Researchers found that Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels regulate odontoblast differentiation by modulating Wnt signaling, leading to decreased odontoblast height and impaired tooth development in mice. Exogenous supplementation of Wnt10a restored odontoblast differentiation, suggesting the channels' role in tooth development.
A new NIH-funded center, co-led by UT San Antonio School of Dentistry, aims to accelerate evidence-based dental care by exploring pulpotomy as an alternative to root canal procedures. The center will develop, implement, and evaluate a national training platform to improve clinical practice.
A recent study has identified a new mechanism for ameloblasts to create enamel's hidden architecture, with the amphipathic helix motif in ameloblastin playing a crucial role in organizing cell polarity and matrix patterning. The study found that the motif helps turn deposited enamel into a densely mineralized, prismatic material.
The Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong has partnered with Straumann to improve clinical training and community dental care. The collaboration will support Master students in providing advanced implant treatments and make oral healthcare more affordable for Hong Kong citizens.
Researchers develop biodegradable nanobone material that activates body's own healing properties to regrow bone, reducing need for invasive procedures. The material generates 80% more new bone than a material control and activates a key bone-repair growth factor with 10 times the level achieved using conventional methods.
Researchers identified a critical postnatal window in which excessive FGFR2 signaling drives coronal craniosynostosis by reducing GLI1+ progenitors and promoting abnormal osteogenesis. Restoring suture patency or RA signaling rescues structural and neurocognitive abnormalities.
Researchers found that exposure to PM2.5 worsens periodontal disease by exacerbating inflammation and intensifying alveolar bone loss. The oral mucosa also shows significant changes, including thickening of the tissue lining the tongue and increased keratin deposition.
A new robotic system demonstrates superior accuracy and geometric fidelity compared to traditional methods, preserving more surrounding bone and reducing unnecessary removal. The technology has potential to make tooth autotransplantation more predictable and less dependent on operator experience.
Research shows that integrating oral health screenings into prenatal clinic visits increases the likelihood of patients receiving dental care during pregnancy. A study at New York University found that scheduling immediate appointments and patient navigation both improved engagement with dental care, but scheduled appointments were mor...
A retrospective study found that pretreatment CT scans can identify patients at high risk for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Analysis of radiomics and machine learning models distinguished patients who later developed MRONJ from those unaffected.
Researchers found changes in tooth enamel mineralization in rats exposed to secondhand smoke, with increased carbon content and reduced phosphorus levels. This suggests a potential impact on tooth strength and hardness.
A new study suggests that unsweetened sparkling water may lower the risk of enamel erosion more effectively than sugar-sweetened soda. Researchers found that saliva quickly restored the mouth's acidity to normal after consumption, regardless of beverage type.
A new DNA-based strategy has been developed to tackle gum disease, which is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide. The multifunctional nanotherapy effectively targets bacterial infection, suppresses oxidative stress, and promotes bone formation, showing promising results in preclinical studies.
Dr. Renato M. Silva has been selected as the new dean of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, succeeding John A. Valenza. He brings a rare combination of scientific distinction, clinical expertise, and leadership experience to the role.
Research suggests a potential biological pathway linking chronic oral gum disease to calcific aortic valve stenosis, a common and serious heart valve disease. Studies found bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis present in calcified aortic valves, leading to inflammation and valve hardening.
A recent study found that CD38, a protein associated with inflammation and aging, plays a key role in rapidly advancing periodontitis and peri-implantitis. This discovery could lead to new treatment approaches and provide insights into other inflammatory conditions, including cancer.
A collaborative research team led by HKU Dentistry has mapped noma incidence risk across 296 local government areas in Nigeria, revealing previously unrecognised high-risk areas. The study provides a comprehensive small-area assessment of noma risk in Nigeria and offers implications for public health.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a new imaging technique to visualize nerve patterns in densely innervated joints, such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The c-Clear method produces a three-dimensional map of nerves with minimal tissue damage, allowing for better understanding of disorders like TMDs and TMJ pain.
Researchers found that severe periodontitis was associated with reduced kidney function and increased albuminuria, even at early stages of chronic kidney disease. Systemic inflammation partially explained this relationship, but additional biological mechanisms are also likely involved.
Researchers developed a biomimetic bilayer scaffold with synchronized minocycline release and liposome-encapsulated simvastatin delivery to facilitate optimal periodontal repair. The scaffold promotes alveolar bone regeneration through combined osteoconductive and osteoinductive mechanisms.
Researchers developed an AI-guided strategy to identify bioactive nucleoside hydrogels for periodontal therapy, using machine learning-based predictive models and experimental validation. The study identified two promising candidates, guanosine monophosphate and deoxyguanosine monophosphate, which successfully formed stable hydrogels w...
Researchers found that Down syndrome is associated with low saliva production and gum disease due to calcium signaling dysfunction and changes in the oral microbiome. The study suggests that addressing underlying biological factors and improving oral hygiene may help alleviate these issues.
Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the 3D structure of Mfa pili in P. gingivalis, understanding its role in attaching to host tissues and other microbes. This information can aid in developing therapeutic strategies to block attachment and infection.
A new study reveals that excessive fibrin deposition drives chronic inflammation in diabetic periodontitis. A targeted peptide successfully stops this inflammation and promotes periodontal bone regeneration, offering a potential universal therapeutic strategy for various immune-mediated diabetic comorbidities.
This study reveals that Porphyromonas gingivalis induces neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment via microglial ferroptosis triggered by the NOX4/PPAR-α/PGC-1α pathway. The findings provide a molecular target for drug repurposing to intervene in periodontitis-associated Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers propose homeostasis-restoring strategies involving exogenous nitrate interventions and targeted stem cell regulation for diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This new paradigm aims to prevent diseases before they arise.
A patient-derived KDF1 mutation impairs enamel-forming cells by disrupting cell adhesion and Hippo-YAP signaling. Mutant mice exhibit thinner enamel, reduced mineral density, and delayed tooth eruption.
Researchers have developed a miniature dental robot called MIR that can prepare teeth for crowns with precision, reducing the number of appointments needed. The robot uses a digital plan to remove tooth material and produces a custom-fitted dental splint.
A team of researchers discovered an epigenetic mechanism that protects tooth progenitor cells from mechanical stress, preserving tissue renewal. The study found that the enzyme KDM6B removes repressive chromatin marks, allowing genes to be active and preventing excessive activation of mechanosensitive ion channels.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo found that postbiotic foods can improve gum health in adults with mild gingivitis, reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. The study suggests a simple way to support oral health without altering oral care habits.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds Americans sharply divided over the use of fluoride in public drinking water. Supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement are notably more skeptical about fluoridation's health effects, while a majority trust the American Dental Association's stance on its safety.
A study by King's College London found that following a short-term low-calorie diet can reduce markers of inflammation associated with gum disease. This suggests lifestyle modifications may be important alongside plaque control in managing gum disease.
Persons with diabetes are at higher risk of periodontitis, tooth loss, and peri-implantitis. Poor blood sugar control exacerbates these risks, highlighting the importance of close collaboration between healthcare and dental care providers.
A novel biomaterial containing jackfruit latex, pomegranate peel extract, and simvastatin shows promising efficacy in treating periodontitis. The material has adhesive properties, allowing for targeted release of therapeutic compounds, and has been shown to promote regeneration of periodontal tissues.
A new study found that chronic oral inflammation can impair female fertility by triggering a systemic immune response that affects the ovaries. This leads to oxidative damage, reduced egg quality, disrupted follicle development, and reduced live birth rates.
Researchers found that print angles between 150° to 180° and 50-μm layer thickness performed best for crown accuracy and fit. Printing deviations were not evenly distributed across the inner surface of crowns.
Researchers developed a microneedle patch loaded with mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes that accelerate oral ulcer healing by remodeling macrophage-epithelial crosstalk. The patch promotes anti-inflammatory phenotypes and suppresses NF-κB signaling, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.
Researchers have discovered a link between tooth aging and the decline of dental pulp stem cells' regenerative capacity. A unique subset of DPSCs, expressing NFATC1 protein, is essential for tooth regeneration. Eliminating this subset can lead to senescence and reduced ability to regenerate after injury.
A new study introduces a sequential model to treat TMJ disc displacement, prioritizing joint stability over teeth alignment. This approach aims to prevent relapse and promote healthy jaw growth in growing patients and adults alike.
Researchers engineered an anaerobic bacterium to target periodontitis, reducing key pathogens and promoting tissue repair. The treatment lowered oxidative stress and restored the oral microbiome, offering a potential therapeutic solution for inflammatory diseases.
A new study reveals how maternal antibodies program the mouth to resist aggressive bacteria and prevent bone loss associated with adult gum disease. Maternal IgG also regulates the timing of barrier sealing in the oral epithelium.
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.
A study found that children who need dental care the most are less likely to participate in school-based cavity prevention programs, which can lead to significant savings for state Medicaid programs. Improving participation among high-risk children could save up to $2.4 million annually.
A team of researchers found that Gli2 and Gli3 function synergistically to regulate tooth root morphogenesis. Their study revealed a critical interaction between HH signaling and TGF-β signaling, which is essential for normal root development.
A new study found that older people who forego necessary dental procedures due to financial barriers may experience heart failure, a heart attack, a stroke, or dementia. The researchers suggest that alleviating upstream factors such as financial constraints could prevent chronic disease.
Researchers found a clear connection between oral health and kidney health, with immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation driving the relationship. The study highlights the need for physicians to integrate oral and renal health into clinical care systems.
New research demonstrates that restoring the physical stiffness of the gingival tissue can fundamentally change how cells respond to infection, potentially paving the way for new treatments. The study uses a hydrogel system to investigate how gum tissue stiffness impacts periodontal disease inflammation.
A study found that dentists have a higher prevalence of vision-related problems due to prolonged exposure to artificial lighting. Chronic dental lighting caused retinal damage, disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, and inflammation, ultimately impairing visual health.
The program aims to support future pediatric-focused professionals in dentistry, medicine and nursing through competitive scholarships and training. With the gift, UT Health San Antonio will expand access to high-quality care for children and families in Bexar County.
A systematic review found consistent evidence that snus causes gum recession, particularly with loose snus. White snus has virtually no studies on its long-term oral health effects, creating a significant knowledge gap.
A study on mouse incisors reveals a cellular mechanism behind the unique decussation patterns of tooth enamel, which form the enamel's hardness through directional sliding and coordinated migration of ameloblasts. The findings provide new insights into how dental stem and progenitor cells maintain and repair enamel-forming tissues.
A new neural circuit has been identified that rewards gnawing behavior in rodents, driving a release of dopamine in the brain. This discovery could help explain oral health issues in humans, including bruxism and malocclusion.
Researchers discover SMAD7 acts as a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, promoting dental pulp stem cell regeneration and tissue repair. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing tooth regeneration and holds promise for regenerative endodontic procedures.
Copper metabolism plays a crucial role in inflammatory bone diseases, with copper overload suppressing glycogen synthesis and increasing inflammatory activity. Researchers found that cuproptosis, a form of programmed cell death, can lead to bone weakening and osteoclast formation, providing a potential new therapeutic target.
Research reveals that salivary bacteria from gum disease alter gut metabolism, driving osteoclast activity and systemic bone loss. Microbial metabolites like indole-3-lactic acid inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity.
A new study by King's College London found that over 35% of patients without reported diabetes had high blood sugar levels consistent with pre-diabetes. The research uses a simple finger-prick blood test to screen for the condition, which can be done during dental appointments in as little as six minutes.
A study from the University of Copenhagen found that children with multiple tooth cavities or severe gingivitis have a significantly higher incidence of stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease as adults. Lifestyle factors may play an important role in this correlation.
A study by UCL researchers found large variations in nitrous oxide use across UK dental services, with some sites emitting up to 1,849 kg CO₂e per week. The team recommends reducing wastage, standardizing practice, and considering alternatives to minimize environmental impact.
Researchers have quantified zinc concentration in teeth using 3D X-ray tomography systems. They found a sharp increase in zinc concentration from the outside to the inside of the tooth, particularly near the pulp. This study has implications for dental care and material selection.
Researchers have designed a prototype powder that activates to whiten and repair teeth, promoting oral health. The system uses the piezoelectric effect to generate ROS, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation in lab demonstrations.