed in bone. The findings suggest that the same biological rhythm that controls incremental tooth and bone growth also affects bone and body size and many metabolic processes, including heart and respiration rates.
"In fact," Dr. Bromage said, "the rhythm affects an organism's overall pace of life, and its life span. So, a rat that grows teeth and bone in one-eighth the time of a human also lives faster and dies younger."
"Dr. Bromage has fundamentally altered the field of human evolution by prompting paradigm shifts in morphology, fieldwork, and experimental biology, thereby establishing the modern field of growth, development, and life history in paleoanthropology," said Dr. Charles N. Bertolami, dean of the NYU College of Dentistry.
A portion of the award will be dedicated to training junior scientists in the United States and Germany to assist on this research. Dr. Bromage has been honored for his academic achievements by the National Science Foundation (2009, 2007), the National Geographic Society (2008), and the National Institute of Health.
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