U.S. health secretary calls sugar ‘poison’ weeks after dental association urges cutbacks

In February, the ADA commended a scientific committee for identifying sugar as a substantial public health concern, citing current consumption trends. (iStock)

In his latest push to “Make America Healthy Again,” U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared Tuesday that “sugar is poison.” Kennedy’s remarks came during a highly publicized conference at the Department of Health and Human Services, delivered from a stage filled with so-called MAHA moms and their children, The New York Times reported … Read more

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Revolutionizing Orthodontic Care with Clarity™ Precision Grip Attachments

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Say goodbye to imprecision and hello to simpler, faster attachment bonding with Clarity™ Precision Grip Attachments, exclusively available with Clarity™ Aligners. These revolutionary attachments are the first of their kind. They’re 3D-printed, pre-formed and pre-loaded in attachment trays, allowing practices to save valuable time and deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes. Why choose Clarity Precision Grip Attachments? … Read more

Study calls for global research on dental lab emissions after Egyptian findings

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A new study is calling for more research around the world into the carbon footprint of dental laboratories, after finding staff travel and procurement are driving up emissions in Egypt’s private labs. Published this month in BDJ Open, the study examined 21 private dental labs across Cairo, Alexandria and Elbeheira and found that the average … Read more

World-first dental treatment cures sloth Rico’s toothache at UK’s Chester Zoo

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Chester Zoo has made history with the world’s first-ever endodontic treatment on a two-toed sloth to address a painful toothache. Rico, the 25-year-old sloth, underwent the groundbreaking procedure with the help of expert veterinarians and dental specialists from Newcastle University. The zoo announced the achievement, saying, “World FIRST as Rico the sloth undergoes ground-breaking dental … Read more

From 250+ publications to digital innovation: 5 things to know about U of T’s new dentistry dean, Anil Kishen

Anil Kishen, a world-renowned innovator in the field of endodontics, has been appointed dean of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry. (Photo by University of Toronto/ Jeff Comber)

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry will welcome a new dean on July 1. Here’s what the dental community needs to know about Dr. Anil Kishen — a world-renowned endodontics researcher, advocate and educator with a passion for innovation and accessibility in oral health. 1. He’s a leader in endodontics and oral health nanomedicine … Read more

Review flags climate change as emerging threat to oral health, calls for more study

Aerial view of a charred landscape after a wildfire.

While the effects of climate change on general health are well documented, its specific impacts on oral health have been largely overlooked—until now. A scoping review published in BDJ Open in late March found that climate change is expected to have significant consequences for dental health and access to care. The review analyzed 10 peer-reviewed … Read more

White House correspondent to New York Times journalist: ‘No fluoride for our dear dinner guest!’

A screengrab from Natalie Winters’ video of her New York Times photoshoot at the restaurant.

Andrew Trunsky, a journalist with The New York Times, opened his April 11 feature on War Room White House correspondent Natali Winters with a dental-related anecdote. As a waitress began pouring tap water at Butterworth’s, a Capitol Hill bistro, Winters — also co-host of the War Room podcast with Steve Bannon — quickly asked for … Read more

Penn researchers develop plant-based drug to combat gum disease

Structural formula of quercetin (C15H10O7) written on a whiteboard. The plant compound is being studied for its potential role in treating periodontal disease.

Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine have developed a plant-based drug to help treat periodontal diseases, commonly known as gingivitis and periodontitis. The anti-senescence therapy, or “senotherapy,” consists of an enzyme inhibitor called dasatinib and a natural flavonoid plant compound called quercetin, the university said in a statement on April 11. “Our findings suggest that senotherapy … Read more

People react to oral hygiene tips by Canadian dentist and endurance runner: ‘Dang, I had no idea’

Photo of Arden Young winning the 2021 Quad Dipsea in 4:47:50, after finishing second in 2019. (Photo courtesy: Jeffery Stern/Twitter)

Canadian ultrarunner and dentist Dr. Arden Young recently shared oral health advice tailored for endurance athletes, sparking enthusiastic reactions online. Her Instagram post was partly a response to questions about the addition of bicarbonate in sports drinks made by the company Maurten. Ultrarunners—athletes who cover distances starting at 50 kilometres and extending to as far … Read more

Dentsply Sirona downgraded by Morgan Stanley as Canadian banks split on Henry Schein

National Bank of Canada more than doubled its stake in Henry Schein in Q4 of 2024. (iStock)

Morgan Stanley downgraded Dentsply Sirona Inc. on Tuesday, cutting its price target from US$21 to US$14 and moving the stock from “overweight” to “equal weight” as the dental sector faces growing pressures and investor caution. The downgrade comes amid a 21 per cent decline in Dentsply shares so far this year, underperforming both its health-care … Read more

Scientists grow human teeth in a lab for the first time to ‘revolutionize dental care’

Dr Ana Angelova Volponi holding a tooth

Scientists from King’s College London announced Monday they have grown human teeth in a lab for the first time. In their latest study, the King’s team—working with Imperial College London—developed a material that mimics the environment needed for tooth development. The material allows cells to communicate and send signals that initiate the tooth formation process. … Read more

National Dental Hygienists Week: A reminder that oral health is linked to overall well-being

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As links between oral and systemic health grow stronger, dental hygienists take centre stage in promoting a prevention-first model of care. April is Oral Health Month in Canada—a reminder that oral health is deeply connected to overall health. This year, dental hygienists are using the spotlight to highlight their expanding role in preventive care and … Read more

Are titanium micro-particles common around dental implants? A new study says, ‘Yes’

Titanium is the most commonly used material in dental implants due to its biocompatibility and durability.

Research has shown that titanium particles may occur in inflamed tissues around dental implants. But a new study, published in Communications Medicine, showed that titanium micro-particles are found at all examined implants, with or without signs of inflammation. Tord Berglundh, senior professor of periodontology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, told Medical Xpress that titanium … Read more

Dental stem cells offer promising new path to treat neurodegenerative diseases, Basque researchers say

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed neuron-like cells from dental stem cells, a discovery that could pave the way for new treatments for epilepsy and Huntington’s disease.

Stem cells from human dental pulp have been used to create neuron-like cells capable of generating electrical impulses—opening up new possibilities for treating conditions such as Huntington’s disease and epilepsy, according to researchers at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). The peer-reviewed study, published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, shows that these excitable … Read more

RFK Jr. says he plans to tell CDC to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday said he plans to tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide. Kennedy said he’s assembling a task force of health experts to study the issue and make new recommendations. Also on Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it … Read more

IDS Cologne 2025: How innovations are simplifying dentistry and enhancing patient care

Photo: Koelnmesse / IDS

The 2025 International Dental Show (IDS) made one thing clear: the future of dentistry lies in simplifying workflows for professionals to create a better, more streamlined experience for patients. With the rapid advancement of AI, 3D printing, and high-performance materials, the dental industry is rolling out smart, user-friendly solutions that enhance efficiency without compromising care. … Read more

Ontario dental programs help nearly 2,000 Grey-Bruce county residents access care

Grey Bruce Public Health has helped many residents access dental care, thanks to Ontario-funded programs.

Ontario-funded dental programs have helped more than 1,800 residents in Grey-Bruce access free dental care, local media reported Monday. Grey-Bruce, a region located roughly three hours northwest of Toronto, benefits from provincial programs such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, which cover routine and restorative services for children, youth and … Read more

Dental researchers are developing chewing gum to neutralize herpes and bird flu viruses

H5N1 and H7N9 are subtypes of avian influenza A viruses, which can cause bird flu. (iStock)

Researchers at Penn’s School of Dental Medicine, in collaboration with Finnish scientists, are developing a clinical-grade chewing gum to neutralize herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and two strains of influenza known to cause bird flu. Henry Daniell, W.D. Miller Professor at Penn Dental Medicine, and collaborators tested the ability of a chewing gum made from lablab … Read more

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WOlf Cam and Mister X Ray sensors has you covered: no more sensor or camera blackmail

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Dental Savings Club is a Canadian owned and operated family company committed to helping dentists cut costs on everyday dental products. Their secret recipe is that they sell directly to the dentist, eliminating the middleman and the middleman’s cost. Dental Savings Club has established relationships with some of the most popular and trusted manufacturers in … Read more

Mobile dentists bringing care to rural communities are making headlines in Canada and U.S.

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Dentists operating mobile clinics to serve rural residents are making headlines. One of them is Dr. Chris Bryant of B.C., who has spent the past three decades working primarily out of a modest-sized vehicle that looks like a regular bus but is, in fact, a mobile dental clinic. He operates in Sooke, a district municipality … Read more