Lori Roniger[email protected]Hygiene ToolsIs arginine the new fluoride?Previous studies have found that caries-free individuals have higher arginine levels in their saliva than those with caries and that using toothpaste containing the amino acid improves oral bacterial composition. Now new research suggests that arginine may play an important role in keeping oral biofilms healthy and preventing caries.July 20, 2017HomeCould a cannabinoid pill transform sleep apnea treatment?What if you could give your patients a pill to treat sleep apnea? Existing therapies for the condition have produced mixed results, and there is arguably an unmet need for more effective therapies. However, new research on the use of a cannabinoid antinausea treatment, dronabinol, for sleep apnea shows promise.July 16, 2017RestorationsHot or not? 5-year results for ceramic implant-supported crownsCAD/CAM-fabricated implant-supported single crowns made from lithium disilicate and paired with zirconia implants have proved to be successful in clinical studies. But how well do they hold up over the longer term and compare with other options? A new study reports results over a five-year follow-up period.July 12, 2017Hygiene ToolsCan symptoms help identify certain oral mucosal lesions?What's the best way to determine the type of oral mucosal lesion a patient may have? Can symptoms such as xerostomia and differences in saliva help distinguish oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions, and stomatitis in patients with or without contact allergies? Researchers sought to find out.July 10, 2017Dental HygieneSimple dental information is helpful for pregnant womenProviding patients with more information leads to better dental health, right? Not exactly. A new study found that giving pregnant women basic oral health information health was effective at improving their hygiene, but the addition of other interventions produced no further benefits.July 5, 2017Hygiene ToolsDo whitening toothpastes live up to the hype?What should you tell your patients when they ask if whitening toothpastes are effective? Are claims that they remove tooth stains or whiten teeth substantiated? To find out if toothpastes live up to the marketing hype, researchers reviewed the existing literature comparing the effects of whitening and regular toothpastes.June 29, 2017EndodonticsBioengineers develop novel strategy for pulp regenerationRoot canals can rob teeth of their natural biological response when infected tissue is replaced with synthetic biomaterials. To combat this problem, researchers have developed a method -- inspired by 3D printing technology -- for engineering prevascularized dental pulp that could be used in root canals of the future.June 28, 2017EndodonticsGetting to the root of dentinal defectsDo newer instruments for preparing root canals induce small dentinal defects that can lead to root fractures, or have improvements in nickel titanium alloys alleviated this potential problem? Since the evidence is unclear, a new study used microcomputed tomography to analyze dentinal defects in root canals prepared with various instruments.June 22, 2017Orofacial PainCan early-life family income influence lifelong dental pain?Lower socioeconomic status is known to negatively affect various health outcomes, but scant information is available on its relationship to dental pain. To learn more, researchers of a new study investigated the effects of family income early in life and parental education on dental pain in adulthood.June 18, 2017Orofacial PainWhich instruments are best for reducing post-endo pain?Do rotary or reciprocating instruments produce less pain for patients after endodontic treatment? The results of previous research have not produced a clear winner. Therefore, the authors of a new study performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to provide a definitive answer.June 13, 2017Previous PagePage 7 of 12Next PageTop StoriesLegal IssuesFormer orthodontist arrested for child exploitation againA former orthodontist who shuttered his practices in 2023 after he was arrested for child pornography has now been charged with U.S. child exploitation offenses.PeriodonticsThyroid hormone levels may predict gum diseaseDental HygieneRevolutionizing implant maintenance in dental hygienePatient CommunicationThe 80/20 rule of communication in the dental officePatient CommunicationDo’s and don’ts for making a great 1st impression
