Research Developed to Increase Cancer Knowledge

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 13 January 2012 12:34



New information will help scientists better understand cancer.

A research team can now learn more about oral cancer thanks to a 3-dimensional model of lab-made tissue that represents the oral cavity. Using this model, researchers discovered that the tissue can trigger something in the cell adhesion protein involved with the development of cancer.

The study was published in the January issue of Epigenetics.

This information indicates that drugs being tested for the purpose of treating cancer need to undergo more rigorous standards before being placed on the market. These new tissue-like systems can tell the researchers more than petri dish-type models.

The reason why this model is successful is because of the way the system triggers mechanisms that determine whether or not genes involved with cancer will be activated or not. The researchers were able to see the interaction between cells because of the tissue structure.

Invasion and metastasis happen when the cells break off from the main cancer site. Finding ways to treat cancers to bring back the protein E-cadherin is a vital method to limit the progression of cancer.

The research team included Teresa DesRochers, PhD, a graduate of the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts, and currently in the department of biomedical engineering at Tufts University School of Engineering; Jonathan Garlick, DDS, PhD, a professor in the oral and maxillofacial pathology department at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; Laurie Jackson-Grusby, PhD, associate in pathology at Children's Hospital, Boston, and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School; Yulia Shamis, MSc, a PhD student at the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences; Addy Alt-Holland, MSc, PhD, an assistant professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; Yasusei Kudo, DDS, PhD, and Takashi Takata, DDS, PhD, both of the department of oral and maxillofacial pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan; and Guangwen Wang, PhD, previously a fellow at Children's Hospital Boston, now a senior scientist at Stemgent.

Licorice Battles Bacteria That Causes Tooth Decay

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 18 January 2012 15:35



There are two substances in licorice that may be extremely beneficial to dentistry.

The substances, which happen to be used in Chinese medicine, kill the bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease. A study from theJournal of Natural Products states that they could successfully treat dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

The dried root that comes from the licorice is what does the trick, according to the studies. It will be great for people in China since it's a common substance in many forms of medicine. In the United States, however, the dried licorice root has been replaced by anise oil, something that is said to have to a similar taste.

In the past, dried licorice has been used to treat many health issues, such as respiratory and digestive problems. According to some modern science, however, it's unclear if the licorice actually works, and it may clash with other prescriptions or cause unwanted side effects.

Researchers wanted to analyze all aspects of the substances in the dried licorice to determine what factor is capable of killing bacteria.

There are two licorice compounds, known as licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, that were the most effective in eliminating bacteria. The substances killed bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease. The evidence was overwhelming that these substances were effective in treating oral issues.

Smoothies Can Cause Dental Problems

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 19 January 2012 14:49



Parents should stay away from allowing their children to drink smoothies.

The high acidity level in the smoothies is capable of resulting in dental problems. Even smoothies that claim to have a health value are actually causing a type of acid erosion.

Half of children around age 5 in some countries have shown signs of tooth wear, and the cause is the multitude fruit-based acidic drinks. The acid loosens up the enamel, making way for tooth erosion. The teeth are then more susceptible to damage and decay.

The problems stem from the fact that children aren’t drinking enough water. With so much access to fruit drinks, children are opting for those instead.

According to some dentists, children understand that consuming too many sweets is terrible for their teeth. The children, however, don’t understand the idea that fruit juices can have a similar type of negative impact.

The problem with fruit juice and smoothies stems from the fact that the pH level is in the range between 2 and 3. Any substance with a pH lower than 5 will attack the teeth.

This problem is pervading all groups of people, regardless of their economic means. To combat the issue, it’s essential for manufacturers of these types of drinks to show information about the possible effects of the products.

Consuming these drinks through a straw can limit the impact of the acidity, but that doesn’t completely nullify the impact of it.