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Benefits of oral hygiene can drive university students towards dental check-ups

A study by researchers from Okayama University found that Japanese university students' willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups is associated with their thoughts regarding the health-belief model and oral health behaviors. The study suggests that the perceived benefit of undergoing regular check-ups drives young students toward...

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 16, 2023

Early humans: Annual cycles in tooth enamel provide insights into life histories

Researchers analyzed ancient teeth from Homo erectus and great apes to reveal annual cycles in tooth enamel, providing insights into their diets and seasonal food supplies. The study shows that humans and great apes had distinct dietary patterns, with humans exhibiting less pronounced peaks and lower Sr/Ca values.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

HKU Dentistry new jaw surgery concept effective in treating moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea with over 50% of cases cured

A new jaw surgery technique, segmental mandibular advancement (SMA), has been shown to effectively treat moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in a pilot study. The procedure resulted in a 50% or more reduction in breathing disturbances at night for 58% of patients, with no signs of sleep apnea.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalOral and Maxillofacial Surgery·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

Study identifies potential link between oral bacteria and brain abscesses

A study published in the Journal of Dentistry found that patients with unexplained brain abscesses were three times more likely to have oral bacteria present. The researchers also discovered significantly higher counts of Streptococcus anginosus, a bacterium linked to dental abscesses and infections in internal organs.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Dentistry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Study sheds new light on the link between oral bacteria and diseases

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified the most common bacteria found in severe oral infections, shedding new light on the association between oral health and systemic diseases. The study found that certain bacterial infections can spread to other parts of the body, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022

Study finds no adverse effects of early fluoride exposure on childhood development

A nationwide Australian study found no link between early exposure to fluoridated water and altered emotional, behavioral development, or executive functioning in adolescence. The study used data from Australia's National Child Oral Health Study and followed children aged 5-10 years for 7-8 years.

Genetic defects lead to enamel malformations

A study conducted at the University of Zurich has identified a key gene network responsible for severe tooth enamel defects. The researchers found that mutations in the Adam10 molecule lead to disorganization of ameloblasts and severe defects in both structure and mineral composition of enamel.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Ecologists use the latest dental scanning technology to study young coral

A new method for monitoring coral size and growth has been developed using dental scanning technology, reducing surveying time by 99%. This non-destructive approach allows scientists to measure thousands of tiny corals quickly and accurately without harming them, with the potential to expand large-scale monitoring of ocean health.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022

Bone transplant could resolve aging jaw defects

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a scaffold that supports the growth of new bone in large jaw defects in mice, bringing them closer to addressing the issue of aging jaw bone loss in humans. The technique uses a polylactic acid scaffold and has shown promise for treating large bone defects.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 30, 2022

HKU Faculty of Dentistry utilises AI technology to automate the process of denture design and enhance treatment efficiency without compromising accuracy

The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Dentistry has developed an AI-powered approach to automate denture design, allowing for high accuracy and reducing treatment time. The new method uses a 3D Generative Adversarial Network (3D-GAN) algorithm to reconstruct the shape of natural teeth and generate prosthetic teeth.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 18, 2022

Double-stranded RNA induces bone loss during gum disease

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that double-stranded RNA molecules can activate the immune system response leading to bone deterioration in gum disease. The study found that dsRNA triggers the differentiation of osteoclasts, cells responsible for breaking down bone, leading to increased bone ero...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 8, 2022

Does mothers’ oral microbiome seed children’s microbiome increasing caries risk?

Researchers tested if mothers' oral microbiome seeds a cariogenic community in children. They found that bacteria correlated between mothers and children were associated with lower risk of Early Childhood Caries (ECC). The study suggests poor maternal oral health may influence ECC risk through transmission of microbes.

O-pH, a new UW dental tool prototype, can spot the acidic conditions that lead to cavities

Researchers created a dental tool that measures plaque acidity using an LED light and FDA-approved chemical dye, providing dentists with early warning signs of cavity development. The device can help limit the need for specific harmful bacteria tests and educate patients about sugar's impact on oral health.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022

Tiny antenna enables portable biomedical, food-analysis, and other gadgets driven by integrated nano- and terahertz technologies

Researchers have designed a tiny and flat antenna for receiving and transmitting terahertz signals, enabling the miniaturization of THz devices. The new design integrates the antenna with the system, eliminating the need for bulky silicon lenses and reducing optical power required.

Photodynamic therapy with chlorin e-6 can be effective auxiliary treatment for dental caries

The study demonstrated that photodynamic therapy (PDT) using chlorin e-6 can effectively reduce bacterial plaque biofilms containing cariogenic microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans. The treatment eliminated S. mutans and decreased total microorganisms by up to 3.7 units, with approximately 99% efficacy of antimicrobial activity.

Reducing COVID-19 risk during dentist appointments

A study by the University of Leeds found that changing drills from air-powered to electric drills can significantly reduce aerosol spray and create a safer environment for patients and dental teams. The research resulted in a 99.98% reduction in virus spread, potentially allowing millions more treatments to be carried out.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJan 31, 2022

Researchers gain insights into how ultrasmall bacteria from the environment have adapted to live inside humans

Researchers created a model system to study the ultrasmall bacteria TM7 and found that they acquired a gene cluster encoding the arginine deiminase system, which helps them survive and multiply in the human oral cavity. This discovery suggests that TM7 may play a more protective role in oral health than previously thought.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2022

Mystery of children’s ‘chalky teeth’ explained

Case studies show one in five children suffer from chalky tooth enamel, causing severe toothache and decay. Researchers from The D3 Group have found that albumin contamination blocks hardening of enamel on teeth growing inside the jaw, triggered by childhood illnesses.

SourceScience in Public·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Survey of US dentists shows high rate of opioid prescriptions despite knowledge of effective alternatives

A survey of US dentists found that an overwhelming majority believe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-acetaminophen combinations are as effective or more effective in managing dental pain as opioids. However, nearly half still prescribe opioids, highlighting a disconnect between their knowledge and prescribing habits.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeSurvey·DateOct 21, 2021

Reducing COVID-19 risk during dentist appointments

New research found that using electric drills instead of air-driven drills reduces aerosol spray by 99.98%, creating a safer environment for patients and dental teams. This could lead to a significant increase in treatments carried out, addressing the growing backlog of patients waiting for dental care.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 3, 2021

Dental mitigation strategies to reduce aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers developed a 'phantom head' model to measure aerosol dispersal in dental procedures and determined the efficacy of HSCAHs, rubber dam, and high-volume aspiration in reducing bioaerosol levels. The study suggests that these mitigation strategies can greatly attenuate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 dispersion.