Dental Caries Detection.

In a release on EurekAlert (10/5), SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, states that new research published in the Journal of Biomedical Optics describes a new method to detect dental caries with “inexpensive long-wavelength infrared imaging.” The study’s authors say the “low-cost” thermophotonic lock-in imaging (TPLI) tool would allow dentists to detect dental caries “earlier than x-rays or visual analysis.” According to the release, “The TPLI tool uses a long-wavelength infrared camera to detect the small amount of thermal infrared radiation emitted from dental caries after stimulation by a light source.”

        The Oral Health Topics on ADA.org offers a resource page on caries risk assessment and management to include discussion of caries detection and newer detection technologies. MouthHealthy.org also provides information for patients on caries.

ADA Responds To News Story Challenging Benefits Of Dental Flossing.

The ADA News (8/2, Manchir) reports that the American Dental Association has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners after the AP questioned the oral health benefits of flossing. “To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist,” the ADA said in the statement, adding that interdental cleaners, including floss, “are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” Business Insider (8/2, Brodwin) states that the AP report “comes in sharp contrast to recommendations from basically every major dental hygiene organization, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.” The article adds that experts say flossing helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, which can contribute to receding gums and gum disease.

        The New York Times (8/2, Louis, Subscription Publication) reports that there is “evidence that flossing does reduce bloody gums and gum inflammation known as gingivitis.” For example, “a review of six trials found that when professionals flossed the teeth of children on school days for almost two years, they saw a 40 percent reduction in the risk of cavities.”

        New York Magazine (8/2) adds, “This very intense investigation doesn’t mean flossing isn’t beneficial,” noting that a dentist for the National Institutes of Health encourages people to continue to floss, stating that “it’s low risk, low cost.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique, and also provides information on plaque.

ADA Responds To News Story Challenging Benefits Of Dental Flossing.

The ADA News (8/2, Manchir) reports that the American Dental Association has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners after the AP questioned the oral health benefits of flossing. “To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist,” the ADA said in the statement, adding that interdental cleaners, including floss, “are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” Business Insider (8/2, Brodwin) states that the AP report “comes in sharp contrast to recommendations from basically every major dental hygiene organization, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.” The article adds that experts say flossing helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, which can contribute to receding gums and gum disease.

        The New York Times (8/2, Louis, Subscription Publication) reports that there is “evidence that flossing does reduce bloody gums and gum inflammation known as gingivitis.” For example, “a review of six trials found that when professionals flossed the teeth of children on school days for almost two years, they saw a 40 percent reduction in the risk of cavities.”

        New York Magazine (8/2) adds, “This very intense investigation doesn’t mean flossing isn’t beneficial,” noting that a dentist for the National Institutes of Health encourages people to continue to floss, stating that “it’s low risk, low cost.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique, and also provides information on plaque.

ADA Responds To News Story Challenging Benefits Of Dental Flossing.

The ADA News (8/2, Manchir) reports that the American Dental Association has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners after the AP questioned the oral health benefits of flossing. “To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist,” the ADA said in the statement, adding that interdental cleaners, including floss, “are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” Business Insider (8/2, Brodwin) states that the AP report “comes in sharp contrast to recommendations from basically every major dental hygiene organization, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.” The article adds that experts say flossing helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, which can contribute to receding gums and gum disease.

        The New York Times (8/2, Louis, Subscription Publication) reports that there is “evidence that flossing does reduce bloody gums and gum inflammation known as gingivitis.” For example, “a review of six trials found that when professionals flossed the teeth of children on school days for almost two years, they saw a 40 percent reduction in the risk of cavities.”

        New York Magazine (8/2) adds, “This very intense investigation doesn’t mean flossing isn’t beneficial,” noting that a dentist for the National Institutes of Health encourages people to continue to floss, stating that “it’s low risk, low cost.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique, and also provides information on plaque.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling Not Supported By Scientific Evidence.

UPI (6/14, Feller) states that “coconut oil keeps coming back as a non-pharmaceutical remedy for just about everything,” adding that “there is disagreement, however,” on the reported benefits of the oil. Although some studies suggest “possible benefits” from adding coconut oil to the diet, “concepts like oil pulling and oil detoxes are based less on evidence than on traditional practices and beliefs.” The article states that “oil pulling is a traditional folk remedy” that involves swishing coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil in the mouth, and the purported benefits do not have “much scientific support.” In addition, “studies have shown oil pulling to be far less effective at cleaning the mouth than mouthwash.” The American Dental Association observes oil pulling also has “the risk for adverse health effects.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on oil pulling, noting that “based on the lack of scientific evidence, the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice.”

Selecting A Toothpaste With The ADA Seal Of Acceptance Recommended.

Money Talks News (5/9, Martin) provides tips for selecting a generic or store brand toothpaste, stating “the first thing to look for when evaluating the quality of a generic toothpaste” is the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The article states that the ADA Seal provides you with “assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs,” according to the ADA website. In addition, the article recommends selecting a fluoride toothpaste.

JADA Editorial Discusses Electronic Cigarettes.

In an editorial appearing in the September 2015 issue of The Journal Of The American Dental Association, Drs. Scott L. Tomar, Christopher H. Fox, and Gregory N. Connolly discuss electronic cigarettes, stating there is insufficient research at this time examining the health effects of e-cigarette use.

        In a throwback to the 1960s-era Mad Men days of unfettered and pervasive cigarette advertising on television and radio and the social norms of smoke-filled restaurants and workplaces, a new epidemic of tobacco product promotion and usage are filling the nation’s airwaves and public spaces. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have experienced a meteoric rise in sales since first entering the US market in 2007. Science and policy have been struggling to catch up.

        E-cigs are electrical devices that vaporize propylene or polyethylene glycol–based liquid solution into an aerosol mist containing various concentrations of nicotine. Shortly after these products entered the marketplace, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sought to regulate e-cigs as drug delivery devices because they are designed to deliver a pharmacologically active substance. Read the rest of the editorial in the September JADA.