平塚哲二、パットに苦しみスコア伸ばせず…2位に後退

2011年07月30日17時36分




リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア1 池田　勇太 -14
2 平塚　哲二 -13
3 K・アフィバーンラト -11
4 井上　忠久 -10
5 丸山　大輔 -9
6 松山　英樹 -8
岩田　寛 -8
J・チョイ -8
9 S・コンラン -7
K・バーンズ -7


順位の続きを見る





スコアを伸ばせず2位に後退した平塚哲二（撮影：岩井康博）








＜サン・クロレラ クラシック　3日目◇30日◇小樽カントリー倶楽部(7,471ヤード・パー72)＞

　国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」。2位に4打差をつけて3日目を迎えた平塚哲二だったが、この日は3バーディ・3ボギーとスコアを伸ばせずトータル13アンダーでホールアウト。トータル14アンダーまでスコアを伸ばした池田勇太に単独首位の座を譲り渡した。

【関連ニュース】勇太“64”で首位浮上も「誰が勝つか知ってるのは神様だけ」

　この日の平塚は常にボギーが先行する苦しい展開。「バーディを取り返したと思ったら、またボギーが出て」。伸ばして行きたいホールでは「ついたところが難しかった」難しい位置に切られたピンに対し突っ込みすぎたことで、難しいラインばかりが残りスコアを伸ばしていくことが出来なかった。

　それでも2日間の貯金が生きて最終組はキープ。「16番、18番と耐えられたんで。明日につなげられたかな」首位とは1打差とまだまだ優勝は狙える位置だ。「相手は勇太とアフィバーンラトだからね。グッといかれると20アンダーくらい行くかもね。ついていくように頑張ります」。全英オープンから痛めた左手首痛も回復傾向でショットの不安は薄れつつある。気持ちを切り替えてスコアを伸ばしていくのみだ。


【3日目の順位】
1位：池田勇太(-14)
2位：平塚哲二(-13)
3位：キラデク・アフィバーンラト(-11)
4位：井上忠久(-10)
5位：丸山大輔(-9)
6位T：松山英樹(-8)※
6位T：岩田寛(-8)
6位T：J・チョイ(-8)
9位T：片岡大育(-7)他4名
14位T：藤本佳則(-7)他3名※

※はアマチュア

＜中間速報＞池田勇太が首位をキープして後半へ！

2011年07月31日12時41分




リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア優勝 池田　勇太 -14
2 平塚　哲二 -13
3 J・チョイ -10
4 ドンファン -9
K・バーンズ -9
6 キム・ヒョンテ -8
岩田　寛 -8
井上　忠久 -8
松山　英樹 -8
K・アフィバーンラト -8


順位の続きを見る


＜サン・クロレラ クラシック　最終日◇31日◇小樽カントリー倶楽部(7,471ヤード・パー72)＞

　国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」の最終日。首位スタートの池田勇太が、前半でスコアを1つ伸ばしトータル15アンダーで首位をキープしている。

　3打差の2位はトータル12アンダーの平塚哲二、トータル9アンダー3位タイにはアマチュアの松山英樹ら4選手がつけている。

＜速報＞池田勇太が今季初優勝！

2011年07月31日16時53分




リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア優勝 池田　勇太 -14
2 平塚　哲二 -13
3 J・チョイ -10
4 ドンファン -9
K・バーンズ -9
6 キム・ヒョンテ -8
岩田　寛 -8
井上　忠久 -8
松山　英樹 -8
K・アフィバーンラト -8


順位の続きを見る


＜サン・クロレラ クラシック　最終日◇31日◇小樽カントリー倶楽部(7,471ヤード・パー72)＞

　国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」の最終日。首位スタートの池田勇太が、4バーディ・4ボギーでまわりトータル14アンダーで今季初優勝を挙げた。

　1打差の2位は平塚哲二、3位にはJ・チョイ(米国)が入った。

【最終結果】
優勝：池田勇太(-14)
2位：平塚哲二(-13)
3位：J・チョイ(-10)
4位T：ドンファン(-9)
4位T：カート・バーンズ(-9)
6位T：H・T・キム(キム・ヒョンテ)(-8)
6位T：岩田寛(-8)
6位T：井上忠久(-8)
6位T：※松山英樹(-8)
6位T：キラデク・アフィバーンラト(-8)

※はアマチュア

池田勇太、今季初優勝！苦しみながらも土壇場で勝負強さ発揮

2011年07月31日17時25分




リーダーズボード
順位 選手名 スコア優勝 池田　勇太 -14
2 平塚　哲二 -13
3 J・チョイ -10
4 ドンファン -9
K・バーンズ -9
6 キム・ヒョンテ -8
岩田　寛 -8
井上　忠久 -8
松山　英樹 -8
K・アフィバーンラト -8


順位の続きを見る





相性のいい北海道でツアー通算9勝目を挙げた池田勇太（撮影：岩井康博）










＜サン・クロレラ クラシック　最終日◇31日◇小樽カントリー倶楽部(7,471ヤード・パー72)＞

　国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」。トータル14アンダーの単独首位からスタートした池田勇太が苦しみながらも逃げ切り今季初優勝。ツアー通算9勝目で来週からスタートする「WGC-ブリヂストン招待」、「全米プロゴルフ選手権」の米国2連戦へ弾みをつけた。

勇太“64”で首位浮上も「誰が勝つか知ってるのは神様だけ」

　3日目の“64”から一転この日は“72”のパープレー。数字からもこの日苦しんだのが見て取れる。「本当に運に見放されてると思った。バンカーに入れば目玉だったり、アゴが近かったり。ガマンしかないとキャディとも話していた」7番でバーディを奪ってからは、まさにガマンの展開。13番では3パットでボギー、続く14番ではセカンドがバンカーで目玉となりボギーを叩くと、15番で序盤のトリプルボギーから盛り返してきた平塚哲二に並ばれた。

　しかし、「今日は平塚さんはしつこいだろうと思っていた。キーは平塚哲二だと」覚悟を決めて最終日に挑んでいた池田にあせりはなかった。勝負どころの17番で5メートルを沈め一歩抜け出して最終ホールを迎えると、最終18番では先に打った平塚がカップをなめるスーパーショットで1メートルにつけたのに対し、「動揺とかはなかった。俺も打てば寄るだろって感じだった。冷静でしたね」185ヤードを6番アイアンでピン手前1.5メートルにピタリ。苦しんだ今大会でも抜群の勝負強さを発揮して優勝をもぎ取った。

　「嬉しいし、優勝も決まったけど、物足りなかったね。もうちょっと平塚さんとやりたかった」この日は池田も平塚も上がりホールに来てようやくエンジンがかかってきただけに、これから面白くなるところでの終戦に複雑な思いもあったが、何をおいてもこれで待望の今季初勝利。「あんまり早期ではないけど1勝出来て良かった。これで2勝、3勝と続けて4勝以上を目指したい」年間最多勝、そして賞金王という目標を掲げて臨んでいる今季。今大会が大爆発の第一歩となるか。

【最終結果】
優勝：池田勇太(-14)
2位：平塚哲二(-13)
3位：J・チョイ(-10)
4位T：ドンファン(-9)
4位T：カート・バーンズ(-9)
6位T：H・T・キム(キム・ヒョンテ)(-8)
6位T：岩田寛(-8)
6位T：井上忠久(-8)
6位T：※松山英樹(-8)
6位T：キラデク・アフィバーンラト(-8)

Poor Oral Health Could Lead to Pneumonia

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 03 January 2012 12:09



There may be a connection between poor oral health and pneumonia, according to Yale University.

The study shows that changes in the mouth resulting from bacteria could lead to pneumonia, according to Dr. Samit Joshi from the Yale University School of Medicine. Older people are also at a higher risk of developing pneumonia.

The study involved 37 participants who were analyzed throughout the course of a month. The research indicated that people who were on ventilators who developed pneumonia went through a major change to their oral bacteria before becoming sick.

The connection between illnesses involving the respiratory system and oral health has been discussed for years. The reason is bacterial infections in the chest stem from breathing droplets from the mouth and throat that seep into the lungs. Also, the more gum issues a person has, the greater the chance of death from pneumonia.

Basic dental care and maintaining good oral health can make the connection between oral bacteria and pneumonia irrelevant to a person.

This information could eventually be beneficial to the way pneumonia is treated

Possible Solution to Dry Mouth Exists

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 05 January 2012 16:18



There may be a way to aid dry mouth condition.

A new battery-powered mouthguard was created to fix this problem. The mouthguard fits over the lower arch of the teeth and enables the production of saliva thanks to little electric shocks. This device is necessary because dry mouth impacts 20 percent of people older than 50.

This device could be extremely helpful because of the importance of saliva in digestion and fighting against bacteria. A healthy person can generate three pints of saliva per day but there are many people that don’t produce enough. The result is the condition of dry mouth, known as xerostomia. The condition usually stems from some kind of medication or cancer treatment.

This new mouthguard is custom designed for each person and triggers saliva production by way of electric shocks. Each patient controls the device and can be worn for up to 10 minutes every hour.

The device can be beneficial for people who developed dry mouth from Parkinson’s Disease and Sjogren’s Syndrome. More tests are on the way.

Scientists have also created mint disks with Xylitol in them, which are thought to aid dry mouth. The disks are applied at night. They melt while the person is asleep and studies from the University of Washington indicate a reduced impact of dry mouth symptoms with one week.

Baby Bottles Result in Tooth Decay

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 06 January 2012 16:36



One of the top causes of tooth decay is a baby bottle, according to dentists.

Tooth decay remains a major problem for babies. There’s now evidence that shows baby bottles are one of the major reasons decay develops.

About two out of five children beginning kindergarten have at least one decayed tooth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s disappointing for dentists because this is an issue that can easily be prevented.

Many parents put children to bed with substances full of sugar, including fruit juices, milk, formula and breast milk. This sugar opens the possibility for the bacteria that develops into tooth decay.

When the baby’s teeth start to emerge, the child is already at risk for tooth decay based on the amount of bacteria present. Giving the child water is a solution to this issue.

It’s also common for the caregiver to unintentionally pass on bacteria to the child. Sharing utensils with your child is a surefire way for the baby to eventually develop tooth decay.

When a baby has untreated tooth decay, a dentist may have to pull the teeth because there are times when the teeth cannot be salvaged. That’s why dental visits for babies are just as important as they are for adults.

New Test Could Enable Dentists to Detect Oral Cancer Faster

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 17 April 2012 15:20



It’s possible that it may take only 20 minutes to diagnose oral cancer.

The new test involves the dentist collecting stem cells from the patients’ mouths and then utilizing a computer program to analyze the diagnosis one way or the other. The whole process takes 20 minutes, light years ahead of the current methods, which include taking a biopsy and then awaiting the results from a lab. The results may not be in for roughly two to three weeks.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom and researchers from Rice University have been working on a two-year trial. If the trial is a success, the new method will first be utilized in the UK.

The test uses small sensors and biologic agents that are attached to a portable machine. The actual testing device, known as lab on a chip, is about the size of a credit card. The test can be used in dental practices, providing dentists with the opportunity to test for oral cancer at their practice. The patients wouldn’t have to be anxious about the results for a period weeks and, instead, could learn the results that day.

There are 275 people who have signed up for the trial in the UK. There were 20 of those patients that tested positive for oral cancer and didn’t know they had the disease. The current rate of survival for oral cancer (50 percent) may receive a huge increase because of this test. Early treatment of oral cancer can result in about a 90-percent survival rate.

Professor Martin Thornhill, one of the leaders of the study, thinks the test will become a standard part of dentistry in the UK during the next five years. The test is useful because it can test patients who come in for a basic dental checkup or those patients that have an ulcer, a lesion or some reason to suspect they may have oral cancer. Oral cancer can be confirmed or ruled out in a matter of minutes based on this test.

Gums Suffer as People Age

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 19 April 2012 07:36



It has recently become clearer why gum health declines with age.

Queen Mary, University of London, along with research teams in the United States, put together a comprehensive study on why gum disease rises with age. The information appeared in Nature Immunology and explained that a decrease in the chemical Del-1 played a major role in gum problems.

The research teams want to learn as much as possible about Del-1 and the way it impacts the rest of the body’s immune system.

Periodontitis is a major problem that results in bleeding and bone loss. When people age, they are more susceptible to diseases and gum problems, such as gum disease.

This research was generated from a study of mice. The researchers concluded that an increase in gum disease in the older mice was associated with a drop in the Del-1 levels. This protein holds back the immune system by preventing white blood cells from sticking to the mouth tissue and attacking it.

Mice that were without Del-1 tended to develop severe gum disease and had elevated levels of bone loss. There were also more white blood cells in the gum tissue. The amount of white blood cells dropped after the gums were treated.

This information could lay the foundation for new treatment or prevention methods for gum disease.

Oral Cancer Detection May Become Easier

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 19 April 2012 12:57



A new saliva test may soon make the lives of many people much easier.

A Michigan State University surgeon is collaborating with a dental benefits firm on a trial that would perfect this oral cancer-detecting saliva test. It would make things much simpler for the tester and it would increase the effectiveness of the screening process, meaning more people would be accurately diagnosed with oral cancer and they would be diagnosed sooner in the process.

A professor in the College of Human Medicine Department of Surgery, Barry Wenig, and Delta Dental of Michigan Research and Data Institute will select 100 to 120 patients with white lesions or growths in their mouths to be part of the study.

The researchers will be looking to pinpoint the signs associated with oral cancer. If the saliva test was created, it would enable dentists and physicians to know which patients could avoid surgery.

This is so essential because only about 60 percent of oral cancer patients live more than five years after being diagnosed.

Wenig and the researchers recently worked with a team of UCLA colleagues, who are working on saliva tests for other forms of cancer. The whole key to the saliva test is that all the patient would have to do to generate a sample is spit in a cup—it doesn't get much easier than that.

A secondary benefit that would transpire if the test is successfully created is that healthcare costs could be lowered based on the fact that the number of biopsies would decrease.

Scientists Say No Link Exists Between Gum Disease

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 20 April 2012 09:44



Any link between gum disease and heart problems is coincidental, according to a panel of researchers.

The 13 researchers stated that the link between heart problems and gum disease simply doesn't exist based on their extensive research. Many recent studies have concluded that a link does actually exist.

The panel analyzed 500 studies and the basic conclusion was that the people that developed gum disease and heart problems stemmed from the fact that the diseases have similar risk factors.

There are several studies that show that there's a link between the two but the evidence isn't the greatest to make the case. There are also many studies that are inconclusive about the topic.

The more likely reason for people with gum disease developing heart problems is based on lifestyle factors. People that make a concerted effort to take care of their health are less likely than people who take less of interest in their health to develop problems.

Regardless of what conclusions research teams make, it doesn't change the fact that good oral health leads to good overall health.

Beverage Choice May Lower Diabetes Risk

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 07 June 2012 15:37



Breaking news: there is no downside to one’s health if a person’s drink of choice is water.

A study was conducted by a research team at the Harvard School of Public Health, however, to quantify the ways in which water was better than soft drinks. Women who consistently drink water instead of fizzy drinks have a much lower chance of developing diabetes. The goal of this study was determine the exact benefit of drinking water.

The researchers examined data from more than 83,000 women in the United States during a 12-year period.

The study looked at the diet and overall health of the women. About 2,700 ended up developing diabetes. Water consumption had no impact on diabetes but the study indicated that replacing one soft drink with water lowered the diabetes risk by about 7 to 8 percent.

The research, led by Dr. Frank Hsu, also showed that unsweetened tea and coffee are healthier choices then soft drinks or energy drinks.

The study appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Dental Hygiene to Blame for Komodo Dragon's Bite

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 08 June 2012 10:29



The bite of the Komodo dragon is known as one of the deadliest bites among all animals.

The reason why is now clear. It has nothing to do with sharp teeth or anything of that nature. Instead, it's the horrendous dental hygiene and a mouth filled with infectious bacteria, enabling the animal to kill prey rather easily.

The researchers also claim that the infectious bacteria spread though groups of the dragons, which makes the community as a whole more dangerous. The researchers from the University of Texas concluded that the bacteria spread by prey that isn't killed.

On average, there are 58 strains of bacteria located in the saliva of the Komodo dragon. About 93 percent of that is considered to be pathogenic. One species of bacteria, called Pastuerella multocida, killed mice after the mice were injected with the bacteria.

The Komodo dragon is the world's largest dragon, and they can grow as long as nine feet. The dragons inhabit five small islands in Indonesia. Their bite allows them to kill animals much larger than they are.

Dentists Urge People to Avoid Brushing Directly After Eating

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 08 June 2012 11:31



Brushing too soon after eating can have devastating effects.

This message sometimes can be misunderstood. Dentists urge people to clean their teeth and brush twice each day to prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. But research shows that brushing too soon after eating could do a great deal of harm when done repeatedly over time.

Dentists recommend waiting at least one hour to brush after eating.

Brushing less than 20 minutes after eating causes damage to the teeth, especially when the food or drink consumed was something sugary or acidic. The sugar and acid cause damage to the enamel, which exposes the dentin and leaves the teeth open to decay and sensitivity.

According to information from the Academy of General Dentistry, brushing too soon after eating may push acid from food or drinks deeper inside the teeth. It then reaches the enamel and dentin, and the dental problems ensue.

Teeth corrode faster if brushed within 30 minutes of drinking an acidic drink, according to research. Many trials indicated that when teeth are brushed anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes after consuming food or drinks that the results were similar to when brushing is done with more of a gap between eating/drinking and brushing.

Neanderthal Tartar Shows Insight Into Early Humans

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 19 July 2012 14:05



The first example of self-medication has been discovered after a study of Neanderthal dental tartar.

Dental tartar collected from a sight in the northern part of Spain indicated that the ancestors of humans gathered around fires to cook plants, with the goal being to create medicinal potions, in addition to food. This was about 50,000 years ago.

The research shows that Neanderthals consumed various types of food. Prior findings suggested the Neanderthals ate meat, but this research demonstrates that they ate plants as well.

A research team from the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies and a research team from the University of York compiled the data on tartar from five Neanderthals. The research included chemical tests and an investigation under and electron microscope.

The study showed that there was cracked tartar, which signifies that the Neanderthals cooked plants before eating them. The study also concluded that the plants were wood-smoked.

There wasn’t much protein in their diet, meaning these particular Neanderthals didn’t consume as much meat as others. There was one Neanderthal that showed signs of eating yarrow and chamomile, which were thought to be an anti-inflammatory.

Growing Teeth May Soon Be Possible

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 20 July 2012 14:16



A group of researchers have made a discovery that could eventually lead to the regrowth of teeth.

A research team in the group of Irma Thesleff at the Institute of Biotechnology in Helsinki, Finland recently discovered a marker for dental stem cells. The discovery was made after locating a transcription factor on the mouse front tooth.

The transcription factor Sox2 is specifically present in the stem cells of the mouse incisor. This tooth grows throughout one’s life thanks to the stem cells located at the base of the tooth.

The research team managed to create a way to record the movement, division and specification of these cells. Sox2 positive stem cells also enable enamel-forming ameloblasts and other lineages of the tooth to exist.

Human teeth are similar to mouse teeth in that the mechanisms to regulate growth is the same, even though human teeth don’t grow continuously. That’s why this could be a pivotal discovery for tooth regeneration.









This finding, however, doesn’t necessarily mean the ability to regenerate tooth is right around the corner. A detailed recipe is necessary and many factors have prevented tooth regeneration from happening at this point in time.

Dental Visits May Lead to Diabetes Detection

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 23 July 2012 15:44



A prediabetes diagnosis can be made during a basic dental visit.

The information comes from a recent Columbia University College of Dental Medicine study. The study appeared in the Journal of Dental Research.

The research could have a major impact for people that develop Type 2 diabetes. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes comes mainly from a bad diet. If it’s detected early, it will be prevented from progressing into a more serious problem.

The study analyzed the information from 530 adults that had at least one of the risk factors for diabetes. The patients then received a periodontal exam and a hemoglobin test. The patients returned for a plasma glucose test to determine whether or not they had diabetes.

The ability to determine whether or not the patient had diabetes was as simple as looking at two factors. The number of missing teeth and the percentage of deep periodontal pockets were all it took to determine if someone had prediabetes or diabetes. The algorithm was even more effective after adding the hemoglobin component.

The reason this information is so important is because periodontal disease is one of the first complications that stems from diabetes.

There are now more than 25 millions Americans that have diabetes. More than 90 percent of the cases are Type 2 diabetes.

Dentist Fesses up to Drug Addiction, Gives up License

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 05 September 2012 15:53



The dentist that reused syringes came clean about his drug addiction.

Dr. Stephen Stein gave up his license to practice dentistry as well. He also signed a Stipulation and Final Agency Order, after which he conceded that he’s been addicted to drugs for some time now.

By surrendering his license, Stein will have the chance to apply for a new license in two years. If he is lucky enough to receive a new license, it will be linked to the old license in public records.

According to the investigation, Stein’s drug addiction caused him to seek help in the summer of 1998. The Board of Dental Examiners did not become of aware of this until June 2011 when an anonymous complaint was filed against Stein.

Stein’s addiction included Vicoprofen and Vicodin. He wrote prescriptions for the drugs and asked the patients to bring the medication to their appointments. During this time, he would take the drugs for his personal usage.

Three people may have been infected by Stein. This was after the Colorado Department of Public Health mailed letters advising that 8,000 patients should be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The dentistry board voted to suspend Stein earlier this year. During the process, the board did not state the length of time in which Stein had been using drugs. In 2005, Stein called in a prescription under a patient’s name and proceeded to the pharmacy to pick up the drugs and use them. There likely were times when Stein practiced dentistry while impaired.

The misusage of syringes was the main findings of the board. Stein has yet to be charged with any criminal offense.

Some Bacteria may Develop Ability to Move within Mouth

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 06 September 2012 15:26



A new study indicates that some bacteria may be capable of grow an appendage and swimming to a new area. This activity has recently been seen in marine sponges.

This information is applicable to dentistry because it may aid the way harmful bacteria in the mouth are understood. It’s possible that the bacteria in the plaque on teeth and in other areas of the body could be treated in a different, more advanced manner.

Bacteria have the ability to communicate with other bacteria. When a critical mass of bacteria is present in a certain area, an appendage known as a flagellum appears and finds a way to swim to a new area. A new biofilm can then develop.

All things considered, there are more bacteria on earth than all other forms of life combined. The more that is understood about bacteria, the more chance there is that the bacteria will be combatted in a more educated way.

This new study by scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Indiana University, and University of Colorado Denver’s School of Medicine, appears in the September issue ofMolecular Microbiology.

Some Foods May Boost Oral Health

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 07 September 2012 14:41



At this point, it’s clear that acidic drinks and sugary foods have a negative impact on your teeth. But there are some foods and beverages that could aid your oral health.

Foods such as salmon, quinoa, basil, onions, broccoli and mushrooms will most likely make sure your oral health stays the way it should.

Salmon is high in omega 3 oils, which enables it to prevent inflammation.

Basil could be considered a natural antibiotic, meaning it lowers the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

Quinoa is rich and protein and calcium. This characteristic gives it the ability to keep teeth and bones strong.

Onions possess a sulfur compound that can combat Streptococcus bacteria.

The iron in broccoli forms a protective barrier against tooth decay.

Shitake mushrooms limit the ability of plaque to get caught in the teeth and gums, while fruits high in vitamin C could be considered natural tooth whiteners.

By sticking with these foods instead of foods high in sugar, one can ensure that good oral health is maintained.

Domestic Violence Victims Get Tooth Makeovers

Domestic Violence Victims Get Tooth Makeovers

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 12 November 2012 16:14

Dentists are doing what they can to help domestic violence victims.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is using its charity, known as Give Back a Smile Programs, to reconstruct the victims’ mouths thanks to the dentists who are volunteering their time.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1.5 million people have been abused by their partners. The abuse may result in tooth injuries, as well as mental or physical harm.

Fixing the teeth of domestic abuse victims is a way to enable them to get back self-confidence. When domestic abuse victims are unable to smile with confidence, it may adversely affect the rest of the person’s life.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation began in 1999 and has been helping domestic violence victims since.

University of Utah to Add Dental School

University of Utah to Add Dental School

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 13 November 2012 16:18

The University of Utah plans to finish what it started.

The school is going forward with plans to build Utah’s first public dental school, even though there are some people against the move. Officials just announced the location for the school, which will be named after donors Ray and Tye Noorda.

Many local dentists don’t think there is a necessity for a dental school in that area. The dental school, however, will be a less expensive choice for dental students in Utah. It will also aid the community clinics with dental treatment, which will be provided by students close to graduating.

The dissension stems from a privately run dental school that recently opened in the area. The Roseman University of Health Sciences in South Jordan will produce 64 dentists in 2015 and 80 dentists the following year.

A 2006 survey of Utah dentists showed that 95 percent of people familiar with the dental trade thought the local dental market was saturated. A different study, however, indicated that there were 56.8 dentists for every 100,000 people in Utah that year, which was a decline of about five dentists since 2002. The national average at that point was 59.8 dentists for every 100,000 people.

There could be other issues for these new dental students, such as the amount they owe after graduation.

But the new program has already received 175 applications for the 20 positions in the first year. The interest is certainly there.

At this point, the University of Utah has a contractual agreement with Creighton University to help students interested in studying dentistry. With the new dental school, this arrangement will end.

The only states in the vicinity of Utah with a dental school as of now are Arizona, California and Nevada.

Construction of the school will commence early next year and is expected to be completed in late 2014.

Link Exists Between Obesity and Poor Dental Health for Homeless Children

Link Exists Between Obesity and Poor Dental Health for Homeless Children

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 14 November 2012 16:27

Obesity and dental cavities become worse as impoverished children grow older, according to a new study.

The researchers determined that as body mass index went up as children got older, the numbers of cavities increased as well. Groups at the Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron conducted the research. The information appeared in the Journal of Pediatric Health.

The research was compiled after analyzing data from 157 children, aged 2 to 17, at an urban homeless shelter. Most of the fathers were not in the picture.

BMI was used as the determining factor for obesity. The cavity total was determined based on missing, filled or injured teeth. Few previous studies in the United States have pinpointed this correlation between obesity, poverty and dental health.

The information from this study indicated that number of obese people and poor oral health cases have just about doubled since 1980, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The problems for impoverished people when it comes to dental health are plentiful. The lack of access to healthy food, the inability to refrigerate food and the lack of running water in some instances are some of the issues. There is also the possibility of spreading gum disease and other oral diseases by sharing spoons, baby bottles, toothbrushes, etc.

Those problems don’t even include the inability to receive dental treatment. And even if the possibility for dental treatment exists, transportation to get to the appointment may not be available.

There is no fast or easy solution to ending these problems.

Pet Dental Health Awareness Need to be Raised

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 06 February 2013 16:25



Most people don’t realize they are neglecting an important aspect of their pet’s health. But more needs to be done to make sure a pet receives the dental care it requires.

That’s why veterinarians and animal dentists are trying to spread the importance of this in February, which is Pet Dental Health month. Some animal dentists may even offer discounted pet checkups this month.

The American Animal Hospital Association states that about 85 percent of cats and dogs age 3 and older suffer from some kind of gum disease. Animals, like humans, need to visit the dentist on somewhat of a regular basis, at the very least. Neglecting dental visits may lead to gingivitis, tooth pain, infection or even tooth loss.

The problem for these pets is that most pet owners are unaware their pet is at risk for these problems.

Some studies indicate that only 1 percent of pet owners brush their animal’s teeth and provide them with the chance to use chews and special toys to maintain solid oral health.

If more people become aware of the importance of a pet’s oral health, fewer pets will encounter dental issues.

Being Overweight May Have Connection to Gum Disease Risk

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 07 February 2013 12:26



Obesity may have some unforeseen effects.

An article that appears in the January/February issue of General Dentistryindicates that obesity may be a risk factor for gum disease.

The correlation stems from the fact that obese people produce a higher level of cytokines, which are proteins with inflammatory properties. These cytokines then injure the gum tissues or lower blood flow to the gum tissues, making way for gum disease.

Half of all Americans 30 and older are impacted by gum disease. Gum disease also produces a high level of cytokines, resulting in a larger amount of inflammatory proteins in the bloodstream. Gum disease eventually initiates other inflammatory diseases throughout the body.

Visiting the dentist a regular basis is the best way to detect gum disease or to determine whether or not a person is at a higher risk for gum disease. Removing plaque and brushing regularly will also aid in this process.

More research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between obesity and gum disease.

Minnesota Bill May Increase Dental Reimbursement Rates

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 11 February 2013 16:31



Minnesota may enact sweeping changes to dental reimbursement rates.

The Minnesota Dental Association is in favor of new legislation that would update the Minnesota Medical Assistance base reimbursement rate to 75 percent of the 2011 median dental fee schedule.

If this update were to occur, it would be the first time the reimbursement rate would be updated in almost 15 years.

“The proposed legislation would bring dental fee reimbursement rates in line with current dental fee schedules,” Michael Flynn, president of the MDA, said in a press release. “The current rate of reimbursement for MA providers is based on the 1989 fee schedule, which is woefully inadequate for providers striving to meet the needs of Minnesota’s public program patients.”

This legislation was created to fix the current system in place because many new medical assistance patients are going to enter the system based on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

There’s no timetable on when the new legislation would come into effect.

Remineralizing Agents Have Minor Impact After Whitening

Remineralizing Agents Have Minor Impact After Whitening

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 28 March 2013 14:48

Using remineralizing agents doesn’t necessarily help teeth recoup their enamel after whitening procedures.

A new study indicates that following in-office teeth whitening with 35 to 38 percent hydrogen peroxide, the teeth generally don’t regain their enamel.

There are several studies that show bleaching with large quantities of hydrogen peroxide can change the makeup of the enamel.

This information appears in Acta Odontologica Scandinvica.

To compile the data, the research team bleached 60 bovine incisors with hydrogen peroxide containing 35 percent calcium or calcium-free 35 percent hydrogen peroxide. The teeth were later exposed to artificial saliva, sodium fluoride gel or a nanohydroxyapatite-based agent.

The makeup of the enamel was then studied after 24 hours and 14 days after treatment. People that were exposed to the nanohydroxyapatite-based agent showed the highest microhardness after 24 hours. The microhardness level, however, was not the same after 14 days. Also, the morphology for all of the samples after 14 days showed many abnormalities.

Cells May be Capable of Growing Human Bone

Cells May be Capable of Growing Human Bone

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 03 April 2013 10:16

Plans are being made for an innovative study.

The first known human trial using embyronic-like stem cells from adult cells to grow bone cells will be happening soon. The cell technology, referred to as VSEL stem cells, come from adult cells, not fetuses. The distinction is important because it absolves the study from any possible ethical dilemmas.

The research will be conducted by the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and NeoStem, a New York-based company.

The research team believes that these stem cells have the ability to create a minimally invasive method to speed up painful bone regeneration for dental patients and other people that have experienced bone trauma.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s role will be in the area of patient care, while NeoStem will be provide the cells.

Before the teeth are extracted, the researchers house the cells before NeoStem makes sure the samples aren’t tainted in any way. The VSEL stem cells are then separated from the person’s other cells. This ensures that the purest samples are used for the study.

The people in the control group for the study receive their own cells instead of the VSEL stem cells. After the new bone grows, the research takes out a portion of it for studying.

The University of Michigan has taken the necessary steps to file patent protection for the VSEL stem cells.

If this study is successful, it will provide many benefits, including disease treatment, based on the embryonic-like stem cells that will be produced for each patient.

Oklahoma May Expand Tests if Dentist Spread Disease

Oklahoma May Expand Tests if Dentist Spread Disease

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 08 April 2013 09:17

Oklahoma health officials are looking at many options after an oral surgeon’s unsanitary conditions.

Medical tests will be considered for W. Scott Harrington’s patients’ spouses and sex partners if the lab results reveal the spread of hepatitis or AIDS.

It’s not common for these infections to be spread through a dental practice. Nevertheless, Tulsa and Oklahoma health departments are recommending blood tests for signs of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV for all of the patients. Around 1,500 had done so as of last Wednesday.

The Tulsa Health Department stated the many spouses and significant others were seeking medical testing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded just three instances when infectious diseases spread in a dental office.

The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry filed a complaint with 17 counts against Harrington. The board said his clinics in Tulsa and Owasso disregarded basic safety practices mandatory by law.

For more information about the initial story, view last week's Wednesday Watch.

Based on information from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry, Harrington’s practice included patients with infectious diseases.

Despite the regular appearance of Harrington’s office, his employees used rusty instruments on patients known to have infections, reused drug vials without changing needles and unlicensed assistants sedated patients. Drugs in the office were also outdated and there was uncertified sterilization equipment that was at least 6 years old.

Health officials looked through Harrington’s office after investigating the case for one of his patients. This patient had a hepatitis C infection.

The board wanted to stress how rare this case is and how well the dental profession manages infection control overall.

Rainforest Substance May Sooth Toothache

Rainforest Substance May Sooth Toothache

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 29 April 2013 15:15

An ancient Incan remedy may have some practical value today.

The rainforest remedy has made it through the first two stages of clinical trials on its way to being utilized to thwart dental pain.

An anthropologist from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom spent time with the Keshwa Lamas people in the Peruvian rainforest. After spending time there, Dr. Francoise Barbira-Freedman pushed for the substance to undergo clinical trials.

The remedy comes from the Acmella Oleracea plant and has fared well thus far. The plant source is transformed into gel form for medical usage and the goal will be to reduce some anesthetic usage in the future.

The treatment has been put through some trials for five years. As of now, there are no side effects that have been identified. The drug is now in the third stage of the trials and could be ready for usage some time in 2014.

Freedman first thought this remedy could be used as early as 1975, when it was first used on her after her wisdom teeth were causing here some pain.

If everything checks out fine, this remedy could be a revolutionary treatment in dentistry. It may limit the number of injections people have to have—or maybe end them entirely. More research on this remedy is necessary to get a full understanding of its impact.

Success Rate of Tooth Implants Rises

Success Rate of Tooth Implants Rises

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 01 May 2013 08:51

People with a bone deficiency may be in luck.

Researchers at the Universitat Jaume I in Castellon, Spain have created an implant coating with biodegradable material. This will serve to increase the success rate of implants. At the same time, the total time of osseointegration will be lowered.

The goal of this new material is to enable some people to go about their normal lives faster than they can now. For some people, the implant could take months to be anchored to the jawbone.

This material works by releasing silicon compounds during degradation, serving to promote bone generation.

Some of the testing included in vitro testing with cell cultures of various biomaterials and, eventually, live animal evaluation. This was done until the desired results were feasible. The next part included clinical evaluation to create sanitary products that can be marketed within a few years.

This research is necessary because not replacing a tooth creates other problems, like altering one’s bite line. Periodontal diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis also may be an issue. As a result, it’s essential to replace the tooth as quickly and effectively as possible.

New Information Reaffirms Fluoride’s Benefits

New Information Reaffirms Fluoride’s Benefits

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 03 May 2013 15:07

New research backs up what many already knew: fluoride is beneficial in fighting tooth decay.

The report shows that fluoride works by making an impact on the adhesion force of bacteria that get caked on teeth and generate cavity-causing acid. The new information was determined after experiments concluded that fluoride lowers the ability of the bacteria to stick to the teeth. The bacteria can be washed away through brushing, saliva or other methods.

The information appears in the journal Langumir.

The controversy regarding fluoride’s positive or negative impact has raged on for years. Still, many previous studies have indicated that fluoride strengthens the enamel coating that protects teeth from acid. Fluoride has also been shown to harden a thin layer of enamel.

More studies on fluoride and its impact on teeth will continue to be conducted.

How Effective is Mouthwash?

How Effective is Mouthwash?

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 18 June 2013 14:50

Mouthwash may not work as well as many studies claim.

A recent clinical study in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry analyzed this issue. It showed that mouthwash did slightly reduce the risk of gum disease.

To compile the data, 139 participants were divided into two groups. The first group was told to use mouthwash while the other group was given a placebo to gargle with. The results concluded that the group using mouthwash had better oral health than the group that used the placebo.

Research, however, has shown that mouthwash can aid in lowering the risk of oral disease and bad breath but only by a marginal amount. The most important thing regarding oral health is to brush twice each day for at least 2 minutes.

Issues arise when people think they can use mouthwash in lieu of brushing.

For those people who brush on a regular basis and visit the dentist frequently, there may be no tangible oral health benefit for utilizing mouthwash.

Link May Exist Involving Tooth Loss, Memory Loss

Link May Exist Involving Tooth Loss, Memory Loss

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 21 June 2013 12:14

If you have trouble remembering things, there may be a reason.

New research shows that tooth loss may cause people to have memory issues. The researchers determined that people with fewer natural teeth don’t have the same ability to recall events as people with a higher number of natural teeth.

The information appears in the online publication the European Journal of Oral Sciences and was conducted by research teams in Norway and Sweden.

These problems stem from fewer signals being sent to the hippocampus section of the brain, the part responsible for memory. The impulses are supposed to be stimulated by movement of the jaw and teeth, but aren’t in these cases of memory loss.

The logic of this theory makes sense because with fewer teeth, the teeth and jaw are not moving as often.

Based on the research from the study, there’s a direct correlation between the number of teeth and the performance on memory tests. The way this was determined was from people recalling memories, certain information and facts.

The study included 273 people between the ages of 55 and 80. The average number of teeth per person was 22—10 fewer than the full amount.

People with most of their own teeth were 4 percent likelier to have a better memory than their counterparts. This number was determined based on numerous factors.

New Blood Test May Revolutionize HPV Diagnosis

New Blood Test May Revolutionize HPV Diagnosis

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 25 June 2013 14:10

A new blood test may prove pivotal in oral cancer diagnosis.

This new test looks for antibodies in the human papilloma virus. These antibodies are associated with throat and mouth cancer and may eventually be used to pinpoint if the virus is present or not years before oral cancer would develop, according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO researchers proposed the idea that the blood test may give doctors the ability to screen for HPV, which would obviously lower the risk of developing oral cancer in the future.

The study appears in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Based on previous information, it was unclear whether or not antibodies were present in the bloodstream before cancer cells could be detected.

If the information from the study proves to be true, doctors and dentists would have the ability to pinpoint the patients most at risk. It would also be possible for screening devices to be developed to enable doctors and dentists to make an oral cancer diagnosis before the patient reaches the later stages of the disease.

Many previous studies have determined that HPV is a major risk factor for oral cancer and may be the reason why more young people are developing the disease. Smoking and drinking are some of the other risk factors. Throughout the world the amount of cases of oral cancer has risen drastically during the last several years.

Gingival stem cells offer potential for use in tissue regeneration

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Stem Cell Research
Article Date: 23 Jul 2013 - 0:00 PDT

 email to a friend    printer friendly    opinions   

Current ratings for:
Gingival stem cells offer potential for use in tissue regeneration

Patient / Public:		5 (2 votes)
Healthcare Prof:

The International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) have published a paper titled "Gingivae Contain Neural-crest- and Mesoderm-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells." The paper, written by lead author Songtao Shi, Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA, is published in the Online First portion of the IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research.

Gingivae represent a unique soft tissue that serves as a biological barrier to cover the oral cavity side of the maxilla and mandible. Recently, the gingivae were identified as containing mesenchymal stem cells(GMSCs). However, it is unknown whether the GMSCs are derived from cranial neural crest cells (CNCC) or the mesoderm.

In this study, Shi and his team of researchers demonstrated that around 90 percent of GMSCs are derived from CNCC and 10 percent from the mesoderm. In comparison with mesoderm MSCs (M-GMSCs), CNCC-derived GMSCs (N-GMSCs) show an elevated capacity to differentiate into neural cells and chondrocytes as well as to modulate immune cells. When transplanted into mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, N-GMSCs showed superior effects in ameliorating inflammatory-related disease phenotype in comparison with the M-GMSC treatment group.

Further research is required to understand the interaction between the neural crest cell derived and mesoderm derived gingivae mesenchymal stem cells (N-GMSCs and M-GMSCs) in terms of their functional roles in gingival immune defense and wound healing.

"The tooth and surrounding tissues are a rich source of stem cells, and this JDR manuscript demonstrates that gingivae contain highly proliferative stem cells from two different embryonic origins and that these cells exhibit distinct behaviors," said JDR Associate Editor Jacques Nör. "These results suggest that gingivae, an easily accessible tissue, are an attractive source for stem cells that can be used in tissue regeneration."