Oral healthcare
Important oncology updates for dental professionals

Important oncology updates for dental professionals

USA: The purpose of a paper by Professor Joel Epstein from the Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Illinois, Chicago, was to review and update advances in stem cell transplant for oral health care providers. 
Oral oncology congress to address treatment strategies of the future

Oral oncology congress to address treatment strategies of the future

Following the success of its inaugural congress in 2007, the International Academy of Oral Oncology will host the Second World Congress in Toronto, Canada on 8-11 July 2009. Registration is now open and abstract submission for oral and poster presentations will be accepted until 1 December 2008.

 
New TMD model focuses on individual pain reaction

New TMD model focuses on individual pain reaction

The schools of thought on the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) focus on the relationship between pain and movement. It remains unclear how the two symptoms influence each other and both the Vicious Cycle Theory and Pain Adaptation Model have limitations and advantages. To address this, researchers from the Faculty of Dentistry at Sydney University, Australia, have created an integrated model that includes elements of both, emphasising individual reaction to pain and a tailored approach towards management. Professor Greg Murray spoke to Dental Learning Hub about the proposed model and how it could benefit the TMD patient.
Wiping out oral bacteria with light-activated mouthwash

Wiping out oral bacteria with light-activated mouthwash

Researchers at the University of Leeds, UK, have discovered a novel method of preventing plaque formation, using photo dynamic therapy (PDT). Delivered through a mouthwash containing an anti-bacterial agent activated by bright light, studies have shown that oral bacteria can be destroyed. According to Dr Simon Wood, clinical trails will start in the next few months to develop this product further. He spoke to Dental Learning Hub about the research and how PDT works.
 
First injectable nano-apatite scaffold shows promise for bone regeneration

First injectable nano-apatite scaffold shows promise for bone regeneration

A study to develop mouldable, mechanically strong and in situ hardening calcium phosphate cement (CPC) composite scaffolds for bone regeneration showed positive results with potential applications in various dental, craniofacial, and orthopaedic reconstructions. The CPC scaffolds were strong, tough, macroporous and osteoconductive and showed potential for injection in minimally invasive surgeries, and in delivering osteogenic cells and osteoinductive growth factors to promote bone regeneration. Professor Hockin Xu from the Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry, at the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore, explained why the study is significant.
Ice compression effect after third molar surgery

Ice compression effect after third molar surgery

A study designed to investigate the effect of compression with ice and compression alone on pain and quality of life after surgical removal of mandibular third molars, revealed that compression is an effective pain prevention method. The research was based around a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study. Although there were no significant differences postoperatively between groups with ice compression and compression alone, both registered a reduction in pain and significantly better quality of life. Dr Tim Forouzanfar from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology at VU University Medical Center/Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, The Netherlands, provided some insight into the study.
Survival rate trends in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Survival rate trends in oral squamous cell carcinoma

A retrospective hospital-based study that reviewed and evaluated the outcome of 334 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), aimed to identifying factors affecting the clinical course and survival rate. The analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship among histological Broder's grading of malignancy, tumour size, locoregional involvement, and survival rates, highlighting the importance of tumour differentiation in predicting the clinical course and outcome of OSCC. Dr Paolo Arduino, Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Turin, Italy, explained the outcomes of the research.
Ozone effectively decontaminates toothbrush microorganisms

Ozone effectively decontaminates toothbrush microorganisms

Toothbrushes are rapidly contaminated with different microorganisms, which colonize the oral cavity and interdental spaces, which is a risk can for possible infection or reinfection. In a recent study, the ozone experimental effect upon toothbrushes microflora was estimated microbiologically before and after saturation with ozone gas and was found to remove the microbiota following conventional brushing. Professor Eugenia Bezirtzoglou from the Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, explained the significance of the outcomes.

Periodontal disease associated with increased cancer risk

Periodontal disease associated with increased cancer risk

In a prospective cohort study on male health professionals, periodontal disease was associated with a small, but significant, increase in overall cancer risk, which persisted in never-smokers. Similar research up till now has suggested that tooth loss and periodontal disease might increase the risk of developing various cancers; however, smoking might have confounded the reported associations. Dental Learning Hub asked Dr Dominique Michaud, reader in cancer epidemiology at the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Imperial College London, UK, about the results and why this study is unique.
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