New Solar-powered toothbrush

Researchers have designed a toothbrush that cleans teeth by creating a solar-powered chemical reaction in the mouth, doing away with the need for toothpas

Dr. Kunio Komiyama, a dentistry professor emeritus at the University of Saskatchewan, designed the first model of the unconventional toothbrush 15 years ago. Today, Komiyama and his colleague Dr. Gerry Uswak are seeking recruits to test their newest model, the Soladey-J3X. The toothbrush, which is manufactured by the Shiken company of Japan, will soon be tested by 120 teenagers to see how it compares to a normal toothbrush.

The Soladey-J3X has a solar panel at its base that transmits electrons to the top of the toothbrush through a lead wire. The electrons react with acid in the mouth, creating a chemical reaction that breaks down plaque and kills bacteria. The toothbrush requires no toothpaste, and can operate with about the same amount of light as needed by a solar-powered calculator.

The researchers have already tested the toothbrush in cultures of bacteria that cause periodontal disease, and demonstrated that the brush causes “complete destruction of bacterial cells,” Komiyama said.

Last month, the researchers presented their research at the FDI Annual World Dental Conference in Dubai, where their poster won first prize out of 170 entries.

Treatment for Periodontal Infection with Nanofibres

Iranian textile engineering experts at Isfahan University of Technology used nanofibres to treat periodontal infections by electrospinning method.

Ma'edeh Zamani, MSc graduate in textile engineering, has produced a web of nanofibres by using electrospinning method. She has used this web to release drug for the treatment of periodontal diseases.

"One of the shortcomings of drug carrying films is their tendency to become sticky or hard when they come to contact with the body liquids. However, due to their soft and non-fibrous structure, nanofibres have solved the problem to a great extent," she said in an interview with the INIC.

"The web of nanofibres analyzed in this research maintained totally its soft and flexible appearance throughout the drug release period. This is also caused by the lower temperature of poly e-caprolactone (PCL) compared with the body temperature, which enables the nanofibre web to have a rubbery form at 37°C. This fact can make easier the use of such webs in the pockets formed in the gums as a result of periodontal infections," Zamani further added.

Elaborating on the advantages of this research, she said, "By using such a system, the patient refers to the specialist only once for the insertion of the device into the periodontal pocket, and there is no need to take out the device later."

"This will lessen the cost and time, and increases the applicability of the device to a great extent," Zamani said.

According to Zamani, the controlled release of the drug from the electrospun nanofibre web will last for 19 to 23 days, while the longest reported period in various systems of the controlled local release of the drug for the treatment of periodontal diseases has been 14 days.

Shimla Dentist Offers Help with Mouth Dryness

Xerostomia has many etiologies. Although many patients experience xerostomia, it is not a disease state but a symptom. Xerostomia, which is a decreased or absent salivary flow, may be caused by medications (anticholinergics, antiparkinsonians, antihypertensives, anxiolytics, and some antidepressant drugs), head or neck cancer radiation treatment, chemotherapy (antineoplastics) treatments, or Sjögren's syndrome. With the rise of methamphetamine use patients exhibit xerostomia with "meth mouth." Smoking also causes dry mouth. Something as ubiquitous as snoring or use of CPAP machines while sleeping may also cause dry mouth in some patients. Xerostomia may also be a symptom experienced by many women who have undergone menopause. Additionally, some elderly patients experience decreased salivary flow with age.

Saliva is generated by three pairs of major and numerous minor salivary glands located within the tissues in the oral cavity, such as the lips, buccal mucosa, dorsal surface of the tongue, and soft palate. The major salivary glands produce 93% of all saliva. The glands are under the control of the autonomic nervous system, along with hormonal influences. Saliva is formed in the acini via an osmotic mechanism. Water comprises 99% of saliva. The remaining components include macromolecules, which are secreted by the ducts into the lumen and formed within the endoplasmic reticulum of the acinar cells.

Daily saliva output is in the range of 500 to 150 mL, although the average daily volume of saliva in the oral cavity is only 1 mL.1,2 Saliva output may be either resting (basal) or stimulated, which increases the flow rate. Mean resting saliva output is 0.4 mL/min., and is highest in the morning. Stimulated saliva output, which is driven by masticatory or gustatory signals, is between 1 to 2 mL/min. When saliva is stimulated, there is an increase in the bicarbonate ions, causing a rise in the pH, and therefore increasing the buffering power against a carbohydrate event.

Saliva is an integral component in oral health. Aside from lubricating the tissues, it maintains a neutral-pH environment that promotes tooth remineralization from the wealth of ionic minerals available in solution, and affords an antimicrobial function through immunoglobulins and proteins present in the fluid. Saliva assists in digesting, diluting, and clearing dietary carbohydrates, as well as the buffering of acid exposure after a sugar incident. Due to histatins, proline-rich proteins, cystatins, and statherin, calcium and phosphates are maintained in supersaturation for bioavailability in the remineralization of tooth structure.4 In addition, saliva aids in maintaining mucosal integrity and digestion through salivary enzymes. Saliva is integral to formation of the pellicle, which protects the tooth after eruption .

Saliva's buffering abilities maintain the health of the dentition. For the 20 to 30 minutes after a cariogenic episode, there is a drop in pH. After ingestion of a dietary sugar, the production of saliva ceases once swallowing occurs, and output returns to a resting state within a short time.4,8 The tooth is most susceptible during this time. The need for an increased salivary protective function is highest after a carbohydrate experience.

Since saliva aids in mechanically removing food debris and bacteria from the oral cavity and teeth, diminished saliva flow will negatively affect the oral tissues. As stated, xerostomia has several etiologies, from simple mouth breathing to drug manifestations, hormonal fluctuations, autoimmune diseases, neurological or psychogenic disorders, and aging. Patients may also exhibit compromised function of the salivary glands through neoplasm, trauma, surgical intervention, or as a sequela of radiation therapy.

The main consequence of xerostomia is the dry, burning mouth, which will impact the ability to swallow, taste food, speak, and maintain oral tissue integrity. Demineralization of enamel, an increased caries rate with rapid progression of the lesions, and an overgrowth of Candida will also occur.

Xerostomia may affect up to 20 percent of our senior patient population due to decreased salivary function alone.10 Combine this with the potential for these patients to be taking one or two medications that affect salivary output, and you have a larger issue. However, xerostomia is not limited to senior patients. There are over 1,800 medications that cause xerostomia; some may decrease the quality or quantity of saliva flow, and some may have transient effects on saliva . The duration and amount of therapeutic doses may have some impact on each individual.

Aside from medications, certain disease states will cause a decrease in saliva flow. Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune process that mainly affects postmenopausal women. It manifests with a triad – the so-called "sicca complex" of symptoms – xerostomia, xerophthalmia, and vaginal dryness. Sarcoidosis and amyloidosis will both affect the secretion of saliva from glands due to granulomas (former) and amyloid (latter) depositing in the gland structure. Several systemic diseases will affect saliva flow, including, but not limited to, diabetes, nutritional and neurological disorders, and dehydration. Cancer therapies, including radiation to the neck and oral cavity, may also affect saliva production. Although some cancer chemotherapeutic medications may cause xerostomia, this symptom is often reversible.

Xerostomia will cause patient discomfort due to the lack of lubrication in the oral cavity, a higher risk of decay due to the lack of a therapeutic flow of ions in the mouth, as well as the potential increase of other flora such as Candida albicans. Patients will experience dryness, the inability to properly digest or swallow food, and an increased caries level. This may be the reason the patient is coming to the office; or we may see manifestations of these symptoms on a routine intraoral inspection.

We have all had patients who have exhibited a loss of salivary flow. Many of them have come to us for solutions to their discomfort. On occasion, the mere adjustment of a personal habit (snoring or smoking, for example) may generate more moisture in the oral cavity. Many products on the market promote with beneficial claims, including glycerin mouth rinses, saliva substitutes, toothpastes, or chewing gums.

One product of note that has come onto the market is XyliMelts by OraHealth. XyliMelts is a time-released, moisturizing, oral adhering disk. Unlike other products, the sustained release is effective over a longer period of time. This small disc adheres to either a molar or the gingival tissue opposite the buccal and delivers 500 mg of time-released xylitol over one to two hours during the day, or up to six hours when used while sleeping. Xylitol has been shown to reduce plaque by inhibiting bacterial growth, decrease caries, and stimulate salivary flow. The effects last longer than the flavor of gum or the dissolution of a hard sugar-free candy. Due to its unique adherence to the oral tissues, XyliMelts are the only xerostomia product that may be used during the night. They are perfect for your xerostomia patients, due to their portability and ease of use.They are the over-the-counter treatment of choice for the multitude of our patients who suffer from xerostomia.

Proper diagnosis and consultation with the patient's physician are key to assisting our patients with xerostomia. Using a variety of treatment modalities, we are able to offer them comfort. Depending on the level of salivary damage and saliva depletion, due to whatever source, other options may be necessary for complete care.

Make sure to visit the Dental Clinic regularly to have your teeth and gums checked!For more information on XyliMelts, please visit www.orahealth.com.

Vitamin D Helps Teeth

New research shows calcium and vitamin D supplementation may help improve periodontal health, including the bone that contain the tooth sockets and anchor teeth to the jaw. Published online , the study collected data from patients enrolled in maintenance programs from two dental clinics.

Of the 51 patients, 23 were taking calcium (at least 1,000 mg/d) and vitamin D (at least 400 IU/d) supplements, while 28 were not; all patients had some form of tooth detachment. The researchers evaluated mandibular-posterior teeth, gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, attachment loss, bleeding upon probing, calculus index and furcation involvement. They also assessed alveolar bone health using posterior bitewing radiographs.

Based on their analysis of the data collected at baseline, six and 12 months, the researchers concluded calcium and vitamin D supplementation (up to 1000 IU daily) had a modest positive effect on periodontal health, although consistent dental care improves clinical parameters of periodontal disease regardless of these supplements. However, they further noted the findings support the possibility that vitamin D may positively impact periodontal health, but this hypothesis should be confirmed by randomized clinical trials on the effects of vitamin D on periodontitis.

Gum Bacteria Can Cause Heart attack

Researchers have determined that there is another reason for people to continue flossing and brushing their teeth. It turns out that the same bacteria of the gums that causes dental plaque may get in the bloodstream and cause clots that will increase risk of heart disease and heart attack.

This study was conducted by researchers for two different universities in Ireland and was presented at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Nottingham, UK.

The leading professor of the study presented the findings at the meeting. He also stated that poor dental hygiene can result in gums that bleed which provide bacteria a route in the bloodstream, where they cause blood clots that can lead to a heart attack.

He added that everyone needs to be aware that it’s not only blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, and diet that people need to be aware of, but that poor dental hygiene will increase the risk of heart problems.

Disease of the gums and tooth plaque are the result when Streptococcus bacteria builds up in a person’s mouth of they don’t floss and brush regularly. Disease of the gums makes the gums bleed, which permits bacteria to go in the bloodstream.

The study found that after the Streptococcus bacteria got in the bloodstream, they use a protein that stays on the outer surface, hijacks the blood platelets and forces them to make blood clots.

The bacteria encase themselves completely in the platelets that are clumped together which enables them to hide from antibiotics. This helps the bacteria because this clumping of the platelets can result in the inflammation of the blood vessels which can cause blood clots that may block the blood supply to the brain and the heart, heart valve growths.

A study is now being conducted to determine how the protein causes the blood platelets to clump together to see if there is a way to block it. This work is being accomplished by the use of a new blood flow model that mimics the circulatory system in humans.

Enlighten Evolution whitening – B1 Guaranteed

The colour of your teeth can be just as important as their size and alignment. In fact, from a distance it is the colour of the teeth that is far more noticeable than the alignment or evenness of the teeth. However, teeth can lose their natural colour for many reasons, either as the result of poor oral hygiene or possibly because of a medical condition. Certain food and drink substance can also be very bad for the colour of the teeth, such as red wine or coffee. Cigarettes are bad for the colour of teeth as they are for dental health and general health overall.

Losing the whiteness of the teeth can therefore have a big impact on the way the teeth look and the appearance of the smile. But there is no need for concern as there are now treatments that can be used to treat the colour of the teeth and make them white once again. These treatments have become more affordable over the last few years as the demand and supply both grow.

Enlighten evolution 3, the only whitening system in the world to guarantee VITA shade B1 on every case irrespective of starting shade. Evolution 3 combines near zero sensitivity with the legendary predictability that the evolution system has always been known for. There are no lights , no dehydration whitening and no gingival protection.

Key features

* B1 Guaranteed irrespective of starting shade
* Near zero sensitivity every case
* Impression materials and trays
* Locked seal labwork
* No lights, gingival protection or dehydration whitening
* Online track each case or your whole account
* Practice branding and marketing pack
* By far the lowest concentration office gel
* Free tooth serum paste with every kit
* Refrigerated cold supply chain

The treatment requires the application of a gel containing hydrogen peroxide to the surface of the teeth. This then seeps into the enamel and returns it to its natural colour, or at least a more healthy looking white colour. Treatments last on average about 2 weeks and have few if any side effects other than a feeling of slight sensitivity.

Enlighten is used safely in around 5,0000 dental surgeries across the world so you know you are getting one of the safest and most effective treatments available.

Today, September 12th Is World Oral Health Day

The American Dental Association (ADA) joins with the FDI World Dental Federation, the worldwide voice of the dental profession, in observance of the annual "World Oral Health Day" Sept.12. The purpose of this day is to increase global awareness for oral health, as well as the impact of oral diseases on general health and well-being.

The date marks the anniversary of the FDI World Dental Federation and their groundbreaking International Conference on Primary Health Care, which was held on September 12, 1978. In addition the date honors Dr. Charles Godon, the FDI founder, who was born Sept. 12, 1854.According to the FDI, Sept. 12 was chosen to coincide with existing oral health days around the world, to honor the FDI founder, Dr. Charles Godon, who was born on Sept.12, 1854, and to jointly celebrate the anniversary of the groundbreaking World Health Organization's International Conference on Primary Health Care at Alma Ata, Kazakhstan , taking place on Sept. 12, 1978.

Throughout the world, dental caries or tooth decay is the most common chronic disease, particularly affecting children and disadvantaged populations. Dental disease results in unnecessary pain and suffering, and missed work or school days. Periodontal or gum diseases have been associated with diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes and other systemic ailments. Untreated tooth decay seriously affects a person's quality of life.

Each and every one of us, as dentists and citizens, as professional associations and public health advocates, are able to contribute to better oral health worldwide. Let us on this World Oral Health Day join together to recognise that oral health is a vital part of wellbeing for all, celebrate the progress we have made to date, but at the same time commit ourselves to continue working towards better oral health for all.