Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Extractions are like pulling teeth
Extractions have become a minefield over the past few years, the Dental Defence Union (DDU) has warned, offering advice to dentists on how to improve their teeth-pulling skills. The DDU has, over the past six years, seen a 22% increase in the number of complaints or claims made regarding extractions. Complaints include post-operative pain and […]
Bottled water threatens dental health, study finds
Consumers who choose bottled water over tap water are risking their dental health, a study has found. Tap water is a valuable source of fluoride, which protects teeth from cavities. Researchers tested over 100 different brands of bottled water, and found that only 5 met the US-government-recommended range of 0.7-1.2 parts per million (ppm) of […]
Botox on a budget: snake venom?
A new product has hit the market, claiming to block the nerve signals that cause wrinkles. The good news: it costs £6 per tube. The not-so-good news: it contains a synthetic form of the poison of an Asian temple viper snake. Lacura Wrinkle Stop, which will be stocked by Aldi from next week, […]
Study finds oral health benefits in omega-3 fatty acids
Scientists at Boston University have discovered a new benefit to omega-3 fatty acids – Resolvins, a family of biologically active anti-inflammatories that could help in the war against periodontal (gum) disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to help people with inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, but the application of Resolvins […]
Stem cells could transform oral-disease treatment, study finds
Human stem cells, a good source of oral mucosal tissues, could transform the treatment of oral diseases, a Tufts University study has found. Though little is known about how human embryonic stem cells (hESC) can be developed into the complex oral tissues, such as oral mucosa or skin, once science catches up, hESC could produce […]
Gum disease in pregnant women linked to gestational diabetes
Pregnant women with periodontal (gum) disease are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, regardless of whether they smoke or drink, a New York University (NYU) study has found. Gestational diabetes stops glucose from being transported to the cells during pregnancy. While it usually disappears after pregnancy, it leaves women at a greater risk […]
Tooth decay in children linked to parental stress
A Ohio State University study has linked parental stress levels with tooth decay in children. The study surveyed parents of young children, both of those with no cavities and of those with so much decay that anaesthesia was required. Parents’ income and education levels and whether they were single or had a partner were also […]
Sports drinks may leave you sprinting towards tooth decay
Drinking sports drinks exposes you to acid that can cause tooth erosion and hypersensitivity, a New York University (NYU) study has found. Erosive tooth wear, whereby acids corrode the enamel and penetrate the bonelike material underneath, may be the result of prolonged sports drink consumption. This condition causes the tooth to become soft and weak, […]
New health watchdog for dentists
As of 1 April 2009, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) replaced the Healthcare Commission as the new health and social care regulator in England. Dentists may soon have to register with the CQC as well as the General Dental Council. All healthcare and social-care providers will conform to a single set of safety and […]
Heart attacks linked to oral bacteria by study
A University of Buffalo (UB) study has shown that while two oral pathogens are linked to increased risk of a heart attack, the total number of bacteria in the mouth is a more important factor for heart health. The study, which was presented at the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) General Session in […]
