RxPG News : Dental

Fewer heart patients need antibiotics before dental procedures

Tue, 15 May 2007 04:56:05 PST

Based on a review of new and existing scientific evidence, most dental patients with heart disease do not need antibiotics before dental procedures to prevent infective endocarditis (IE), a rare, but life-threatening heart infection.

Secondhand smoke proves to be no 'joke' on oral health

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:52:27 PST

A study published in this monthâs issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that subjects with periodontitis who were exposed to secondhand smoke were more likely to develop bone loss, the number one cause of tooth loss.

Bacteria from patient's dental plaque causes ventilator-associated pneumonia

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:08:16 PST

Patients admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) already are seriously ill, so the last thing they need is a new infection. Unfortunately, statistics show that as many as 25 percent of all patients admitted to the ICU and placed on ventilators develop pneumonia, which can be fatal.

Root Beer May Be "Safest" Soft Drink for Teeth

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:58:11 PST

Exposing teeth to soft drinks, even for a short period of time, causes dental erosionâand prolonged exposure can lead to significant enamel loss. Root beer products, however, are non-carbonated and do not contain the acids that harm teeth, according to a study in the March/April 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the AGDâs clinical, peer-reviewed journal. That might be something to consider during the next visit to the grocery store.

Xylitol reduces risk of cavities

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 10:26:36 PST

The sugar substitute xylitol affects the bacterial composition of the oral cavity even in low doses. On the other hand, a relatively high intake is needed to counteract the production of acid between the teeth, according to Pernilla Lif Holgerson in the dissertation she will defend at Umeå University in Sweden on February 23.

Researchers Use Stem Cells to Regenerate Parts of Teeth

Sun, 24 Dec 2006 19:18:56 PST

A multi-national research team headed by USC School of Dentistry researcher Songtao Shi, DDS, PhD, has successfully regenerated tooth root and supporting periodontal ligaments to restore tooth function in a swine (an animal) model. The breakthrough holds significant promise for clinical application in human patients. The study appears December 20 in the inaugural issue of PLoS ONE.

Common Antacids Could Help Keep Gingivitis at Bay

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:07:00 PST

Chemicals commonly used to treat heartburn also display fighting power against the oral bacteria linked with gum disease, according to researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Göteborg University in Sweden.

Tetracycline plus teeth equal gray smile

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 14:52:00 PST

Many adults over age 35 cover their mouth to avoid smiling in public in order to hide their teeth darkened by tetracycline stains. Typically, invasive as well as costly treatment options, such as veneers, crowns and bonding, served as the only treatment options to help these individuals hide such stains and boost their self-esteem.

Periodontal bacteria may be linked to acute coronary syndrome (ACS)

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 20:34:00 PST

The presence of specific bacteria and combinations of bacteria in periodontal pockets might be an explanation for the relationship between periodontal disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology.

Ultrasound may help regrow teeth

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:28:00 PST

Hockey players, rejoice! A team of University of Alberta researchers has created technology to regrow teeth--the first time scientists have been able to reform human dental tissue. Using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), Dr. Tarak El-Bialy from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Dr. Jie Chen and Dr. Ying Tsui from the Faculty of Engineering have created a miniaturized system-on-a-chip that offers a non-invasive and novel way to stimulate jaw growth and dental tissue healing.

Effects of stress, depression and cortisol on periodontal disease

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 12:51:00 PST

Caregivers of people under psychological or physical stress, as well as those with the conditions themselves, should not overlook their oral health, according to a new study printed in the Journal of Periodontology.

Roasted vegetables could cause dental erosion

Sun, 07 May 2006 18:43:00 PST

Eating leafy green vegetables may be good for health, but if roasted they may cause dental erosion, according to scientists in Scotland.

Periodontal therapy may help diabetic patients improve sugar control

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 01:24:00 PST

The results suggest that periodontal therapy may reduce a diabetic patient's HbA1c count by as much as 20 percent at three and six months following treatment. According to the American Diabetes Association, HbA1c provides patients with a picture of their average blood sugar changes in the past two to three months and gives them a good idea of how well their diabetes treatment plan is working. A healthy HbA1c count is between the ranges of 4.0 to 6.0.

Archaea Identified As Possible Human Pathogen

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 18:43:00 PST

For the first time German researchers have linked Archaea to infectious diseases in humans by identifying it as a possible cause of endodontic infections. They report their findings in the April 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

Cimetidine Inhibits Gum Disease in Rabbits

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 18:39:00 PST

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that topical application of an ulcer drug to teeth may help prevent gum disease. Their findings appear in the April 2006 issue of the journal Infection and Immunity.

Dentistry in vogue 9,000 years ago in Balochistan

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 22:23:00 PST

Dentistry may have been practised in what is now western Pakistan as far back as 7,000 BC, say researchers who have found some Neolithic skulls with holes drilled into their molars.

First link of oral bacteria and preterm birth found in human

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 01:09:00 PST

A 37-year-old-mother, who gave birth to a low-weight preemie at 24 weeks, exhibited the first-found link in a human between bacteria found in the mouth and the amniotic fluid of a woman in preterm labor.

Salivary Biomarkers as Diagnostic Tools in Existing Periodontal Disease

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 13:48:00 PST

A University of Kentucky research study featured on the cover of the March issue of the Journal of American Dental Association could help change the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.

Kids with Carries Overweight, Not Underweight

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 02:34:00 PST

New evidence from pediatric dentists at the University at Buffalo has shown that, contrary to previous findings, most young children with decayed "baby" teeth are not underweight, and actually may be overweight or at risk of being overweight.

Red wine components modulate tissue damage in gums

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 00:55:00 PST

Researchers are finding that components found in red wine can help in preventing and treating inflammatory periodontal diseases. Periodontitis is a progressive infectious disease affecting the gums and bone that surround and support teeth, often causing tooth movement and leading to permanent tooth loss. About 15% of adults between 21 and 50 years of age and 65% of adults over 50 are affected by this disease.

PDT Kills Drug-Resistant Bacteria of oral cavity

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:17:00 PST

Photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment for fungal infections and certain bacterial infections of the oral cavity, including some that are resistant to antibiotics, research from the University at Buffalo's School of Dental Medicine has shown.

Resolvin E1 protects against inflammation and bone loss

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:15:00 PST

Gum disease is initiated by bacteria populating dental plaque and may eventually result in tissue and tooth loss. Gum disease is similar to other chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, where inflammation causes tissue damage and is responsible for the disease. To date, the prevention of gum disease is limited to successful oral hygiene and regular professional care. However, despite these preventive actions, plaque control is not enough to prevent disease in susceptible individuals with a high inflammatory response.

Dentists in research network do not discriminate

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 21:42:00 PST

Regardless of race, private practice dentists do not discriminate in services they provide their patients, according to a new study from Case Western Reserve University's School of Dental Medicine.

Oral and cardiovascular health are related - Study

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 11:29:00 PST

New research is reinforcing the longstanding belief that a connection exists between periodontal disease, or severe gum inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. But according to Moise Desvarieux, MD, PhD, infectious disease epidemiologist in the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, the nature of the relationship is still unclear and patients cannot rely only on good oral hygiene as a way to reduce their risk for heart disease--they must manage other risk factors for the disease as well.

NHANES III Study - Obesity is a significant predictor of periodontal disease

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 16:17:00 PST

People have a new reason to stick to their New Year's resolution to lose excess weight besides fitting into the latest fashion trends. Researchers from University at Buffalo found that obesity is a significant predictor for periodontal disease, independent of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and smoking. Furthermore, analysis of this national sample suggests that insulin resistance mediates the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. It was found that the severity of periodontal attachment loss increased proportionally with increasing insulin resistance. In addition, the number of teeth lost increased significantly with increasing levels of insulin resistance. Individuals in the highest insulin resistance category lost 1.1 more teeth compared to individuals in the lowest category.

Fluoride varnish helps prevent tooth decay

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 12:52:00 PST

Fluoride varnish, a dental preventive treatment, reduces the incidence of early childhood tooth decay in combination with dental health counseling for parents, according to a study by investigators at the UCSF School of Dentistry.

Licorice compounds may help fight tooth decay

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 16:02:00 PST

Compounds isolated from licorice root may help prevent cavities, according to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles. In test tube studies, the scientists showed that an extract from a plant root that is used to make licorice candy and other products contains at least two compounds that appear to be potent inhibitors of Streptococcus mutans, a major cause of dental caries. Their study is scheduled to appear in the Feb. 24 print version of the Journal of Natural Products, a monthly peer-reviewed joint publication of the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Pharmacognosy.

Removing gaps depends on overall health

Sun, 22 Jan 2006 22:01:00 PST

Dental implants, an artificial tooth root surgically anchored into a jaw to hold a replacement tooth or several teeth in place, offer a permanent solution to replace lost or extracted teeth. Implants have become a treatment of choice for some patients to eliminate the need for removable partial or complete dentures. Other patients choose implants for esthetic purposes or to conserve tooth structure in an otherwise cavity-free mouth.

Severe periodontal disease frequent among socioeconomically disadvantaged

Sun, 22 Jan 2006 21:57:00 PST

Socioeconomic disadvantage at the individual and neighborhood level is associated with severe periodontitis among African-Americans and Whites, according to research conducted at the Mailman School of Public Health and reported in the American Journal of Public Health.

Treating gum disease may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

Sun, 22 Jan 2006 21:32:00 PST

The Journal of Dental Research has just published the results of a study showing that treatment of gum disease may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers from Australia (Sydney Dental Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital) and Norway (University of Oslo) collaborated in the PERICAR clinical trial, providing strong evidence linking periodontal (gum) disease to an increased risk of developing blood clots, which could lead to the onset of heart attack and stroke.

New Link Between Severe Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease

Sun, 04 Dec 2005 10:18:00 PST

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have found that changes in the plasma lipoprotein profile of patients with severe periodontitis a condition characterized by chronic infection and inflammation of the gums - may contribute to these patients elevated risk for heart disease and stroke.

Cranberry juice acts like Teflon for teeth

Fri, 25 Nov 2005 06:13:00 PST

A team led by oral biologist Hyun (Michel) Koo, D.D.S., Ph.D., at the University of Rochester Medical Center has discovered that the same traits that make cranberry juice a powerful weapon against bladder infections also hold promise for protecting teeth against cavities. Koo found that cranberry juice acts like Teflon® for teeth, making it difficult for the bacteria that causes cavities to cling to tooth surfaces. Stickiness is everything for the microbe Streptococcus mutans, which creates most cavities by eating sugars and then excreting acids that cause dental decay.

Sunlight help prevent periodontal disease

Thu, 13 Oct 2005 15:11:00 PST

As the days get shorter and colder, it gets harder to spend time in the sun, and that's probably bad for your teeth. According to an article in the Journal of Periodontology from a researcher at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, our teeth may be light-sensitive, at least indirectly.

Amoxicillin use in infancy may be linked to tooth enamel defects

Thu, 06 Oct 2005 21:10:00 PST

Use of the antibiotic amoxicillin during infancy appears to be linked to tooth enamel defects in permanent teeth, according to a study in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Research Finds it Wise to Remove Wisdom Teeth

Fri, 23 Sep 2005 17:46:00 PST

Keeping wisdom teeth intact has long been the traditional approach of dentists, but research is now showing even unproblematic wisdom teeth may need to come out to avoid snags later in life.

Implant-placed overdentures lock the denture in place

Thu, 22 Sep 2005 04:57:00 PST

The enticing aroma of a thick, juicy steak was a temptation Marvin Goodwin oftentimes avoided because his dentures made the meat difficult to chew. Now that he's had implants placed to support his denture, he is no longer cautious of the foods he eats.

Nanospheres could help dentists fill tiny holes in teeth

Tue, 06 Sep 2005 00:17:00 PST

Nanospheres could help dentists fill the tiny holes in our teeth that make them incredibly sensitive, and that cause severe pain for millions of adults and children worldwide.

Dental problems can be bone marrow transplant risk

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 19:12:00 PST

St. Jude researchers say dental problems caused by radiation, chemotherapy should be treated before a child undergoes immunosuppression as part of bone marrow transplantation therapy

Dental consequences of anticancer therapy preceding stem cell transplantation

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 21:39:00 PST

Research published by the University of Helsinki, Finland, indicates that cytostatic and radiation therapies administered before stem cell transplantation often damage children's permanent teeth.

C-section delivery linked with higher risk of cavities in newborns

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 04:39:00 PST

A new study by NYU dental researchers suggests that women with dental caries (cavities) who deliver Caesarean-section babies should pay special attention to their newborns' oral health.

Periodontitis and Three Health-Enhancing Behaviors

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 21:11:00 PST

Heart healthy habits are good for oral health, too, according to a new study published in the current issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology.

Reducing postmenopausal tooth loss by controlling periodontal disease

Fri, 22 Jul 2005 00:49:00 PST

Postmenopausal women may significantly reduce tooth loss by controlling their periodontal disease, according to a study in the Journal of Periodontology.

Quitting smoking could save your teeth, study shows

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 00:26:00 PST

Smokers who give up are much less likely to lose their teeth prematurely than those who dont kick the habit, pioneering research has shown.

Orthodontics takes first step toward biological control of tooth movement

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 13:20:00 PST

In the first study of its kind, University of Florida researchers are testing the power of a natural human hormone to biochemically move teeth faster and less painfully during orthodontic treatment.

Raisins Fight Bacteria in Mouth that Cause Cavities

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 19:51:00 PST

Compounds found in raisins fight bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Don't let your Mouth Pollute your Clean Heart

Fri, 20 May 2005 13:03:00 PST

Researchers have found evidence that the amount of bacteria in subgingival plaques, the deep plaques in periodontal pockets and around the teeth, may contribute to an individual's risk of a heart attack, according to two studies appearing the Journal of Periodontology. These studies further researchers understanding that periodontal bacteria may increase the risk for heart disease.

Two-thirds of patients brush off their dentist's advice

Fri, 13 May 2005 19:55:00 PST

The best efforts of dentists don't always mean people will look after their teeth, British researchers have found.

Oral bacteria may predict Preterm Delivery and Low Birthweight

Thu, 24 Mar 2005 19:28:00 PST

Researchers from New York University found that certain bacteria from the mouth may be related to preterm delivery and low birthweight according to a study in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).

Aloe vera can treat Canker, HSV, Lichen Planus, Gingivitis and Cold Sores

Tue, 22 Mar 2005 20:27:00 PST

New reports prove that the aloe vera plant, which has been used to heal skin for more than 2,000 years, can also treat many oral health problems including canker sores, cold sores, herpes simplex viruses, lichen planus and gingivitis according to the January/February issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.

Orthodontists must brace against back pain

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 21:14:00 PST

A study of graduate orthodontic students at the university and a practising orthodontist--who'd been working for 18 years--showed that long hours of bending low and working in patients' mouths put heavy strain on the lower back and neck--burdens that translated into weights of up to 138 kilograms in males and 93 kg in females. The total duration of daily work would amount to an hour's continuous load on the spine of 450 kg for men and 275 kg for women.

A simple saliva test can predict dental cavities in children

Sat, 19 Feb 2005 17:08:00 PST

A simple saliva test can predict for the first time whether children will get cavities, how many cavities they will get and even which teeth are most vulnerable, according to researchers at University of South California.

Treating mouth wounds by engineering tissue grafts

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 15:14:00 PST

University of Michigan researchers are testing a new procedure in which they can take a tiny piece of a person's mouth lining, grow it into a dollar-bill sized piece of tissue and graft that expanded piece into the donor's mouth to heal a wound.

Dr. Stephen Feinberg is leading a team that is currently working with five patients to treat small mouth wounds with the grafts. These five patients are part of what is called a proof of concept study for the Food and Drug Administration.

Study will provide basis for targeted therapies for leading cause of adult tooth loss

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 15:16:00 PST

Scientists at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) are looking into the genetic reasons why individuals experience periodontal disease so differently, and why some respond to treatment more successfully than others. Even with treatment, some patients continue to see deterioration of gum condition and eventual loss of teeth.

The research is part of an effort at CUMC to eradicate periodontitis in these patients and better understand how the gum disease develops, and will allow the development of pharmacologic therapies targeted specifically to a person's own genetic predisposition for response.

A new way of making a detailed 3D picture of a diseased area of a tooth

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 15:18:00 PST

A team of scientists from Glasgow today revealed a new technique that will allow dentists to detect and study the tell-tale signs of tooth decay before too much damage is done.

Speaking at one of the opening sessions at the Institute of Physics conference Photon 04 in Glasgow, Simon Poland outlined a new way of making a detailed 3D picture of a diseased area of a tooth, which could be done while a patient waits.

Treatments for depression have dental side effects

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 15:45:00 PST

Up to 37 percent of adults experience mood disorders at some point in their lives; and many receiving treatments may undergo adverse dental side effects according to a study that appears in the September/October 2004 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical peer-reviewed journal.

Obstructions due to chronically congested nasal passages or enlarged tonsils may affect the growth of the face

Sun, 05 Sep 2004 15:43:00 PST

Obstructions due to chronically congested nasal passages or enlarged tonsils may affect the growth of the face. "Long face syndrome" is a term describing the longer, narrow face of children who suffer from uncontrolled allergies or, an obstruction of the upper airway which creates an inability to breathe through the nose, reports an article in the July/August 2004 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.

Dentists provide laser treatments and avoid using a scalpel

Sat, 04 Sep 2004 15:40:00 PST

Periodontal disease affects more than fifty percent of adults. Until recently, the only way for dentists to treat this condition involved use of a scalpel to remove diseased tissue. An article in the September/October 2004 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal describes a new procedure on how lasers are being used to treat diseased gums.