Scientists know more today than ever before about the microbes that inhabit our mouths. They know so much, in fact, that gathering all of the relevant bits of information into one place when designing experiments can be a job in itself. Now, grantees of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health, and their international colleagues intend to solve this problem with the launch of the first comprehensive database of the oral microbiome, or the approximately 600 distinct microorganisms currently known to live in the mouth.
The free online compendium is called the Human Oral Microbiome Database (HOMD). The database has gone live as the digital equivalent of an Oxford dictionary of oral microorganisms, providing detailed biological entries for each species and an extensive catalogue of the thousands of genes that these microbes express. The site is located at homd and is overseen by scientists at The Forsyth Institute in Boston and King's College London in England.
"The HOMD fills a critical research need," said NIDCR director Lawrence Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D. "The oral microbiome is extremely rich in data, and HOMD becomes the essential search engine for scientists to view and retrieve this information, generate novel hypotheses, make computational discoveries, and ultimately develop more biologically sound therapies to control oral diseases."
According to Floyd Dewhirst, D.D.S., Ph.D., a leader of the project and a scientist at The Forsyth Institute, HOMD also introduces the first comprehensive nomenclature system to bring order to the naming of uncultured or previously unnamed oral microbes. The standardized numbering system helps to eliminate the Babel of confusing names and uninformative database designations that have frustrated scientists and sometimes hindered their research.
The database also categorizes each microbe by its 16S rRNA sequence, a distinctive fingerprint of genetic information that scientists have used for the past two decades to identify microorganisms. This sequence information allows the microbes to be placed in a family tree that shows how they are related to one another. For those organisms whose DNA has been sequenced, HOMD provides online tools to view and analyze all of their genes and proteins. Each category of information in the database is interlinked, readily searchable, appropriately annotated, and will be frequently updated to remain current.
Dewhirst noted that although HOMD has officially opened to scientists, the database remains an ongoing project. "We've already assembled a great deal of useful information for the research community, but we will continue to expand and refine the database for the next several years," said Dewhirst. "I can see the Human Oral Microbiome Database serving as a valuable model for other microbiome databases now and in the years to come."
Informally called "biology's next revolution," microbiome studies have opened a needed window into the complex microbial communities that occupy most parts of the human body. These studies will define how microbes contribute to sustaining health and, when their community dynamics are perturbed, play a role in common chronic disease, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease in the mouth. In December 2007, NIH launched the Human Microbiome Project that initially will sequence all of the genes, or genomes, of 600 representative microorganisms sampled from microbial communities in the mouth, skin, digestive tract, nose, and female urogenital tract. Additional studies are either under way or under development.
Among those already well under way is a NIDCR-supported project to compile a full catalogue of the complete genomes of all oral microbes. It has generated a tremendous amount of data and, coupled with the decades of more traditional studies of oral bacteria, the need for a comprehensive, user-friendly database has become a priority.
"The oral microbiome is currently better understood than those of other sites in the body, such as the intestine," said Dr. Bruce Paster, Ph.D., also at The Forsyth Institute and another project scientist. "Since oral microorganisms appear in infections throughout the human body, the HOMD database certainly will be useful to physicians. Likewise, microbiologists in industry will find HOMD helpful because oral microbes sometimes contaminate food or the drug manufacturing process."
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is the Nation's leading funder of research on oral, dental, and craniofacial health.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) - the Nation's Medical Research Agency - includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures of both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit nih/.
среда, 18 мая 2011 г.
SCHIP Should Include Dental Benefits, Sens. Bingaman, Cardin Write
Congress "should take action to ensure that all children have access" to dental care by requiring states to provide coverage through SCHIP for those enrolled in the program, as well as for children with private insurance that does not include dental coverage, Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) write in a Washington Post letter to the editor. The senators write that such a provision could be added to SCHIP when the program is reauthorized this year. Tooth decay, the most prevalent childhood disease, can be debilitating and sometimes fatal but is easily preventable and can be treated at a low cost, according to Bingaman and Cardin. "Equally important is ensuring there are enough oral health care providers available to treat children across the country and that they are adequately compensated for their services," Bingaman and Cardin write. The senators note that they have introduced legislation, called the Children's Dental Health Improvement Act (S 739), that would expand school-based dental sealant programs, encourage dental schools to train more residents, increase Medicaid and SCHIP payments to providers, and provide incentives for dentists who work in underserved areas of the country. Bingaman and Cardin conclude, "America has never promised its children success, but it has always promised them opportunity. Children who suffer from untreated tooth decay are often denied this opportunity because of dental pain that limits their ability to eat, sleep, learn ... or enjoy life itself" (Bingaman/Cardin, Washington Post, 3/18).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
Milestone Scientific Receives FDA Clearance Of Single Tooth Anesthesia Device
Milestone
Scientific Inc. (Amex: MSS), which develops, manufactures, and markets
'intelligent' computer controlled local anesthetic delivery systems, today
announced that it has received FDA 510(k) Premarket Notification clearance
for the marketing and sale of its Single Tooth Anesthesia Device (STA).
The STA is a Computer Controlled Local Anesthesia Delivery Device that
utilizes Milestone Scientific's patented CompuFlo pressure measuring
technology to provide audible and visual "biofeedback" to the dentist by
measuring the pressure at the tip of the needle. The device is designed to
significantly improve the efficiency and economics of the dental office.
The periodontal ligament (PDL) injection, which anesthetizes only the tooth
that requires repair, is generally thought to be the most valuable
injection for the dentist, the patient and the business of dentistry.
Because PDL injections are very difficult for most dentists to administer
using current techniques and can be extremely painful for the patient,
dentists typically assure effective anesthetic administration by using a
"mandibular block" that anesthetizes a quarter of the face in addition to
the single tooth being worked on. Unfortunately, dentists 'miss' the
targeted area for the anesthesia about 30% of the time, requiring multiple
injections and more patient time in the chair. In addition, "block"
anesthesia inconveniences the patient in a number of ways; the lip, tongue
and inside of the cheek are made numb as a side effect of this technique;
and when a patient requires anesthesia for work on the opposite side of the
mouth, dentists must currently schedule two separate appointments due to
the impossibility of administering simultaneous mandibular blocks. The STA
device incorporates the "biofeedback" elements of Milestone's patented
CompuFlo technology, thereby allowing dentists to administer injections
accurately into the periodontal ligament space, effectively anesthetizing a
single tooth. While the periodontal ligament injection has been around for
some time, there has been no effective technology that allows dentists to
easily perform the procedure painlessly, safely and predictably until now.
"We are extremely pleased to announce the FDA's acceptance of our
510(k) for the STA device, which we believe has the potential to
revolutionize the administration of local anesthesia in dental offices,"
stated Leonard Osser, Chief Executive Officer of Milestone Scientific Inc.
"Milestone was the first company to introduce 'painless' dentistry with the
introduction of its CompuDent system and disposable Wand handpiece in 1997.
At the time, this represented the most successful launch of a new
anesthesia device in U.S. dentistry, and we have built a solid domestic and
international customer base among dentists who rely upon CompuDent to
assure painless injections. However, although CompuDent did address the
difficulty of administering single-tooth injections, the procedure was
technique-sensitive, which limited its appeal to many dental professionals.
We have addressed this challenge by incorporating 'biofeedback' features
from our CompuFlo technology into the STA device, thereby providing
dentists with audible and visual 'prompts' that make it easy to administer
a PDL injection accurately and painlessly."
"We believe the STA device has the potential to greatly expand
Milestone's share of the dental device market," continued Osser. "The
dentist will now be able to effectively target a single tooth with
anesthesia, increasing the efficiency of his or her practice. The shorter
onset time and predictability of the STA injection should make the dental
practice more profitable. The STA procedure also avoids the collateral
numbness associated with mandibular blocks and shortens the amount of time
the patient must spend in the chair. Because the lips, cheeks and tongue
are not numbed when using a PDL injection, dentists can also work on teeth
that are located on opposite sides of the mouth during the same office
visit, thereby increasing the productivity and revenue potential of dental
practices. Our goal is to introduce the STA in the first quarter of 2007."
As with the Company's CompuDent system, the STA device will generate
recurring revenues from disposable handpieces.
About Milestone Scientific Inc.
Milestone Scientific Inc. is the developer, manufacturer and marketer
of CompuMed(R) and CompuDent(R) computer controlled local anesthetic
delivery systems. These systems comprise a microprocessor controlled drive
unit as well as The Wand(R) handpiece, a single patient use product that is
held in a pen-like manner for injections. The Company also sells the
SafetyWand(R), which incorporates engineered sharps injury protection
features to aid in the prevention of accidental needlesticks. Milestone has
also developed proprietary consumer (Ionic White) and professional
(CoolBlue) teeth whitening systems that were introduced to the market in
early 2005.
Milestone has also received broad United States patent protection on
CompuFlo(TM), an enabling technology for computer controlled, pressure
sensitive infusion, perfusion, suffusion and aspiration that provides real
time displays of pressures, fluid densities and flow rates. CompuFlo
advances the delivery to and/or removal from patients of local anesthesia,
medications and other fluids, and the Company is pursuing market
opportunities in a variety of medical and dental applications. Elements of
CompuFlo technology have been incorporated into the Company's new Single
Tooth Anesthesia (STA) Computer Controlled Local Anesthesia Delivery
Device. CompuFlo and the STA have been cleared for marketing and sale via
the acceptance of 510(k) Premarket Notification filings by the FDA.
The Company is headquartered in Livingston, New Jersey, and its common
stock trades on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "MSS".
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the
timing and financial impact of the Milestone's ability to implement its
business plan, expected revenues and future success. These statements
involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions
involving judgments with respect to future economic, competitive and market
conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or
impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond Milestone's
control. Some of the important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements
are general economic conditions, failure to achieve expected revenue
growth, changes in our operating expenses, adverse patent rulings, FDA or
legal developments, competitive pressures, changes in customer and market
requirements and standards, and the risk factors detailed from time to time
in Milestone's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including without limitation, Milestone's Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005. The forward looking-statements
in this press release are based upon management's reasonable belief as of
the date hereof. Milestone undertakes no obligation to revise or update
publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Milestone Scientific Inc.
milesci
Scientific Inc. (Amex: MSS), which develops, manufactures, and markets
'intelligent' computer controlled local anesthetic delivery systems, today
announced that it has received FDA 510(k) Premarket Notification clearance
for the marketing and sale of its Single Tooth Anesthesia Device (STA).
The STA is a Computer Controlled Local Anesthesia Delivery Device that
utilizes Milestone Scientific's patented CompuFlo pressure measuring
technology to provide audible and visual "biofeedback" to the dentist by
measuring the pressure at the tip of the needle. The device is designed to
significantly improve the efficiency and economics of the dental office.
The periodontal ligament (PDL) injection, which anesthetizes only the tooth
that requires repair, is generally thought to be the most valuable
injection for the dentist, the patient and the business of dentistry.
Because PDL injections are very difficult for most dentists to administer
using current techniques and can be extremely painful for the patient,
dentists typically assure effective anesthetic administration by using a
"mandibular block" that anesthetizes a quarter of the face in addition to
the single tooth being worked on. Unfortunately, dentists 'miss' the
targeted area for the anesthesia about 30% of the time, requiring multiple
injections and more patient time in the chair. In addition, "block"
anesthesia inconveniences the patient in a number of ways; the lip, tongue
and inside of the cheek are made numb as a side effect of this technique;
and when a patient requires anesthesia for work on the opposite side of the
mouth, dentists must currently schedule two separate appointments due to
the impossibility of administering simultaneous mandibular blocks. The STA
device incorporates the "biofeedback" elements of Milestone's patented
CompuFlo technology, thereby allowing dentists to administer injections
accurately into the periodontal ligament space, effectively anesthetizing a
single tooth. While the periodontal ligament injection has been around for
some time, there has been no effective technology that allows dentists to
easily perform the procedure painlessly, safely and predictably until now.
"We are extremely pleased to announce the FDA's acceptance of our
510(k) for the STA device, which we believe has the potential to
revolutionize the administration of local anesthesia in dental offices,"
stated Leonard Osser, Chief Executive Officer of Milestone Scientific Inc.
"Milestone was the first company to introduce 'painless' dentistry with the
introduction of its CompuDent system and disposable Wand handpiece in 1997.
At the time, this represented the most successful launch of a new
anesthesia device in U.S. dentistry, and we have built a solid domestic and
international customer base among dentists who rely upon CompuDent to
assure painless injections. However, although CompuDent did address the
difficulty of administering single-tooth injections, the procedure was
technique-sensitive, which limited its appeal to many dental professionals.
We have addressed this challenge by incorporating 'biofeedback' features
from our CompuFlo technology into the STA device, thereby providing
dentists with audible and visual 'prompts' that make it easy to administer
a PDL injection accurately and painlessly."
"We believe the STA device has the potential to greatly expand
Milestone's share of the dental device market," continued Osser. "The
dentist will now be able to effectively target a single tooth with
anesthesia, increasing the efficiency of his or her practice. The shorter
onset time and predictability of the STA injection should make the dental
practice more profitable. The STA procedure also avoids the collateral
numbness associated with mandibular blocks and shortens the amount of time
the patient must spend in the chair. Because the lips, cheeks and tongue
are not numbed when using a PDL injection, dentists can also work on teeth
that are located on opposite sides of the mouth during the same office
visit, thereby increasing the productivity and revenue potential of dental
practices. Our goal is to introduce the STA in the first quarter of 2007."
As with the Company's CompuDent system, the STA device will generate
recurring revenues from disposable handpieces.
About Milestone Scientific Inc.
Milestone Scientific Inc. is the developer, manufacturer and marketer
of CompuMed(R) and CompuDent(R) computer controlled local anesthetic
delivery systems. These systems comprise a microprocessor controlled drive
unit as well as The Wand(R) handpiece, a single patient use product that is
held in a pen-like manner for injections. The Company also sells the
SafetyWand(R), which incorporates engineered sharps injury protection
features to aid in the prevention of accidental needlesticks. Milestone has
also developed proprietary consumer (Ionic White) and professional
(CoolBlue) teeth whitening systems that were introduced to the market in
early 2005.
Milestone has also received broad United States patent protection on
CompuFlo(TM), an enabling technology for computer controlled, pressure
sensitive infusion, perfusion, suffusion and aspiration that provides real
time displays of pressures, fluid densities and flow rates. CompuFlo
advances the delivery to and/or removal from patients of local anesthesia,
medications and other fluids, and the Company is pursuing market
opportunities in a variety of medical and dental applications. Elements of
CompuFlo technology have been incorporated into the Company's new Single
Tooth Anesthesia (STA) Computer Controlled Local Anesthesia Delivery
Device. CompuFlo and the STA have been cleared for marketing and sale via
the acceptance of 510(k) Premarket Notification filings by the FDA.
The Company is headquartered in Livingston, New Jersey, and its common
stock trades on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "MSS".
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the
timing and financial impact of the Milestone's ability to implement its
business plan, expected revenues and future success. These statements
involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions
involving judgments with respect to future economic, competitive and market
conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or
impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond Milestone's
control. Some of the important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements
are general economic conditions, failure to achieve expected revenue
growth, changes in our operating expenses, adverse patent rulings, FDA or
legal developments, competitive pressures, changes in customer and market
requirements and standards, and the risk factors detailed from time to time
in Milestone's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including without limitation, Milestone's Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005. The forward looking-statements
in this press release are based upon management's reasonable belief as of
the date hereof. Milestone undertakes no obligation to revise or update
publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Milestone Scientific Inc.
milesci
'Ancestral Eve' Was Mother Of All Tooth Decay
A New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) research team has found the first oral bacterial evidence supporting the dispersal of modern Homo sapiens out of Africa to Asia.
The team, led by Page Caufield, a professor of cariology and comprehensive care at NYUCD, discovered that Streptoccocus mutans, a bacterium associated with dental caries, has evolved along with its human hosts in a clear line that can be traced back to a single common ancestor who lived in Africa between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago.
S. mutans is transmitted from mothers to infants, and first appears in an infant's mouth at about two years of age. Caufield's findings are reported in an article in the Journal of Bacteriology.
In his analysis of the bacterium, Caufield used DNA fingerprints and other biomarkers that scientists have also employed to trace human evolution back to a single common African ancestor, known as "ancestral Eve."
"As humans migrated around the world and evolved into the different races and ethnicities we know today," Caufield said, "this oral bacterium evolved with them in a simultaneous process called coevolution."
"It is relatively easy to trace the evolution of S. mutans, since it reproduces through simple cell division," says Caufield, who gathered over 600 samples of the bacterium on six continents over the past two decades. His final analysis focused on over 60 strains of S. mutans collected from Chinese and Japanese; Africans; African-Americans and Hispanics in the United States; Caucasians in the United States, Sweden, and Australia; and Amazon Indians in Brazil and Guyana.
"By tracing the DNA lineages of these strains," Caufield said, "We have constructed an evolutionary family tree with its roots in Africa and its main branch extending to Asia. A second branch, extending from Asia back to Europe, traces the migration of a small group of Asians who founded at least one group of modern-day Caucasians."
Additional branches, tracing the coevolution of humans and bacteria from Asia into North and South America, will be drawn in the next phase of Caufield's analysis.
Caufield's coauthors were Deepak Saxena, adjunct associate professor of basic science and craniofacial biology; Yihong Li, associate professor of basic science and craniofacial biology, both at NYU College of Dentistry; and David Fitch, an associate professor in NYU's Department of Biology.
Founded in 1865, New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) is the third oldest and the largest dental school in the United States, educating more than 8 percent of all dentists. NYUCD has a significant global reach and provides a level of national and international diversity among its students that is unmatched by any other dental school.
Contact: Christopher James
New York University
The team, led by Page Caufield, a professor of cariology and comprehensive care at NYUCD, discovered that Streptoccocus mutans, a bacterium associated with dental caries, has evolved along with its human hosts in a clear line that can be traced back to a single common ancestor who lived in Africa between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago.
S. mutans is transmitted from mothers to infants, and first appears in an infant's mouth at about two years of age. Caufield's findings are reported in an article in the Journal of Bacteriology.
In his analysis of the bacterium, Caufield used DNA fingerprints and other biomarkers that scientists have also employed to trace human evolution back to a single common African ancestor, known as "ancestral Eve."
"As humans migrated around the world and evolved into the different races and ethnicities we know today," Caufield said, "this oral bacterium evolved with them in a simultaneous process called coevolution."
"It is relatively easy to trace the evolution of S. mutans, since it reproduces through simple cell division," says Caufield, who gathered over 600 samples of the bacterium on six continents over the past two decades. His final analysis focused on over 60 strains of S. mutans collected from Chinese and Japanese; Africans; African-Americans and Hispanics in the United States; Caucasians in the United States, Sweden, and Australia; and Amazon Indians in Brazil and Guyana.
"By tracing the DNA lineages of these strains," Caufield said, "We have constructed an evolutionary family tree with its roots in Africa and its main branch extending to Asia. A second branch, extending from Asia back to Europe, traces the migration of a small group of Asians who founded at least one group of modern-day Caucasians."
Additional branches, tracing the coevolution of humans and bacteria from Asia into North and South America, will be drawn in the next phase of Caufield's analysis.
Caufield's coauthors were Deepak Saxena, adjunct associate professor of basic science and craniofacial biology; Yihong Li, associate professor of basic science and craniofacial biology, both at NYU College of Dentistry; and David Fitch, an associate professor in NYU's Department of Biology.
Founded in 1865, New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) is the third oldest and the largest dental school in the United States, educating more than 8 percent of all dentists. NYUCD has a significant global reach and provides a level of national and international diversity among its students that is unmatched by any other dental school.
Contact: Christopher James
New York University
More U.S. Teeth Susceptible To Silent Enamel Eating Syndrome
Cavities or not, your teeth could be in more trouble than you know because of a silent and destructive phenomenon called dental erosion. A faculty member at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has found that the incidence of dental erosion, which is the steady loss of the teeth's protective enamel, is on the rise in the United States.
Bennett T. Amaechi, M.S., Ph.D., associate professor of community dentistry at the UT Health Science Center, and colleagues discovered a 30 percent prevalence rate of dental erosion among 10- to 14-year-olds in the United States. Dr. Amaechi led the San Antonio portion of the nation's first population-based, multi center study of dental erosion. The study, involving 900 middle school students, was conducted in 2004 and 2005 at Indiana University, the University of California at San Francisco and the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.
Dental erosion has not been widely analyzed in the United States. "This study is important because it confirms our suspicions of the high prevalence of dental erosion in this country and, more importantly, brings awareness to dental practitioners and patients of its prevalence, causes, prevention and treatment," Dr. Amaechi said.
He explained that dental erosion is caused by acids found in products that are being more widely consumed than ever in the U.S. These include soft drinks, some fruit juices, sports drinks, herbal teas, beer salts, and the Lucas brand of candy imported from Mexico that is especially popular among children in San Antonio and South Texas.
"When consumed in excess, these products can easily strip the enamel from the teeth, leaving the teeth more brittle and sensitive to pain," Dr. Amaechi said. "The acids in these products can be so corrosive that not even cavity-causing bacteria can survive when exposed to them."
Dr. Amaechi said some medications including aspirin, when taken regularly, have erosive potential. Some underlying medical conditions such as acid reflux disease or disorders associated with chronic vomiting, including bulimia, also can cause dental erosion because of the gastric acids that are regurgitated into the mouth.
"It is important for dental practitioners to identify dental erosion and its causes before it is too late," Dr. Amaechi said. "Because dental erosion creates a smooth and shiny appearance of the enamel and causes no pain or sensitivity in its early stages, most patients are not aware that they are suffering from the condition until the problem becomes severe. Therefore, the responsibility of early detection and treatment falls on the professionals."
Dr. Amaechi's findings were published in the international publication the Dental Tribune and have been translated in 35 languages. His article outlines the prevalence and potential causes of dental erosion and provides dental practitioners with guidelines for detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
About UT Health Science Center San Antonio:
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is the leading research institution in South Texas and one of the major health sciences universities in the world. With an operating budget of $576 million, the Health Science Center is the chief catalyst for the $15.3 billion biosciences and health care sector in San Antonio's economy. The Health Science Center has had an estimated $35 billion impact on the region since inception and has expanded to seven campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. More than 23,000 graduates (physicians, dentists, nurses, scientists and allied health professionals) serve in their fields, including many in Texas. Health Science Center faculty are international leaders in cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aging, stroke prevention, kidney disease, orthopaedics, research imaging, transplant surgery, psychiatry and clinical neurosciences, pain management, genetics, nursing, allied health, dentistry and many other fields. For more information, visit uthscsa.
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78229-3900
United States
uthscsa
Bennett T. Amaechi, M.S., Ph.D., associate professor of community dentistry at the UT Health Science Center, and colleagues discovered a 30 percent prevalence rate of dental erosion among 10- to 14-year-olds in the United States. Dr. Amaechi led the San Antonio portion of the nation's first population-based, multi center study of dental erosion. The study, involving 900 middle school students, was conducted in 2004 and 2005 at Indiana University, the University of California at San Francisco and the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.
Dental erosion has not been widely analyzed in the United States. "This study is important because it confirms our suspicions of the high prevalence of dental erosion in this country and, more importantly, brings awareness to dental practitioners and patients of its prevalence, causes, prevention and treatment," Dr. Amaechi said.
He explained that dental erosion is caused by acids found in products that are being more widely consumed than ever in the U.S. These include soft drinks, some fruit juices, sports drinks, herbal teas, beer salts, and the Lucas brand of candy imported from Mexico that is especially popular among children in San Antonio and South Texas.
"When consumed in excess, these products can easily strip the enamel from the teeth, leaving the teeth more brittle and sensitive to pain," Dr. Amaechi said. "The acids in these products can be so corrosive that not even cavity-causing bacteria can survive when exposed to them."
Dr. Amaechi said some medications including aspirin, when taken regularly, have erosive potential. Some underlying medical conditions such as acid reflux disease or disorders associated with chronic vomiting, including bulimia, also can cause dental erosion because of the gastric acids that are regurgitated into the mouth.
"It is important for dental practitioners to identify dental erosion and its causes before it is too late," Dr. Amaechi said. "Because dental erosion creates a smooth and shiny appearance of the enamel and causes no pain or sensitivity in its early stages, most patients are not aware that they are suffering from the condition until the problem becomes severe. Therefore, the responsibility of early detection and treatment falls on the professionals."
Dr. Amaechi's findings were published in the international publication the Dental Tribune and have been translated in 35 languages. His article outlines the prevalence and potential causes of dental erosion and provides dental practitioners with guidelines for detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
About UT Health Science Center San Antonio:
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is the leading research institution in South Texas and one of the major health sciences universities in the world. With an operating budget of $576 million, the Health Science Center is the chief catalyst for the $15.3 billion biosciences and health care sector in San Antonio's economy. The Health Science Center has had an estimated $35 billion impact on the region since inception and has expanded to seven campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. More than 23,000 graduates (physicians, dentists, nurses, scientists and allied health professionals) serve in their fields, including many in Texas. Health Science Center faculty are international leaders in cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aging, stroke prevention, kidney disease, orthopaedics, research imaging, transplant surgery, psychiatry and clinical neurosciences, pain management, genetics, nursing, allied health, dentistry and many other fields. For more information, visit uthscsa.
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78229-3900
United States
uthscsa
Positive Association Between Periodontal Disease And Coronary Heart Disease, New Study Finds
Researchers found an increased risk of coronary heart disease for people below the age of 60 who have more than four millimeters of alveolar bone loss (the bone that holds the teeth in the mouth) from periodontal disease, according to a new study that is printed in the Journal of Periodontology.
It was found that participants with coronary heart disease had an increase of periodontal disease indicators, including alveolar bone loss, clinical attachment loss and bleeding compared to the group without coronary heart disease.
"This study is distinctive because to our knowledge, it is the first to include both the alveolar bone loss and full mouth recording of clinical attachment loss as measurements of periodontal disease," explains Dr. Karen Geismar, Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. "Alveolar bone loss was recently found to be the periodontal variable that had the strongest association to coronary heart disease."
The association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease has been that chronic infections and the inflammatory response from diseases such as periodontal disease may be involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.
"A number of pathways are suspected to be involved," said Geismar. "One way is that periodontal bacteria directly invade the arterial wall and another way is that bacterial products from the periodontal pocket exert a systemic effect on atherosclerosis development based on the immune system."
"This is one of many studies suggesting that the spread of bacteria and bacterial products from the periodontal lesion to the bloodstream may contribute to coronary heart disease," said Preston D. Miller, DDS and AAP President. "However, it is still uncertain whether or not the association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease is causal. Until we know more, it is very important that people talk to their dentist or periodontist about their periodontal health."
STUDY BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This study included 110 patients with coronary heart disease and 140 people without coronary heart disease. The mean age was 65 years and 70 percent of the participants were male. All 250 participants received a medical and dental examination. Researchers found a significantly higher odds ration of 6.6 for individuals below age 60 having being a patient with coronary heart disease when having a mean alveolar bone loss of more than four millimeters. For more information including a referral to a periodontist or a free brochure entitled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease, visit the" AAP website at perio/.
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
Contact: Kerry Gutshall
American Academy of Periodontology
It was found that participants with coronary heart disease had an increase of periodontal disease indicators, including alveolar bone loss, clinical attachment loss and bleeding compared to the group without coronary heart disease.
"This study is distinctive because to our knowledge, it is the first to include both the alveolar bone loss and full mouth recording of clinical attachment loss as measurements of periodontal disease," explains Dr. Karen Geismar, Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. "Alveolar bone loss was recently found to be the periodontal variable that had the strongest association to coronary heart disease."
The association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease has been that chronic infections and the inflammatory response from diseases such as periodontal disease may be involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.
"A number of pathways are suspected to be involved," said Geismar. "One way is that periodontal bacteria directly invade the arterial wall and another way is that bacterial products from the periodontal pocket exert a systemic effect on atherosclerosis development based on the immune system."
"This is one of many studies suggesting that the spread of bacteria and bacterial products from the periodontal lesion to the bloodstream may contribute to coronary heart disease," said Preston D. Miller, DDS and AAP President. "However, it is still uncertain whether or not the association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease is causal. Until we know more, it is very important that people talk to their dentist or periodontist about their periodontal health."
STUDY BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This study included 110 patients with coronary heart disease and 140 people without coronary heart disease. The mean age was 65 years and 70 percent of the participants were male. All 250 participants received a medical and dental examination. Researchers found a significantly higher odds ration of 6.6 for individuals below age 60 having being a patient with coronary heart disease when having a mean alveolar bone loss of more than four millimeters. For more information including a referral to a periodontist or a free brochure entitled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease, visit the" AAP website at perio/.
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
Contact: Kerry Gutshall
American Academy of Periodontology
United Health Foundation And Howard University Launch New Program To Improve Dental Care For Low-Income Children
The United Health Foundation and Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) announced a $300,000 grant from the Foundation to establish a model "program in dental excellence" at Howard University's College of Dentistry that will expand access to quality dental care for low-income children and their families who reside in Washington, D.C. and Prince George's County.
This new initiative builds upon the demonstrated expertise of the Howard University College of Dentistry and the resources available through the school's evening dental program. By using the innovative model of family-oriented dentistry and dental case management the program will ensure that children and their families receive comprehensive services that address the full range of their dental needs.
"In the wealthiest country in the world, there is absolutely no excuse for tooth decay to be plaguing our children. Proper dental care is a critical component in children's overall health and development, and no child should be refused the right to good health," said Congressman Cummings. "This grant from United Health Foundation to Howard will help us continue to make great strides in our fight to provide access to quality dental care for all children-regardless of their race or economic backgrounds."
"We applaud Congressman Cummings for his national leadership to improve access to quality dental care for children," said Reed V. Tuckson, MD, United Health Foundation Board Member and Executive Vice President and Chief of Medical Affairs, UnitedHealth Group. "United Health Foundation is dedicated to providing expanded access to high-quality care by supporting community-based health centers throughout the nation. We are extremely excited about this collaboration with Howard University to advance comprehensive dental services for low-income families and are confident that the lessons learned from this program in dental excellence will be useful to not only the children of Washington, D.C. and Prince George's County, but the entire nation."
Tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease of childhood - five to eight times more common than asthma, according to the Children's Dental Health Project. In the 2000 "Oral Health in America Report," U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, called dental and oral disease a "silent epidemic," disproportionately affecting poor children.
"We are pleased to partner with the United Health Foundation on this very important mission," said Leo E. Rouse, DDS, dean of the Howard University College of Dentistry. "Together, we will expand access to quality pediatric dental care by advancing the innovative model of family-oriented dentistry. Community oral health care support and advocacy for total health care is part of our strategic plan."
The Howard University College of Dentistry is uniquely qualified for this grant due to its long-standing commitment in providing quality care to underserved children and its national leadership in the training of dentists. Founded in 1881, the college is the fifth oldest dental school in the country and is one of only two located within historically black colleges and universities.
The grant will support the new United Health Foundation Community Dental Health Program of Excellence at Howard University, which will aim to ensure children have a "dental home," where they can regularly receive basic dental services, as well as emergency treatment. Additionally, Howard University will be supported in developing state-of-the-art performance measures to evaluate and track quality of care delivery in community-based clinics such as the new program within the College of Dentistry. The program also will provide a unique environment for the training of general dentists as they learn to address pediatric dental needs.
Funding from the United Health Foundation grant also will support:
- The services of a pediatric dentist to provide on-site services for Medicaid beneficiaries in the service area;
- A dentistry case manager to provide on-site case management services for Medicaid beneficiaries in the service area, including scheduling, confirming appointments, and reducing barriers to keeping appointments; and,
- Community outreach and dental health education for children receiving Medicaid, their family members and caregivers.
The new program extends United Health Foundation's "Community Health Centers of Excellence" initiative, through which the Foundation partners with four community health centers in New Orleans, Bronx, NY, Miami, and in the Congress Heights/Anacostia area of Washington, D.C. To date, the Foundation has committed more than $17 million in financial support to the centers.
A recent study of the quality of care at three of these community health centers, released by George Washington University Medical Center in January 2008, found that, based upon national standards, they provided care at or above that available in the private sector. The fourth clinic, only recently established in New Orleans, already shows signs consistent with the other three centers. The measures used in the evaluation included screening for cervical cancer and tobacco use; the quality of care furnished to persons with diabetes and asthma; the frequency of prenatal care HIV screening; and patient satisfaction levels.
About United Health Foundation
United Health Foundation supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and provides reliable information to support health and medical decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities.
The Foundation's Community Health Centers of Excellence initiative emphasizes preventive care, coordination of care and the use of nationally recognized standards of treatment, tailored to the unique needs of each community in collaboration with local care providers. The Foundation partners with four community clinics: New York City-based Children's Health Fund to support children and families in the Bronx; Unity Health Care, Inc., to support the Congress Heights/Anacostia area of Washington, D.C.; the Jefferson Reaves, Sr. Health Center to provide care to the Overtown community in Miami, Florida; and in New Orleans, the Daughters of Charity Health Center - St. Cecilia.
The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization solely funded by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). For further information, please visit unitedhealthfoundation.
About Howard University
Howard University is one of 48 U.S. private, Doctoral/Research-Extensive universities and comprises 12 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, a Truman Scholar, 19 Fulbright Scholars and 10 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African- American Ph.D.s than any other university in the world.
Howard
This new initiative builds upon the demonstrated expertise of the Howard University College of Dentistry and the resources available through the school's evening dental program. By using the innovative model of family-oriented dentistry and dental case management the program will ensure that children and their families receive comprehensive services that address the full range of their dental needs.
"In the wealthiest country in the world, there is absolutely no excuse for tooth decay to be plaguing our children. Proper dental care is a critical component in children's overall health and development, and no child should be refused the right to good health," said Congressman Cummings. "This grant from United Health Foundation to Howard will help us continue to make great strides in our fight to provide access to quality dental care for all children-regardless of their race or economic backgrounds."
"We applaud Congressman Cummings for his national leadership to improve access to quality dental care for children," said Reed V. Tuckson, MD, United Health Foundation Board Member and Executive Vice President and Chief of Medical Affairs, UnitedHealth Group. "United Health Foundation is dedicated to providing expanded access to high-quality care by supporting community-based health centers throughout the nation. We are extremely excited about this collaboration with Howard University to advance comprehensive dental services for low-income families and are confident that the lessons learned from this program in dental excellence will be useful to not only the children of Washington, D.C. and Prince George's County, but the entire nation."
Tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease of childhood - five to eight times more common than asthma, according to the Children's Dental Health Project. In the 2000 "Oral Health in America Report," U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, called dental and oral disease a "silent epidemic," disproportionately affecting poor children.
"We are pleased to partner with the United Health Foundation on this very important mission," said Leo E. Rouse, DDS, dean of the Howard University College of Dentistry. "Together, we will expand access to quality pediatric dental care by advancing the innovative model of family-oriented dentistry. Community oral health care support and advocacy for total health care is part of our strategic plan."
The Howard University College of Dentistry is uniquely qualified for this grant due to its long-standing commitment in providing quality care to underserved children and its national leadership in the training of dentists. Founded in 1881, the college is the fifth oldest dental school in the country and is one of only two located within historically black colleges and universities.
The grant will support the new United Health Foundation Community Dental Health Program of Excellence at Howard University, which will aim to ensure children have a "dental home," where they can regularly receive basic dental services, as well as emergency treatment. Additionally, Howard University will be supported in developing state-of-the-art performance measures to evaluate and track quality of care delivery in community-based clinics such as the new program within the College of Dentistry. The program also will provide a unique environment for the training of general dentists as they learn to address pediatric dental needs.
Funding from the United Health Foundation grant also will support:
- The services of a pediatric dentist to provide on-site services for Medicaid beneficiaries in the service area;
- A dentistry case manager to provide on-site case management services for Medicaid beneficiaries in the service area, including scheduling, confirming appointments, and reducing barriers to keeping appointments; and,
- Community outreach and dental health education for children receiving Medicaid, their family members and caregivers.
The new program extends United Health Foundation's "Community Health Centers of Excellence" initiative, through which the Foundation partners with four community health centers in New Orleans, Bronx, NY, Miami, and in the Congress Heights/Anacostia area of Washington, D.C. To date, the Foundation has committed more than $17 million in financial support to the centers.
A recent study of the quality of care at three of these community health centers, released by George Washington University Medical Center in January 2008, found that, based upon national standards, they provided care at or above that available in the private sector. The fourth clinic, only recently established in New Orleans, already shows signs consistent with the other three centers. The measures used in the evaluation included screening for cervical cancer and tobacco use; the quality of care furnished to persons with diabetes and asthma; the frequency of prenatal care HIV screening; and patient satisfaction levels.
About United Health Foundation
United Health Foundation supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and provides reliable information to support health and medical decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities.
The Foundation's Community Health Centers of Excellence initiative emphasizes preventive care, coordination of care and the use of nationally recognized standards of treatment, tailored to the unique needs of each community in collaboration with local care providers. The Foundation partners with four community clinics: New York City-based Children's Health Fund to support children and families in the Bronx; Unity Health Care, Inc., to support the Congress Heights/Anacostia area of Washington, D.C.; the Jefferson Reaves, Sr. Health Center to provide care to the Overtown community in Miami, Florida; and in New Orleans, the Daughters of Charity Health Center - St. Cecilia.
The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization solely funded by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). For further information, please visit unitedhealthfoundation.
About Howard University
Howard University is one of 48 U.S. private, Doctoral/Research-Extensive universities and comprises 12 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, a Truman Scholar, 19 Fulbright Scholars and 10 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African- American Ph.D.s than any other university in the world.
Howard
Reducing Oral Health Disparities: Achieving Healthy People 2010 Objectives
"Healthy People 2010 Oral Health and Health Communication Objectives" (HP 2010) are designed to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life for all Americans. In a joint symposium presented today at the combined meeting of the American Association for Dental Research and the American Dental Education Association, six nationally recognized scientists from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Marquette University, the Universities of Washington and Illinois, the Center for Disease Control, and the National Center for Health Statistics will evaluate the progress being made so far in achieving those objectives.
Specifically, the scientists will: (1) provide an overview of the research initiatives, progress made toward reducing oral health disparities, and the potential impact for doing so by improving oral health literacy; (2) discuss academia's responsibility for initiatives to reduce oral health disparities and increase health literacy; (3) highlight progress at the midcourse of HP 2010; and (4) discuss future directions for national surveillance.
This symposium is relevant for both the research and academic communities because of the natural intersection between research and education, and the importance of continuing to work collaboratively to reduce the burden of oral disease, especially among the most needy.
This is a summary of Sequence #99, "Reducing Oral Health Disparities: Achieving Healthy People 2010 Objectives", to be presented at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2006, in Asia 3 of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, during the joint meeting of the American Association for Dental Research and the American Dental Education Association.
Contact: Linda Hemphill
lhemphilliadr
International & American Association for Dental Research
Specifically, the scientists will: (1) provide an overview of the research initiatives, progress made toward reducing oral health disparities, and the potential impact for doing so by improving oral health literacy; (2) discuss academia's responsibility for initiatives to reduce oral health disparities and increase health literacy; (3) highlight progress at the midcourse of HP 2010; and (4) discuss future directions for national surveillance.
This symposium is relevant for both the research and academic communities because of the natural intersection between research and education, and the importance of continuing to work collaboratively to reduce the burden of oral disease, especially among the most needy.
This is a summary of Sequence #99, "Reducing Oral Health Disparities: Achieving Healthy People 2010 Objectives", to be presented at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2006, in Asia 3 of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, during the joint meeting of the American Association for Dental Research and the American Dental Education Association.
Contact: Linda Hemphill
lhemphilliadr
International & American Association for Dental Research
Banded Treatment: Too Early To Assess Impact, Says BDA, UK
Commenting on the interim study - Dental Treatment Band Analysis, England 2007 - the Chair of the British Dental Association's General Dental Practice Committee, Dr Lester Ellman said:
"Dentists and patients have been highly critical of the Government's changes to dentistry which brought in a crude, target driven system, untried and untested. This is a period of major transition and it's too early to say what the full impact of the new contract will be on treatment patterns. But it's clear that these changes have led to uncertainty and confusion for dentists and patients alike."
The study compares courses of treatment between April and July 2007 (the first four months of the second year under the new contractual arrangements) with equivalent information for 2003/04.
1. Dental Treatment Band Analysis, England 2007 (ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentaltba07)
2. The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association for dentists in the UK. It represents over 20,000 dentists working in general practice, in community and hospital settings, in academia and research, and in the armed forces.
bda
"Dentists and patients have been highly critical of the Government's changes to dentistry which brought in a crude, target driven system, untried and untested. This is a period of major transition and it's too early to say what the full impact of the new contract will be on treatment patterns. But it's clear that these changes have led to uncertainty and confusion for dentists and patients alike."
The study compares courses of treatment between April and July 2007 (the first four months of the second year under the new contractual arrangements) with equivalent information for 2003/04.
1. Dental Treatment Band Analysis, England 2007 (ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentaltba07)
2. The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association for dentists in the UK. It represents over 20,000 dentists working in general practice, in community and hospital settings, in academia and research, and in the armed forces.
bda
Fluoride Damages Teeth, New Warning By Dentists
Fluoride supplements put
children six and under at significant risk of permanently discolored teeth,
according to a review of studies recently posted on the American Dental
Association's (ADA) website in their new section, "evidence-based
dentistry," for dentists and their patients. (1)
Fluoride supplements, in graduating amounts up to 1 mg daily, are often
prescribed to children who don't drink fluoridated water, ostensibly to
reduce tooth decay.
"This review confirmed that in non-fluoridated communities the use of
fluoride supplements during the first 6 years of life is associated with a
significant increase in the risk of developing dental fluorosis, write
researchers Ismail & Bandekar and first published in Community Dentistry
and Oral Epidemiology, February 1999, (2) but posted to the ADA's website
July 2007.
Fluoride ingestion, once thought to reduce cavities, can lead to dental
fluorosis -- white spotted, yellow, brown and/or pitted tooth enamel.
Modern science indicates fluoride absorbs into tooth enamel topically,
primarily.(3)
Studies link dental fluorosis to children's kidney damage (4) and bone
fractures (5).
The ADA and Centers for Disease Control recently advised that
fluoridated water should not be mixed into concentrated infant formula, in
order to decrease dental fluorosis risk -- now a growing U.S. problem. (6)
Never safety-tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) (7),
fluoride supplements do more harm than good.(8)
"While fluoride is proclaimed a significant cavity reducer, there is
little, if any, science to support that," says lawyer Paul Beeber,
President, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation.
A National Institutes of Health 2001 news release supports Beeber's
assertion: "... the (NIH) panel was disappointed in the overall quality of
the clinical data that it reviewed. According to the panel, far too many
studies were small, poorly described, or otherwise methodologically
flawed." (9) Over 560 studies evaluated fluoride among those evaluated by
the NIH Consensus Development Program panel for the Diagnosis and
Management of Dental Caries.
Recent research shows that fluoridation delivers risks with little, if
any, benefit.(10)
"Save money, save our health, save the planet. Stop fluoridation," says
Beeber.
References:
1) ada/prof/resources/ebd/reviews/fluoride_supplements.asp
2)
ncbi.nlm.nih/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Ci
3) cdc/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5014a1.htm
4)
ncbi.nlm.nih/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&T
5) fluorideresearch/381/files/38144-47.pdf
6) cdc/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/figures/s403a1t23.gif
7) fluoridedangers.blogspot/2005/12/fluoride-never-fda-
8) Journal of Public Health Dentistry, Fall 1999, Brian Burt
tinyurl/2bnoff
9) consensus.nih/2001/2001DentalCaries115html.htm
10) newmediaexplorer/chris/Pizzo-2007.pdf
New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc.
orgsites/ny/nyscof
children six and under at significant risk of permanently discolored teeth,
according to a review of studies recently posted on the American Dental
Association's (ADA) website in their new section, "evidence-based
dentistry," for dentists and their patients. (1)
Fluoride supplements, in graduating amounts up to 1 mg daily, are often
prescribed to children who don't drink fluoridated water, ostensibly to
reduce tooth decay.
"This review confirmed that in non-fluoridated communities the use of
fluoride supplements during the first 6 years of life is associated with a
significant increase in the risk of developing dental fluorosis, write
researchers Ismail & Bandekar and first published in Community Dentistry
and Oral Epidemiology, February 1999, (2) but posted to the ADA's website
July 2007.
Fluoride ingestion, once thought to reduce cavities, can lead to dental
fluorosis -- white spotted, yellow, brown and/or pitted tooth enamel.
Modern science indicates fluoride absorbs into tooth enamel topically,
primarily.(3)
Studies link dental fluorosis to children's kidney damage (4) and bone
fractures (5).
The ADA and Centers for Disease Control recently advised that
fluoridated water should not be mixed into concentrated infant formula, in
order to decrease dental fluorosis risk -- now a growing U.S. problem. (6)
Never safety-tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) (7),
fluoride supplements do more harm than good.(8)
"While fluoride is proclaimed a significant cavity reducer, there is
little, if any, science to support that," says lawyer Paul Beeber,
President, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation.
A National Institutes of Health 2001 news release supports Beeber's
assertion: "... the (NIH) panel was disappointed in the overall quality of
the clinical data that it reviewed. According to the panel, far too many
studies were small, poorly described, or otherwise methodologically
flawed." (9) Over 560 studies evaluated fluoride among those evaluated by
the NIH Consensus Development Program panel for the Diagnosis and
Management of Dental Caries.
Recent research shows that fluoridation delivers risks with little, if
any, benefit.(10)
"Save money, save our health, save the planet. Stop fluoridation," says
Beeber.
References:
1) ada/prof/resources/ebd/reviews/fluoride_supplements.asp
2)
ncbi.nlm.nih/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Ci
3) cdc/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5014a1.htm
4)
ncbi.nlm.nih/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&T
5) fluorideresearch/381/files/38144-47.pdf
6) cdc/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/figures/s403a1t23.gif
7) fluoridedangers.blogspot/2005/12/fluoride-never-fda-
8) Journal of Public Health Dentistry, Fall 1999, Brian Burt
tinyurl/2bnoff
9) consensus.nih/2001/2001DentalCaries115html.htm
10) newmediaexplorer/chris/Pizzo-2007.pdf
New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc.
orgsites/ny/nyscof
Straumann launches SLActive implant technology, setting new standards in implant dentistry
At the 14th Scientific Meeting of the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO) in Munich today, Straumann, a global leader in implant dentistry and dental tissue regeneration, announced the European and Asian launches of its new-generation implant surface technology SLActive, which reduces implant healing times by half. The US launch of SLActive will follow in March.
Also at the EAO, important clinical results were announced for SLActive, adding to the formidable body of scientific evidence supporting the new surface. In particular, results from a dual-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) in patients show a statistically significant improvement in stability with SLActive implants, compared with the gold standard SLA surface, during the critical early treatment period - when patients are most at risk to implant failure.
The company also announced the US launch of its innovative bone ceramic for treating patients with insufficient bone for implant therapy. Originally the product introduction had been slated for next year as part of the global roll-out. Straumann said that clinicians had reacted overwhelmingly positively in pre-market testing, prompting the company to launch the product fully in US.
SLActive
Straumann's SLActive implant surface technology promises to set a new standard in tooth replacement and patient care and is supported by more scientific studies than any other dental implant technology at market launch.
Healing times halved to 3-4 weeks
When Straumann developed the SLA implant surface in 1994, it dramatically reduced healing times from 12 to 6 weeks. SLA consequently became the gold standard in implant dentistry and has hitherto remained the scientifically proven benchmark. With SLActive, the next generation of implant technology, Straumann has again cut healing times by half, bringing them down to 3 to 4 weeks. The implications of this are: shorter treatment protocols, higher predictability and reduced risk with earlier loading, resulting in better patient care.
Greater implant stability in critical stage of healing
SLActive uses the same initial manufacturing process as SLA, involving Sandblasting with Large grit followed by Acid etching to achieve an optimal topography for bone cells to attach themselves. SLActive is then conditioned in nitrogen and immediately preserved in an isotonic saline solution. This maintains its high surface activity, which would otherwise be lost due to reaction with the atmosphere.
Conventional titanium surfaces are hydrophobic and thus repel fluids, whereas the chemical purity and retained surface energy of SLActive give it remarkable hydrophilic properties. As a consequence, it quickly attracts blood and proteins, potentially promoting the process of bone formation around the implant to give it increased early stability.
On the basis of preclinical results, these properties accelerate the healing process of osseointegration so that early bone-to-implant contact is significantly increased around the whole surface - not just the thread contours. This in turn results in greater implant stability, especially in the critical early stage of healing.
Implants most at risk 2-4 weeks after placement
Conventional implants are most at risk between 2 and 4 weeks after placement. This is when the primary mechanical stability, achieved by screwing the implant into the bone, has begun to erode as osteoclasts perform the process of resorbing the contact bone around the implant. At the same time, the bone-forming process, in which osteoblasts make new and replacement bone, is not far enough advanced to provide sufficient secondary stability. Preclinical studies investigating bone apposition against the SLActive surface have shown 60% more bone formation after 2 weeks compared with SLA.
The current clinical results build on and confirm preclinical observations.
Clinical trials
Randomized, controlled, clinical trial shows highly significant increase in implant stability during critical loading period
A team led by Professor David Cochran of the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA, has just completed a dual-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the comparative stability of SLActive and SLA in patients over the first 6 weeks of healing. To do this, the investigators used a special resonance-frequency-measuring device (Osstell™) to measure the implant stability non-invasively in the jaw. The results demonstrate a highly significant difference in stability patterns between SLActive and SLA implants during the critical early treatment period between weeks 2 and 4. This outcome suggests that osseous healing (osseointegration) occurs much faster around the hydrophilic SLActive implant surface than around conventional, hydrophobic surfaces. The change in stability pattern of the SLActive implant was twice as fast (2 weeks vs. 4 weeks) relative to SLA, which is consistent with preclinical results. The findings prove in patients that SLActive offers accelerated healing and greater implant stability in early healing periods and therefore offers increased safety. A scientific publication is in preparation and the results of the study will be presented in detail at the 2006 Academy of Osseointegration meeting in Seattle.
Early loading, three weeks after placement in patients
A clinical study is also being conducted by the Universities of Bern and Florida to investigate the effect of early loading of SLActive implants in 60 patients. The results suggest that the risk of implant loss is not increased by early loading of SLActive implants just 21/22 days after placement, in comparison with conventional implant loading protocols (between 6 weeks and 3 months after placement). The first scientific publication is planned for 2006.
Immediate and early loading working well; high patient satisfaction
New results of the multicenter study of SLActive in 19 centers around the world were presented at the EAO by Prof. Z?llner (University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany). In this study, which focuses on critical indications - including immediate and early loading, patients are randomized to receive the provisional restoration either immediately or 4 weeks (early) after implant placement. So far, 288 patients have been randomized and 260 have undergone surgery. To date, final prosthetic restorations have been completed in 142 patients. 363 implants have been placed with an implant survival rate of 98%, which is very promising in view of the challenging indications and aggressive protocol. At this stage, the investigators conclude that, despite the aggressive protocol, immediate and early loading with SLActive achieves excellent survival rates - well above the average mean results of comparable representative clinical studies. The interim results are also in line with the conclusions from pre-clinical studies and the aforementioned RCT study. Furthermore, the immediate and early loading protocols showed equal survival rates, proving once more that SLActive enhances implant stability during the critical loading period between weeks 2 and 4.
Straumann Bone Ceramic launched in the US
Approximately one in five patients needing tooth replacement do not have adequate bone to provide sufficient stability for a dental implant. Such cases are most commonly treated with a bone graft, although the process of harvesting/removing bone from the donor site in the patient can be painful and is associated with risks. One alternative is to use materials from another human source or from animals, which may be associated with a potential risk for disease transfection. Fully synthetic bone graft materials provide a solution to these obstacles, but available products are limited by their absorption or handling characteristics.
Straumann Bone Ceramic is a novel, fully synthetic bone-graft substitute with improved resorbtion properties and outstanding handling convenience. Its composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP) gives it two-phases of activity: firstly it supports the formation of new vital bone and maintains mechanical stability, and secondly it enhances the subsequent replacement of new tissue with mature laminar bone.
Straumann Bone Ceramic has already gained CE certification in Europe and clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in the USA. The overwhelming positive reaction in the clinical program has prompted Straumann to broaden its selective introduction by fully launching the product in the USA. Straumann will present the product at key dental meetings in the US in the course of the next few days.
Further information
More details about SLActive are published in the current edition of Starget, Straumann's customer magazine, and at straumann/slactive.
Presentation slides, pictorials, and other information can be downloaded from straumann .
About Straumann
Straumann is a global leader in implant dentistry and dental tissue regeneration. Since its foundation in 1954, the Swiss-based company has been driven by a passion for scientific discovery and belongs to the pioneers of modern dental implantology.
Straumann researches, develops, produces and distributes dental implants, instruments and tissue regeneration products. It works closely with the International Team for Implantology (ITI), an independent international network of eminent clinicians and researchers, as well as leading clinics, research institutes and universities.
With its roots in Swiss precision and clinical excellence, the Straumann® Dental Implant System is renowned for its exceptional quality and is one of the most extensively scientifically documented implant systems in the world. Several million Straumann implants have been placed, providing dental replacement solutions that are widely regarded as the closest thing to natural teeth.
Straumann also develops and manufactures products that help to heal periodontally compromised teeth or to support implant procedures. These include innovative products such as Emdogain®, a convenient protein-based gel which regenerates the periodontal tissue that supports the teeth. Its indications include the treatment of tissue recession due to periodontitis.
In 2004, the Straumann Group generated sales of CHF 420 million of which approximately 6% are re-invested in research and development, making Straumann one of the leading contributors to research and development in the field. With its global business expanding at a compound average rate of 20% over the past 4 years, Straumann has created a number of new employment opportunities, increasing its staff to more than 1200 employees worldwide. From its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, Straumann's products and services are available in more than 60 countries through the company's subsidiaries and broad network of distributors.
Disclaimer
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements", which can be identified by the use of terminology such as: "healing time", "initial", "promises", "potentially", " will", "suggest", "may", "risk" or similar wording. Such forward looking and other statements include statements regarding trial outcomes and statements that reflect the current views of independent researchers and/or of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include risks related to the success of and demand for the Group's products, the potential for the Group's products to become obsolete, the Group's ability to defend its intellectual property, the Group's ability to develop and commercialize new products in a timely manner, the dynamic and competitive environment in which the Group operates, the regulatory environment, changes in currency exchange rates, the Group's ability to generate revenues and profitability, and the Group's ability to realize its collaboration projects in a timely manner. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this release. Straumann is providing the information in this release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Mark Hill
Straumann Corporate Communication
+41 (0)61 965 13 21 (office)
+41 (0)79 320 24 77 (mobile)
mark.hillstraumann
Straumann Holding AG, Peter Merian-Weg 12, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.
Phone: +41 (0)61 965 11 11 / Fax: +41 (0)61 965 11 01
corporatemunicationstraumann
straumann
Also at the EAO, important clinical results were announced for SLActive, adding to the formidable body of scientific evidence supporting the new surface. In particular, results from a dual-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) in patients show a statistically significant improvement in stability with SLActive implants, compared with the gold standard SLA surface, during the critical early treatment period - when patients are most at risk to implant failure.
The company also announced the US launch of its innovative bone ceramic for treating patients with insufficient bone for implant therapy. Originally the product introduction had been slated for next year as part of the global roll-out. Straumann said that clinicians had reacted overwhelmingly positively in pre-market testing, prompting the company to launch the product fully in US.
SLActive
Straumann's SLActive implant surface technology promises to set a new standard in tooth replacement and patient care and is supported by more scientific studies than any other dental implant technology at market launch.
Healing times halved to 3-4 weeks
When Straumann developed the SLA implant surface in 1994, it dramatically reduced healing times from 12 to 6 weeks. SLA consequently became the gold standard in implant dentistry and has hitherto remained the scientifically proven benchmark. With SLActive, the next generation of implant technology, Straumann has again cut healing times by half, bringing them down to 3 to 4 weeks. The implications of this are: shorter treatment protocols, higher predictability and reduced risk with earlier loading, resulting in better patient care.
Greater implant stability in critical stage of healing
SLActive uses the same initial manufacturing process as SLA, involving Sandblasting with Large grit followed by Acid etching to achieve an optimal topography for bone cells to attach themselves. SLActive is then conditioned in nitrogen and immediately preserved in an isotonic saline solution. This maintains its high surface activity, which would otherwise be lost due to reaction with the atmosphere.
Conventional titanium surfaces are hydrophobic and thus repel fluids, whereas the chemical purity and retained surface energy of SLActive give it remarkable hydrophilic properties. As a consequence, it quickly attracts blood and proteins, potentially promoting the process of bone formation around the implant to give it increased early stability.
On the basis of preclinical results, these properties accelerate the healing process of osseointegration so that early bone-to-implant contact is significantly increased around the whole surface - not just the thread contours. This in turn results in greater implant stability, especially in the critical early stage of healing.
Implants most at risk 2-4 weeks after placement
Conventional implants are most at risk between 2 and 4 weeks after placement. This is when the primary mechanical stability, achieved by screwing the implant into the bone, has begun to erode as osteoclasts perform the process of resorbing the contact bone around the implant. At the same time, the bone-forming process, in which osteoblasts make new and replacement bone, is not far enough advanced to provide sufficient secondary stability. Preclinical studies investigating bone apposition against the SLActive surface have shown 60% more bone formation after 2 weeks compared with SLA.
The current clinical results build on and confirm preclinical observations.
Clinical trials
Randomized, controlled, clinical trial shows highly significant increase in implant stability during critical loading period
A team led by Professor David Cochran of the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA, has just completed a dual-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the comparative stability of SLActive and SLA in patients over the first 6 weeks of healing. To do this, the investigators used a special resonance-frequency-measuring device (Osstell™) to measure the implant stability non-invasively in the jaw. The results demonstrate a highly significant difference in stability patterns between SLActive and SLA implants during the critical early treatment period between weeks 2 and 4. This outcome suggests that osseous healing (osseointegration) occurs much faster around the hydrophilic SLActive implant surface than around conventional, hydrophobic surfaces. The change in stability pattern of the SLActive implant was twice as fast (2 weeks vs. 4 weeks) relative to SLA, which is consistent with preclinical results. The findings prove in patients that SLActive offers accelerated healing and greater implant stability in early healing periods and therefore offers increased safety. A scientific publication is in preparation and the results of the study will be presented in detail at the 2006 Academy of Osseointegration meeting in Seattle.
Early loading, three weeks after placement in patients
A clinical study is also being conducted by the Universities of Bern and Florida to investigate the effect of early loading of SLActive implants in 60 patients. The results suggest that the risk of implant loss is not increased by early loading of SLActive implants just 21/22 days after placement, in comparison with conventional implant loading protocols (between 6 weeks and 3 months after placement). The first scientific publication is planned for 2006.
Immediate and early loading working well; high patient satisfaction
New results of the multicenter study of SLActive in 19 centers around the world were presented at the EAO by Prof. Z?llner (University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany). In this study, which focuses on critical indications - including immediate and early loading, patients are randomized to receive the provisional restoration either immediately or 4 weeks (early) after implant placement. So far, 288 patients have been randomized and 260 have undergone surgery. To date, final prosthetic restorations have been completed in 142 patients. 363 implants have been placed with an implant survival rate of 98%, which is very promising in view of the challenging indications and aggressive protocol. At this stage, the investigators conclude that, despite the aggressive protocol, immediate and early loading with SLActive achieves excellent survival rates - well above the average mean results of comparable representative clinical studies. The interim results are also in line with the conclusions from pre-clinical studies and the aforementioned RCT study. Furthermore, the immediate and early loading protocols showed equal survival rates, proving once more that SLActive enhances implant stability during the critical loading period between weeks 2 and 4.
Straumann Bone Ceramic launched in the US
Approximately one in five patients needing tooth replacement do not have adequate bone to provide sufficient stability for a dental implant. Such cases are most commonly treated with a bone graft, although the process of harvesting/removing bone from the donor site in the patient can be painful and is associated with risks. One alternative is to use materials from another human source or from animals, which may be associated with a potential risk for disease transfection. Fully synthetic bone graft materials provide a solution to these obstacles, but available products are limited by their absorption or handling characteristics.
Straumann Bone Ceramic is a novel, fully synthetic bone-graft substitute with improved resorbtion properties and outstanding handling convenience. Its composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP) gives it two-phases of activity: firstly it supports the formation of new vital bone and maintains mechanical stability, and secondly it enhances the subsequent replacement of new tissue with mature laminar bone.
Straumann Bone Ceramic has already gained CE certification in Europe and clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in the USA. The overwhelming positive reaction in the clinical program has prompted Straumann to broaden its selective introduction by fully launching the product in the USA. Straumann will present the product at key dental meetings in the US in the course of the next few days.
Further information
More details about SLActive are published in the current edition of Starget, Straumann's customer magazine, and at straumann/slactive.
Presentation slides, pictorials, and other information can be downloaded from straumann .
About Straumann
Straumann is a global leader in implant dentistry and dental tissue regeneration. Since its foundation in 1954, the Swiss-based company has been driven by a passion for scientific discovery and belongs to the pioneers of modern dental implantology.
Straumann researches, develops, produces and distributes dental implants, instruments and tissue regeneration products. It works closely with the International Team for Implantology (ITI), an independent international network of eminent clinicians and researchers, as well as leading clinics, research institutes and universities.
With its roots in Swiss precision and clinical excellence, the Straumann® Dental Implant System is renowned for its exceptional quality and is one of the most extensively scientifically documented implant systems in the world. Several million Straumann implants have been placed, providing dental replacement solutions that are widely regarded as the closest thing to natural teeth.
Straumann also develops and manufactures products that help to heal periodontally compromised teeth or to support implant procedures. These include innovative products such as Emdogain®, a convenient protein-based gel which regenerates the periodontal tissue that supports the teeth. Its indications include the treatment of tissue recession due to periodontitis.
In 2004, the Straumann Group generated sales of CHF 420 million of which approximately 6% are re-invested in research and development, making Straumann one of the leading contributors to research and development in the field. With its global business expanding at a compound average rate of 20% over the past 4 years, Straumann has created a number of new employment opportunities, increasing its staff to more than 1200 employees worldwide. From its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, Straumann's products and services are available in more than 60 countries through the company's subsidiaries and broad network of distributors.
Disclaimer
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements", which can be identified by the use of terminology such as: "healing time", "initial", "promises", "potentially", " will", "suggest", "may", "risk" or similar wording. Such forward looking and other statements include statements regarding trial outcomes and statements that reflect the current views of independent researchers and/or of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include risks related to the success of and demand for the Group's products, the potential for the Group's products to become obsolete, the Group's ability to defend its intellectual property, the Group's ability to develop and commercialize new products in a timely manner, the dynamic and competitive environment in which the Group operates, the regulatory environment, changes in currency exchange rates, the Group's ability to generate revenues and profitability, and the Group's ability to realize its collaboration projects in a timely manner. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this release. Straumann is providing the information in this release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Mark Hill
Straumann Corporate Communication
+41 (0)61 965 13 21 (office)
+41 (0)79 320 24 77 (mobile)
mark.hillstraumann
Straumann Holding AG, Peter Merian-Weg 12, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.
Phone: +41 (0)61 965 11 11 / Fax: +41 (0)61 965 11 01
corporatemunicationstraumann
straumann
AADR/ADEA Testify Before House Energy And Commerce Subcommittee On Health In Support Of Access To Dental Care, USA
On behalf of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and the American Association for Dental Research (AADR), Nicholas G. Mosca, D.D.S., testified on March 27, 2007, at the hearing, "Insuring Bright Futures: Improving Access to Dental Care and Providing a Healthy Start for Children."
Mosca, a member of the ADEA/AADR National Oral Health Advocacy Committee (NOHAC), Clinical Professor of Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, and Dental Director for the state of Mississippi, discussed the importance of access to dental care and the role that academic dental institutions play in providing care and educating the future dental workforce to meet the growing need and demand for oral heath care in the United States.
"Academic dental institutions are dental homes for a broad array of racially and ethnically diverse patients including individuals who have low-incomes; are migrant workers; mentally, medically or physically disabled individuals; institutionalized and homebound individuals; as well as HIV/AIDS patients; poor children and families and uninsured individuals," said Mosca, who highlighted the need to address disparities in the oral health of underserved and high-risk communities, adding that, "As major providers of services to underserved populations, academic dental institutions play a major role in enhancing private sector initiatives that support expanded access to dental care."
In conclusion, Mosca urged Congress to enhance the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which would result in greater access to vital preventive and restorative oral health care services by adopting the following recommendations: 1) Establish a federal guarantee for dental coverage in SCHIP; 2) Develop a dental wrap-around benefit in SCHIP; 3) Facilitate ongoing outreach efforts to enroll all eligible children in SCHIP and Medicaid; and 4) Ensure reliable data reporting on dental care in SCHIP and Medicaid.
Mosca further urged Congress to ensure adequate funding of the federal programs, namely Medicaid and SCHIP, the Dental Health Improvement Act, Title VII General and Pediatric Dentistry Programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health Program, the Ryan White Modernization and Treatment Act, and the Title VII diversity and student aid programs which include the Health Careers Opportunity Program, the Centers of Excellence, and the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students.
The mission of the American Association for Dental Research is to increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health; to support and represent the oral health research community; and to facilitate the communication and application of research findings.
The mission of the American Dental Education Association is to lead individuals and institutions of the dental education community to address contemporary issues influencing education, research and the delivery of oral health care for the improvement of the health of the public.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
1400 K Street, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
adea
Mosca, a member of the ADEA/AADR National Oral Health Advocacy Committee (NOHAC), Clinical Professor of Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, and Dental Director for the state of Mississippi, discussed the importance of access to dental care and the role that academic dental institutions play in providing care and educating the future dental workforce to meet the growing need and demand for oral heath care in the United States.
"Academic dental institutions are dental homes for a broad array of racially and ethnically diverse patients including individuals who have low-incomes; are migrant workers; mentally, medically or physically disabled individuals; institutionalized and homebound individuals; as well as HIV/AIDS patients; poor children and families and uninsured individuals," said Mosca, who highlighted the need to address disparities in the oral health of underserved and high-risk communities, adding that, "As major providers of services to underserved populations, academic dental institutions play a major role in enhancing private sector initiatives that support expanded access to dental care."
In conclusion, Mosca urged Congress to enhance the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which would result in greater access to vital preventive and restorative oral health care services by adopting the following recommendations: 1) Establish a federal guarantee for dental coverage in SCHIP; 2) Develop a dental wrap-around benefit in SCHIP; 3) Facilitate ongoing outreach efforts to enroll all eligible children in SCHIP and Medicaid; and 4) Ensure reliable data reporting on dental care in SCHIP and Medicaid.
Mosca further urged Congress to ensure adequate funding of the federal programs, namely Medicaid and SCHIP, the Dental Health Improvement Act, Title VII General and Pediatric Dentistry Programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health Program, the Ryan White Modernization and Treatment Act, and the Title VII diversity and student aid programs which include the Health Careers Opportunity Program, the Centers of Excellence, and the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students.
The mission of the American Association for Dental Research is to increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health; to support and represent the oral health research community; and to facilitate the communication and application of research findings.
The mission of the American Dental Education Association is to lead individuals and institutions of the dental education community to address contemporary issues influencing education, research and the delivery of oral health care for the improvement of the health of the public.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
1400 K Street, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
adea
UK Dental Regulator Prosecutes Community First For Treatment Ltd For Illegal Dentistry In Peterborough And Boston
The UK dental regulator, the General Dental Council (GDC), has successfully prosecuted Community First for Treatment Ltd which had dental practices in Eastfield Road in Peterborough and Main Ridge in West Boston for the illegal business of dentistry on two occasions in the last two years.
Community First for Treatment Ltd were convicted in their absence of the two offences at Peterborough Magistrates Court on 15 February. As Community First for Treatment was receiving payment for dental work when the majority of its directors were not GDC-registered dentists or dental care professionals it was committing a criminal offence under the Dentists Act.
Community First for Treatment Ltd was fined ??1,000 (??500 per offence) and ordered to pay a contribution of ??3,000 to the GDC's costs.
1. It is a criminal offence, under the Dentists Act 1984, if a company receives payment for dental work when the majority of its directors are not GDC-registered dentists or dental care professionals. The GDC is committed to protecting the public by bringing cases of illegal practice to court.
2. As the UK regulatory body of the dental profession, the GDC has a duty to protect the public. All dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK - whether they work in the NHS, private practice or any other form of practice. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. You can check whether a dental professional is registered with the GDC by logging on to gdc-uk.
General Dental Council
Community First for Treatment Ltd were convicted in their absence of the two offences at Peterborough Magistrates Court on 15 February. As Community First for Treatment was receiving payment for dental work when the majority of its directors were not GDC-registered dentists or dental care professionals it was committing a criminal offence under the Dentists Act.
Community First for Treatment Ltd was fined ??1,000 (??500 per offence) and ordered to pay a contribution of ??3,000 to the GDC's costs.
1. It is a criminal offence, under the Dentists Act 1984, if a company receives payment for dental work when the majority of its directors are not GDC-registered dentists or dental care professionals. The GDC is committed to protecting the public by bringing cases of illegal practice to court.
2. As the UK regulatory body of the dental profession, the GDC has a duty to protect the public. All dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK - whether they work in the NHS, private practice or any other form of practice. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. You can check whether a dental professional is registered with the GDC by logging on to gdc-uk.
General Dental Council
Dental Care Can Reduce Risk Of Preterm Birth By Nearly 50 Percent
According to a study conducted by Aetna (NYSE:AET) and Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, women who received dental care before or during their pregnancy had a lower risk of giving birth to a preterm or low birth weight baby than pregnant women who didn't seek dental care at all. The study, conducted between January 1, 2003 and September 30, 2006, reviewed medical and dental insurance data for 29,000 pregnant women who each had medical and dental coverage with Aetna to determine if there was an association between dental treatment and the likelihood of experiencing either birth outcome.
"Further studies need to be done but our findings show that dental treatment had a protective effect on adverse birth outcomes in women who sought dental treatment," said David A. Albert, DDS, MPH, Director, Division of Community Health, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University.
When comparing the group who did not receive any dental treatment to the groups that received gum treatment and dental cleaning, the study found:
- The preterm birth rate was 11.0 percent for those not receiving dental treatment, and 6.4 percent for those receiving treatment
- The low birth weight rate was 5.4 percent for those not receiving dental treatment and 3.6 percent or lower among the groups receiving treatment
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies determined that premature births, meaning babies born at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy, cost at least $26 billion a year and represented 12.5 percent of births in the U.S. in 2005.
"The results of this study send a strong message about the importance of dental care for women who want to start a family," said Dr. Mary Lee Conicella, DMD, FAGD, National Director of Clinical Operations, Aetna Dental. "We are seeing evidence that supports the role of routine preventive dental care in helping to protect the health of the newborn and the mother and contributing to lower associated medical costs."
Aetna provides educational information about the importance of good oral health to women who are planning to become pregnant, as identified in responses to its Health Risk Assessment tool. Aetna also provides a dental/medical integration (DMI) program to pregnant women and at-risk members with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases who have both Aetna dental and medical coverage. The program is comprised of enhanced benefits, including an extra cleaning, full coverage for certain periodontal services and a variety of outreach methods to at-risk members who are not currently seeking dental care. As a result of various outreach methods during a two-year pilot with 500,000 Aetna members, 63 percent of those at-risk members who had not been to the dentist in 12 months sought dental care.
"The findings from this latest study we conducted continue to show that members with certain conditions who are engaged in seeking preventive care, such as regular dental visits, can improve their overall health and quality of life," said Alan Hirschberg, head of Aetna Dental.
Aetna Dental launched its DMI program last fall following a published research analysis it conducted with Columbia University College of Dental Medicine which found that high-risk individuals that sought earlier dental care lowered the risk or severity of their condition and subsequently, lowered their overall medical costs.
About Aetna Dental
Aetna Dental is one of the nation's leading providers of integrated and stand-alone dental products, serving more than 14 million dental members. Aetna Dental has also established itself as a leader in the research and execution of dental/medical integration programs. It launched its own program in 2006, which includes enhanced benefits and educational outreach to members to help them achieve optimal health.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.2 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates.
Aetna
"Further studies need to be done but our findings show that dental treatment had a protective effect on adverse birth outcomes in women who sought dental treatment," said David A. Albert, DDS, MPH, Director, Division of Community Health, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University.
When comparing the group who did not receive any dental treatment to the groups that received gum treatment and dental cleaning, the study found:
- The preterm birth rate was 11.0 percent for those not receiving dental treatment, and 6.4 percent for those receiving treatment
- The low birth weight rate was 5.4 percent for those not receiving dental treatment and 3.6 percent or lower among the groups receiving treatment
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies determined that premature births, meaning babies born at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy, cost at least $26 billion a year and represented 12.5 percent of births in the U.S. in 2005.
"The results of this study send a strong message about the importance of dental care for women who want to start a family," said Dr. Mary Lee Conicella, DMD, FAGD, National Director of Clinical Operations, Aetna Dental. "We are seeing evidence that supports the role of routine preventive dental care in helping to protect the health of the newborn and the mother and contributing to lower associated medical costs."
Aetna provides educational information about the importance of good oral health to women who are planning to become pregnant, as identified in responses to its Health Risk Assessment tool. Aetna also provides a dental/medical integration (DMI) program to pregnant women and at-risk members with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases who have both Aetna dental and medical coverage. The program is comprised of enhanced benefits, including an extra cleaning, full coverage for certain periodontal services and a variety of outreach methods to at-risk members who are not currently seeking dental care. As a result of various outreach methods during a two-year pilot with 500,000 Aetna members, 63 percent of those at-risk members who had not been to the dentist in 12 months sought dental care.
"The findings from this latest study we conducted continue to show that members with certain conditions who are engaged in seeking preventive care, such as regular dental visits, can improve their overall health and quality of life," said Alan Hirschberg, head of Aetna Dental.
Aetna Dental launched its DMI program last fall following a published research analysis it conducted with Columbia University College of Dental Medicine which found that high-risk individuals that sought earlier dental care lowered the risk or severity of their condition and subsequently, lowered their overall medical costs.
About Aetna Dental
Aetna Dental is one of the nation's leading providers of integrated and stand-alone dental products, serving more than 14 million dental members. Aetna Dental has also established itself as a leader in the research and execution of dental/medical integration programs. It launched its own program in 2006, which includes enhanced benefits and educational outreach to members to help them achieve optimal health.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.2 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates.
Aetna
UK Dental Regulator To Prosecute Community First For Treatment Ltd For Illegal Dentistry In Peterborough And Boston
Community First for Treatment Ltd has been accused by the UK dental regulator, the General Dental Council (GDC), of the illegal business of dentistry on two occasions in the last two years. The charges against the company concern dental practices in Eastfield Road in Peterborough and Main Ridge in West Boston.
The company is due to appear before Peterborough Magistrates Court at 14:00 on Friday 15 February to answer these charges.
It is a criminal offence if a company receives payment for dental work when the majority of its directors are not GDC-registered dentists or dental care professionals. The GDC is committed to protecting the public by bringing cases of illegal practice to court.
Notes:
1. No further information about this prosecution will be available from the GDC until after the court case.
2. As the UK regulatory body of the dental profession, the GDC has a duty to protect the public. All dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK - whether they work in the NHS, private practice or any other form of practice. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. You can check whether a dental professional is registered with the GDC by logging on to gdc-uk.
General Dental Council
The company is due to appear before Peterborough Magistrates Court at 14:00 on Friday 15 February to answer these charges.
It is a criminal offence if a company receives payment for dental work when the majority of its directors are not GDC-registered dentists or dental care professionals. The GDC is committed to protecting the public by bringing cases of illegal practice to court.
Notes:
1. No further information about this prosecution will be available from the GDC until after the court case.
2. As the UK regulatory body of the dental profession, the GDC has a duty to protect the public. All dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK - whether they work in the NHS, private practice or any other form of practice. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. You can check whether a dental professional is registered with the GDC by logging on to gdc-uk.
General Dental Council
ADA Conference To Seek Oral Health Solutions For Vulnerable Older Adults
The American Dental Association (ADA) is extending invitations to those concerned about the oral health of vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities to attend a national conference and help shape the future of oral health care for this underserved and growing population.
The national coalition conference titled, "Oral Health of Vulnerable Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities," is set for Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.
"We look upon this conference as the first step in building a consensus among a multi-disciplinary group of professionals in seeking solutions about oral health care for the vulnerable older adult and the disabled," states Dr. Raymond F. Gist, ADA president-elect. "We are looking for attendees' ideas, collaboration and support in helping frame the conference's recommendations that could be used by many sectors, including educational institutions, professional organizations and policy makers."
Who should attend?
Professionals concerned about oral health for vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities, including dentists and dental hygienists, geriatricians, nurses, oral health advocates, aging and disability advocates, long-term care providers, and policy makers and legislative staff, are encouraged to register for the conference. The registration fee is $150, with a deadline of October 22, 2010. Registration is limited to the first 150 respondents.
Challenging topics, format
Dental experts will present topics of critical importance in meeting the oral health needs of special populations, including collaboration between disciplines, oral health delivery systems, policy implications, medical dental considerations and coalition building. Responding to each presentation will be an expert from outside dentistry representing geriatric medicine, long-term care, aging advocacy, state health, and policymakers. Active audience participation will follow as attendees have the opportunity to provide input as they discuss the presentations.
"The conference is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of oral health care and improve the quality of life for vulnerable older adults and those with disabilities," adds Dr. Gist. "We highly encourage those interested professionals to attend."
The national coalition conference titled, "Oral Health of Vulnerable Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities," is set for Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.
"We look upon this conference as the first step in building a consensus among a multi-disciplinary group of professionals in seeking solutions about oral health care for the vulnerable older adult and the disabled," states Dr. Raymond F. Gist, ADA president-elect. "We are looking for attendees' ideas, collaboration and support in helping frame the conference's recommendations that could be used by many sectors, including educational institutions, professional organizations and policy makers."
Who should attend?
Professionals concerned about oral health for vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities, including dentists and dental hygienists, geriatricians, nurses, oral health advocates, aging and disability advocates, long-term care providers, and policy makers and legislative staff, are encouraged to register for the conference. The registration fee is $150, with a deadline of October 22, 2010. Registration is limited to the first 150 respondents.
Challenging topics, format
Dental experts will present topics of critical importance in meeting the oral health needs of special populations, including collaboration between disciplines, oral health delivery systems, policy implications, medical dental considerations and coalition building. Responding to each presentation will be an expert from outside dentistry representing geriatric medicine, long-term care, aging advocacy, state health, and policymakers. Active audience participation will follow as attendees have the opportunity to provide input as they discuss the presentations.
"The conference is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of oral health care and improve the quality of life for vulnerable older adults and those with disabilities," adds Dr. Gist. "We highly encourage those interested professionals to attend."
SCHIP Bill More Than A Valentine For America's Children, Says Oral Health America
Passage of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) legislation in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and signed into law by President Obama on February 4, is a sweet start to Children's Dental Health Month. The reauthorization represents a clear recognition on the part of our national policymakers that oral health is an important part of overall health. The SCHIP legislation includes a dental benefit guarantee, providing for oral disease prevention services, oral health promotion, and restorative and emergency care for millions of children whose families are unable to afford private dental insurance.
"This is a bill that was vetoed twice by the previous administration, and we recognize the importance of its passage now, as a significant step towards the inclusion of dental care in healthcare reform," said Beth Truett, President and CEO, Oral Health America. "The President and Congress are in agreement that access to dental care is a problem in the United States. The political will exists to find solutions to our healthcare crisis. We urgently need stakeholders, including the public, to be engaged in the process of developing a far-reaching health reform strategy -- one that will include dental care."
The SCHIP bill doesn't stop with the guaranteed provision of services during these tough economic times, it also calls for outreach to all eligible children, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) Study and Report, and improved reporting mechanisms.
The reauthorization secures SCHIP coverage for four and a half years, through September 30, 2013. The insurance is funded entirely through an increase in the federal tobacco tax to 61 cents per pack. Legal immigrant children and pregnant women are also covered by SCHIP.
Oral Health America is the nation's premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving public health by eliminating oral disease, especially for our most vulnerable citizens, by educating and empowering communities to provide access to care, and advocating for policies that create oral health parity. To learn more, visit oralhealthamerica.
Oral Health America
oralhealthamerica
"This is a bill that was vetoed twice by the previous administration, and we recognize the importance of its passage now, as a significant step towards the inclusion of dental care in healthcare reform," said Beth Truett, President and CEO, Oral Health America. "The President and Congress are in agreement that access to dental care is a problem in the United States. The political will exists to find solutions to our healthcare crisis. We urgently need stakeholders, including the public, to be engaged in the process of developing a far-reaching health reform strategy -- one that will include dental care."
The SCHIP bill doesn't stop with the guaranteed provision of services during these tough economic times, it also calls for outreach to all eligible children, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) Study and Report, and improved reporting mechanisms.
The reauthorization secures SCHIP coverage for four and a half years, through September 30, 2013. The insurance is funded entirely through an increase in the federal tobacco tax to 61 cents per pack. Legal immigrant children and pregnant women are also covered by SCHIP.
Oral Health America is the nation's premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving public health by eliminating oral disease, especially for our most vulnerable citizens, by educating and empowering communities to provide access to care, and advocating for policies that create oral health parity. To learn more, visit oralhealthamerica.
Oral Health America
oralhealthamerica
Fewer Cavities Found In Overweight Kids, New Study Shows
Contrary to conventional wisdom, overweight children have fewer cavities and healthier teeth compared to their normal weight peers, according to a study published in this month's issue of Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology.
Surprised researchers at the Eastman Dental Center, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center, conducted a secondary analysis of nearly 18,000 children who participated in two separate National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES III and NHANES 99-02).
The study found no differences in rates of caries (tooth decay) among children ages 2-5 in all weight ranges, while children ages 6-18 who were considered overweight and at risk for becoming overweight showed a decreased risk of caries compared to their normal weight peers.
"We expected to find more oral disease in overweight children of all ages, given the similar causal factors that are generally associated with obesity and caries," said Eastman Dental Center's Dorota Kopycka-Kedzierawski, DDS, MPH, the lead author. "Our findings raise more questions than answers. For example, are overweight children eating foods higher in fat rather than cavity-causing sugars? Are their diets similar to normal weight peers but lead more sedentary lifestyles? Research to analyze both diet and lifestyle is needed to better understand the results."
The study defined overweight children as being at the 95th or higher percentile for their age and sex; children at the 85th or higher percentile and less than 95th percentile for their age and sex were defined as at risk for becoming overweight.
A world leader in residency training and research initiatives, the Eastman Dental Center each year treats thousands of Rochester-area patients by providing a full range of general and specialized dentistry including pediatrics, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and prosthodontics. Established in 1941, the Eastman Dental Center is the only major post doctoral dental education, research and clinical institution in the U.S. within an academic medical center.
Surprised researchers at the Eastman Dental Center, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center, conducted a secondary analysis of nearly 18,000 children who participated in two separate National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES III and NHANES 99-02).
The study found no differences in rates of caries (tooth decay) among children ages 2-5 in all weight ranges, while children ages 6-18 who were considered overweight and at risk for becoming overweight showed a decreased risk of caries compared to their normal weight peers.
"We expected to find more oral disease in overweight children of all ages, given the similar causal factors that are generally associated with obesity and caries," said Eastman Dental Center's Dorota Kopycka-Kedzierawski, DDS, MPH, the lead author. "Our findings raise more questions than answers. For example, are overweight children eating foods higher in fat rather than cavity-causing sugars? Are their diets similar to normal weight peers but lead more sedentary lifestyles? Research to analyze both diet and lifestyle is needed to better understand the results."
The study defined overweight children as being at the 95th or higher percentile for their age and sex; children at the 85th or higher percentile and less than 95th percentile for their age and sex were defined as at risk for becoming overweight.
A world leader in residency training and research initiatives, the Eastman Dental Center each year treats thousands of Rochester-area patients by providing a full range of general and specialized dentistry including pediatrics, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and prosthodontics. Established in 1941, the Eastman Dental Center is the only major post doctoral dental education, research and clinical institution in the U.S. within an academic medical center.
Floss Your Teeth - On The Double!
In dental offices all over
the world, patients are often told they are not flossing enough or
instructed to floss more. As the old saying goes, you only need to floss
the teeth you want to keep. After all, not flossing regularly can lead to
tooth decay and to periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in
adults.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the
official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
demonstrates that including flossing as part of one's routine oral care can
actually help reduce the amount of gum disease-causing bacteria found in
the mouth, therefore contributing to healthy teeth and gums.
The study, conducted at New York University, examined 51 sets of twins
between the ages of 12 and 21. Each set was randomly assigned a 2-week
treatment regiment with one twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and
toothpaste and the other twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and
toothpaste and flossing. At the end of the two week trial, samples were
taken from both pairs of twins and compared for levels of bacteria commonly
associated with periodontal disease.
The study findings indicated that those twins who did not floss had
significantly more of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease when
compared to the matching twin who flossed in addition to tooth-brushing
with toothpaste.
"This study illustrates the impact flossing can have on oral health.
The twins experimental model is a powerful tool to help sort out genetic
and environmental factors that often confound the interpretation of
treatment studies. This study demonstrates that flossing can have an
important and favorable impact on an individual, as compared to that of a
non-flossing individual with similar genetics and possibly similar habits,"
explains Dr. Kenneth Kornman, editor or the Journal of Periodontology.
"Twins tend to share the same or similar environmental factors such as
dietary habits, health and life practices, as well as genetics. In this
case, the only difference was flossing, and the outcome was significant.
Flossing may significantly reduce the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth."
The study results support that old saying, and show that including
flossing as an integral part of your regular oral care can help reduce the
amount of periodontal disease-causing bacteria in the mouth; therefore
helping you keep your teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by
a build-up of bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly
forms on your teeth. Flossing, or using interdental cleaners, helps clean
the bacterial plaque from between your teeth that regular brushing can't
reach.
"As a practicing periodontist, I am constantly telling my patients to
clean between their teeth more using dental floss or interdental cleaners,"
says Dr. Susan Karabin, President of the AAP. "Patients tend to think that
flossing can't possibly make that much of a difference. But this study
demonstrates that the addition of flossing to your dental hygiene routine
can significantly reduce the amount of periodontal disease causing
bacteria. Even after just two weeks!"
About the American Academy of Periodontology
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association
of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the
teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics
is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental
Association.
American Academy of Periodontolgy
perio
the world, patients are often told they are not flossing enough or
instructed to floss more. As the old saying goes, you only need to floss
the teeth you want to keep. After all, not flossing regularly can lead to
tooth decay and to periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in
adults.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the
official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
demonstrates that including flossing as part of one's routine oral care can
actually help reduce the amount of gum disease-causing bacteria found in
the mouth, therefore contributing to healthy teeth and gums.
The study, conducted at New York University, examined 51 sets of twins
between the ages of 12 and 21. Each set was randomly assigned a 2-week
treatment regiment with one twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and
toothpaste and the other twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and
toothpaste and flossing. At the end of the two week trial, samples were
taken from both pairs of twins and compared for levels of bacteria commonly
associated with periodontal disease.
The study findings indicated that those twins who did not floss had
significantly more of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease when
compared to the matching twin who flossed in addition to tooth-brushing
with toothpaste.
"This study illustrates the impact flossing can have on oral health.
The twins experimental model is a powerful tool to help sort out genetic
and environmental factors that often confound the interpretation of
treatment studies. This study demonstrates that flossing can have an
important and favorable impact on an individual, as compared to that of a
non-flossing individual with similar genetics and possibly similar habits,"
explains Dr. Kenneth Kornman, editor or the Journal of Periodontology.
"Twins tend to share the same or similar environmental factors such as
dietary habits, health and life practices, as well as genetics. In this
case, the only difference was flossing, and the outcome was significant.
Flossing may significantly reduce the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth."
The study results support that old saying, and show that including
flossing as an integral part of your regular oral care can help reduce the
amount of periodontal disease-causing bacteria in the mouth; therefore
helping you keep your teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by
a build-up of bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly
forms on your teeth. Flossing, or using interdental cleaners, helps clean
the bacterial plaque from between your teeth that regular brushing can't
reach.
"As a practicing periodontist, I am constantly telling my patients to
clean between their teeth more using dental floss or interdental cleaners,"
says Dr. Susan Karabin, President of the AAP. "Patients tend to think that
flossing can't possibly make that much of a difference. But this study
demonstrates that the addition of flossing to your dental hygiene routine
can significantly reduce the amount of periodontal disease causing
bacteria. Even after just two weeks!"
About the American Academy of Periodontology
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association
of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the
teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics
is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental
Association.
American Academy of Periodontolgy
perio
Explaining Oral/Body Inflammatory Connection
Is your head where your heart is? It may be now. A strong connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been suggested in recent clinical studies. As many as 75 percent of adults in the United States have been affected by periodontal disease and an estimated 80.7 million adults (1 out of every 3) have been a victim of CVD in 2006 according to the American Heart Association. From the 80.7 million adults in the United States, 38.2 million are less than 60 years of age, which is almost 50 percent. According to Marvin J. Slepian, MD, and Neil R. Gottehrer, DDS, who is lead a discussion titled "Oral Body Inflammation Connection" during the 57th Annual Meeting of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), these findings strengthen their belief that oral infections contribute to CVD morbidity and connection of chronic infections and CVD. The AGD's Annual Meeting is take place in Baltimore, MD, July 8-12, 2009.
The discussion will be one of the first discussions held at the AGD's annual meeting that integrates both dentistry and medicine because the disease is common to both health management groups. "It is critical for all dentists and physicians to collaborate in helping patients reduce inflammation, which can become a target factor for cardiovascular disease," says Dr. Slepian. Both Drs. Slepian and Gottehrer, with the help of an expert doctoral panel that will include, Loren M. Golub, DMD, MSc, MD (honorary); Jack Martin, MD; Mel Blumenthal, MD; Jerry Mailis, MD; Daniel Fine, DMD; Dean Mersky, DDS; and Stephen Gale, PhD, discusses the correlation between periodontal disease and CVD. Information presented during this session will provide dentists with hands-on knowledge regarding how to communicate with physicians in order to collaborate and create more proactive management periodontal disease treatment plans (including non-surgical options), which can then improve periodontal and associated physical health by reducing CVD.
"This is a landmark course being presented and I am honored to be holding the discussion with my colleague, Dr. Slepian," says Dr. Gottehrer. "We hope to provide groundbreaking and useful information to attendees to help them improve the overall health of their patients and to build an increased awareness about the connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease that many, if not most, patients are unaware of."
CVD has a wide range of categories, which affect adults in the United States every day including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. A recent study that will be cited during the presentation explored the existence of bacteria known to cause periodontitis and the growth of blood vessel walls, which is a symptom of CVD. After examining the subjects used, the investigators found a positive connection between the growth of blood vessel walls and the existence of bacteria found in dental plaque, causing periodontitis.
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a basic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues in the mouth. As the main cause of gum disease, bacterial plaque (sticky, colorless film, which forms on the teeth) hardens into a rough porous substance, which then releases toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque, which eventually lead to a breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth. As the disease progresses, toxins and bacteria make their way down the tooth until the bone that keeps the tooth in place is broken down and the tooth eventually falls out.
Previous treatments for periodontal disease include a cleaning process called scaling and root planning, which removes plaque and tartar around the tooth, smoothing the root surface. Antibiotics are administered to diminish the effects of the treatment. In more severe cases, surgical treatment is required in the form of cutting the gums to remove hardened plaque build-up and refiguring the bone. Both Drs. Slepian and Gottehrer have used these previous treatments in order to incorporate the improvement of both oral and cardiovascular health.
In addition, a new screening diagnostic system called STAT-CK (developed by Dr. Gottehrer) which gives the dentist and the patient a simple solution to visualize and categorize the stages of periodontal disease using grades A - F (A being minor damage to gums, F being the most severe case of damage to the gums and bone, needing surgical attention). This diagnostic tool can be personalized for each patient and it allows all doctors to understand the patient's periodontal condition. "This tool can help improve the communication between the dentist and doctor, as well as the treatment and health of the patient," says Dr. Gottehrer.
Dr. Gottehrer also stresses the importance of brushing and flossing twice a day to reduce the risk of gum disease and to maintain a happy, healthy mouth. He suggests if abnormal occurrences are noticed, a person should contact a general dentist immediately in order to prevent possible further damage to teeth and gums and to also reduce the risk of CVD.
Alongside the panel of seven other doctors, both Drs. Gottehrer and Slepian will present the importance of addressing the oral/body inflammatory connection, identify the categories by grade of periodontal disease and the risks of disease to the patient, describe uniform treatment for all stages of both periodontal disease and CVD, as well as suggest a successful hygiene program to improve dental care given to patients. The discussion is being held Friday, July 10 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the AGD's 2009 Annual Meeting.
The Academy of General Dentistry (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 786,000 persons are employed directly in the field of 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.
The discussion will be one of the first discussions held at the AGD's annual meeting that integrates both dentistry and medicine because the disease is common to both health management groups. "It is critical for all dentists and physicians to collaborate in helping patients reduce inflammation, which can become a target factor for cardiovascular disease," says Dr. Slepian. Both Drs. Slepian and Gottehrer, with the help of an expert doctoral panel that will include, Loren M. Golub, DMD, MSc, MD (honorary); Jack Martin, MD; Mel Blumenthal, MD; Jerry Mailis, MD; Daniel Fine, DMD; Dean Mersky, DDS; and Stephen Gale, PhD, discusses the correlation between periodontal disease and CVD. Information presented during this session will provide dentists with hands-on knowledge regarding how to communicate with physicians in order to collaborate and create more proactive management periodontal disease treatment plans (including non-surgical options), which can then improve periodontal and associated physical health by reducing CVD.
"This is a landmark course being presented and I am honored to be holding the discussion with my colleague, Dr. Slepian," says Dr. Gottehrer. "We hope to provide groundbreaking and useful information to attendees to help them improve the overall health of their patients and to build an increased awareness about the connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease that many, if not most, patients are unaware of."
CVD has a wide range of categories, which affect adults in the United States every day including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. A recent study that will be cited during the presentation explored the existence of bacteria known to cause periodontitis and the growth of blood vessel walls, which is a symptom of CVD. After examining the subjects used, the investigators found a positive connection between the growth of blood vessel walls and the existence of bacteria found in dental plaque, causing periodontitis.
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a basic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues in the mouth. As the main cause of gum disease, bacterial plaque (sticky, colorless film, which forms on the teeth) hardens into a rough porous substance, which then releases toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque, which eventually lead to a breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth. As the disease progresses, toxins and bacteria make their way down the tooth until the bone that keeps the tooth in place is broken down and the tooth eventually falls out.
Previous treatments for periodontal disease include a cleaning process called scaling and root planning, which removes plaque and tartar around the tooth, smoothing the root surface. Antibiotics are administered to diminish the effects of the treatment. In more severe cases, surgical treatment is required in the form of cutting the gums to remove hardened plaque build-up and refiguring the bone. Both Drs. Slepian and Gottehrer have used these previous treatments in order to incorporate the improvement of both oral and cardiovascular health.
In addition, a new screening diagnostic system called STAT-CK (developed by Dr. Gottehrer) which gives the dentist and the patient a simple solution to visualize and categorize the stages of periodontal disease using grades A - F (A being minor damage to gums, F being the most severe case of damage to the gums and bone, needing surgical attention). This diagnostic tool can be personalized for each patient and it allows all doctors to understand the patient's periodontal condition. "This tool can help improve the communication between the dentist and doctor, as well as the treatment and health of the patient," says Dr. Gottehrer.
Dr. Gottehrer also stresses the importance of brushing and flossing twice a day to reduce the risk of gum disease and to maintain a happy, healthy mouth. He suggests if abnormal occurrences are noticed, a person should contact a general dentist immediately in order to prevent possible further damage to teeth and gums and to also reduce the risk of CVD.
Alongside the panel of seven other doctors, both Drs. Gottehrer and Slepian will present the importance of addressing the oral/body inflammatory connection, identify the categories by grade of periodontal disease and the risks of disease to the patient, describe uniform treatment for all stages of both periodontal disease and CVD, as well as suggest a successful hygiene program to improve dental care given to patients. The discussion is being held Friday, July 10 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the AGD's 2009 Annual Meeting.
The Academy of General Dentistry (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 786,000 persons are employed directly in the field of 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.
Dry Mouth Linked To Prescription And Over The Counter Drugs
Approximately ninety-one percent of dentists say patients complaining about dry mouth are taking multiple medications, according to a nationwide member survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in salivary function. It affects approximately one in four Americans, placing more than 25 percent of people at risk for tooth decay. During the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) 57th Annual Meeting & Exhibits in Baltimore, July 8-12, Cindy Kleiman, RDH, BS, will present a course, "Understanding the Oral-Systemic Connection: From Intensive Care to Long-term Care," in which she presents new information about dry mouth.
"The number of xerostomia cases has increased greatly over time because people are taking more and more medications," said Kleinman. "General dentists are seeing this trend in their offices, which is why they are trying to learn all they can about this condition. The more they know, the better they will be at diagnosing and treating patients."
There are more than 400 prescription and non-prescription drugs associated with xerostomia, according to Raymond K. Martin, DDS, MAGD. "Anti-depressants, painkillers, diuretics, antihistamines, tranquilizers and anti-hypersensitives can all contribute to dry mouth," said Dr. Martin. "People who take several of these medications are more susceptible."
As indicated by the AGD survey, the most common symptoms reported by patients include constant thirst and difficulty eating, swallowing, or speaking. Foamy or stringy saliva, irritation of the tongue, burning of the tissues inside the mouth, painful ulcerations and dentin hypersensitivity (extreme sensitivity in one or more teeth) are also dry mouth symptoms. Over time, xerostomia sufferers may experience extensive tooth decay, tooth loss or gingivitis (gum disease) due to the lack of saliva.
Out of the nearly 500 general dentists who responded, 89 percent believe prescription medications are the primary contributor to dry mouth. Aging, dehydration and salivary gland disease were also cited as major contributors. The survey of AGD members also revealed that:
-- Approximately two-thirds consider dry mouth to be a very serious condition, as it relates to the promotion of tooth decay;
-- Approximately 68 percent say constant thirst is the most common symptom communicated by patients; 44 percent say patients have difficulty eating, swallowing or speaking;
-- More than 92 percent report that patients attempt to increase salivary production by drinking water; less than 58 percent say patients try taking over-the-counter saliva substitutes, chewing sugar free gum, or sucking on hard candy; and
-- More than 60 percent of those surveyed consider diagnosing a patient with xerostomia after he or she exhibits or reports symptoms of dry mouth.
Xerostomia can be a side effect of a variety of diseases and medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis, stroke and mumps. Certain cancer treatments, nerve damage, dehydration, smoking and chewing tobacco have also been connected with dry mouth.
"It's not always easy to diagnose xerostomia because of the subjective nature of the condition," said Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD. "That is why it's so important for patients to discuss symptoms with their dentist, even if they do not experience them on the day of the office visit."
The AGD reports a number of actions dry mouth sufferers can take to alleviate the condition:
-- Brush and floss twice a day
-- Chew sugarless gum or suck on non-citrus flavored or sour sugarless candy
-- Drink plenty of water
-- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth
-- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes
-- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
-- Avoid smoking
-- Avoid overly salty foods
-- Avoid citrus juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit, tomato)
-- Avoid dry foods (e.g., toast, crackers)
-- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as often as possible
-- Use moisturizer regularly on your lips
-- Sleep with a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air
-- Visit your dentist regularly
About the AGD:
The Academy of General Dentistry (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 786,000 persons are employed directly in the field of 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.
"The number of xerostomia cases has increased greatly over time because people are taking more and more medications," said Kleinman. "General dentists are seeing this trend in their offices, which is why they are trying to learn all they can about this condition. The more they know, the better they will be at diagnosing and treating patients."
There are more than 400 prescription and non-prescription drugs associated with xerostomia, according to Raymond K. Martin, DDS, MAGD. "Anti-depressants, painkillers, diuretics, antihistamines, tranquilizers and anti-hypersensitives can all contribute to dry mouth," said Dr. Martin. "People who take several of these medications are more susceptible."
As indicated by the AGD survey, the most common symptoms reported by patients include constant thirst and difficulty eating, swallowing, or speaking. Foamy or stringy saliva, irritation of the tongue, burning of the tissues inside the mouth, painful ulcerations and dentin hypersensitivity (extreme sensitivity in one or more teeth) are also dry mouth symptoms. Over time, xerostomia sufferers may experience extensive tooth decay, tooth loss or gingivitis (gum disease) due to the lack of saliva.
Out of the nearly 500 general dentists who responded, 89 percent believe prescription medications are the primary contributor to dry mouth. Aging, dehydration and salivary gland disease were also cited as major contributors. The survey of AGD members also revealed that:
-- Approximately two-thirds consider dry mouth to be a very serious condition, as it relates to the promotion of tooth decay;
-- Approximately 68 percent say constant thirst is the most common symptom communicated by patients; 44 percent say patients have difficulty eating, swallowing or speaking;
-- More than 92 percent report that patients attempt to increase salivary production by drinking water; less than 58 percent say patients try taking over-the-counter saliva substitutes, chewing sugar free gum, or sucking on hard candy; and
-- More than 60 percent of those surveyed consider diagnosing a patient with xerostomia after he or she exhibits or reports symptoms of dry mouth.
Xerostomia can be a side effect of a variety of diseases and medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis, stroke and mumps. Certain cancer treatments, nerve damage, dehydration, smoking and chewing tobacco have also been connected with dry mouth.
"It's not always easy to diagnose xerostomia because of the subjective nature of the condition," said Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD. "That is why it's so important for patients to discuss symptoms with their dentist, even if they do not experience them on the day of the office visit."
The AGD reports a number of actions dry mouth sufferers can take to alleviate the condition:
-- Brush and floss twice a day
-- Chew sugarless gum or suck on non-citrus flavored or sour sugarless candy
-- Drink plenty of water
-- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth
-- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes
-- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
-- Avoid smoking
-- Avoid overly salty foods
-- Avoid citrus juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit, tomato)
-- Avoid dry foods (e.g., toast, crackers)
-- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as often as possible
-- Use moisturizer regularly on your lips
-- Sleep with a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air
-- Visit your dentist regularly
About the AGD:
The Academy of General Dentistry (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 786,000 persons are employed directly in the field of 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.
Guardian Expands Program That Provides Employees More Flexibility In Choosing A Dentist
The Guardian Life Insurance Company
of America (Guardian) today announced the introduction of its new Monthly
Switch option for its dental plans in the New York market. Employees in New
York now have the ability to select the lower out-of-pocket costs of the
Pre-paid plan, but can switch to the PPO plan if and when they desire more
flexibility in choosing a dentist. While traditional dual choice plans
allow only annual election changes, Guardian's new plan enables employees
to switch between a PPO and a Pre-paid plan every month. The New York
launch marks the expansion of Guardian's Monthly Switch program.
The new Monthly Switch option makes it possible for employers to
provide their workforce with added control over dental insurance choices.
Other highlights of the product include:
Members can switch plans by phone, making the process quick and simple;
- The costs of both options are identical, making billing administration
for planholders seamless;
- Members' plan selection applies to the whole family.
"As medical costs continue to rise, employers should be able to provide
their employees with multiple options for affordable benefits," said John
Foley, Vice President, Guardian, Group Dental Insurance. "The Monthly
Switch option is part of an overall strategy to develop more flexible and
affordable choices to meet the needs of consumers."
For more information and to confirm availability of these plans, please
contact your local Guardian Group Representative or log on to
guardianlife to find a representative near you.
About Guardian
Founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New
York, NY (Guardian) is one of the largest mutual life insurance companies
in the United States. As of December 31, 2005, Guardian and its
subsidiaries had $40.7 billion in assets (on a GAAP basis). With more than
5,000 employees and 3,000 financial representatives, as well as over 85
agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals,
businesses, and their employees with life, disability, health, long-term
care, and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), financial products
and trust services. More information about Guardian can be obtained at:
guardianlife.
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
guardianlife
of America (Guardian) today announced the introduction of its new Monthly
Switch option for its dental plans in the New York market. Employees in New
York now have the ability to select the lower out-of-pocket costs of the
Pre-paid plan, but can switch to the PPO plan if and when they desire more
flexibility in choosing a dentist. While traditional dual choice plans
allow only annual election changes, Guardian's new plan enables employees
to switch between a PPO and a Pre-paid plan every month. The New York
launch marks the expansion of Guardian's Monthly Switch program.
The new Monthly Switch option makes it possible for employers to
provide their workforce with added control over dental insurance choices.
Other highlights of the product include:
Members can switch plans by phone, making the process quick and simple;
- The costs of both options are identical, making billing administration
for planholders seamless;
- Members' plan selection applies to the whole family.
"As medical costs continue to rise, employers should be able to provide
their employees with multiple options for affordable benefits," said John
Foley, Vice President, Guardian, Group Dental Insurance. "The Monthly
Switch option is part of an overall strategy to develop more flexible and
affordable choices to meet the needs of consumers."
For more information and to confirm availability of these plans, please
contact your local Guardian Group Representative or log on to
guardianlife to find a representative near you.
About Guardian
Founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New
York, NY (Guardian) is one of the largest mutual life insurance companies
in the United States. As of December 31, 2005, Guardian and its
subsidiaries had $40.7 billion in assets (on a GAAP basis). With more than
5,000 employees and 3,000 financial representatives, as well as over 85
agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals,
businesses, and their employees with life, disability, health, long-term
care, and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), financial products
and trust services. More information about Guardian can be obtained at:
guardianlife.
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
guardianlife
Takara Bio, Okayama University Jointly Confirm That Angelica Utilis Promotes Bone Formation And Increases Bone Mass
Takara Bio has elucidated a unique property of Angelica Utilis, a kind of wild perennial herb known in Japanese as 'Ashitaba', in collaboration with Okayama University.
In recent experiments using osteoporotic mice, the two partners observed how an intake of powder made of Angelica Utilis affects the condition of the mice. The results indicated that the intake helps promote bone formation and increase bone mass. Accordingly, the two partners concluded that Angelica Utilis will be one of promising ingredients for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Details of the joint research will be presented at the 84th General Session & Exhibition of International Association for Dental Research.
By Aki Tsukioka, JCN Staff Writer
Copyright © 2006 JCN. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK.
japancorp/default.asp?sec=18&co_industry=24&co_industry1=9&P_SecName=Health%20&%20Med
In recent experiments using osteoporotic mice, the two partners observed how an intake of powder made of Angelica Utilis affects the condition of the mice. The results indicated that the intake helps promote bone formation and increase bone mass. Accordingly, the two partners concluded that Angelica Utilis will be one of promising ingredients for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Details of the joint research will be presented at the 84th General Session & Exhibition of International Association for Dental Research.
By Aki Tsukioka, JCN Staff Writer
Copyright © 2006 JCN. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK.
japancorp/default.asp?sec=18&co_industry=24&co_industry1=9&P_SecName=Health%20&%20Med
Alessandro Riva Receives IADR Salivary Research Award
Professor Alessandro Riva, University of Cagliari, Italy, is the recipient of the 2009 Salivary Research Award from the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), to be presented at its 87th General Session & Exhibition in Miami, Florida, USA, on April 1, 2009.
Prof. Riva is head of the Department of Cytomorphology at the University of Cagliari. After completing his medical training and one year in the Department of Anatomy, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, he joined the Department of Anatomy in Cagliari. He has been the chair in anatomy since 1971.
Prof. Riva has made significant contributions to our knowledge of the structure and function of salivary glands. He has published nearly 150 books, book chapters and original articles, mostly on human exocrine glands with a particular emphasis on salivary glands. While we have abundant knowledge of the salivary glands of laboratory animals, it is very difficult to carry out studies on human tissues, and Prof. Riva has established benchmarks for the field. His published work is of consistently high quality, and it includes numerous original observations. In addition, he has developed several unique methods. His interest in the history of medicine has led to publications of articles about the work of early anatomists and their discoveries in salivary glands.
Prof. Riva's laboratory is frequently visited by scientists from Europe, the USA and Japan. He has trained numerous students, and nearly a dozen of them are now full professors. He is the founder of the Museum of Anatomical Wax Models, Cagliari, and has arranged exhibitions in several countries. Prof. Riva's international stature and reputation make him a true "ambassador" for salivary research.
The IADR Salivary Research Award, supported by the Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company, was designed to stimulate and recognize outstanding and innovative achievements that have contributed to the basic understanding of the salivary gland structure, secretion, and function, or salivary composition and function. It consists of a monetary prize and a plaque, and is one of the 16 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards, representing one of the highest honors bestowed by the 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.
Prof. Riva is head of the Department of Cytomorphology at the University of Cagliari. After completing his medical training and one year in the Department of Anatomy, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, he joined the Department of Anatomy in Cagliari. He has been the chair in anatomy since 1971.
Prof. Riva has made significant contributions to our knowledge of the structure and function of salivary glands. He has published nearly 150 books, book chapters and original articles, mostly on human exocrine glands with a particular emphasis on salivary glands. While we have abundant knowledge of the salivary glands of laboratory animals, it is very difficult to carry out studies on human tissues, and Prof. Riva has established benchmarks for the field. His published work is of consistently high quality, and it includes numerous original observations. In addition, he has developed several unique methods. His interest in the history of medicine has led to publications of articles about the work of early anatomists and their discoveries in salivary glands.
Prof. Riva's laboratory is frequently visited by scientists from Europe, the USA and Japan. He has trained numerous students, and nearly a dozen of them are now full professors. He is the founder of the Museum of Anatomical Wax Models, Cagliari, and has arranged exhibitions in several countries. Prof. Riva's international stature and reputation make him a true "ambassador" for salivary research.
The IADR Salivary Research Award, supported by the Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company, was designed to stimulate and recognize outstanding and innovative achievements that have contributed to the basic understanding of the salivary gland structure, secretion, and function, or salivary composition and function. It consists of a monetary prize and a plaque, and is one of the 16 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards, representing one of the highest honors bestowed by the 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.
X-Rays Help Predict Permanent Bone Damage From Bisphosphonates
Breast cancer patients, individuals at risk for osteoporosis and those undergoing certain types of bone cancer therapies often take drugs containing bisphosphonates. These drugs have been found to place people at risk for developing osteonecrosis of the jaws (a rotting of the jaw bones). Dentists, as well as oncologists, are now using X-rays to detect "ghost sockets" in patients that take these drugs and when these sockets are found, it signals that the jawbone is not healing the right way. Early detection of these ghost sockets can help the patient avoid permanent damage to their jawbone, according to an article in the March/April 2009 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.
A ghost socket occurs when the jawbone is not healing and repairing itself the right way. "The good news is that even though these ghost sockets may occur, by using radiographic techniques we can see that the soft tissue above these sockets can still heal," according to Kishore Shetty, DDS, MS, MRCS, lead author of the report. Dr. Shetty states these findings are important news to learn about because early prevention and detection can halt permanent damage from happening to a patient's jawbone.
In 2006, about 191 million prescriptions of oral bisphosphonates worldwide were written. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that nearly 44 million people in the United States are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Currently, approximately 10 million Americans suffer from the disease.
Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget's disease (bone cancers), and bone metastasis from other cancers. These drugs can bond to bone surfaces and prevent osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) from doing their job. Other cells are still working trying to form bone, but it may turn out to be less healthy bone leading to the ghost-like appearance on X-rays.
"Healthy bones can easily regenerate," says Dr. Shetty. "But, because jawbones have rapid cell turnover, they can fail to heal properly in patients taking any of the bisphosphonate drugs. It's very important for patients to know about complications from dental surgery or extractions. Since these drugs linger in the bone indefinitely, they may upset the cell balance in how the jaws regenerate and remove unhealthy bone."
According to AGD spokesperson Carolyn Taggart-Burns, DDS, FAGD, patients who are taking bisphosphonates should inform their dentist to prevent complications from dental surgical procedures.
"Widespread use of bisphosphonates to prevent or treat early osteoporosis in relatively young women and the likelihood of long-term use is a cause for concern," says Dr. Taggart-Burns.
Drs. Shetty and Taggart-Burns agree that, "how bisphosphonates interfere with healing after dental surgery is still unclear and further research will be needed. It is imperative that the public understands there is no present treatment or cure for this problem."
A ghost socket occurs when the jawbone is not healing and repairing itself the right way. "The good news is that even though these ghost sockets may occur, by using radiographic techniques we can see that the soft tissue above these sockets can still heal," according to Kishore Shetty, DDS, MS, MRCS, lead author of the report. Dr. Shetty states these findings are important news to learn about because early prevention and detection can halt permanent damage from happening to a patient's jawbone.
In 2006, about 191 million prescriptions of oral bisphosphonates worldwide were written. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that nearly 44 million people in the United States are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Currently, approximately 10 million Americans suffer from the disease.
Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget's disease (bone cancers), and bone metastasis from other cancers. These drugs can bond to bone surfaces and prevent osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) from doing their job. Other cells are still working trying to form bone, but it may turn out to be less healthy bone leading to the ghost-like appearance on X-rays.
"Healthy bones can easily regenerate," says Dr. Shetty. "But, because jawbones have rapid cell turnover, they can fail to heal properly in patients taking any of the bisphosphonate drugs. It's very important for patients to know about complications from dental surgery or extractions. Since these drugs linger in the bone indefinitely, they may upset the cell balance in how the jaws regenerate and remove unhealthy bone."
According to AGD spokesperson Carolyn Taggart-Burns, DDS, FAGD, patients who are taking bisphosphonates should inform their dentist to prevent complications from dental surgical procedures.
"Widespread use of bisphosphonates to prevent or treat early osteoporosis in relatively young women and the likelihood of long-term use is a cause for concern," says Dr. Taggart-Burns.
Drs. Shetty and Taggart-Burns agree that, "how bisphosphonates interfere with healing after dental surgery is still unclear and further research will be needed. It is imperative that the public understands there is no present treatment or cure for this problem."
Dental Treatment Tools For Those Dying To Spend Less Quality Time With Their Dentists? There's An App For That
As healthcare costs continue to soar, more and more Americans are stepping up to actively manage their own health. They're hunting down information, storing it, using it - and doing it all on the go. To help them, Dental Optimizer announced the launch of a free dental treatment application that lets Apple iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users get a better handle on their oral health.
The dental treatment application - available from the Apple iTunes App store - builds on the popularity of dentaloptimizer, a free application designed to help patients:
- Understand what they can do to prevent dental disease
- Learn the latest about what dental treatments are the most effective
- Enjoy less time in the dentist's chair
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
This new dental treatment application also gives users an option to rate their dentists, or to review ratings by other patients.
"We launched the dental treatment iPhone application in response to our customers' needs," said Robert Gootee, President and CEO of ODS, the Oregon-based parent company of Dental Optimizer. "Our users live in a mobile world and we want to expand their ability to manage their care regardless of their location."
"A healthy mouth is vital to maintaining overall health," says Dr. William Ten Pas, DMD, former president of the American Dental Association, now a senior executive at ODS. "This new dental treatment application enables consumers to have easier access to care and allows them to make better informed decisions about their health."
"We are excited to be able to give iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users increased access to one of the most comprehensive and informative resources on oral health," said Rachel Picado, President of Dental Optimizer. "Our users will now be able to use our dental treatment tools as questions arise without having to wait until they get back home to their computers."
The Dental Optimizer dental treatment tools are available from the App store on iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Consumers can also learn more about the web version of Dental Optimizer.
The dental treatment application - available from the Apple iTunes App store - builds on the popularity of dentaloptimizer, a free application designed to help patients:
- Understand what they can do to prevent dental disease
- Learn the latest about what dental treatments are the most effective
- Enjoy less time in the dentist's chair
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
This new dental treatment application also gives users an option to rate their dentists, or to review ratings by other patients.
"We launched the dental treatment iPhone application in response to our customers' needs," said Robert Gootee, President and CEO of ODS, the Oregon-based parent company of Dental Optimizer. "Our users live in a mobile world and we want to expand their ability to manage their care regardless of their location."
"A healthy mouth is vital to maintaining overall health," says Dr. William Ten Pas, DMD, former president of the American Dental Association, now a senior executive at ODS. "This new dental treatment application enables consumers to have easier access to care and allows them to make better informed decisions about their health."
"We are excited to be able to give iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users increased access to one of the most comprehensive and informative resources on oral health," said Rachel Picado, President of Dental Optimizer. "Our users will now be able to use our dental treatment tools as questions arise without having to wait until they get back home to their computers."
The Dental Optimizer dental treatment tools are available from the App store on iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Consumers can also learn more about the web version of Dental Optimizer.
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