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.

.

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.

Experts Say All Types of Dental Care Safe During Pregnancy

Experts Say All Types of Dental Care Safe During Pregnancy

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 08 August 2013 07:43

There’s no need for pregnant women to worry about dental treatment or x-rays.

A U.S. obstetrician/gynecologist group stated that these dental procedures are completely safe. The group also recommended ob-gyns to perform dental health tests during a woman’s first prenatal visit. This helps spur patients to routinely visit the dentist during pregnancy.

Since oral health problems could lead to heart disease, diabetes or countless other problems, it’s essential for women to see the dentist during pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women acknowledged that 35 percent of women say they haven’t seen a dentist in the past year. Also, roughly 40 percent of pregnant women in the United States have cavities or gum disease.

Physical changes from pregnancy may alter the teeth and gums. Dental issues during pregnancy are most prevalent among smokers and women on public assistance.

There are numerous benefits to maintaining good oral health during pregnancy, particularly that it will reduce the possibility of the mother transmitting cavity-causing bacteria to the baby. This will also result in the child being at a lower risk for cavities in the future.

Fruit Drinks Try to Fool Potential Consumers

Fruit Drinks Try to Fool Potential Consumers

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 09 August 2013 11:49

Health experts don’t want consumers to fall into the trap.

Companies that make fruit drinks try to vouch for the health qualities of their drinks but, in most cases, there usually aren’t any. The high sugar content in these drinks often leads to tooth decay, diabetes or obesity.

The marketing strategies of many of these manufacturers lead parents to believe that the fruit aspect of the drinks gives the drinks a quality of health. In actuality, these drinks are unhealthy as can be. Some of these drinks have the same amount of sugar, if not more, when compared to soda.

Many previous studies have gone into detail about the possible damaging effects of sugary drinks.

It’s essential for parents to become more knowledgeable about sugary drinks. That way, children won’t be exposed to them in large quantities as they are now. Despite the way sugary drinks are portrayed, water is always a healthier option.

There are various groups in numerous countries leading campaigns to add a tax on soft drinks to generate money to pay for more healthy alternatives.

Improving Pediatric Dental Sedation

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Pain / Anesthetics;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 10 Jul 2013 - 1:00 PDT

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Improving Pediatric Dental Sedation

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Research led by Priyanshi Ritwik, DDS, MS, LSUHSC Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, reports important findings about side effects and how long they linger after discharge of common oral drugs used to sedate some children during dental procedures. The results of the study, published in the current issue of Anesthesia Progress, provide pediatric dentists and parents with new information on this previously little-investigated aspect of children's dental health care.

The prospective study, conducted at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Dentistry, compared the incidence and duration of side effects of meperidine and hydroxyzine versus midazolam alone at 8 and 24 hours after sedation. The researchers found that while most adverse reactions occurred within eight hours, some continued up to 24 hours. They noted that children sedated with meperidine and hydroxyzine experienced vomiting, but not those sedated with midazolam. Prolonged sleep at home was significantly higher in the children sedated with meperidine and hydroxyzine. Irritability was more common in the midazolam group in the first eight hours, declining thereafter, while the number of irritable children in the meperidine and hydroxyzine group increased in the 8- to 24-hour period. They also report that 50% of the children in both groups slept in the car on the way home. This is a potential risk for airway obstruction because while sleeping in a car seat, the child's head can tilt down to the chest. It has been found that children and infants sleeping in car safety seats have a significantly lower oxygen saturation. The research team recommends that parents bring another adult along to monitor and reposition the child's head if necessary on the drive home.

"It is critical to know the effects of these medications beyond the time spent by the child in the dental office, so that parents can be appropriately cautioned about the expected effects and how to distinguish them from any potential emergencies such as airway obstruction," says Dr. Ritwik.

The team also recommends that parents be educated about which medications can safely be used to manage postoperative pain and fever as well as how to use them correctly. Additionally since some children do not want to eat in the first eight hours after sedation, they advise that parents be informed to anticipate this and encouraged to support their child to take liquids to maintain hydration.

Research Into Special Degradable Particles To Reduce Tooth Decay Wins Venture Prize Award - Could Bring Toothache Relief To Millions

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 12 Jul 2013 - 2:00 PDT

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Research Into Special Degradable Particles To Reduce Tooth Decay Wins Venture Prize Award - Could Bring Toothache Relief To Millions

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Researchers have developed new degradable particles, about the same size as small holes in teeth, which are designed to enter these holes and physically block and repair decayed teeth.

These particles are special glasses and can be incorporated into toothpaste and will dissolve in the mouth releasing calcium and phosphate that form tooth mineral. This reduces tooth pain, cuts back on the incidences of tooth decay and repairs teeth.

This could bring relief to the estimated 20 million adults in UK (40 per cent of the UK adult population) who are prone to tooth sensitivity. Indeed, untreated tooth decay or cavities in permanent teeth is the most common of all 291 major diseases and injuries assessed in the latest Global Burden of Diseases study. It affects 35 per cent of the world's population.

The team behind this development, led by Professor Robert Hill from Queen Mary, University of London have won the £25,000 materials science Venture Prize, awarded by the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers.

"These new particles dissolve faster than existing ones and are also softer than tooth enamel," said Professor Hill. "They have a more expanded open structure and this allows water to go into the glass structure faster and the calcium and phosphate ions to come out faster. Also, while existing particles are significantly harder and abrade away the enamel during brushing, our new particles will be softer."

Tooth pain is associated with hot, cold or mechanical stimulation and is caused by fluid flow within small tubes located within the tooth. These tubes can become exposed as a result of the gums receding, hence the expression "long in the tooth" or through the loss of the outer enamel coating as a result of tooth decay, acid erosion or mechanical wear associated with tooth brushing. These new bioactive particles can also re-mineralise the holes via the release of calcium and phosphate ions.

"This is a hugely exciting development which could benefit millions of people not only throughout the UK and Europe but right across the world," said Professor Bill Bonfield, chairman of the Armourers & Brasiers Venture Prize judging panel. "It meets our aim to encourage innovative scientific entrepreneurship in the UK and provide funding, which is often difficult to source, to bring new materials science research like this to market."

In addition to Professor Hill, who is head of dental physical sciences at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary. The team comprises: Dr David Gillam clinical lecturer and dentist, Dr Natalia Karpukhina an expert on bioactive glasses and Dr Pushkar Wadke from Queen Mary Innovations.

"This award will enable us to get our research from the laboratory into a prototype toothpaste, said Professor Hill. "The difficult step is getting money to enable the translation of research in the laboratory into commercial products. This is what the Venture Prize Award will enable us to do."

This development has come at an appropriate time. The latest Global Industry Analysts report outlined that the total world market for toothpaste is forecast to reach US$12.6 billion (£8.1billion) by the year 2015. This increase it outlines will be led by product innovations, rising population levels and greater awareness about oral hygiene.

'Recognition And Response In Child Protection' Course To Be Offered To Specialist Paediatric Dentists, UK

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Also Included In: Dentistry
Article Date: 15 Jul 2013 - 2:00 PDT

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'Recognition And Response In Child Protection' Course To Be Offered To Specialist Paediatric Dentists, UK

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A child protection course highly regarded by paediatricians and A&E doctors is to be offered to specialist paediatric dentists in order to help them identify children at risk of abuse.

The nationally recognised Safeguarding Children: Recognition and Response in Child Protection (CPRR) course, run jointly by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), Advanced Life Support Group (ALSG), the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) and the NSPCC, will be expanded to include a 'dental stream'.

This stream will build on the knowledge specialist dentists already have in child protection and will further train them to recognise and respond to a range of indicators of possible abuse or neglect by looking at the child's general health as well as the mouth and teeth, so they can be confident both in their own practice and also when called on to advise general dental practitioners.

The course consists of:

• Online pre-course learning which is split into four sections:
  
  • Comprehensive background information
  • DVD with scenarios based on real-life cases, images with commentaries and interviews with professionals
  • A copy of the Child Protection Companion - a resource compiled on behalf of the RCPCH by an expert group
  • Additionally for the dental stream, a copy of Child Protection and the Dental Team - guidance specific for dental professionals
• One day face-to-face course: lectures, workshops and role play with specially developed dental scenarios

The course takes place at centres across the UK with highly experienced local paediatricians, nurses and specialist paediatric dentists facilitating.

Participants are required to pass an assessment to successfully complete the course.

Ben Cole, BSPD President and Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry at Newcastle Dental School and Hospital said:

"We know that dentists are in a good position to recognise signs of child maltreatment but it is not an area that any of us find easy. We welcome this opportunity to better train our future Specialists and Consultants in Paediatric Dentistry, who are often called upon to give advice on child protection to colleagues.

"Protecting children who are at risk of maltreatment requires health professionals to work together. We are hopeful that training together on this course will improve communication between doctors and dentists back in the workplace."

Lucy Williams, a participant in one of the first dental stream courses said:

"The course was invaluable in reinforcing the important role we have as paediatric dentists in protecting children from harm, leading our dental teams and working together with paediatricians and other key professionals."

Neela Shabde of the RCPCH, and the Consultant Paediatrician who chaired the working group for development of the original course in 2006, said: "I am delighted that the BSPD has played a key role in driving safeguarding training for dentists in conjunction with RCPCH, ALSG, and NSPCC.

"I believe this course will strengthen the skills and knowledge of the dental trainees in understanding the challenges and barriers, identifying child abuse and preventing children from suffering further abuse. Most importantly dentists treating children will be able to come forward as advocates in protecting children from abuse and work jointly with other agencies to safeguard children."

The dental stream of the CPRR course is currently only open to Paediatric Dentistry Trainees, either NTN or FTTA or GDC-registered Paediatric Dentistry Specialists.