＜速報＞池田勇太が単独首位！松山英樹は6位タイに浮上

2011年07月30日15時43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


＜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)＞

　北海道にある小樽カントリー倶楽部を舞台に開催中の国内男子ツアー、「サン・クロレラ クラシック」は3日目の競技を終了。トータル6アンダー4位タイからスタートした池田勇太がスコアを8つ伸ばして単独首位に浮上した。

　池田勇太は前半でスコアを2つ伸ばすと後半で爆発。10番から13番まで3連続バーディ、14番パー5ではイーグル、15番でもバーディと5ホールで6つ伸ばして一気に首位にリーダーズボードを駆け上がった。

　1打差の2位には2日目まで首位に立っていた平塚哲二。他の選手がスコアを伸ばす中、この日はイーブンパーに終わり順位を落としてしまった。3打差3位にはタイの新鋭、キラデク・アフィバーンラト、4打差4位には井上忠久がつけている。アマチュアの松山英樹は池田と同じくスコアを8つ伸ばしトータル8アンダーで昨日の40位タイから6位タイに大幅に順位を上げた。

松山英樹、6位タイに浮上！遼のレコードタイ逃すも“64”の大爆発

2011年07月30日16時35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





松山英樹、ダイナミックなスイングで10番パー5では2オンに成功（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」の3日目。予選カットのプレッシャーから解き放たれた松山英樹が怒涛の猛チャージをみせた。「出だしバーディ、バーディでいって楽になりました」INコース、いわゆる裏街道からスタートした松山は、10番、11番と連続バーディを奪う幸先の良い立ち上がり。12番はボギーとしたものの、ここから猛チャージがスタートする。

【関連ニュース】松山英樹、驚異の粘りで予選通過【2日目】

　14番、15番と連続バーディを奪うと、ハーフターン後の4番、5番、6番と3連続バーディ。さらに、8番でバーディを奪って迎えた最終9番は、約280ヤードを2メートルのイーグルチャンスにつける。決めれば昨年石川遼が叩き出した“63”というコースレコードにならぶイーグルパットは惜しくも外れたが、最後もきっちりバーディ締め。1日で8つスコアを伸ばす猛攻でトータル8アンダー6位タイにまで浮上した。

　ラウンド前に東北福祉大の阿部監督から設定された目標スコアは“68”。しかし、「そんな気はさらさらなくて、普通に回ろうとしていた」と気負うことなくラウンドに入った。ドライバーはフェアウェイを思うようにとらえられなかったが、そこからのアイアンショットがこの日は抜群に切れた。ラフからでもグリーンをしっかりとらえると、得意のパッティングで次々とカップに沈めた。“64”は単独首位に立った先輩の池田勇太と並ぶベストスコア。これには池田も「ボードを見て、なーにやってんだあいつは」と驚きを隠せなかった。

　「久しぶりにこんなに楽しいラウンドが出来た」勢いに乗ってラウンドしている中でリーダーズボードを目にすると、同じ東北福祉大の先輩・藤本佳則も伸ばしているのが目に入った。「先輩に勝ちたいんで、良いスコアで回りたい」気合いを入れ直すと、終盤さらにギアを上げてその先輩を上回る圧巻のスコアを叩き出してみせた。「順位を見ても上に来ているので、明日も同じようなプレーが出来たらいいなと思います」。首位とは6打差に開いているものの順位は並み居るプロを押しのけ6位タイ。スーパーアマチュアがまた新たな歴史を作る。

スーパーアマは松山だけじゃない！藤本佳則が6アンダー14位タイ

2011年07月30日16時40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





松山英樹と同じ東北福祉大の藤本佳則が14位Tに浮上！（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」の3日目。東北福祉大の松山英樹が“64”、同校OBの池田勇太も“64”を叩きだし単独首位と躍進する中、現在の東北福祉大ゴルフ部主将である藤本佳則がこの日4つスコアを伸ばし、トータル6アンダー14位タイに浮上した。

【関連ニュース】松山英樹、6位タイに浮上！コースレコードタイ逃すも“64”の大爆発

　藤本は出だしの1番、3番とボギーを叩くも、そこから6バーディを奪取。「メーカーにワガママ言って作ってもらった」というドライバーから放たれるティショットはフェアウェイをしっかりとらえ、安定感のあるプレーで上位に浮上した。

　いかつい風貌とは裏腹に、東北福祉大の先輩の池田や阿部監督からは「いつもかわいがってもらってます(笑)」というイジられキャラ。そんな中で鍛えられた強心臓は折り紙つきだ。「監督も北海道に来ているし、頑張らなアカンので。とりあえず、トップ10を目指して頑張りたいですね」相性の良さを実感している小樽で大器が花開くか。


【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

勇太“64”で首位浮上も「誰が勝つか知ってるのは神様だけ」

2011年07月30日17時03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





後半で爆発し単独首位に立った池田勇太。13番イーグルでこのドヤ顔！（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)＞

　北海道にある小樽カントリー倶楽部で開催されている、国内男子ツアー「サン・クロレラ クラシック」の3日目。池田勇太がこの日“64”を叩きだしトータル14アンダーで単独首位に浮上した。

【関連ニュース】松山英樹、6位タイに浮上！“64”の大爆発

　前半はバーディチャンスを多く作りながらもパッティングが決まらないガマンの展開。それでも2つスコアを伸ばして迎えた10番でバーディ、さらに「大きかった」という11番で8メートルの長いバーディパットを沈めると、ここから一気に流れに乗る。続けて12番でもバーディを奪うと、13番パー5では15メートルを沈めイーグルを奪取。さらに14番もバーディとし、伸び悩んだ平塚哲二をとらえ単独首位に浮上した。

　終盤16番ではティショットをラフに打ち込みレイアップを余儀なくされるピンチを迎えたが、約5メートルのパーパットをねじ込み切り抜けると、難関続きの終盤をスコアを落とすことなくホールアウト。今季初優勝を射程にとらえた。

　初日から池田は一貫して「絶好調ではない」と言い続けているが、それはこの日も変わらなかった。それでも、“64”を叩き出すことが出来たのはきっちり勝負の流れをつかむことが出来たからだ。「良い波に乗れると、おのずと良いゴルフがくる。気持ちも乗ってくる」。この日の池田は今ひとつ噛み合わなかった前半を切り抜けると、10番、11番の連続バーディで上昇気流をつかんだ。すると、前半苦しんだパッティングも面白いように決まりだす。13番のイーグルパット、16番のパーセーブなどはその最たるものだ。

　「悪いときは考えなくていいことも考えてしまう。いいときは何も考えなくても目に入ったものをあらわすことが出来るようになる」ひと度リズムに乗れば、例え調子が悪くてもスコアがついてくる。ツキも味方する。リズムが悪くなれば、それにあがなうことは難しくなる。その流れをとらえることが、何よりも重要であることを池田は心得ている。

　すべては流れ次第。それだけに、最終日最終組にも気負いは微塵もない。「明日は普通にやりますよ。納得の出来るいいゴルフが出来ればいい。それで負けたらその相手にツキがあったということ。誰が勝つかなんて知ってるのは神様だけだよ」。明日はどこで流れをつかめるか。


【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※

New Nanocrystals Improve Dentures

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 09 January 2012 16:38



A new glass ceramic has been created that will be beneficial to dentistry.

A research team at the Otto-Schott Institute for Glass Chemistry generated a new glass structure that would be ideal for dentures.

The strength of this new glass substance will be about five times stronger than similar denture ceramics, according to Dr. Christian Russel of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany.

This group has been developing high-density ceramics, but nothing that would be applicable for dentistry—until now.

The materials aren't supposed to look different than they would in natural teeth. The color is also vital, as is the look of the enamel.

To create the ideal substance for dentistry, it's essential that the glass ceramics are cooled at a certain temperature scheme. The materials are heated at 1,500°C before being cooled down. The glass is later melted and then cooled down. Any variation in the procedure would ruin the strength of the product.

There's still a lot of work to be done before the material will officially be unveiled for denture usage.

Dental Tourism Becomes Major Industry in Scotland

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 10 January 2012 16:36



Dental tourism is now a big deal in Scotland.

With people looking to save money, people are flocking to Scotland for low-cost dental care. The wait time and high costs of dental treatment in other countries doesn’t exist in Scotland. Specifically, people from the United Kingdom are making these trips to cut costs.

Instead of travelling to Hungary for dental treatment, Scotland may become the new popular destination for dental care.

There are some people who are contacting dentists in Scotland and then choosing whether to travel to Scotland or Hungary.

In countries where cosmetic dentistry isn’t around or in small demand, this dental tourism may be vital. It can provide people with service they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

As beneficial and cost-efficient as dental tourism may be, it’s still essential to do so some research before making the trip. If a procedure is messed up, you may end up paying more money in addition to suffering from some major health problems.

Dental Visits Essential to Healthy Life

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 12 January 2012 08:44



Despite the poor economy, there are some areas in which costs can't be cut.

One of them is dental coverage. Maintaining good oral health leads to having solid overall health.

There are no concrete statistics on the dwindling number of people visiting the dentist but many studies indicate people are visiting the dentist less often. Gallup-Healthways surveyed about 177,000 Americans from January through June 2011 and found that 35 percent of Americans didn't visit the dentist in the last 12 months.

There are plenty of issues that could develop without regular dentist visits. Plaque and tartar may build up and turn into tooth decay, among other issues.

Saving money now by skipping dental visits will result in paying more later. When a tooth begins to decay, it won't heal without any dental treatment—and sometimes it's even too late for the dentist to fix the problem.

A person may also be suffering from oral cancer or jaw diseases and not know it without visiting the dentist. There's a plethora of other health problems that may develop because of an oral health problem.

That's why it's vital for people to minimize consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Water is the best drink to enable this to happen.

Brushing and flossing between dental visits are also essential functions for maintaining oral health.

Dentists Play Pivotal Role in Looking for Oral Cancer

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 10 April 2012 10:51



Regular dental visits may be the best way to detect oral cancer, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

It’s best for people to visit a dentist once every six months based on the recommendation of the Academy of General Dentistry. This issue is being discussed now because April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

A dentist may check for lumps or obscure tissue changes in the neck area, head, cheeks and oral cavity. The dentist will also look to see if there are any sores or tissues that are discolored.

More than 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 8,000 of those people die from oral cancer. The five-year survival rate from oral cancer stands at 50 percent.

Like many forms of cancer, the key in treating oral cancer is diagnosing it early enough before it spreads.

Some of the warning signs include bleeding sores in the mouth, sores that don’t heal, lumps in the mouth, a feeling that something is caught in the throat, trouble chewing or swallowing, and many other symptoms. The worries associated with these symptoms can be eased by simply visiting the dentist on a regular basis.

Women in 40s Impacted by Dental Phobia

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 13 April 2012 07:25



Women older than 40 are often scared to visit the dentist.

A University of Sydney study came to this conclusion after conducting research among a wide range of age groups. The research had been happening for five years. The conclusion was that women in the 40-plus age range had the greatest chance to be struck by depression and anxiety regarding dental visits.

The study also determined that 40 percent of people in the western world experience some type of fear when visiting the dentist.

The study analyzed the differences among the people who didn’t have a fear of the dentist and people who feared the dentist among patients in Australia in reference to how long they would wait before contacting the dentist. People without a fear of the dentist generally waited 3 days before contacting the dentist about a problem. The people who feared dental visits waited about 17 days before calling the dentist.

There are other studies, like one that the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine did, that indicated that around 30 to 40 million Americans don’t go to the dentist. These people will do anything to avoid going to the dentist because of their fear.

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.

Controversy Over Proposed Dental Legislation in N.C.

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 05 June 2012 15:34



Legislation has been proposed in North Carolina that will revamp the regulations for dental treatment. Many people are divided on how the impact will be felt.

The purpose of the bill, according to legislators, is to regulate companies in the way billing is handled between dental management companies and the dentist. This issue came to the forefront because some of the dental management companies allegedly profited from some treatment in recent years instead of performing only necessary dental work that was in the best interest of the patient. If these allegations are true, the taxpayers end up paying more money than they should be paying.

There are laws in North Carolina and many other states that prohibit corporate dentistry for that reason. Changes have been made in other states already, like Texas.

Many dentists associated with the North Carolina Dental Society are in favor of the bill because they feel the state dental board should pay closer attention to billing to make sure dentists only bill for necessary treatment.

Many other people, including some of the investors of the dental companies, are doing everything to prevent the bill from passing. They held a news conference outside of the Legislative Building to oppose the bill and have raised money for a campaign against the bill.

Both sides have sponsored commercials about the issue.

The bill has not yet taken effect and the issue is still ongoing.

Laser Treatment May Significantly Aid Gum Disease Patients

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 06 June 2012 15:29



People with gum disease may not have to deal with all of the headaches associated with the condition.

A new treatment the utilized water and laser technology may be on the way. The treatment includes spraying a combination of water and air through a handpiece while the lasers are directed toward the mouth.

The lasers generate an explosion from the water molecules, which demolishes the diseased tissue. That tissue is then removed. The lasers don't come into any contact with the body, making the process painless. There is also no anesthetic involved.

This type of treatment may also be used for teeth whitening, removal of decayed tooth tissue and extractions.

Gum disease impacts roughly 90 percent of people at some point in their lives, with many cases being minor. The other 10 percent of people would be considered susceptible to the disease.

The current treatment for gum disease is generally complex and requires many visits. In some cases, surgery is necessary.

Debate About Dental Therapists’ Qualifications Rages On

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 07 June 2012 14:52



More people are starting to visit dental therapists for dental treatment as opposed to seeing a dentist. But is that a good thing?

Since roughly 17 million people don’t see a dentist each year—according to the Pew Charitable Trust—the market for dental therapists has opened. They can’t perform all of the procedures that dentists can, but the cost could be significantly lower in some cases.

Alaska was the first state to set up a dental therapy program, having done so in 2005. Minnesota passed legislation in 2008 that opened up the possibility for dental therapists to treat patients. California, Oregon, Connecticut and New Hampshire are looking at similar legislation.

Evidence doesn’t suggest that an influx of dental therapists causes dentists to lose business based on the fact that there is a wide array of procedures that dental therapists cannot perform.

According to the American Dental Association, however, flooding the market with more people that can provide basic dental care isn’t the answer to helping more people receive treatment. Informing people about the importance of maintaining good oral health is the answer.

Still, dental therapists have an important role to fill in remote areas where there is a lack of dentists or no dentists at all. It’s too be determined, however, how the roles of dentists and dental therapists will impact each other and dental patients in the future.

Dental Phobia Poses Problems for Many

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 13 July 2012 10:35



There are many reasons why people don't visit the dentist. A fear of the dentist is a major one.

Dental phobia could prevent some people from going for a routine dental visit for years. The result is obviously poor oral health. A small problem often turns in a larger one that could have easily been prevented.

For some, a bad experience as a child may have set them on the path toward fearing future visits.

But this issue can be fixed for many people based on the advances in many dental offices. There are many techniques and tools in modern dental offices that can alleviate fear. There are also various anesthetics and anti-anxiety drugs available to ease one's nerves.

There are even some dentists that give the patients the ability to say when they want to start and stop treatment after explaining exactly what will be done. This allows the patient to believe they are in control, a feeling many feel they don't possess during a dental visit.

There are even some dentists who could be considered dental phobic specialists, enabling them to work with a patient to overcome his or her dental phobia.

Based on all of these innovations, there should be fewer people who fear dental visits. Lowering the amount of people that fear dental visits would be a big step for more people to maintain solid oral health.

BPA Fillings Could Lead to Increased Risk of Behavioral Issues

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 18 July 2012 11:17



Bisphenol A fillings may have some unintended results.

A new study indicates that BPA fillings may be linked to behavioral problems in children. The research showed that children who had some type of dental fillings made from BPA had a higher chance to encounter some type of behavioral or emotional problem.

The research did not take into account the level of BPA in the fillings. There was no research done on some of the other chemicals that may have been present in the fillings, either.

The study was done, according to lead researcher Nancy Maserejian of the New England Research Institutes in Waretown, Mass., because the leaching process of chemicals from fillings is a hot-button issue in dentistry.

BPA fillings are becoming more prevalent because of their color, which blends in with teeth. BPA, however, is also a substance utilized in the manufacturing of packaging materials and tinned items.

The researchers poured through data of 534 children ages 6 through 10 who had some type of amalgam or composite filling. BPA was utilized in one of the two newer kinds of fillings.

Five years after the receiving the filling, the parents answered questions about their child’s behavior and attitude, in addition to school and any feelings of anxiety/depression. The researchers concluded that children with BPA fillings had a higher point score on average (signifying behavioral issues).

The research also concluded that children with fillings on chewing surfaces of their teeth also had a higher point score. The possible leaching of chemicals in this case may come from the constant chewing and grinding of the teeth.

Americans Aren’t Knowledgeable About Oral Health

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 18 July 2012 14:17



If it were up to the average American, oral health would be in a bad place right now.

A survey conducted by the American Dental Association indicates that the average American’s oral health knowledge earns a letter grade of D.

The results come from a recent ADA survey about how educated people are about their oral health.

The survey concluded that 90 percent of adults think it’s best to brush their teeth right after each meal. In actuality, a person should brush when they wake up and before going to sleep. If a person brushed after each meal, he or she could spread around the possible acidic food just consumed, which could damage the enamel.

The survey also showed that 65 percent of people believe they should change their toothbrush every six months. The ADA recommends changing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.

Roughly 75 percent of American adults were unaware of the time in which they should take their child for his or her first dental appointment. This is something that should be done when the child is a year old, according to the ADA. The survey also showed that people think flossing should be done twice per week. The ADA suggests flossing once per day.

Heartland Dental Looking for Buyer

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 10 September 2012 15:50



A dental company may be sold for in excess of $1 billion.

Heartland Dental Care, one of the largest practice management companies in the country, could be sold for as much as $1.4 billion, according to sources.

The company—which Chicago-based private equity firm CHS Capital Partners has a stake in—hired investment banks Jefferies and Moelis to find a buyer. It has mostly gotten interest for other buyout firms.

Heartland Dental has roughly $120 million in annual earnings before tax, deprecation and amortization.

The auction is in the second round and the final bids will happen in roughly one month.

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental manages more than 350 dental practices in 19 states. It provides dentists with essential administrative services like personnel staffing, purchasing, financial, marketing and technology support.







The company was founded by a dentist, Rick Workman.

Scientist Finds Way to Lower Bone Less, Inflammation Associated with Gum Disease

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 11 September 2012 15:53



A University of Louisville scientist discovered a way to stop the inflammation and bone loss that come from gum disease.

The researcher, David Scott, successfully accomplished this by blocking the natural signaling pathway of the enzyme GSK3b. This enzyme is a key factor in leading the immune response.

The information appears on the Internet in the journal Molecular Medicine.

This research may not only be pivotal in stopping periodontal disease but it may also be helpful when it comes to other chronic inflammatory diseases. Since GSK3b is associated with numerous inflammatory signaling pathways, it also is a factor in many other diseases. Further tests are being conducted to determine its importance in Alzheimer’s disease, Type II diabetes and some forms of cancer.

This approach differs from the normal approach in handling periodontal disease because instead of preventing plaque at the gumline, this method targets the natural mechanism to limit inflammation.

SB216763 is the enzyme that stopped the inflammation process and eventual bone loss that normally stems from GSK3b.

The next part of this study includes whether or not SB216763 has any side effects or if something else needs to be discovered to thwart GSK3b.

Children in New Zealand Missing Out on Dental Care

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 12 September 2012 15:49



Children in New Zealand aren’t taking advantage of free dental care.

The information was mentioned at World Oral Health Day. Many parents aren’t enabling their children to receive the dental treatment that is free for children under 18 in New Zealand.

It’s essential for children to receive necessary dental treatment to prevent problems from developing in the future. It’s also important because good oral health leads to good overall health.

Dental care in the country has been free for many years now. There is also a major investment program in the works that will further aid dental care in the country. It will update and improve the current dental care that’s available for all children and teenagers through age 18.







The state of oral health in New Zealand has gotten better during the last quarter century but this investment will take it to the next level.

Alcohol Can Have Disastrous Impact on Oral Health

Alcohol Can Have Disastrous Impact on Oral Health

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 15 November 2012 16:37

It’s not a stretch for oral cancer to develop after excessive alcohol consumption.

The Finnish Dental Association recently issued a warning about the danger of drinking alcohol and the adverse effect it may have on one’s oral health. According to recent data, around 400,000 to 600,000 people in Finland consume too much alcohol. Alcohol and smoking are two of the top risk factors for oral cancer.

Oral cancer can be extremely serious. It kills more people than cervical cancer and Hodgkin’s disease.

Alcohol’s danger stems from the fact that it enables more tobacco to be absorbed into bodily systems, which obviously is not a good thing for the body. Therefore, people who drink and smoke are at a higher risk for developing oral cancer than people who don’t smoke or drink.

In Finland, dentists are advising people to only drink alcohol in moderation to lower the risk of mouth cancer.

Parents Pass Fear of Dentist onto Children

Parents Pass Fear of Dentist onto Children

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 16 November 2012 15:53

Children may be afraid to visit the dentist thanks to their parents.

A new study indicates that when a person fears a dental visit, his or her children will also develop that fear. The research at the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid analyzed the role that parents played in some of the fears their children develop.

The study appeared in the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry. It explored data from 183 children ages 7 to 12 and compared it to data from the children’s parents. The data confirmed the belief that the children had many of the same fears as their parents had.

The data showed that fathers play a large role in dental fears because they act as the mediating variable between the mother and the child. In other words, a child bases his or her dental fears on the way in which the father reacts to the situation. In this particular case, the transmission of fear from the mother to the child is impacted by the father’s reaction.

Based on this information, it would make sense to involve mothers and fathers in campaigns to prevent dental fears. It would also be key for a father to visit the dentist and show no signs of fear even if he is fearful.

When parents show composure regarding dental visits, they should have nothing to worry about when it comes time for their child to see the dentist

Disparity Exists in Dental Care in Taiwan

Disparity Exists in Dental Care in Taiwan

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 19 November 2012 16:35

People in rural locations often have more difficulty receiving dental treatment. That trend is happening at an alarming rate in Taiwan.

There are 13,000 dentists in Taiwan, with 2,800 practicing in Taipei. At the same time, there are 43 of 368 villages in the country that don't have a dentist.

The reason for this problem is simple: most dentists opt to stay in the more heavily populated areas. Roughly 20 percent of all dentists in the country are in Taipei.

A dentist in a rural area would have a disproportionate number of dentists when compared to a dentist in a more urban area.

Exacerbating the issue in the country is the fact that there are no age laws regarding retirement, so a dentist can work well into his or her 70s if he or she chooses to do so. The numbers indicate that roughly 300 dentists graduate from dental school each year while only 100 dentists retire. The impact could lower the quality of care in the sought-after urban dental practices.

The research also shows that more people in the country that are interested in a medical career are choosing dental school over medical schools because of the stabilized income, among other reasons.

Should Soft Drinks Have Warnings?

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 31 January 2013 12:28



One dental expert wants to make certain people are aware of the devastating effects from sugary drinks.

A new study indicating sugary drinks raise the risk of tooth decay by 46 percent has caused Dr. Jason Armfield from the University of Adelaide and the Australian Research Center for Population Oral Health to say that soft drinks should come with a warning label.

The new study included nearly 17,000 children in Australia. The results showed that children who consumed more than 3 sugary drinks each day were at an increase of 46 percent to develop tooth decay. The results also discovered that about 56 percent of children ages 5 through 16 consumed at least one sugary drink every day.

The information backs up what many previous studies of sugary drinks have discovered. The problem is children continue to drink sugary beverages at an increasing rate. Aside from dental issues, the sugary drinks may also result in childhood obesity and diabetes.

No official steps have been taken in any country to put a label on soft drinks warning of tooth decay. Many steps would need be taken before such action could ever be considered.

Some places have taken action to curb soft drink consumption, such as New York City’s ban on sugary drinks larger than 16 oz. But most people know the possible negative effects from sugary drinks at this point, and it’s each person’s decision to consume them or not.

New Snack May be Harmful to Children’s Dental Health

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 04 February 2013 16:04



Fruit puree snacks may be a favorite for some children. But they could have a terrible impact on a child’s oral health.

Gerber Graduates Grabbers, Plum Organics, GoGo Squeez and Smashies are some of the snacks that dental experts are advising parents against giving to their children. The amount of sugar in the treats neutralizes any possible positive effects the snacks may have.

The products may be considered convenient baby food or a quick snack on the run. Some of them claim to be 100 percent organic without any added sugar.

But, in many cases, they come with plenty of sugar. Gerber’s organic apple puree, for example, possesses 11 grams of sugar. There’s no nutritional value to consuming that much sugar when considering the size of the portion.

One of the main problems with these snacks is that the sugar may linger on the teeth for an extended period of time—and possibly more if consumption is spaced throughout the day.

Some of the snacks even possess 20 grams of sugar, which may be more than some adults want to consume in an entire day.

If the snacks are consumed in moderation or while drinking large quantities of water, the person will only be impacted slightly, if at all.

Gum Disease May Have Greater Impact on AIDS Patients

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 05 February 2013 15:49



Moderate gum disease in an animal model exposed to an AIDS-like condition encountered more viral variants that cause infection and more severe inflammation, according to a new study.

Texas Biomed scientists in San Antonio discovered these features may have a worse impact when considering the long-term effects.

The basic premise of the study is that even the mildest of inflammation in the mouth needs to be treated because it may eventually result in disastrous consequences. Roughly half of the world’s population has some level of gum disease.

After an animal was infected with simian AIDS, the animals’ symptoms are compounded further with the presence of gingivitis.

The study appears in the February issue of the Journal of Virology.

This research was precipitated by the fact that epidemiological evidence suggested infection and inflammation of the genital mucosa raises the chances of becoming infected with HIV via sexual contact.

To compile the data, the group of scientists caused a group of monkeys to develop gum inflammation and compared data with a group of monkeys that did not have gum inflammation. Both groups were exposed to SIV, a monkey virus similar to AIDS, and there was no difference with regard to rate of infection. The animals with gum disease, however, had more viral variants that resulted in infection and displayed higher systemic inflammation after being infected.

Massachusetts Board Says Dentists Can Perform Botox Treatment

Massachusetts Board Says Dentists Can Perform Botox Treatment

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 21 March 2013 15:40

More dentists will soon be performing Botox treatment.

The Massachusetts Board of Dentistry has okayed plans that would allow general dentists to administer Botox treatment. This new policy states that general dentists may provide Botox, in addition to antiwrinkle injections in Massachusetts.

The board confirmed the fact that it’s necessary for dentists to have practical training in this field, including training that involves live patients. These rules fall under the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act, which relate to diagnosis, treatment and management of any health issue that relates to the teeth, alveolar bone, jaw and gums.

This advisory also impacts oral and maxillofacial areas with regard to Botox and other anti-aging treatment. There are roughly 50 dental schools that now provide training and continued education programs on dermal fillers and Botox.

The American Academy of Facial Esthetics organized training courses for dentists that are suitable by the standards set forth by the Massachusetts Board of Dentistry. The next course is set for May 2 through 4 in Boston.

Test for Measuring Mercury Levels may be Faulty

Test for Measuring Mercury Levels may be Faulty

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 25 March 2013 11:35

A test used to determine mercury exposure in dental amalgam fillings may not be so accurate.

The test may actually overestimate mercury levels of the toxic metal, according to a University of Michigan research team.

It’s accepted fact that dental amalgam fillings release levels of mercury into the mouth. The controversy, however, stems from the amount that’s released and if the exposure to the mercury poses major or even any health risks.

Previous public health studies have stated that the mercury in urine can be utilized to approximate one’s exposure to mercury from the amalgam fillings. These studies have also used mercury found in one’s hair to estimate the exposure to organic mercury based on a person’s eating habits.

But a University of Michigan study of 12 Michigan dentists differs from previous studies because it determined that the mercury levels actually came from two sources: consumption of fish containing organic mercury and there was inorganic mercury from the dentists’ own amalgam fillings.

This information is unique because for the first time there is the idea that mercury in urine stems from inhaled mercury vapor. In other words, for people that eat fish but aren’t exposed to mercury vapor at work, mercury concentrations in urine may overestimate exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgam.

The study wanted to show that mercury isotopes can be more precise in determining human exposure to mercury when compared to conventional ways of measuring mercury levels, such as through urine and hair samples.

The discrepancy in this study and previous ones comes from the notion that urine contains a combination of inorganic mercury from dental amalgam and methylmercury from fish. This mix then undergoes a type of chemical breakdown in the body known as demethylation. This type of mercury comprises much of the inorganic mercury in the urine.

More than 2,000 tons of mercury is emitted through the air each year from human-generated sources. There can be debilitating effects on people, such central nervous system issues, heart issues and immune system issues.

New Study Shows Correlation Between Gum Disease, Heart Disease

New Study Shows Correlation Between Gum Disease, Heart Disease

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 27 March 2013 15:07

There’s more evidence of the health problems that stem from poor oral health.

A new study by researchers at the Swedish college Uppsala University found that tooth loss and gum disease raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The research team determined that missing teeth increased the enzyme levels of a specific enzyme. It was also discovered that this enzyme raised the risk of inflammation and hardening in the arteries.

The risk increased for every missing tooth. There were even new risk factors added, including high blood pressure, bad cholesterol and the circumference of the waist. The people with fewer teeth were also at an increased risk of suffering from diabetes. Each missing tooth made the person 11 percent more likely to develop diabetes.

Despite the many recent studies that have linked heart health and overall health, there isn’t much data from patients diagnosed with heart problems and how gum disease impacted them before their heart problems.

The best way to avoid any possible health effects from poor oral health is to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Sore Throat Doesn’t Contaminate Toothbrush

Sore Throat Doesn’t Contaminate Toothbrush

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 07 May 2013 15:28

Your toothbrush is fine to use after having a sore throat.

There was recent speculation that it may be best to discard one’s toothbrush after having the flu or strep throat. But a study explained at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in Washington debunked that belief.

A group of researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston set out to study this issue.

To conduct the study, the research team attempted to grow group A Streptococcus, the bacteria associated with strep throat, on adult toothbrushes that were exposed to the bacteria in a laboratory. The bacteria were present on the toothbrushes for at least two full days.

Two new toothbrushes not exposed to the bacteria also happened to grow bacteria even though they were taken out of the packages in a sterile manner.

The study was then conducted on children’s toothbrushes. To compile the data, the toothbrush users comprised 14 patients ages 2 through 20 with strep throat, 13 patients in that age group with sore throats and 27 healthy patients. The toothbrushes were then placed in a sterile cover to make testing possible.

The bacteria were only discovered on one of the toothbrushes and it happened to come from one of the healthy children. The other toothbrushes didn’t grow streptococcus, rather they developed other bacteria that are present in the mouth.

To further confirm the fact that toothbrushes are fine to use after having a sore throat, however, a more widespread study is necessary.

Dental Experts Warn People About Summer Eating

Dental Experts Warn People About Summer Eating

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 09 May 2013 14:49

You may want to pay attention to what you eat this summer.

Dental experts want people to be informed that many popular summer foods can be harmful to your teeth. Many people may have some kind of tooth wear and may not even be aware of it, and the problem is exacerbated during the summer months.

In addition to things that most people know are harmful to your teeth (sugary drinks, soda and sweets), pickles may be a problem. Pickles can contain sugar and strong colorants that may alter a tooth’s color.

Tomatoes may pose problems as well. Tomatoes could be beneficial to teeth in some ways but the acid present in tomatoes may eat away at the enamel. As result, it’s best to eat tomatoes during a meal as opposed to eating them throughout the day.

People also opt for fruit juice sometimes in the summer. But the problems with fruit juice stem from the amount of sugar in them. Natural fruit juices are much healthier because of the lack of added sugar. Sugarless mixers are also much healthier for cocktails instead of mixers that contain sugar.

Pregnant Women Don’t Get Enough Dental Care

Pregnant Women Don’t Get Enough Dental Care

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 14 May 2013 08:42

Dental treatment—or a lack of it—has become a problem for pregnant women.

There are numerous reasons why pregnant women don’t get the dental care they need, including dentists who are hesitant to treat these patients, women who don’t seek oral care during pregnancy or women who think dental treatment will adversely affect the pregnancy. This is a problem because pregnancy itself may lead to dental issues, such as gum disease.

The information appeared in a recent New York Times article.

Other dentists were taught not to treat pregnant women because of the possible negative ramifications. They could be worried about litigation if any harm is caused to the fetus. A 2009 survey of 351 obstetrician gynecologists indicated that 77 percent of patients saw some decline in their dental health.

In recent years, some state and dental organizations have put together some guidelines in regards to treating pregnant women. These guidelines include looking for bleeding gums or some kind of oral infection.

And it’s not as if only a few pregnant women are afflicted with these problems. Depending on the source, 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women develop gingivitis or gum disease. If untreated, it may lead to other health problems.

The coverage available for pregnant women also varies from state to state. In Oklahoma, only 28 percent of Medicaid-eligible pregnant women receive dental care. In New York in 2010, 41 percent of women on Medicaid saw a dentist, which was an increase of 11 percent from 4 years prior.

Nasal Spray Could Benefit Dental Patients

Nasal Spray Could Benefit Dental Patients

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 25 June 2013 15:16

Those anesthetic injections for dental procedures may become a thing of the past.

A new anesthetic nasal spray is currently undergoing clinical trials. If proven to be successful, it may be used instead of lidocaine injections.

The information from the study appeared on the Internet and will be published in the July issue of the Journal of Dental Research. The next phase of the trial included 45 adults and the final phase was concluded as the study was awaiting publication.

The second and third phases were considered successful and the spray may soon be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s conceivable that the drug becomes available in the next year.

The drug was created and developed by St. Renatus and is called Kovocaine Mist. The amount of anesthesia is equivalent to that of a lidocaine injection. It could be extremely helpful for patients who refuse to visit the dentist based on a fear of needles.

The spray possesses tetracaine and oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a decongestant that lowers inflammation and bleeding. The formula comes from medicine used by ear, nose and throat doctors.

Louisiana Doesn’t Have Enough Dentists

Louisiana Doesn’t Have Enough Dentists

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 26 June 2013 15:07

Louisiana has a dental shortage that can rival any other state in the United States.

The new report released by Pew Charitable Trusts showed that more than 24 percent of the state’s population is underserved by dentists. The dentist shortage in Louisiana is tied with Alabama, behind only Mississippi.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that around 42 percent of these dentists are older than 55.

The information came to light as the state Department of Health and Hospitals is reducing reimbursement rates to dentists that stem from Medicaid. Dentists say this will lower access to services.

But the DHH doesn’t believe this will have a major impact on dentists.

The information from this study—and many previous ones—indicates that people without early exposure to dental care will encounter more serious dental problems that could have been prevented easily, if only they had prior routine dental care.

The $2.8 million reduction for Medicaid payments comes in addition to the 14 percent for some of the more frequently billed procedures, according to the Louisiana Dental Association.

Based on information from the DDH, however, 43 percent of children on Medicaid received dental treatment in the 2011-12 fiscal year. That’s a 13-percent rise from where the numbers were in the 2007-08 fiscal year.

The way things transpire in the future is anyone’s guess. More dentists may back out of the Medicaid program or more changes may be made to lure them back in.

Stomach Cancer Detection in the Dental Office

Stomach Cancer Detection in the Dental Office

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 21 August 2013 14:45

The UCLA School of Dentistry recently received 5 million dollars in funding from the National Institutes for Health to study biological markers in saliva to detect stomach cancer.

There are hopes that this study could advance salivary diagnostics, potentially leading to evidence that saliva can be used to detect other types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer, as well as diabetes.

The ultimate goal is this: Patients give a saliva sample at the dental office, have it analyzed within minutes, and then are able to find out if they are at risk for stomach cancer.

The research is slated to last five years, and Dr. David Wong is leading the study. As the dentistry school’s associate dean of research, he is considered a pioneer in the field of salivary diagnostics.

Dr. Wong’s team will conduct a prospective study to develop a salivary biomarker panel that would validate stomach cancer detection. The team hopes to capture RNA in saliva samples secreted by stomach cancer cells. This would confirm whether a patient is at risk for stomach cancer.

Certain Bacteria Aids in Periodontal Treatment

Certain Bacteria Aids in Periodontal Treatment

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 22 August 2013 10:01

Researchers may have discovered a new way to effectively treat periodontitis patients.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of chronic periodontitis patients indicated that Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis can improve efficacy by 53 percent.

The information appears in the online publication Journal of Clinical Periodontology. The study included 30 patients.

The goal of the study was to analyze the impact of Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis on scaling and root planing, some of the basic treatment for chronic periodontitis patients.

At the end of the study, about 53 percent of patients with deep dental pockets supplemented by Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis needed surgery as compared to the placebo group. When the intervention period was over, about two-thirds of the patients in the placebo group were considered at high risk for disease progression. The patients provided with the antibiotic were only at 27 percent.

There was more pocket depth reduction and attachment gain for the group supplemented with Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis.

The results from this study indicate that Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis could save people money and prevent them from experiencing pain.

More Evidence of Poor Oral Health Leading to HPV

More Evidence of Poor Oral Health Leading to HPV

Written by Dentistry TodayFriday, 23 August 2013 12:57

If a person needed more incentive to maintain good oral health, now he or she has it.

The American Association for Cancer Research concluded that poor oral health leads to the human papilloma virus infection. HPV produces about 40 to 80 percent of oropharyngeal cancers.

The study appears in Cancer Prevention Research, the journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The information indicated that the people who reported oral health issues were at a 56-percent higher risk of HPV infection. People with gum disease were at higher risk by 51 percent and those with basic dental issues were at 28 percent. There was also a correlation involving HPV infections and the number of teeth lost.

The two kinds of oral HPV infection include (1) low-risk types that do not result in cancer but cause benign tumors or warts in the oral cavity and (2) high-risk HPV that produces oropharyngeal cancers.

The information comes from the 2009 through 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 5,000 people from around the United States took part in the study.

There were four measures of oral health in the study, including (1) self rating of oral health, (2) presence of gum disease, (3) utilization of mouthwash during the last week to treat dental problems and (4) the total number of teeth lost. Other demographic questions and lifestyles habits were taken into account.

The research demonstrated that the following people were at a higher risk for HPV infection: males, cigarette smokers, marijuana users and people who engage in oral sex.

More research is necessary to fully understand why poor oral health leads to HPV.