Gum disease is a common condition among adults that occurs when bacteria form biofilms or plaques on teeth, and consequently the gums become inflamed. Some severe cases, called periodontitis, call for antibiotics. But now scientists have discovered that wild blueberry extract could help prevent dental plaque formation. Their report in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistrycould lead to a new therapy for periodontitis and a reduced need for antibiotics.

Many people have had some degree of gum inflammation, or gingivitis, caused by dental plaque. The gums get red and swollen, and they bleed easily. If left unchecked, the condition can progress to periodontitis. The plaque hardens into tartar, and the infection can spread below the gum line and destroy the tissue supporting the teeth. To treat this condition, dentists scrape off the tartar and sometimes have to resort to conventional antibiotics. But recently, researchers have started looking at natural antibacterial compounds to treat gum disease. Daniel Grenier and colleagues wanted to see if blueberry polyphenols, which work against foodborne pathogens, could also help fight Fusobacterium nucleatum, one of the main species of bacteria associated with periodontitis.

In the lab, the researchers tested extracts from the wild lowbush blueberry,Vaccinium angustifolium Ait., against F. nucleatum. The polyphenol-rich extracts successfully inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum, as well as its ability to form biofilms. It also blocked a molecular pathway involved in inflammation, a key part of gum disease. The researchers say they’re developing an oral device that could slowly release the extract after deep cleaning to help treat periodontitis.

The authors acknowledge funding from the Laboratoire de Contrôle Microbiologique de l’Université Laval.

September 2, 2015) Roselle, Ill.--Planmeca introduces its most recent innovation in intraoral imaging, the Planmeca ProSensor HD. This system sets a new standard for intraoral imaging in dentistry, offering excellent image quality and a patient-centered design with multiple convenience features for enhanced usability.

For top-notch image quality, Planmeca ProSensor HD has a new CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) chip, as well as a more accurate scintillator with a fiber-optic layer for sharper images, improved contrast, better signal-to-noise ratio at all dose levels, and a theoretical resolution at 33 lp/mm. The sensors feature rounded edges to enhance patient comfort and are hermetically sealed for convenient infection control. For added usability, the sensors are connected magnetically to the control box for easy one-handed use and can also be integrated with the Planmeca ProX intraoral X-ray unit, enabling instant switching between operatories.

With innovative design features, as well as support for both Mac and Windows, the new Planmeca ProSensor HD provides high-quality images and a smooth workflow in nearly any treatment situation.

Research published in the British Dental Journal shows that Brush DJ, an app designed to encourage youngsters to adopt and maintain an effective oral health care routine using evidence-based techniques, is effective in its aims.

Brush DJ was launched on the Apple App Store at the end of 2011 and in 2013 it was accepted into the NHS Choices Health Apps Library. By February 2015 Brush DJ, which is free with no advertisements or in-app purchases, had been downloaded on more than 197,000 devices in 188 countries. It can be used with any type of toothbrush.

The app plays music for two minutes - the optimum time for brushing teeth - taken from a playlist or randomly from the user's own device or cloud. As well as encouraging tooth brushing for two minutes, it also reminds users to spit out after brushing but not to rinse, sets reminders to brush twice a day, use a mouthwash at other non-brushing times of the day, sets alerts for dental appointments and reminders to change toothbrushes once every three months. Fundamentally, it makes brushing teeth fun for youngsters.

The British Dental Journal research was carried out by a team including a general dental practitioner and NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow from York, a consultant orthodontist from Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust and a lead dental researcher, educator and Foundation Dean of the Peninsula Dental School from Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.

The research showed that 70 per cent of respondents reported their teeth felt cleaner since using the app and 88 per cent said that Brush DJ had motivated them to brush their teeth for longer. Ninety per cent said they would recommend the app to their friends and family.

The research team concluded that not only had Brush DJ contributed to greater motivation for young people to care for their teeth more effectively, but it also has huge potential as a way to convey important oral health messages and information. Indeed, a recommendation from the study suggests that it would be reasonable to prescribe such an app in the same way in which fluoride toothpastes are currently prescribed in the UK.

Ben Underwood, dentist, app developer, NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow and Honorary University Fellow at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, led the study. He said: "Brush DJ showed positive effect across four main themes - motivation, education, compliance and perceived benefits. The results of our study indicate that apps such as Brush DJ are beneficial to users and open the way for further research to extend their use and effectiveness still further."

Professor Elizabeth Kay, Foundation Dean of the Peninsula Dental School from Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, was a co-author on the study. She added: "Caries and other dental health conditions are ultimately preventable, and the great thing about an app such as Brush DJ is that we can show that it has a positive effect for children. Bearing in mind that almost 26,000 children a year are aged between five and nine are admitted to hospital for dental treatment in the UK, for conditions which are on the whole preventable through better understanding and adoption of good oral health routines, the potential for Brush DJ and apps like it to reduce that number is huge. More research based on the findings from this study will help us to develop the app and investigate methods for its more widespread use."

(Charlotte, NC, September 2, 2015) – Today, the ToothFairy gave 15 organizations and thousands of children something to smile about! Thanks to generous support from corporations and caring individuals, America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation®awarded $105,000 in ToothFairy Grants to its Affiliate Network, a collaborative alliance of non-profit clinical and community partners providing vital oral health education and care to at-risk children. Through this network, America’s ToothFairydelivers community-based programs, educational materials, oral care products, dental equipment, and financial grants to support expansion and innovation of children’s oral health services.

Grant recipients include:

·      Children’s Dental Services (MN): $20,000 Medicom ToothFairy Grant

·      Community Dentistry on Wheels (Washington, DC):$10,000 Patterson Dental Sparkle ToothFairy Grant

·      Indiana University School of Dentistry, Division of Pediatric Dentistry (IN):$10,000 Patterson Dental Sparkle ToothFairy Grant

·      Gateway to Oral Health Foundation (MO):$7,500 Patterson Dental Sparkle ToothFairy Grant

·      Kids’ Community Dental Clinic of Burbank (CA):$7,500 America’s ToothFairy Grant

·      A.T. Still University - Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (AZ): $5,000 ToothFairy Grant

·      Community Dental Care (MN): $5,000 Retired 3M Executives ToothFairy Grant

·      Just Kids Dental (MN): $5,000 ToothFairy Ball Grant

·      Kemple Memorial Children’s Dental Clinic (OR):$5,000 ToothFairy Ball Grant

·      The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health (CA):$5,000 ToothFairy Ball Grant

·      Northern Dental Access Center (MN): $5,000 ToothFairy Ball Grant

·      San Gabriel Valley Foundation for Dental Health (CA): $5,000 ToothFairy Ball Grant

·      The Children’s Dental Center of Greater Los Angeles (CA): $5,000 ToothFairy Ball Grant

·      University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston (TX):$5,000 TSC EcoSolutions ToothFairy Grant

·      Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry (VA): $5,000 ToothFairy Ball Grant

“We are very proud to award these ToothFairy Grants to enhance the smile-saving work of nonprofit clinical and community programs across the country,” said Fern Ingber, America’s ToothFairy President and CEO. “Thanks to their efforts, and the generosity of donor companies and individuals, thousands of at-risk children and their families will be able to access the oral health services and education they need for optimal health.”

MINNEAPOLIS & REHOVOT, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stratasys, Ltd. (Nasdaq:SSYS), a global leader of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, introduces the Objet30 Dental Prime, a high quality, low cost 3D printer designed to allow smaller dental labs to produce a wide range of models and appliances in-house.

While compact in size, the Objet30 Dental Prime is big in versatility, beginning with a choice of 3D print modes: High Quality and High Speed. The High Quality mode 3D prints models with superior surface finish and intricate, delicate features required for precise fittings on crown, bridge, and prosthetic models (in 16-micron layers). The High Speed mode 3D prints at accelerated speeds to produce orthodontic models and surgical guides with increased productivity (in 28-micron layers). Together, these two print modes enable smaller labs to produce a wide range of dental and orthodontic appliances in-house – changing the economies for smaller dental labs by increasing productivity, shortening delivery times and improving patient satisfaction.

The Objet30 Dental Prime’s versatility continues with a choice of three PolyJet 3D printing materials:

• VeroDentPlus (MED690) - dark beige material that offers excellent strength, accuracy and durability to create intricate models.

• Clear Bio-compatible (MED610) – medically approved for temporary in-mouth placement; essential for producing surgical guides and investment castings for chromium cobalt removable partial denture (RPD) frames.

• VeroGlaze (MED620) - opaque bio-compatible material with A2 shading designed to provide accurate color matching; ideal for veneer try-ins, diagnostic wax-ups and clear aligner trays.

By enabling smaller dental labs to produce their own models and appliances in-house, the Objet30 Dental Prime 3D Printer reduces the need for outsourcing and enables smaller labs to be more competitive.

“The introduction of the compact, versatile Objet30 Dental Prime 3D Printer continues Stratasys’ commitment to providing a variety of solutions to meet the different needs of dental and orthodontic labs, small and large. This addition to our entry-level desktop family brings superior-quality 3D printing available to all dental labs who want to provide competitive digital dentistry services to their clients,” said Steffen Mueller, General Manager, Dental Solutions at Stratasys.

CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Servando (Van) Ramos, Jr., DDS, FACP, will be honored with the Major General Bill B. Lefler Federal Services Award by the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). Dr. Ramos will receive the award during the 45th Annual Session of the ACP held in Orlando from Oct. 21-24, 2015.

Dr. Ramos is a Colonel in the United States Army Dental Corps and is the Program Director for the U.S. Army Prosthodontic Residency Program at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He is also the U.S. Army Prosthodontic Consultant to The Surgeon General. Dr. Ramos received his D.D.S. from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston and his prosthodontic training from the Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

He is a Diplomate of The American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow in the American College of Prosthodontists and the International College of Dentists. Additionally, Dr. Ramos is member of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics and the American Dental Association. Dr. Ramos' awards and distinctions include the Surgeon General's "A" Designator Award, Official Order of Military Medical Merit, the Expert Field Medical Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.

"In my opinion, MG Lefler has always been the face of the Army Dental Corps. He embodies the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, and personal courage. He is an engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic leader who always makes everyone around him feel special, as if you deserved some recognition for all you've done for dentistry. To be chosen for such an award named in his honor is the highlight of my career," said Dr. Ramos.

The Major General Bill B. Lefler Federal Services Award is presented to individuals for excellence in the areas of leadership, patient care, mentorship and service to the community. Awardees must be an ACP member Prosthodontist who is active in the Public Health Service, United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Navy, United States Coast Guard or Veterans Administration.

Prosthodontists are specialized dentists with advanced training in oral health issues, who are committed to improving patient outcomes. From implants, crowns, veneers and tooth whitening, to full-mouth reconstruction, Prosthodontists specialize in digital dentistry, CAD/CAM, and cosmetic dentistry solutions.

The ACP is the only prosthodontic specialty organization whose membership is based solely on education credentials. ACP members must be in or have completed an ADA-accredited advanced education program in Prosthodontics. 

CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The older adult population in the United States is rapidly increasing, with 10,000 Americans reaching retirement age every day, but many face barriers when it comes to accessing oral healthcare. According to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Oral Health America (OHA), more than half of low income older adults have not seen a dentist in the past year, with most citing lack of income or lack of dental insurance as the reason.

In addition, older Americans are not being educated about oral health from the health professionals they see most often, especially when they are unable to see a dentist on a regular basis. According to the survey, sponsored by the DentaQuest Foundation, 71 percent of respondents said their doctor rarely or never discusses how medications can impact oral health and 66 percent said the same of their pharmacist.

"Older Americans deserve to have the resources they need to maintain a healthy mouth as they age," said OHA President and CEOBeth Truett. "Mouth health impacts overall health, especially for older adults, and those with poor oral health face increased obstacles to keeping their teeth, avoiding gum disease and staying active and independent." These barriers are why OHA's Fall for Smilescampaign is so important. The annual public awareness campaign promotes the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth through daily brushing, flossing and rinsing, regular dental visits, eating healthy foods and avoiding tobacco products.

To call attention to the oral healthcare challenges facing older adults, OHA and Oral Healthcare Can't Wait, an initiative of the Dental Trade Alliance, together with the DentaQuest Foundation, are hosting an event on Capitol Hill on September 30. The event, Aging in America: "You Can't Be Healthy Without Good Oral Health," will bring together oral health leaders who will learn the results of OHA's recent Harris Poll on older adult oral health and preview A State of Decay, Vol. III, OHA's biannual report on the state of older adult oral health in America. For more information about attending this event, please visit the Fall for Smiles webpage,oralhealthamerica.org/fallforsmiles.

"The 2015 Fall for Smiles campaign focuses on the oral health of older adults," said Dental Trade Alliance CEO, Gary Price, "but the message of Fall for Smiles is important for all ages. As a founding partner of the campaign in 2010, Oral Healthcare Can't Wait supports the messages that call on industry and professional partners to participate in the Fall for Smiles campaign during September and October, to raise awareness about the importance of oral health."

Fall for Smiles is generously sponsored by: 3M ESPE, DentaQuest Foundation, Denticator, Hu-Friedy, Listerine, Midmark, National Dental Association, Oral Healthcare Can't Wait, Patterson Dental, Sunstar, Trident and Whip Mix.

CHICAGO, September 1, 2015– Dental professionals pursuing groundbreaking dental implant research may be eligible for as much as $30,000 in research grants. The Academy of Osseointegration (AO)announced it is currently accepting applications for the 2016-2017 Osseointegration Foundation Research Grants.

Applications that address areas of research to enhance the public acceptance of implants are encouraged. The submission deadline is November 30, 2015 and applications can be downloaded at the AO web site: www.osseo.org.

“These grants are a tangible way to support researchers who share the Academy’s commitment to being on the leading edge of evidence-based dentistry,” said Osseointegration Foundation President Mollie Winston, DDS.

First-place grants of up to $30,000 each will be awarded to research teams in the categories of Basic Science, which is research to advance implant knowledge that does not include human subjects, and Applied Science, which is research to advance clinical implant dentistry that does include human subject(s). Additional awards of up to $15,000 each will be given to the second-place recipients in the same categories.

To qualify, research grant proposals must be submitted by an AO member, faculty member or student who conducts research in any academic dental institution; at least one person on the research team must be an AO member. First place grant recipients are required to present their results at the 2017 AO Annual Meeting, as well as to submit a research manuscript to The International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants no later than December 31, 2017.

2015-2016 Award Recipients

The 2015-2016 AO/Osseointegration Foundation research grant recipients are listed below. First place recipients will present their findings at AO’s 31^st Annual Meeting to be held February 17-20, 2016 in San Diego.

Basic Science

·      First Place, $30,000: “MicroRNA Expression and their Role during Osteoblast Differentiation on Nanoscale Titanium Surfaces,” by Gustavo Mendonca, DDS, MS, PhD, University of Michigan

·      Second Place, $15,000: “Mimic the Natural Bone Regeneration by using Three-dimensional Co-culture of Adipose-derived Macro Spheroids with Monocytes” by
Hidemi Nakata, DDS, PhD, Tokyo Medical And Dental University

Applied Science

·      First Place, $30,000: “Adhesion, Proliferation, and Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells over Failed Implants” by Julio Carrion, DMD, PhD, Stony Brook University

·      Second Place, $15,000: “3D Printing cell-sheet Technology: Development of Patient-specific in Vitro Assessment Tools for Evaluation of Implant Surface” by Hyumin Choi, BDS, Yonsei University

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 31, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With a new school year quickly approaching, along with that come the start of fall sports for many young athletes from elementary school age up to college level. To ensure that everyone participating has a safe and healthy season, the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) would like to once again emphasize the importance of athletes wearing mouthguards to protect their oral health.

Chipped teeth are the most common of all dental injuries, with dislodged or knocked out teeth being less frequent, but more severe examples. Approximately one-third of all dental injuries are sports-related, so it is vital that athletes wear a mouthguard.

Many dental injuries that occur during sports are often preventable. Mouthguards help protect the teeth and mouth during sports that involve any level of contact, but they do much more than most people realize. It is more than just your teeth that are protected from trauma: your lips, tongue, cheeks, face and jaw also are cushioned from potential impact and injuries. The American Dental Association has done studies confirming that, "Mouthguards provide a resilient, protective surface to distribute and dissipate forces on impact, thereby minimizing the severity of traumatic injury to the head or soft tissues."

The cost of a mouthguard is far less than any visit to the dentist's office to fix a damaged tooth, along with any other complications the injury could cause. One way to ensure mouthguards are used is for athletes to be educated on their proper use, and the importance of wearing them during physical activity.

There are several different types, so you can always discuss with your dentist which mouthguard option is best for you or your family members. Stock mouthguards are least expensive, but offer less protection because the fit adjustment is limited and sometimes they don't fit as well. Boil and bite mouthguards are heated then placed in the mouth, and the guard molds itself to the teeth and sets. Custom-fitted guards are made by a dentist from a cast of the patients' mouth. They are more expensive, but offer the best protection, fit and comfort.

A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed dental appliances on the lower jaw. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries.

As always, discuss any questions about mouthguards with your dentist.