Removing Some Types of Bacteria Key in Preventing Gum Disease

Removing Some Types of Bacteria Key in Preventing Gum Disease

Written by Dentistry Today
Friday, 10 February 2012 10:59

Eliminating certain bacteria is the key to preventing gum disease and tooth loss, according to a new study.

The bacterial access key may be a drug target for people who are more susceptible to gum disease. The study was published in the journal Microbiology.

One type of bacteria, Treponema denticola, builds up in communities to develop into dental plaque. This type of plaque generally results in bleeding gums and gum disease. It could eventually lead to periodontitis or tooth loss.

The destructive nature of Treponema denticola stems from the fact that it possesses a molecule on the surface, known as CTLP, that provides the bacterium the ability to thrive in the entire community, according to the University of Bristol. CTLP can cause major damage to the mouth when working with other bacteria.

This information may be helpful to many people based on the fact that periodontal disease and bleeding gums are common problems for pregnant women, elderly and diabetics.

Researchers can now target ways to counteract the effects of CTLP. If something of this nature were created, it would do wonders for people vulnerable to gum disease.

This study involving the impact of bacteria is the latest from Professor Howard Jenkinson, who specializes in studies of harmful oral bacteria. Jenkinson led this particular study.

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 22 February 2012 14:35

Live Blog Coverage from Chicago

 

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 22 February 2012 14:35

The Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, organized each year by the Chicago Dental Society, will be covered by the Dentistry Today video team in late February. We will be at the McCormick Center showcasing new product releases as manufacturers launch their latest developments. Our blog team will be on the floor interviewing manufacturers, clinicians, and key opinion leaders, capturing the flavor of this year’s meeting. To view these videos and write-ups during and after the meeting, be sure to check in regularly.

Live Blog Coverage

Spinning Toothbrush May Damage Teeth

 

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 27 February 2012 15:33

Spinbrush toothbrushes may not provide the best ways to clean teeth.

United States health officials warned that this electric toothbrush could result in major face or mouth injuries. Parts of the brush have been flying off and chipping or breaking teeth, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The brushes have also caused cuts to the mouth and gums, injuries to the face and eyes, and making people susceptible to choking on the broken parts.

These issues make it essential for parents to watch their children if they utilize these toothbrushes.

There are various models of the Spinbrush, which is made by Arm & Hammer, that could cause problems. These battery-powered toothbrushes come with replaceable heads. The heads are supposed to stay locked onto the toothbrush but that isn’t always the case according to the FDA. There have also been instances in which there are battery burns, cut lips and possibly bristles getting stuck in tonsils.

There have been other electric toothbrushes (Oral-B CrossAction Power and PowerMAX toothbrushes) in the past that have some of these issues, specifically a model in which the brush heads got loose in the mouth.

Health Canada, a Canadian health regulatory body like the FDA in the United States, added Colgate Motion Electric toothbrushes to the list of toothbrushes to pay attention to. These particular toothbrushes “exploded.”