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.