StemSave reaches out to FOH group
StemSave, which specializes in stem cell recovery and cryo–preservation, recently partnered with Hu–Friedy's online dental hygiene community, Friends of Hu–Friedy (www.friendsofhufriedy.com), to offer continuing education on the role dental professionals can play in both the recovery and future use of stem cells.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health discovered powerful adult stem cells in the dental pulp of baby teeth, impacted wisdom teeth and healthy permanent teeth. Stem cells from teeth can be manipulated to grow into many different cell types.
StemSave is a collaborative effort between stem cell researchers and the dental community to provide families and individuals a cost–effective, non–invasive methodology for the recovery and cryopreservation of valuable stem cells residing within the pulp of healthy teeth for future medical therapies. For more information, visit StemSave.com.
ADA, Crest study consumer patterns
The American Dental Association and Crest/Oral–B recently unveiled the findings from a public survey on the country's oral health care. The national survey gathered opinions such as:
- Americans agree that taking care of one's mouth, teeth and gums is "absolutely needed" (80%).
- Yet, only one–third of Americans say they do an "excellent" job of taking care of their mouth, teeth and gums (33%), and fewer still say their oral health is "excellent" (26%).
American parents report enforcing good, but not excellent, oral health habits in their children. However, one in four parents still say their children do a "fair" or "poor" job of taking care of their teeth.
Only about one American in three (37%) says he or she is completely happy with his or her own smile, and nearly one in five say they avoid having their picture taken because they are self–conscious about their smile. The report can be downloaded and viewed at the download center at www.dentaleconomics.com.
Companies explore dry mouth solution
Parion Sciences, Inc. of North Carolina, and Kainos Medicines, Inc. of South Korea, announced in late October an agreement to co–develop Parion's proprietary epithelial sodium channel blocker, P–552, for the treatment of dry mouth associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome.
In a Phase I/II clinical study completed in April 2008, P–552 was found to be safe and tolerable in subjects with primary Sjogren's disease. The study demonstrated promising results in several key quality–of–life parameters including mouth dryness, mouth comfort, and ability to sleep.
Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) blockers such as P–552 are unique therapeutic agents developed to maintain and stimulate hydration on the body's mucosal surfaces, including those of the mouth.
GSK to acquire Biotene
GlaxoSmithKline recently announced that it reached an agreement with Laclede to purchase Biotene. The transaction is subject to regulatory review by competition authorities in the United States and Europe, and is expected to be completed by early 2009. Biotene had global sales in 2007 of around $50 million.
Fluoride foes claim election victory
Fifty–three cities rejected fluoridation in referenda held in four states on Nov. 4, according to the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) (www.fluorideaction.net).
The Nebraska legislature, at the urging of organized dentistry, passed a law last April to require all Nebraska cities with populations over 1,000 to add fluoride chemicals into water supplies. FAN said 49 Nebraska cities said "no thanks" on Election Day.
Corning, N.Y., residents passed a citizen–initiated referendum to rescind their city council's right to decide the issue for them — effectively halting fluoridation. A pro–fluoridation dentist raised $100,000, mostly from dental organizations, to fund the "fluoridation scheme." According to the network, Corning joins 15 other New York communities that have rejected fluoridation in past years.
Fluoridation apparently was also voted down in Prairie du Chien, Wis.; and Jackman and Moose River, Maine.
FAN Executive Director Paul Connett, PhD, said, "This is not surprising considering 23 studies now link fluoride exposure to lowered IQ."
GSK issues report on hypersensitivity
A team of academic leaders has issued a new report, "Consensus–Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis & Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity," in October to help clinicians define, diagnose, and treat the condition. The report was issued after recent research showed that many dental professionals believe the condition is on the rise, but that patients are not routinely screened for dentin hypersensitivity.
The report's authors, Drs. Connie Drisko, David Pashley, Franklin Tay, Van Haywood, and Marie Collins state that modern lifestyles are leading to an emerging set of dental concerns, including gingival recession and acid wear, both of which contribute to dentin hypersensitivity.
Findings from the report also include:
- The condition affects as many as 57% of dental patients and peaks between 20 and 40 years of age
- Traumatic tooth brushing in an otherwise healthy dentition is often undiagnosed and can lead to dentin hypersensitivity
- The modern acid–containing diet is increasing the prevalence of acid wear
- Prevention of dentin hypersensitivity is the most cost–effective treatment option
