遼、改造中スイングに自信持てず悪循環…ショットメロメロ出遅れ

2011年07月28日19時01分




リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア1 平塚　哲二 -7
2 池田　勇太 -6
3 K・アフィバーンラト -4
4 宮里　優作 -3
横田　真一 -3
孟　東燮 -3
キム・ヒョンテ -3
J・チョイ -3
上田　諭尉 -3
藤島　豊和 -3


順位の続きを見る





初日から大きく出遅れてしまった石川遼（撮影：岩井康博）








＜サン・クロレラ クラシック　初日◇28日◇小樽カントリー倶楽部(7,471ヤード・パー72)＞

　国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」が北海道にある小樽カントリー倶楽部で開幕。09年チャンピオンがいきなりつまづいた。石川遼は前半4番でボギーが先行すると、続く5番ではティショットのミスからダブルボギー、さらに6番、7番とボギーを叩きこの4ホールで5つスコアを落としてしまう。その後9番、10番、13番とパー5でバーディを3つ奪ったものの、最難関の16番、最終18番とボギーを叩き5オーバーでホールアウト。123位タイと大きく出遅れてしまった。

「石川遼1打速報」で全ストロークを振り返る

　先週から改造を始めて手ごたえを掴みつつあったショットが曲がりに曲がった。スタートから3ホールこそ静かなゴルフだったが、4番パー3では「自分の思ったところより10メートルは左に行ってしまった」というミスショット。続く5番では「4番ではクラブが外から入ってしまったので、それだけは避けようと思って手先で打ってしまった」ボールは右の林に入りセカンドは出すだけ。3打目、アプローチのミスも重なって悪循環のままスコアをズルズルと落としてしまった。

　曲がる原因はわかっている。「スイングアークが小さいとサイドスピンが多くなってしまう」しかし、修正は最後まで出来なかった。「序盤でティショットが曲がってスイングに自信を持てなくなって大きなスイングアークで打てなくなる悪循環でした」その後も思うようなボールが打てず、最終18番のティショットも右に大きく曲げて隣のホールのフェアウェイ。そこからボギーを叩きこの日を象徴するようなフィニッシュとなった。

　「スイングを変え始めている途中なので。例えばパターを変えた直後は入るようになったりしますが、それは長続きしない。スイングもこれからが大切。徐々に右肩上がりになっていければ」。結果が出ないことには満足出来ないが、このスイングに大きな伸びしろを感じることが出来るのが救いだ。

　「今は頭の中がスイングのことでいっぱい。2、3年前に戻った感じで新鮮ですね」。2年前はドライバーを真っ直ぐ飛ばすことだけを考えて大会制覇。もう一度あの頃に戻ってどこまでもスイングと向き合う。

【初日の順位】
1位：平塚哲二(-7)
2位：池田勇太(-6)
3位：キラデク・アフィバーンラト(-4)
4位T：宮里優作(-3)
4位T：横田真一(-3)
4位T：メン・ドンソプ(-3)
4位T：H・T・キム(キム・ヒョンテ)(-3)
4位T：J・チョイ(-3)
4位T：上田諭尉(-3)
4位T：藤島豊和(-3)
4位T：井上忠久(-3)
12位T：薗田峻輔(-2)他9名

61位T：※松山英樹(+1)他19名
123位T：石川遼(+5)他11名
※はアマチュア

難コースで持ち味発揮！勇太、6アンダー単独2位発進！

2011年07月28日19時13分




リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア1 平塚　哲二 -7
2 池田　勇太 -6
3 K・アフィバーンラト -4
4 宮里　優作 -3
横田　真一 -3
孟　東燮 -3
キム・ヒョンテ -3
J・チョイ -3
上田　諭尉 -3
藤島　豊和 -3


順位の続きを見る





久々に好スタートを切った池田勇太（撮影：岩井康博）








＜サン・クロレラ クラシック　初日◇28日◇小樽カントリー倶楽部(7,471ヤード・パー72)＞

　北海道にある小樽カントリー倶楽部で開幕した、国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」。池田勇太が6アンダーと好発進を見せた。池田は序盤の2番こそセカンドを池に落としボギーとするも、5番のバーディを皮切りに怒涛の巻き返しをスタート。続く6番バーディの後、9番パー5ではセカンドを7メートルにつけイーグルを奪取。後半さらに3つのバーディを積み重ね、6アンダーでホールアウトした。

遼、改造中スイングに自信持てず悪循環…ショットメロメロ出遅れ

　全英オープンからの連戦に疲れは溜まってきている。それでも、精密なプレーを要求する難コースにショットメーカーの血が騒いだ。

　「コース的にはタフ。ショットが重視される中で、グリーンにも見えづらい傾斜があって、それを読んでいく。コースに挑む本当の自分がいる中で、もて遊ばれないように戦う自分もいるのが楽しい」。好きなコースだという小樽CCの戦略性のあるレイアウト、洋芝、地面の固さ、すべてが池田好み。アイアン、パターなど試行錯誤はまだまだ続いているが、マネジメントとショットの精度で攻略していく持ち味が光ったラウンドだった。

　久々の好スタートにも油断はない。「ガマンすること。ボギーの一つや二つはある。このあとの3日間試練はあると思うが、ガマンしてバーディが来るまで待てるかだと思う」と気を引き締めた。来週からは「WGC-ブリヂストン招待」「全米プロゴルフ選手権」と米ツアー遠征が控えているが「今週は今週。来週は来週」。一戦必勝体勢ですべてを出し切り今季初の栄冠を目指す。

【初日の順位】
1位：平塚哲二(-7)
2位：池田勇太(-6)
3位：キラデク・アフィバーンラト(-4)
4位T：宮里優作(-3)
4位T：横田真一(-3)
4位T：メン・ドンソプ(-3)
4位T：H・T・キム(キム・ヒョンテ)(-3)
4位T：J・チョイ(-3)
4位T：上田諭尉(-3)
4位T：藤島豊和(-3)
4位T：井上忠久(-3)
12位T：薗田峻輔(-2)他9名

61位T：※松山英樹(+1)他19名
123位T：石川遼(+5)他11名
※はアマチュア

アマチュア松山英樹、苦しみながらも耐えて1オーバー発進

2011年07月28日19時21分




リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア1 平塚　哲二 -7
2 池田　勇太 -6
3 K・アフィバーンラト -4
4 宮里　優作 -3
横田　真一 -3
孟　東燮 -3
キム・ヒョンテ -3
J・チョイ -3
上田　諭尉 -3
藤島　豊和 -3


順位の続きを見る





61位タイの松山英樹（撮影：岩井康博）






＜サン・クロレラ クラシック　初日◇28日◇小樽カントリー倶楽部(7,471ヤード・パー72)＞

　北海道にある小樽カントリー倶楽部で開幕した、国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」。先週の「セガサミーカップ」で予選落ちを喫した東北福祉大のアマチュア松山英樹は、1オーバーで回り61位タイで初日を終えた。

難コースで持ち味発揮！勇太、6アンダー単独2位発進！

　先週予選落ちしてからは「自分が一番上手いと思って練習しました」と気持ちを強く持って打ち込んだが、浮上のきっかけはつかめず、練習ラウンドでも弱気な発言が目立った。しかし、この日は悪いながらもガマンのゴルフで耐え忍んだ。

　最終18番はティショットを左に曲げ、セカンドはレイアップを余儀なくされたが、そこから執念のパーセーブ。「最後にいいパーを拾えて、明日につなげられるようにしたいです」。この日のガマンを無駄にしないためには、明日の巻き返しが必要だ。

【初日の順位】
1位：平塚哲二(-7)
2位：池田勇太(-6)
3位：キラデク・アフィバーンラト(-4)
4位T：宮里優作(-3)
4位T：横田真一(-3)
4位T：メン・ドンソプ(-3)
4位T：H・T・キム(キム・ヒョンテ)(-3)
4位T：J・チョイ(-3)
4位T：上田諭尉(-3)
4位T：藤島豊和(-3)
4位T：井上忠久(-3)
12位T：薗田峻輔(-2)他9名

61位T：※松山英樹(+1)他19名
123位T：石川遼(+5)他11名
※はアマチュア

平塚、左手首負傷も怒涛の9バーディ奪取！単独首位発進

2011年07月28日19時30分




リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア1 平塚　哲二 -7
2 池田　勇太 -6
3 K・アフィバーンラト -4
4 宮里　優作 -3
横田　真一 -3
孟　東燮 -3
キム・ヒョンテ -3
J・チョイ -3
上田　諭尉 -3
藤島　豊和 -3


順位の続きを見る





18番でバーディを奪い単独首位に立った平塚哲二（撮影：岩井康博）








＜サン・クロレラ クラシック　初日◇28日◇小樽カントリー倶楽部(7,471ヤード・パー72)＞

　今年も小樽カントリー倶楽部で開幕した、国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」。初日を終えて9バーディを奪う猛攻を見せた平塚哲二が7アンダーで単独首位スタートを切った。

アマチュア松山英樹、苦しみながらも耐えて1オーバー発進

　この日特に冴えたのがパッティングだ。「練習ラウンドで(矢野)東に“タッチが強すぎ”と言われた。それで、カップに合わせて打つようにしましたね。まだつかめてないけど、いい感じ」1番でいきなり15メートルを放り込むと、2番では4メートルを沈めた。その後も4メートル以内のバーディチャンスをことごとくモノにしてバーディを積み重ねると、最終18番では8メートルを決めてフィニッシュ。6アンダーで先にホールアウトしていた池田を1打上回って見せた。

　しかし、好調のパットとは裏腹にショットは苦戦している。「全英終わった晩に左手首を痛めたんですよ。骨が一個ズレてじん帯が炎症起こしてる」ラウンド中も痛みを覚える左手は思うように使えないため、ヘッドが走って引っ掛けるミスが続発。特に長いクラブはコントロールが効かない状況だ。それだけにいきなりの首位発進に「こんなスコアで回れるとは思ってなかった」と平塚自身も驚きを隠せない。怪我の影響で「とりあえず散歩してきますって感じでやってる」と自身に期待をかけすぎずリラックスしてラウンドできていることが好スコアにつながったようだ。

　痛みを抱えたまま、最後まで優勝争いをすることはかなり厳しいことが予想されるが、アジア、ヨーロッパ、日本を又にかけて転戦する平塚だけに少々のことでは動じない。手負いの荒武者は最後まで大会を盛り上げてくれそうだ。

【初日の順位】
1位：平塚哲二(-7)
2位：池田勇太(-6)
3位：キラデク・アフィバーンラト(-4)
4位T：宮里優作(-3)
4位T：横田真一(-3)
4位T：メン・ドンソプ(-3)
4位T：H・T・キム(キム・ヒョンテ)(-3)
4位T：J・チョイ(-3)
4位T：上田諭尉(-3)
4位T：藤島豊和(-3)
4位T：井上忠久(-3)
12位T：薗田峻輔(-2)他9名

61位T：※松山英樹(+1)他19名
123位T：石川遼(+5)他11名
※はアマチュア

Some Dentists Call for Expansion of HPV Vaccination

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 27 January 2012 11:59



There are some dentists around the world who want more people to be vaccinated for human papilloma virus.

In the United Kingdom, there’s a vaccination program for girls. Dentists and other people the medical profession, however, want boys to now be included in the program.

HPV is a huge risk factor for cervical cancer but it has also been linked to oral cancer. The amount of throat cancer cases has roughly doubled in the last 15 years and much of that has been because of HPV. Drinking and smoking are some of the other risk factors.

The HPV vaccination was originally created for the purpose of protecting teenage girls against cervical cancer. But with the increase in cases of HPV, there’s also been a large increase in cancer risk for teenage boys. HPV can be spread through kissing or oral sex even though most people are unaware of the disease’s presence.

Researchers have concluded that boys with HPV are more at risk for developing throat cancer than girls are. The reason can be traced to the fact that there is a larger concentration of viral cells in the female genital tract.

If the vaccination is given to more people, the number of cases of throat cancer will begin to decline after rising the last several years.

Researchers Identify Genetic Variation That Leads to Jaw Issues

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 30 January 2012 15:44



Researchers have pinpointed a genetic variation that increases the risk of developing necrotic jawbone lesions. The condition stems from bisphosphonates.

The study appeared in the online version of The Oncologist.

This research shows that a genetic screening test will be necessary to show who will be able to take these drugs in the future without awful side effects.

There are currently about 3 million women in the United States who take oral bisphosphonates. These bisphosphonates are taken to treat osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are also taken intravenously by cancer patients.

Bisphosphonates are effective because they bind calcium in the bone and prevent osteoclasts, which are bone cells that break the bone's mineral structure.

This study is so valuable because of the way it will help future tests on this issue.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw leads to extremely painful bone lesions, which can develop into losing the entire jaw. The condition usually occurs in jaws of people that have some kind of dental disease of had some type of in-depth dental procedure.

An issue for the research team is that there aren't any reliable numbers when it comes to the cases of ONJ involving patients taking oral bisphosphonates. Some studies indicate it impacts 1 in 1,000 people with others claim it affects 1 of 100,000 people, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

Genetic factors also are involved when determine who will be impacted by ONJ.

Future studies and tests will be conducted to determine who can take oral bisphosphonates without an increased risk of developing ONJ and who should stay away from the oral bisphosphonates.

New Jersey Law Will Require Fluoridation of Water

New Jersey Law Will Require Fluoridation of Water


Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 01 February 2012 12:43



Water companies in New Jersey will soon be required to fluoridate water, according to a bill passed Monday.

The Assembly Health Committee decided to pass the bill with an 8-0 vote based on the recommendations of dentists and public health officials. Environmentalists and utility officials, however, did not support the bill.

Since 2005 the New Jersey Public Supply Fluoridation Act hadn’t made it through for a full vote. Opponents of the bill had successfully raised concerns over the amount it would cost citizens to fluoridate their town’s water. They were also worried about the possible damaging health effects that may occur.

As of now, the water supply in New Jersey is a lower level than many states. There are only just over one million people of the nearly nine million residents that live in a community with fluoridated water. New Jersey ranks 49th in fluoridation level—only ahead of Hawaii—when compared to the fluoridation levels of other states.

According to information from the New Jersey Dental Association, the state saves $38 in dental and medical bills for every dollar spent on fluoridation.

One issue the opponents of the bill mentioned is the possibility of the low-quality fluoride that the water companies may use. These kinds of fluorides may contain harmful metals.

If the bill eventually becomes enacted, all utility expenses would be passed on to the customers.

The bill will move to an 80-member committee vote unless Assembly members attempt to block it.

Dentistry Expansion Bill Passes in New Jersey

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 19 March 2012 07:45



Dental hygienists in New Jersey may soon have the opportunity to increase their workload.

New Jersey Senator and dentist Joe Pennachio led legislation to permit dental hygienists to increase their allowable practices and increase their role in the dental profession. The legislation was passed by the State Senate this week.

The legislation, called S-298, included the following responsibilities that could be added to the hygienists’ role.
Clarifies that any college or school training dental hygienists be approved specifically by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental association.
Allows certified hygienists to expand their practices under supervision of a dentist to any appropriately equipped school, clinic or public or private New Jersey institution, including nursing homes, veterans’ clinics, hospitals, prisons and facilities that treat persons with developmental disabilities.
Specifies that dental hygienists may practice only in facilities having readily available emergency equipment as regulated by the State Board of Dentistry.
Permits dentists to use discretion on when hygienists must practice under direct supervision, or under the physical management of a dentist, and restricts dentists to supervising no more than three licensed hygienists at on time.
Mandates that dental hygienists can only administer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and other anesthetic procedures designated by the State Board of Dentistry under the direct supervision of a dentist.
Prohibits a dental hygienist from performing intraoral services aside from administering preventative measures, such as the application of fluorides, sealants and other recognized topical agents designed to prevent oral disease or discomfort.
Establishes that only those licensed to practice dentistry in New Jersey may diagnose, treat or operate on another person and bill or receive payment for dental services.

According to current laws, dental hygienists must possess a degree from an approved school or college of dental hygiene and must be supervised by a licensed dentist. There are various procedures that can only be performed when a dentist is supervising, according to the Board of Dentistry. There are no guidelines in regards to the training for cardiac life support.

Before the law gets put into practice, it must be passed by the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee, and later by the full Assembly. If these hurdles are cleared, it can be signed into law by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

Dental School Will Now Teach Life-Threatening Medical Emergencies

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 20 March 2012 07:39



The University of Maryland School of Dentistry will now train future dentists to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies in a dental environment. The school joined forces with the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.

To add this information to the curriculum, a simulated, computerized mannequin will be utilized to teach the students. The mannequin, known as Sim Man, responds to various treatments. It has the ability to talk and offers many of the vital signs that an actual person possesses. It weighs roughly 160 pounds.

The faculty will have the ability to change vital signs based on the way the mannequin is treated by the dental student.

The mannequin was recently utilized by dental students who had no advance knowledge they would be working on it. The mannequin went into cardiac arrest and the students had to decide the proper course of action.

The computer inside the mannequin is programmed to respond the way a person would, and reacts to the depth or force used on chest compressions, for example.

With the mannequin, all aspects of emergency situations can be prepared for. The training team comprises a dentist, assistant and additional medical help. This allows the dentist and doctor to work effectively with each other and provides the knowledge to the students of when they should be doing what in these situations. Every aspect in an emergency situation can result in the patient eventually recovering or the patient’s eventual death.

Dental Hygiene Essential for Congenital Heart Disease Patients

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 20 March 2012 11:45



Many congenital heart disease patients are seeing their risk of endocarditis increase. One reason stands out above others: poor dental hygiene.

Teens with congenital heart disease floss and brush less than other people and they visit the dentist less as well. Conversely, they take better care of their health in regards to alcohol consumption, smoking and drug usage.

Adults with single ventricle physiology also have be known to have worse dental hygiene routines when compared to their peers even though their health in other areas is superior.

This information was presented at the Annual Spring Meeting on Cardiovascular Nursing in Copenhagen, Denmark.

To compile the data, 429 adolescents with congenital heart disease ages 14 to 19 were studied. Nearly all of them were matched up with a control of the same age and gender that did not have congenital heart disease. They completed questionnaires that asked various health-related questions.

A second study was conducted for people ages 16 to 48 with single ventricle physiology. Among this group, 20 percent didn’t visit a dentist in the last year, 46 percent were not flossing their teeth and 39 percent were not physically active.

One of the conclusions drawn from the research is the idea that daily dental hygiene may be the most important step for preventing endocarditis.
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Controversy Involves Dentists Trying to Write Off Medicare Debts

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 21 March 2012 15:27



Dentists in Australia are looking for Medicare debts to be written off. Nearly 50 dentists, however, have been ordered to pay money back because they didn’t fill out the proper paperwork necessary for Medicare patients.

The total amount dentists have been forced to pay back is now more than $21 million. Roughly $250,000 of that money has been recouped as of now.

An audit uncovered the fact that these dentists neglected to fill out the paperwork properly.

There may soon be legislation involving a private members bill, which would effectively wipe the slate clean. There’s also the idea that the dentists didn’t know about the fact that they had to give patients, and the general practitioners who referred the patients, a treatment plan.

There’s also the opinion that the audit of many of the dentists was done in an unfair fashion.

Many dentists claim that they did not know about these procedures and the possible consequences for not complying. A large amount of these dentists could be losing faith in the way government handles aspects of dentistry based on this situation.

Fruit Drinks, Like Energy Drinks, May be Problematic

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 23 May 2012 15:23



Parents need to rethink giving their children fruit drinks.

Dentists are warning that some fruit drinks can have the acidity levels of vinegar. So some parents with good intentions may actually be putting their children's oral health at risk.

Fruits drinks and smoothies were thought to have some nutritional value as a healthy option other than drinks like soda. But, in actuality, these drinks contain sugar, in addition to having high acidity levels.

When consuming these fruit drinks, bacteria in the mouth produce dangerous plaque acids that attack the enamel. With weakened enamel, it's possible for the tooth to become compromised.

According to some studies, there are certain fruit drinks that are considered more acidic than vinegar.

Based on this information, whether or not a drink contain fruits is irrelevant. What's more important whether or not it contains sugar. Water is beneficial because it doesn't have any sugar and lowers the risk of obesity, something that is rising among young children. Drinks filled with sugar is one of the main reasons for this rise.

Two-Step Implantation with Built-up Bone May be More Effective

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 24 May 2012 15:32



There may be an answer to the longstanding debate about whether or not it’s better to allow bone to build up before placing an implant.

New research shows that its more effective to build bone first and then place the implant, allowing more bone growth, according to Prof. Zvi Artzi of Tel Aviv University’s Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dentistry at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine. The information appears in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

A one-step implant will show more wear and tear over a period time when compared to on implanted via the two-step process. There’s a larger amount of bone resorption around the neck with the one-step procedure. Bonding around the bone is also not as good.

The success of a tooth implant relies upon the biocompatibility of titanium. Human and animal tissues generally accept the implant and grow around it.

Periodontists choose the one- or two-step process based on preference. This particular study was based on long-term results, which are not usually included in the window in which the periodontist would monitor the patient’s procedure. So the researchers tracked the progress of the implants on animals during a two-year stretch.

Despite this research, it’s still possible for the one-step procedure to be better. It all depends on the way the patient heals and reacts. This research isn’t suggesting the one-step procedure doesn’t work, rather that the two-step procedure is more effective based on long-term results

Study Claims Tooth Sensitivity More Painful Than Almost Anything

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 29 May 2012 15:03



The only thing that causes more pain for women than tooth sensitivity is giving birth, according to a new study. Tooth sensitivity was even more painful than menstrual cramps.

The information comes from a comprehensive Arm & Hammer study that surveyed more than 900 men and women. About 25 percent of the people surveyed took time off from work to visit the dentist because of tooth sensitivity. Broken down further, 18 percent of women took time off from work to go to the dentist compared to 36 percent of men.

Tooth sensitivity can impact people of all ages. It stems from damage to the tooth enamel, leaving dentin susceptible.

Visiting the dentist for such things as sensitivity to cold food or drinks or sensitivity to hot food or drinks are some of the most common reasons for going to the dentist.

Tooth sensitivity correlates with maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing too hard, bad oral hygiene, and acid erosion resulting from sugary or acidic food/drinks can all increase one’s tooth sensitivity.

Toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth may ease the pain from the condition but the best bet is to visit the dentist.

Aspirin May Lower Risk of Throat Cancer

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 30 July 2012 14:41



IAspirin may provide some new benefits.

A group of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technological Assessment concluded that aspirin may lower the risk of esophageal cancer. It accomplishes this by decreasing susceptibility to Barrett's Esophagus, a condition that affects throat cells and is probably the most significant risk factor for esophageal cancer.

Barrett's Esophagus has been rising at alarming rate during the past decade. Much of the research has been in identifying some of the early warnings of BE. Earlier studies have shown that anti-inflammatory drugs that don't contain steroids lower death rates. There's no research, however, involving the impact of taking aspiring and the risk of developing Barrett's Esophagus.

According to this study, researchers in Massachusetts discovered that patients taking aspirin were 44 percent less likely to develop Barrett's Esophagus. There were 434 patients studied. The study also indicated that men were three times as likely to develop the condition when compared to women.

The results don't suggest that people should begin to take large doses of aspirin. Aspirin, however, has been shown to reduce the risk of many illnesses as research continues. It's also not ideal for people to take aspirin with the main goal being to lower the risk of throat cancer, according to Dr. Chin Hur of Massachusetts General Hospital.

Still, many people may benefit if aspirin does, indeed, lower the risk of throat cancer.

Dental Offices in Texas Continue to Close

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 30 July 2012 15:47



Dentists’ offices in Texas continue to close after crackdowns on Medicaid dental payments.

Dentists who have already collected their money from the state after treating Medicaid patients are no longer accepting those patients because the dentists’ Medicaid claims are no longer being accepted. There are more than 4,300 Medicaid dentists in Texas.

Thousands of patients are impacted by this. For a point of reference, in 2010 Medicaid paid for braces on 80,000 children in Texas.

Thanks to the more stringent regulations, 91 percent of new claims are being rejected. There are even instances of children having to have their braces taken off with plenty of time left in which they should be worn.

The new Texas HHS dental director is John Roberts, who took over for the previous director after allegations of questionable Medicaid payments.

Despite the new regulations, there were supposed to be policies in place to enable children with braces to continue to receive the necessary treatment in some way or another. The problem is that if these patients are reassigned to new dentists, these patients will continue to receive the treatment that they never even needed. This will cost the state millions of dollars.

An example of this comes from All Smile Dental Centers. This company is being sued for fraud. It is now getting rid of orthodontic treatment at 13 of its clinics. The problem is 95 percent of its dental claims included some type of fraud, according to one

Stem Cell Therapy May be Capable of Treating Head, Mouth Problems

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 01 August 2012 15:53



Stem cells were recently utilized to regrow craniofacial tissues. The study was the first of its kind and discovered that it was faster and more efficient than other, more conventional bone regeneration treatments.

A research team at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research joined forces with Ann Arbor-based Aastrom Biosciences for this study. The clinical trial included 24 patients who needed jawbone reconstruction after some type of tooth removal.

The patients were treated with experimental tissue repair cells or a guided bone regeneration therapy. The tissue repair cells are still being developed.

This treatment is ideal for people with major defects resulting from some type of disease or trauma. The problems generally include multiple layers of tissue, making the processes to treat the issue complicated.

The benefit of stem cell research is that the patients’ own cells are utilized to regenerate tissue, as opposed to using man-made tissues.

The results from the study could be extremely beneficial. Six and 12 weeks after the cell therapy treatment, patients received dental implants. The patients who received tissue repair cells had greater bone density when compared to the patients who received conventional bone therapy. The experimental group also did not need as much bone grafting when receiving the implants.

The cells used in the therapy were taken from bone marrow in the patients’ hips. The bone marrow was processed thanks to the system Aastrom uses, which enabled various cells to grow. The stem cells were later inserted throughout the mouth and jaw.

Despite this research, this kind of stem cell treatment is still at least five years away—and more than that in all likelihood—from being put into practice. More clinical trials are necessary and it’s essential to include bigger craniofacial defects in a wide array of patients.

Tooth Patch May Aid Whitening

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 27 September 2012 12:21



A tooth patch may be just what many people are looking for to improve their smile.

Japanese scientists have come up with a tooth patch that could be applied to make one’s teeth whiter. The patch could also aid people that suffer from any type of tooth sensitivity.

The sheet, which is just 0.004 mm, is made of hydroxyapatite, the main mineral in tooth enamel.

To formulate the patch, lasers were pointed at compressed blocks of the mineral in a vacuum to make individual particles pop out. The particles then fell onto a separate block of salt. This was later heated to crystallize the components.

After the salt cube was dissolved in water, the dried tooth patch was left.

The patch is also invisible, so people wouldn’t notice it when it’s in the mouth. The patch, however, can take an extensive period time of time—possibly a full day—to stick to the teeth in an optimal fashion.









The patch won’t be ready for usage for a while, however. It will be at least three years before the patch could even be used for cosmetic purposes.

People Prefer Perfect Smile Over Perfect Body

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 27 September 2012 12:41



People would rather have a great smile than be in great shape.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry conducted a study regarding this issue and found an overwhelming majority opted for the smile.

There were 80 percent of American adults who said they would spend money to fix a flaw due to aging. Among these people, 62 percent said they would choose to improve the quality of their teeth while 48 percent stated that they would devote the money toward weight loss.

About 45 percent of Americans think a smile can successfully battle the effects of aging. The second choice for defying age was a person’s eyes, and 34 percent of the people believed that option. Only 10 percent of the people surveyed thought body shape could defy age, while 6 percent said hair and 5 percent said legs.

The study also showed that 54 percent of Americans older 50 thought that a smile could thwart the effects of aging. Just 38 percent of people ages 18 to 29 believe a smile can have that impact.

“A great smile is always in style, and these results prove it,” AACD President Dr. Ron Goodlin said. “Cosmetic dental professionals can rest assured that their services will be needed.”









The research for the study was done through Kelton Global and was scheduled in September, which is Healthy Aging Month. There were 1,018 adults who were 18 and older that took part in the study.

West Virginia Awards Grant to Raise Number of In-State Dentists

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 01 October 2012 08:49



West Virginia is doing its best to increase the number of dentists in the state.

West Virginia University’s School of Dentistry recently awarded a $1.5 million grant to the state. The goal is to entice the school’s graduates to practice dentistry in the state.

The grant will aid in the funding for loan repayment programs for West Virginia students who end up staying in state.

West Virginia already has a shortage of dentists. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that 35 percent of the state dental workforce is likely to retire during the next 10 years. Programs like this are the best way to add an influx of dentists.

Students at WVU had previously lobbied legislators for some type of loan repayment program.

Gum Problems, Erection Problems May be Related

Gum Problems, Erection Problems May be Related

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 05 December 2012 10:44

Men in their 30s with inflamed gums may also have erection problems, according to a new study.

The study appeared in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The correlation involving inflamed gums and erection problems was shown to exist when the inflammation was caused by severe periodontal disease.

To compile the data, a group of Turkish researchers analyzed information about 80 men ages 30 to 40 with erectile dysfunction and compared the results to 82 men without any erection problems.

The information showed that about 53 percent of the men with erectile dysfunction had inflamed gums while only 23 percent of the men with without erectile dysfunction had inflamed gums.

When other factors were taken into account, such as age, body mass index, education, etc. the men with severe periodontal disease were 3.29 times more likely to have erection problems when compared to men with healthy gums.

The average age of the men in the study was just under 36 and there weren’t many differences in the other factors that could have had an impact on the study participants. Their sexual function was determined by utilizing the International Index of Erectile Function and gum health was based on the plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level.

Erectile dysfunction and chronic periodontitis have similar risk factors, which could explain the results of the survey. This study explored men ages 30 to 40 to analyze the impact of chronic periodontitis on erectile dysfunction without being affected by aging

Fluoridation Issue Pops Up Again in Florida

Fluoridation Issue Pops Up Again in Florida

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 06 December 2012 12:15

An area of Florida will begin to fluoridate its water again.

Pinellas County in Florida finally came to this conclusion after a heated public debate, grassroots education and advocacy from dentists, and voters’ rejection of two previous county commissioners. That’s all it took for the Pinellas County Commission to vote, 6-1, in favor of reinstating fluoridation to the county’s roughly 700,000 residents. The decision was made after three hours of public testimony for and against fluoridation.

The water fluoridation will take effect in March.

The issue began in October 2011 after the commission voted, 4-3, against fluoridating water. The original goal was to cut costs for the county but it developed into a debate about fluoridation.

Each side made its opinion heard, with dentists and dental societies in the area starting a grassroots program to inform people about fluoridation.

The tide turned in favor of fluoridating water when Republicans Nancy Bostock and Neil Brickfield lost their seats in the county commission to Democrats Charlie Justice and Janet Long. It was only a matter of time before the previous vote against fluoridation was overturned.

The issue will likely turn out as something beneficial for Pinellas County. The people are now more educated about the impact of fluoridation than they previously were. The debate about the positive or negative impact of fluoridation will continue for some people but the residents of Pinellas County don’t have to worry about it for now.

Periodontitis may be Preventable

Periodontitis may be Preventable




Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 07 December 2012 16:50



There could be a new method to stop periodontitis.

By blocking a molecular receptor that is usually targeted by bacteria, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have shown the ability to prevent periodontitis in a mouse model. They also demonstrated the ability to stop the progression of the disease once it has already begun developing.

The study appeared in the Journal of Immunology.

Previous research showed that Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is the bacterium that causes periodontitis, basically hijacks a receptor on white blood cells. The receptor, C5aR, is part of the complement system, which is also part of the immune system that aids in fighting infection.

There were several other studies that enabled these researchers to come to their conclusion. These studies confirmed the idea that the C5aR receptor could be successful in curbing all types of periodontitis, not just the form that includes P. gingivalis.

More tests will be conducted on mice and other animals to make sure the results would have the same impact on humans.

Gum Disease During Pregnancy May Stem from Higher Estrogen Levels

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 09 January 2013 16:52



There may be a clear reason why there as an increase in gum disease risk for pregnant women: higher estrogen levels.

A research team recently concluded that women are at increased risk of gum disease when estrogen levels are raised. Regardless of trimester, the study found pregnant women are at a higher risk for gum disease based on estrogen levels.

The increased risk of developing gum disease for pregnant women is not a new fact. The impact of estrogen, however, on gum disease risk was is still a relatively unknown factor. This University of Helsinki study explored the possible impact of hormones on gum disease.

If proven to be definitively true, this information could be vital in the way pregnant women are treated regarding their oral health. It’s even more essential for pregnant women to visit the dentist regularly compared to everyone else.

If gum disease persists in a pregnant woman, the results could be disastrous, with issues like premature birth and complications during labor, among others.

Australia Needs More Dentists in Some Places

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 17 January 2013 11:10



Some areas of Australia could use an infusion of dentists.

The rural areas of New South Wales are currently experiencing a shortage of dentists, according to the Australian Dental Association. This is happening despite the increasing number of dental school graduates in the area in recent years.

A common problem in Australia is that it’s assumed that when the dental graduation rate in an area increases, the number of dentists in the area will rise. That is not often the case, however.

The dentists in Australia tend to flock to the more urban areas. As a result, it may be important for the government to create an incentivized program to promote an influx of dentists in the areas that need them most.

Many of the public dental services are fully stocked regarding the number of dentists they can employ. One of the goals of Dr. Karin Alexander, president of the Australian Dental Association, is to more evenly disperse the dentists throughout the country so people in all areas have the ability to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Tooth Loss May be Linked to Age-Related Blindness

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 21 January 2013 16:12



There could be a correlation between blindness and tooth loss.

A recent study in the Journal of Periodontology has linked the two. The study indicated that men who lost teeth were as much as four times likelier to encounter age-related blindness. Age-related macular degeneration happens when the macula begins to deteriorate. Vision then suffers.

Earlier studies have displayed a link involving poor oral health and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

The researchers tried to pinpoint why the relationship may exist. They came to the conclusion that some of the risk factors are similar, including smoking and alcohol consumption. When the similar risk factors were considered, the correlation still existed.

The information did not show the same correlation exists in cases involving women.

Gum disease is the most common reason for adult tooth loss, according to most studies. This is something that is preventable for most people.

If people maintain good oral health and visit the dentist regularly, they may not have to be concerned with the tooth loss associated with age-related blindness.

Dental Waiting Times May be An Issue in Some Places

Dental Waiting Times May be An Issue in Some Places



Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 13 February 2013 16:06







The average wait time for a dental appointment in South Australia is two months. And that’s after the average wait time has decreased during the last six months.


Despite the positive direction the wait times are headed in for the Riverland area of Australia, the waits are still double the wait times compared to Adelaide. The waits for Riverland residents are still 18 months for dental care that is not considered urgent.


A mobile dental clinic will soon be opening to try to easy the burden dentists in the area are often faced with.


There are also cases of private dentists treating public patients because the wait times are so prohibitive in this area. The only way to accommodate all of the dental patients is for private dentists to step in as much as possible.


A new clinic, which would work in connection with the University of Adelaide, may also be in the plans.


The ultimate goal is to create enough dental facilities/personnel to be able to have each person in Australia visit a public dentist once each year.

FDA May Impose Limits on Sugar

FDA May Impose Limits on Sugar



Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 15 February 2013 10:38







The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may soon make major changes to sugar consumption.


The FDA, after being urged by the Center for Science and Public Interest, is going to explore creating a new sugar level for products, meaning a number in which added sugar can’t exceed in a given product. The goal is to boost oral health, in addition to combat diabetes and heart disease, among other health issues.


The CSPI filed a 54-page petition with the FDA. The petition goes in depth about the overwhelming evidence that added sugars cause major health problems.


The average 20-oz bottle of soda possesses 16 teaspoons of sugar from high-fructose corn syrup. The American Heart Association only recommends consuming half of that amount throughout the entire day. No person should consume more than 9 teaspoons of sugar each day, according to the AHA.


The CSPI and researchers involved with this data agree that diet soda is healthier than regular soda despite some studies that say otherwise.


Sugary drinks comprise the largest source of calories in the American diet, according to some studies. The average American consumes between 18 and 23 teaspoons each day.


The CSPI is also requesting other industries lower the amount of sugar in various other consumable products.

Ancient Teeth Bacteria Display Evolution of Disease

Ancient Teeth Bacteria Display Evolution of Disease



Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 25 February 2013 16:38







Researchers recently learned a great deal of information about oral health from DNA preserved in calcified teeth bacteria.


It was learned that negative changes regarding oral bacteria developed after humans became farmers. The Industrial Revolution led to even worse oral health based on the manufactured food that was created.


The information, which was compiled by the University of Adelaide’s Center for Ancient DNA, appeared in the February 17 issue of Nature Genetics. The Department of Archeology at the University of Aberdeen and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge (United Kingdom) also participated in the study.


This is the first study of its kind that shows the oral bacteria have changed during the last 7,500 years. In earlier history, oral bacteria were more diverse, which was a good thing. Now, there are more oral health and other diseases based on the current human diet.


The research team utilized data from 34 prehistoric northern European human skeletons. The lineage of the bacteria was traced from the last of the hunter-gatherers through the farmers in the Bronze Age and Medieval times.


The study pinpointed the major changes that happened when farming was first introduced and again 150 years ago with the Industrial Revolution and the influx in sugar. In some ways, it could be stated that the modern mouth is in a constant state of disease.










This type of research was not possible prior to 2007, when contamination was a problem when studying ancient bacteria. The researchers plan to do similar studies involving other species like Neanderthals.

Mouthrinse May be More Effective Than Brushing

Mouthrinse May be More Effective Than Brushing



Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 26 February 2013 16:46







Mouth rinsing, in unison with brushing, has a greater chance to reduce plaque and gingivitis than simply just brushing.


The information appears in the January/February 2013 issue of General Dentistry.


The logic is simple when analyzing the makeup of the mouth. Mouthrinses can get to every part of the mouth whereas brushing can only access the teeth, which comprises about a quarter of the mouth. Bacteria have the ability to survive despite brushing and flossing.


The study concluded that utilizing germ-killing mouthrinse two times per day could lower the onset of plaque and gingivitis when used as a supplement to brushing.


The study took six months and included 139 adults with mild to moderate plaque and gingivitis. They were broken into two groups. The first group brushed and rinsed with a germ-killing mouthrinse twice daily while the other group brushed while rinsing with a placebo mouthrinse twice daily.


The occurrence of plaque was lowered by 26.3 percent for the people that utilized the germ-killing mouthrinse.

When the six-month study was over, almost all of the participants who used the germ-killing mouthrinse showed lowered levels of gingivitis. Only 30 percent of the participants in the other group showed the same type of results

Smiles May be Secret to Success

Smiles May be Secret to Success



Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 27 February 2013 15:49







A recent study indicates that a smile may have a lot to do with success.


A group of researchers from the University of Seville in Spain concluded that many of the 100 most influential people in the world—determined by Time Magazine’s rankings—had similar facial features. The researchers examined the facial features of the most influential people from 2006 through 2011.


Many of these influential people possessed similar physical features even though there were various occupations, genders, or ethnicities analyzed. Certain standards tended to impact the expressions on their faces.


The study recently appeared in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.


The research team reviewed prior studies regarding attractive aspects of smiles and the information was utilized by oral practitioners looking to aesthetically enhance a patient’s smile. Balance of the smile and face seemed to be a key characteristic.


There were a total of 168 images that were thoroughly analyzed. The images appeared in a front-on view with the head in an upright position. After exploring numerous variables, the research team thought there were clear connections involving the world’s influential people.

Cheese Could Combat Cavities

Cheese Could Combat Cavities



Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 05 June 2013 15:09







More cheese, milk and other dairy products are what you need to fight cavities.


That’s what a new study in the May/June issue of General Dentistryindicates. The way the mouth reacts after consuming these dairy products serves to protect the teeth from cavities.


A study involving 68 subjects was conducted among people aged 12 to 15. The researchers analyzed the dental plaque pH in the subjects’ mouths prior to and after consuming cheese, milk or sugar-free yogurt. A pH lower than 5.5 makes a person vulnerable to tooth erosion. A pH larger than 5.5 puts at a much lower risk for having cavities.


The study participants were randomly assigned to a group. The first group ate cheddar cheese, the next group drank milk and the final group at sugar-free yogurt. The products were consumed for 3 minutes and then the people swished water around their mouth. After that, pH levels were taken at 10, 20 and 30 minutes after consumption.


The people who consumed milk and sugar-free yogurt didn’t see any changes in pH levels. The cheese eaters, however, showed higher pH levels at each interval, which would lead you to believe that the cheese fights cavities.


Based on the information from the study, the increasing pH levels after eating cheese may stem from the higher saliva production in the mouth. This is the mouth’s natural way to try to become neutral. It’s also possible that the compounds found in cheese may bond with tooth enamel to form protection for the teeth.

This study shows that dairy products are good for oral health in numerous ways. Not only could they provide an option aside from sugary drinks but now they could prevent cavities.

New Health Warning for Treats

New Health Warning for Treats

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 07 June 2013 10:18

Some biscuits and cookies may pose problems that you wouldn’t think about at first.

Many people are aware of the sugar issues that stem from the treats but new research suggests these items may contain more salt than salted popcorn or chicken nuggets. If children consume the treats regularly, that may be at risk for overconsuming salt.

In addition to the many known problems caused by sugary food, such as diabetes, tooth decay, etc., the salt content is producing other issues. Too much salt consumption may result in high blood pressure and eventually heart disease or stroke.

It was discovered in the United Kingdom that 100 types of biscuits possessed the same amount or more salt when compared to popular brands of popcorn. The total was 0.9 mg of salt per 100 g.

It would be best for the consumers if the manufacturers took this into account and lowered the salt content in their products. It also would be best for parents to reduce the amount of these types cookies or biscuits that their children consume.

Being Exposed to Bisphenol A Early May Harm Enamel

Being Exposed to Bisphenol A Early May Harm Enamel

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 12 June 2013 07:33

It may be best to keep children away from Bisphenol A.

A new study shows that the teeth of rats treated with small doses of BPA could be damaged by it. The damage showed the same trends as the recent pathology of 18 percent of children ages 6 through 8.

BPA is a chemical compound utilized in plastics and resin. There have been cases of large amounts of BPA in blood, urine, amniotic fluid or placentas. Recent data suggests that BPA has a negative impact on reproduction, development and the metabolism of laboratory animals. Based on this information, it’s fair to assume the results are the same on humans.

In Europe, the manufacturing and commercialization of babies’ bottles has been prohibited since January 2011. This ban will include all food containers beginning in July 2015.

The rats in these studies were exposed to small doses of BPA within 30 days after birth. When these teeth were further analyzed, they showed signs of a tooth enamel pathology called Molar Incisor Hypomineralization, a condition that impacts first molars and permanent incisors. The first sign of this condition was the presence of white marks on the teeth. The research team then compared the information about the rat teeth exposed to BPA and teeth from humans who suffer from MIH.

The fragile and feeble enamel was the same in both cases.

When the study was concluded there was one piece of information that may prove to be vital in the years to come. It’s possible that teeth may be used as indicators for exposure to endocrine disruptors, aiding in the diagnosis of serious pathologies.

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Link Exists Between Plaque, Early Cancer Death

Link Exists Between Plaque, Early Cancer Death

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 17 July 2013 15:15

Dental plaque could result in premature death in cancer patients, according to a new study.

The researchers determined that a large amount of plaque had some connection to a higher cancer mortality. When dental plaque is present it indicates bad oral hygiene, which is something that raises the risk of infection and ultimately may result in death.

A Swedish research team from the Karolinska Institute and a group from the University of Helsinki put the study together. The study appeared in theBMJ Open.

The study revealed that dental plaque could increase the risk of death by cancer by as much as 79 percent when analyzing all risk factors. Bacteria in the mouth is a big contributor to carcinogenesis.

Despite the findings from the study, the researchers emphasized that tooth decay does not directly cause cancer.

Based on this study and numerous studies in the past, poor oral health leads to poor overall health. It’s been proven that bad oral health may lead to Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other health problems.

Gingival Stem Cells May be Utilized in Tissue Regeneration

Gingival Stem Cells May be Utilized in Tissue Regeneration

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 23 July 2013 08:09

Gingival stem cells may have some newly discovered capabilities.

Gingiva was recently identified to possess mesenchymal stem cells. Essentially, it may be possible for gingiva to spur tissue regeneration. The gingiva represents a unique soft tissue that acts as a biological barrier to protecting the oral cavity side of the maxilla and mandible.

The information comes from a report by the International and American Associations for Dental Research. The report appeared in the Journal of Dental Research.

The research team showed that 90 percent of GMSCs stem from cranial neural crest cells and 10 percent from the mesoderm. When compared to the mesoderm MSCs, the CNCCs demonstrate an increased capacity to distinguish neural cells and chondrocytes. After being transplanted into mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, N-GMSCs displayed better effects in ameliorating inflammatory types of disease phenotype when compared with the M-GMSC treatment group.

More research is necessary to fully comprehend the connection between the neural crest cell and mesoderm that come from the gingiva mesenchymal stem cells. But it could be possible for gingiva to lead to stem cell regeneration.

Tooth Enamel Erosion from Soda May be Irreversible

Tooth Enamel Erosion from Soda May be Irreversible

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 25 July 2013 13:42

When it comes to your teeth, diet soda isn’t any better than regular soda.

Regardless of the type of soda, enough of it results in the erosion of the tooth enamel. In many cases, the damage can’t be turned back.

The amount of erosion cases from soda has risen drastically in the last 25 years. People drink gigantic amounts of soda, and erosion of the enamel is inevitable in many cases.

The average American now drinks 44 gal of soda each year, according to the National Soft Drink Association. The phosphoric and citric acid in the soda changes the pH balance in the mouth and eventually leads to tooth erosion when consumed in large quantities.

There are also many cases in which the teeth become more sensitive. The problem could alter what a person eats and drinks to prevent pain. There are even people with teeth so sensitive that their teeth hurt from the cold in the winter.

Many previous studies have indicated the correlation between soda consumption and enamel erosion or cavities.

The best measure to take is to avoid drinking soda. But if you like soda too much to give it up, limit it to meal time, don’t drink it throughout the day, brush your teeth later in the day (at the minimum, rinse with water), and chew sugarless gum or gum with xylitol.

Study Pinpoints Target for TMJD

Study Pinpoints Target for TMJD

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 06 August 2013 08:25

People with temporomandibular joint disorder may be in luck.

Researchers located a protein that is essential in TMJD pain. This could lead to treatment for this painful disorder.

This information from the Duke Medicine researchers appears in the August issue of PAIN.

There isn’t much information known about what prompts TMJD. The research team pinpointed TRPV4, which is an ion channel protein that enables calcium to enter cells. Its involvement with inflammation and pain was examined.

The research team looked at normal mice and mice that were genetically engineered without TRPV4. Inflammation and pain was then created in the temporomandibular joints, similar to the way it impacts humans.

The mice without TRPV4 had a lower reduction in bite force, indicating they experienced less pain. When there was an increase in TRPV4, the correlation was a larger reduction in bite force.

The research also provided a compound to the normal mice that blocked TRPV4. The ensuing discovery was that inhibiting TRPV4 produced smaller reductions in bite force. The results were comparable to the results from mice without TRPV4.

One bit of information that surprised researchers was the idea that there was comparable bone erosion and inflammation in the jaw tissue for all mice. The amount of TRPV4 did not impact this. Essentially the damage is the same but the pain level varies.

Based on this study, it’s possible the TRPV4 could be utilized to develop new treatment for TMJ issues.

TMJD is the most common form of oral and facial pain and afflicts more than 10 million Americans. The chronic disorder results in severe pain that stems from chewing or biting down. There are no full-proof treatments.

Good News for Choclate Lovers: Health Benefits

Good News for Choclate Lovers: Health Benefits

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 06 August 2013 13:41

There is good news for chocolate lovers: new research indicates that chocolate could be considered a “superfood,” joining the ranks of blueberries and broccoli. It can even fight tooth decay.

Chocolate is produced from cacao, which contains powerful concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antibacterial properties.

Researchers stress that these benefits apply only to dark chocolate – not milk chocolate – and the higher the natural concentration of cacao, the better.

Some health benefits of chocolate as a superfood are:

Fight tooth decay
• Because of cacao’s antibacterial properties, dark chocolate may significantly reduce the incidence of plaque, bacteria, and tooth decay.

Better cardiovascular health
• Cacao is rich in polyphenols, a molecule that can significantly improve cardiovascular health by increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide, which leads to improvements in blood pressure, insulin resistance, and blood lipid levels.

Lower risk of diabetes
• Thanks again topolyphenols, researchers found that individuals who consumed about 40g of dark chocolate daily cut their risk of developing diabetes in half.

Lower body fat percentage
• Antioxidants indark chocolate reduce inflammation and help alleviate the production of thestress hormones that would otherwise cause weight gain.

Improve mental well-being
• Cacao can promote feelings of calm, clarity, and bliss by stimulating the production of phenethylamine while regulating serotonin.

Other benefits include increased mental clarity and improved management of stress.

Nebraska Could Use More Dentists

Nebraska Could Use More Dentists

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 07 August 2013 10:35

If you have a cavity, rural Nebraska isn’t the place to be.

More than half of the 93 counties in Nebraska don’t have enough dentists, according to a report from the Center for Health Policy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The report indicates that 20 counties don’t have a single dentist and 31 more counties only have one or two dentists. The future looks even bleaker, with 39 percent of dentists in the state approaching retirement.

To reverse this problem, it’s essential for the state to find ways to create incentives for dentists to open a practice in one of the underserved areas.

The state currently has programs that provide dental students with $20,000 to work in underserved areas but that is well below the going rate for such things.

Kim McFarland, one of the authors of the report, states that only about five or six of the 45 new dentists that enter practice each year start in a rural area. This does not bode well, considering 164 million work hours and 51 million school hours are lost every year, according to the American Dental Association.

In many cases, the nearest dentist may be two hours away. That makes scheduling appointments with preventive care in mind prohibitive.

The University of Nebraska and Creighton University are the only two dental schools in the state. They are operating at capacity now, so this problem likely won’t be going away any time soon.

The only counties in the state that aren’t encountering this problem are those with larger cities or towns.