Dentistry

Scientists find nine inflammation proteins indicating progression of gum disease in long-term study

by Oral Health
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As the link between oral and overall health becomes more established and well-known to doctors and patients alike, saliva kits are increasingly showing promise as preventive tools. To fine-tune these kits, scientists are researching saliva itself. Recently, Penn Dental Medicine announced that its researchers have identified nine inflammation proteins indicative of gum disease progression after … Read more

Tylenol and ibuprofen better at controlling pain than opioids, ‘landmark’ study shows

by Oral Health
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A clinical trial involving more than 1,800 patients found that those given a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) experienced less pain, better sleep, and higher satisfaction compared with those receiving the opioid hydrocodone with acetaminophen, according to a Rutgers Health study. Researchers at Rutgers University conducted a randomized trial on patients undergoing … Read more

U.S. surgeon general warns of alcohol-cancer link; study finds coffee, tea may lower risks

by Oral Health
Decaffeinated coffee also showed promise, lowering oral cancer risk by 25%.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on Jan. 3 over the direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. The advisory identifies alcohol as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, behind tobacco and obesity. “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases … Read more

Some federal retirees consider dropping private dental plan in favour of national CDCP

by Oral Health
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Some federal retirees have contacted CBC, saying they’re considering dropping their private plan under the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) in favour of the national plan rolled out last year. Frustration is brewing among approximately 325,000 federal retirees since the PDSP’s annual maximum coverage of $1,500 has remained unchanged since 2005. In contrast, the Public … Read more

Top 10 oral health news stories of 2024: A year of transformations in dentistry

by Oral Health
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The year 2024 has been an important one for dentistry in Canada, marked by groundbreaking studies, technological advancements, and evolving healthcare policies. With oral health increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of overall well-being, developments in the sector drew widespread attention and set the stage for future innovation. Here is a look at the top 10 … Read more

Top two AI trends in dentistry to watch in 2025 after this year’s breakthroughs

by Dina Al-Shibeeb
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Before exploring the top two trends anticipated for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dentistry, it’s worth reviewing AI’s significant advancements this year—revolutionizing diagnosis, predictive analysis, and personalized treatment Key advancements include AI-powered tools for implant planning and streamlining Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans, says Dr. Thomas Nguyen, DMD, MSc, Diplomate of ABP, FRCD(C). CBCT technology … Read more

AI avatars revolutionize training for University of Florida’s future dentists and nurses

by Oral Health
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University of Florida has launched a cutting-edge AI-powered simulation program, combining avatars and virtual reality, to train future dentists and nurse practitioners, Main Street Daily News reported. Dr. Michael Bumbach, clinical assistant professor at UF’s College of Nursing, spearheaded the initiative after recalling the challenges of entering the professional world without adequate practice in specialist … Read more

From robotics to tooth regrowth: Top 8 game-changing events in dentistry for 2024

by Oral Health
Perceptive's AI-driven robotic arm performing the world's first fully automated dental procedure.

The year 2024 will be remembered for its transformative milestones in dentistry, from groundbreaking technologies to significant policy shifts and innovations in dental medicine. Here is a concise recap of the top eight events that shaped the dental world this year: 1- First robotic dental procedure In July, U.S.-based company Perceptive announced the first fully … Read more

Finding shows 1.7 million Americans don’t have access to dental clinics within 30-minute drive

by Oral Health
There was a significant difference in spatial accessibility scores between rural and urban areas, with 1 dentist for every 3850 people in rural areas and 1 dentist for every 1470 people in urban areas.

A finding shows that about 1.7 million people in the U.S. did not have access to dental clinics within a 30-minute drive, and 24.7 million lived in dental care shortage areas. The analysis published on the JAMA Network on Dec. 23 made the finding after a cross-sectional study of 205,762 U.S. dentists. Access to dental … Read more

Ex-minister: More than 13,000 British soldiers can’t be deployed partly for not seeing dentists in six months

by Oral Health
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More than 13,000 members of the British armed forces cannot be deployed because they’re “not medically deployable,” a UK defence minister said Monday. Defence minister Al Carns said in response to a written parliamentary question that 13,522 are not able to be deployed due to medical conditions across the army, navy, and air force, while … Read more

U.S. researchers study tooth enamel at atomic level to understand why teeth get brittle as we age

by Oral Health
Tooth enamel study

Researchers from the University of Washington and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have examined the atomic composition of enamel samples from two human teeth—one from a 22-year-old and one from a 56-year-old. Their study, published in Communications Materials on− Dec. 19, found that the sample from the older individual contained higher levels of fluoride, particularly … Read more

Australian university study finds no link between fluoridated water and cognitive decline

by Oral Health
The report, based on an analysis of previously published research, marks the first time a federal agency has determined — “with moderate confidence” — that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids.

Could this study end the debate over whether fluoridated water causes cognitive decline? In an attempt to settle the debate over whether fluoridated water is safe as a public health measure, a new study by an Australian university reports no link between fluoridated water and cognitive decline. Starting in 2012, the two-year National Child Oral … Read more

123Dentist adds University of Toronto to its growing dental student series, offering hands-on mentorship

by Oral Health
the University of Toronto has joined other top Canadian universities in the program,

To bridge the gap between academia and practice, the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry has joined 123Dentist as the latest partner in its University Student Series, a national platform aimed at advancing dental education and mentorship. In a press release, 123Dentist announced that the University of Toronto has joined other top Canadian universities in … Read more

Ontario dentist’s license revoked for not disclosing criminal charges in evading Iran sanctions

by Oral Health
The dentists brother is scheduled a hearing on Feb. 25 to find out if he is going to be deported from Canada. (iStock)

Ontario has revoked the license of a dentist for not disclosing previous charges related to evading U.S. sanctions on Iran, a spokesperson from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) told Global News. Ontario resident Arash Yousefijam pleaded guilty in the United States in 2021 to running a scheme to dodge Iran sanctions … Read more

National Bank of Canada increased its stake in Align Technology by 25.7% in Q3

by Oral Health
A photo from Align Technology's LinkedIn page inviting dentists to its 2024 Invisalign™ Ortho Summit, taking place from October 31 to November 3.

National Bank of Canada FI increased its position in the San Jose-based dental manufacturer Align Technology, Inc. by 25.7% during the third quarter, as stated in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased an additional 8,338 shares during the quarter, bringing its total holdings to 40,826 … Read more

German researchers develop calorie-free, much sweeter sugar substitute that doesn’t cause cavities

by Oral Health
A single glass of cola (250 ml) contains 27 grams of sugar, exceeding the daily recommendation set by the WHO. The WHO recommends a daily intake of no more than 25 grams of sugar per person, equivalent to 5–10 teaspoons.

German researchers have developed a protein-based sweetener called X3 to support the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s (BMEL) initiative to reduce sugar content in processed foods and beverages. “One gram of the substitute is as sweet as approximately 10 kilograms of sugar,” explains Dr. Stefan Rasche, a scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular … Read more

Here’s where Canadian experts stand on fluoridating drinking water

by Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste work together to help prevent tooth decay

For decades, water fluoridation has played a key role in improving the oral health of North Americans, experts say, but the practice is coming under scrutiny in some communities as opponents gain new prominence in the U.S., pointing to research that cautions about the risks of exposure to the mineral in high doses. A low … Read more

Scientists use art like comics to share dental findings amid ‘intersectoral’ push to improve Quebecers’ health

by Dina Al-Shibeeb
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From probing a societal problem to sharing new scientific findings, a Quebec institute is another proof that the future of research is multidisciplinary and collaborative, especially amid a provincial government push for across-sectors work. Not only that, but the Quebec-based Intersectoral Network for Oral and Bone Sustainable Health Research (Réseau de recherche intersectorielle en santé … Read more

Fossil teeth and history: top 3 studies revealing human evolution starting from 1.7 million years ago

by Oral Health
Fossilized teeth and skull shown for illustrative purposes. (iStock)

From childhood growth to ancient beauty practices, three recent studies on fossil teeth offer new insights into human history, revealing aspects of our distant past and extending all the way to the present. Here are three key findings, in chronological order: 1. Evolutionary shift towards longer childhoods A study published in Nature analyzed the fossilized … Read more

Record numbers: 2024 is the highest in five years for foreign-trained dentists immigrating to Canada

by Dina Al-Shibeeb
Total number of dental professionals

Pratyusha Kondath landed in Toronto this summer from India as a foreign-trained dentist through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program under the Express Entry system. She is one of the 865 dental professionals Canada welcomed from January to August this year, according to figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The total includes dentists, … Read more