Researchers have generated a detailed multi-omics atlas of the human oral mucosa, revealing that the gingiva is organized into distinct immune zones that remain structurally intact even during inflammatory disease. The study, published Feb. 9 in Nature Immunology, describes a “remarkable immune zonation” at the tooth–gum interface, where a dynamic epithelium is underlined by a … Read more
Natural ingredients commonly found in consumer products are increasingly being recognized for their ability to fight tooth decay. Two recent studies highlight the potential of chamomile extract and a compound derived from maple to help prevent cavities. Maple compounds Researchers at the University of Wyoming reported in Microbiology Spectrum in early August that a non-toxic … Read more
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has finalized guidance for manufacturers of dental bone grafting material devices, with the goal of reducing reliance on animal studies. The document outlines recommendations to help manufacturers comply with special controls for these devices and increase transparency around animal testing. “The guidance also provides recommendations that may aid in … Read more
Engineers have developed a novel method to deliver vaccines without needles — using dental floss. In a study published July 22 in Nature Biomedical Engineering, researchers showed that vaccine-laced floss can deliver therapeutics through the junctional epithelium, a thin, porous tissue where the gums attach to the teeth, also known as the base of the … Read more
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping diagnostics in dentistry, but researchers at UT Health San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) are now exploring how AI could help evaluate and optimize dental composite materials. Their goal: to develop machine learning models that can accurately predict how commercially available dental composites—used in fillings … Read more
New York-based healthcare investment firm OrbiMed has invested a total of $85 million in Swiss company vVARDIS, known for its drill-free treatment for early tooth decay, the companies said in a recent statement. OrbiMed announced the closing of a $50 million funding round, adding to an initial $35 million investment made in February 2025. “After … Read more
As reports mount over high rejection rates and paperwork delays in the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), Health Canada says it is working to improve processing times and support dentists. On July 6, Canadian Affairs reported that Lindy Vanamburg, director general of the Oral Health Branch at Health Canada, said 49 per cent of … Read more
Hudson’s Bay employees have been told they won’t receive severance pay — and they’ve also lost their health, dental and life insurance benefits, The Canadian Press reported. A law firm representing the workers says that because of the company’s significant secured debt, it’s unclear whether employees will be able to recover anything owed to them … Read more
A rare complication tied to nitrous oxide caused the death of a nine-year-old California girl following a dental procedure, according to an autopsy report. Silvanna Moreno, a third-grader from Vista, Calif., died March 18 after undergoing surgery at Dreamtime Dentistry. An autopsy obtained by PEOPLE from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office listed her … Read more
Melissa Dunlay expected Jan. 30 would be like any other day. She got up, got her kids ready for school, and went to her dentist appointment at River Valley Dental Clinic in Saint John with her daughter. It was snowing that day, so she made her husband drive. But when Dunlay was leaving the dentist’s … Read more
A story 13WHAM first reported Monday continues to generate a lot of comments and interest. A Facebook post from an Irondequoit mother went viral over the weekend after being shared almost 7,000 times. Tuesday, it was shared more than 8,000 times. Tiffany Elliot took to Facebook Saturday, claiming she was shamed by dentist Dr. Robin Craig for … Read more
Researchers have found evidence that acupuncture could help people who experience dental anxiety. Dental anxiety affects up to an estimated 30% of the adult population in countries world-wide. Patients can experience nausea, difficulty breathing and dizziness at the thought of going to the dentist, during an examination, and following treatment. Reasons behind dental anxiety can … Read more
After a routine trip to the dentist, a Vancouver resident developed a deadly heart infection, as well as a bizarre, bulging lump on his right hand. The curious case was published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine by UBC doctors Bashaar K. Alibrahim and George Wharmby. The 27-year-old was diagnosed with endocarditis, an inflammation … Read more