NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Most people wouldn’t equate a dentist office visit with a diabetes diagnosis, but according to research presented today at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ 24th Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress, that’s one of the most logical places to be screened for the chronic disease.

“Our study confirmed that engaging a dental office in the detection of diabetes is an important and proactive means of screening for undiagnosed pre-diabetes and diabetes”

Taking advantage of the fact that most Americans regularly schedule visits with their dentist, more so than with their medical doctors, dental offices emerged as an innovative and effective means for diabetes screening – particularly pre-diabetes – through a survey with questions about a patient’s body weight, family history of diabetes, ethnicity and waist circumference. Also included, are facts about diabetes.

“The main emphasis of our study is prevention,” said Saleh Aldasouqi, MD, FACE, ECNU, chief of endocrinology at Michigan State University and one of the lead investigators. “Faced with the fact that there are 29 million Americans with diabetes, of whom 8.1 million people (27.8 percent) are undiagnosed, we saw an opportunity to alleviate the health and financial burdens of undiagnosed diabetes by way of the dental office.”

"The study consisted of 500 patients who completed the 14-question survey and subsequently agreed to a finger stick for A1C measurement. The results showed that 19.2 percent were diagnosed with pre-diabetes and 1.2 percent with diabetes mellitus.”

“Our study confirmed that engaging a dental office in the detection of diabetes is an important and proactive means of screening for undiagnosed pre-diabetes and diabetes,” added Dr. Aldasouqi.

Dr. Aldasouqi reviewed his finding at a media briefing on Thursday, May 14, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Music City Center, Media Room.

Gaining weight may increase a person's risk of gum disease, says a study.

The study looked at data from previous research. It included only long-term studies that focused on possible links between weight gain and gum disease.

The researchers found five studies that involved a total of 42,198 people. The studies showed that people who became overweight had a 13% increased risk of gum disease, compared with people who remained at normal weight. People who became obese had a 33% increased risk of gum disease, compared with those who did not become obese.

"Overweight" usually is defined as having a body-mass index (BMI) between 25.1 and 30. "Obese" is defined as having a BMI higher than 30.

The study appears in the May issue of the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. It was done by researchers in Brazil and South Australia.

Source: SimpleSteps Dental

Tallahassee, Fla. - Dental implant procedures are on the rise due to their esthetic appeal and high success rate. The dental implant and prosthetic market in the U.S. is projected to reach $6.4 billion in 2018, according the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s (AAID) Press Room. More than 30 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws and require an implant procedure. With the increasing demand for dental implants, The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) encourages consumers to stay informed about the quality of their restorations in order to avoid future health implications.

“The public needs to be aware that in most states, there is no disclosure of the materials or brands used in their dental restorations, like you would find in the surgical medical device industry,” said Gary Iocco, co-chair of the NADL Public Awareness Committee.

When a patient goes to the dentist and receives a treatment plan for implants, they might assume their dentist creates their restorations. However, dentists rarely oversee the manufacturing process. Instead, dental technicians in laboratories design the implant abutment, as well as create the overdenture or crown that will be placed on top of the implant.

According to a 2014 NADL Materials and Equipment Survey, more than 85 percent of dental laboratories provide custom milled implant abutments for their dentists. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, nearly 38 percent of dental restoration units are made overseas by foreign dental laboratories. Additionally, domestic laboratories remain unregulated in more than 40 states by their respective state boards of dentistry.

Given that more than 10 percent of all U.S. dentists place implants, NADL wants to make patients aware that most states don’t require disclosure of the materials used in their restoration. NADL created the "What's in Your Mouth" campaign to raise awareness of this issue.

Patients have the right to know where their restorations are from and the qualifications of the business that made the restoration. “What’s In Your Mouth?” suggests patients assess the quality of their restorations by asking their dentist these five basic questions:

1. What are the qualifications of the dental technician that will create my restoration? Are they a Certified Dental Technician? 

2. Is the laboratory you work with certified and by whom? 

3. Where is your dental laboratory located? 

4. What patient contact materials are in the restorations you are prescribing for the treatment plan? 

5. How does your dental practice ensure that it is not using misbranded or grey market dental implant parts?

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week released statistics on the high prevalence of dental caries (cavities) among U.S. adults, and the numbers are sobering.  Ninety-one percent of Americans over 20 have had cavities at some point in their lives. Notably, the agency reports that 27 percent of adults over 20 haveuntreated caries.

"Despite all the advances in our ability to prevent, detect and treat dental disease, too many Americans—for a variety of reasons—are not enjoying the best possible oral health," said ADA President Dr. Maxine Feinberg. 

Dr. Feinberg noted the substantially greater rates of untreated disease among African Americans (42 percent) and Hispanics (36 percent), saying, "The disproportionate rates of disease among some minorities is particularly disturbing and underscores the need for greater outreach to these underserved populations."

According to the ADA Health Policy Institute, dental care utilization in 2012 was at its lowest level among working age adults since the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey began tracking dental care use in 1996. Adults who do not plan to visit a dentist in the next 12 months most frequently cite cost and the belief that they do not need dental care as reasons.  

Responding to the continued need to improve the nation's oral health, the ADA in 2013 launched Action for Dental Health, a nationwide, community-based movement to provide care now to people who already suffer from untreated disease, strengthen and expand the public/private safety net and increase dental health education and disease prevention.

Dr. Feinberg emphasized the ADA's belief that prevention is the ultimate answer to eliminating the vast majority of dental disease.

"We know that prevention works.  While it is critical to treat disease that has already occurred, the public health community needs to increase its focus on proven means of preventing it," she said.  "Community water fluoridation, sealant programs for children, teaching people how to take care of their families' teeth and gums, and getting the greatest possible number of children and adults into dental homes are the keys to better oral health for everyone.

"We are doubling down, and we urge the broader health care community, federal, state and local officials, the private sector—everyone with a stake in a healthier, more productive nation—to join us." 

Amherst, NY - Ivoclar Vivadent issued a press release congratulating Robert A. Ganley, CEO, on his 35-year anniversary with the company. As a leader throughout the dental industry, Ganley’s unique vision has propelled Ivoclar Vivadent ‘s growth and expansion. With a passion for providing quality esthetic dentistry, Ganley’s leadership has led to the development of premier all-ceramic restorative materials, including IPS e.max, as well as comprehensive digital solutions for dental laboratories and dental practices. This and other Ivoclar Vivadent products continue to change esthetic restorative dentistry, enabling greater predictability, enhanced esthetics, and longer-lasting restorations.

“I have been fortunate to be surrounded by great people,” Ganley said. “That’s what makes this company so special.”

Under Ganley’s direction, Ivoclar Vivadent has grown significantly, with 3,200 employees now working worldwide in 120 countries. His leadership has enabled Ivoclar Vivadent to remain a worldwide leader in dentistry.

“Our goal is to create innovative products and solutions that create opportunities for our customers,” Ganley added. “We do this by simply listening to the needs of our customers.”

Ganley earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics and a graduate degree in business administration. In 1980, he joined Ivoclar Vivadent as a Vice President and was named President of Ivoclar Vivadent North America in 1990. In 2003, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ivoclar Vivadent Worldwide in Schaan, Liechtenstein. As the global CEO of Ivoclar Vivadent, AG, Ganley is responsible for the worldwide business of Ivoclar Vivadent. He spends half of his time in Europe and half in North America.

“It is a great honor and privilege to be part of the Ivoclar Vivadent network of companies," he said.  “Let’s see what the next 35 years has in store.”

Ivoclar Vivadent has donated $100,000 for emergency relief and assistance in the re-establishment of dental health services. 

As an expression of solidarity and a contribution to helping the people left destitute by the earthquake in Nepal, Ivoclar Vivadent has pledged $100,000 for immediate aid to the Red Cross, which is helping the survivors at the disaster scene.

In addition, Ivoclar Vivadent is in contact with its local representative and the Nepal Dental Association and will provide sustained assistance in the re-establishment of dental services in the country.

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. A powerful quake of 7.8 magnitude struck parts of the country April 25, killing more than 7,000 people and causing extreme devastation. It was the strongest earthquake to hit the Himalaya region in more than 80 years. Earlier this week, Nepal was hit again by a series of earthquakes.

A new study performed by J.B. Ludlow and J. Koivisto has found that dentists can reduce the amount of patient radiation from Planmeca ProMax CBCT products without losing the diagnostic quality of images*. This research is published in the April issue of Journal of the International Association of Dental Research.

Researchers from University Of North Carolina School of Dentistry tested the imaging units to determine if reduced radiation exposure would result in a reduction in diagnostic quality of CBCT images taken. Dose values were noted using various combinations of field size and exposure parameters necessary for children and adult settings in typical orthodontic diagnostic practices using the Planmeca ProMax CBCT Ultra-Low Dose protocol. According to Planmeca, its ProMax units are designed to reduce patient radiation; this helps dentists comply with the ALARA principle of radiation exposure (also known as “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”) and the Image Gently campaign, which emphasizes the importance of imaging at a lower dose for pediatric patients.

The study examined images taken using the ProMax’s CBCT Ultra-low Dose protocol with standard exposures. Images were taken at 24 locations in a 10-year old child phantom in addition to an adult phantom, with multiple exposures made for each imaging location. Dosimeters were read three times and dosimeter values were adjusted for sensitivity of dosimeters to affect kV or X-ray source.

The study found that using the Ultra-Low Dose (ULD) protocol resulted in an average of 77% reduction in radiation exposure when compared with standard imaging protocols. The researchers also found that while the imaging methods reduced radiation exposure, they found no “statistical reduction in image quality between ULD and standard protocols, suggesting that patient doses can be reduced without loss of diagnostic quality.”

“In my opinion, the ULD images acquired by the Planmeca ProMax in this study meet the standards of the ALARA radiation safety principle as well as the Image Gently campaign,” comments Dr. Jack Fisher, professor of dentistry and orthodontics at Vanderbilt University School of Dentistry. “Why would anyone take a 2D image with this amount of exposure when they can get a 3D image with excellent diagnostic quality at an ultra-low dose of radiation?”

The study was supported, in part, by a grant from the NIDCR.

*According to “Dosimetry of Orthodontic Diagnostic FOVs Using Low Dose CBCT Protocol.” For copies of this study, please contact Planmeca at (855) 245-2908.

EHIME, Japan – Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with bone defects by a number of studies. New research from Japan has now provided additional evidence that it may also be involved in the development of tooth decay, according to Dental Tribune. In a study of 1,210 Japanese mother–child pairs, scientists found that dental caries was less prevalent in children whose mothers had a higher vitamin D intake during pregnancy.

In the study, researchers collected information on maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy using a diet history questionnaire. In addition, the children underwent oral examination at 36–46 months of age and were classified as having dental caries if one or more primary teeth had decayed or had been filled.

Overall, the analysis indicated that higher maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy may be associated with a lower risk of dental caries, as children whose mothers took more vitamin D had fewer cavities.

According to the researchers, maternal nutrition status affects pre- and post-natal development of children, including formation and mineralisation of children’s teeth.

The study, titled “Higher vitamin D intake during pregnancy is associated with reduced risk of dental caries in young Japanese children”, was published online on 18 April in the Annals of Epidemiology ahead of print.

Medical News Today reports that soft drinks are the most significant factor in severity of dental erosion, according to a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry. The study finds that a substantial proportion of adults show some evidence of dental erosion, with the most severe cases being among people who drink sugary soft drinks and fruit juices.

Examining 3,773 participants, the researchers found 79% had evidence of dental erosion, 64% had mild tooth wear, 10% had moderate tooth wear and 5% displayed signs of severe tooth wear. The participants in the study with moderate and severe tooth wear consumed more soft drinks and fruit juices each day than the other groups.

To read the full MNT article, click here.

Syracuse, NY – Aspen Dental will be donating $20,205 to The Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) as part of a program that contributed $5 for each ViziLite^® oral cancer screening conducted at Aspen Dental practices in April – officially known as Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Aspen Dental – one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S. with nearly 500 practices across 30 states – conducted an overwhelming 4,041 screenings last month.

Since 2010, Aspen Dental has donated more than $83,000 to OCF.

"What many don’t realize, is that oral cancer kills more people in the U.S. than other more widely known forms of cancer, including: skin, lymphatic, thyroid, and cervical cancers,” said Natalie Riggs, Director of Special Projects for The Oral Cancer Foundation.

"April is a month to call attention to the perils of this disease through the joint collaboration of offices throughout the country providing oral cancer screenings. These events are imperative for early discovery to take place and to create public awareness. We are thankful to Aspen Dental for their support with our mission related projects, making it possible to continue our efforts to decrease the number of newly diagnosed patients and support those that it does affect.”

According to OCF, approximately 43,250 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2015. Of those newly diagnosed individuals, just over half will be alive in five years. Sadly, this disease will cause more than 8,000 deaths this year, killing roughly one person per hour.

Oral cancer however can be identified early through screenings. It is frequently preceded by an identifiable pre-malignant lesion and can be diagnosed at a much earlier stage (I or II) with ViziLite^® Plus, a specially designed light technology.

“Unfortunately many patients are not familiar with the risk factors or symptoms that serve as warning signs of oral cancer,” said Dr. Melissa Thompson, lead dentist and owner of three Aspen Dental offices in Massachusetts. “In April, we met with many patients who were previously unaware of traditional oral cancer screenings, but were eager to have them done and learn more about the risk factors associated with oral cancer. We hope that our efforts helped to educate those about the importance of early detection.”

To learn more about oral cancer screenings, visit the OFC website at https://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/how_do_you_know.html.

About Aspen Dental

Dentists and staff at Aspen Dental practices believe everyone has the right to quality, affordable oral health care. As one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of independent dental care providers in the U.S., local Aspen Dental practices – nearly 500 of them across 30 states – offer patients a safe, welcoming and judgment-free environment to address their dental challenges. Every Aspen Dental-branded practice offers a full range of dental and denture services – including comprehensive exams, cleanings, extractions, fillings, periodontal treatment, whitening, oral surgery, crown and bridge work – allowing patients to have the peace of mind that they are taken care of and protected, so they can focus on getting the healthy mouth they deserve. In 2014, Aspen Dental-branded practices recorded more than 3.4 million patient visits and welcomed nearly 750,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental practices are supported by Aspen Dental Management, Inc., a dental support organization