Cosmetic Dentistry Guide

This information cosmetic dentistry guide contains valuable information on cosmetic dental procedures and help the visitors know more about this miraculous artistry that can get them a beautiful dazzling smile. Cosmetic dentistry basically includes a set of dental procedures that help in improving and enhancing the aesthetics of a person’s smile and overall dental structure. The cosmetic dentistry has made smile makeovers possible by combining art and science together.

A beautiful smile not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your self confidence and self esteem considerably. Lot of emphasis is being given to smile in beauty pageants, TV shows, movies, etc. therefore more and more people wish to have a great “Hollywood Smile”. The craze of having a beautiful smile has definitely increased the popularity of dental makeovers and cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures that play a very important role in the smile makeovers are Teeth Whitening, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants, Dental Bonding, Tooth-Colored Fillings, Porcelain Inlays/Onlays, Dental Crowns, Invisalign Gum Reshaping, and Dental Bridges. The entire process of dental makeover is customized according to the dental condition of the person. The cosmetic dentists first conduct some dental examinations to identify the dental problems of the person and thoroughly study the medical dental history.

The smile makeover plan is formulated after the complete assessment of the dental reports of the person. As smile makeover has a huge impact on your appearance it is advisable not to take any risk and visit only a renowned cosmetic dentist who have years of experience in the field. Professional Cosmetic dentists have solution to most of your dental problems that adversely affect your smile, such as chipped, cracked, discolored, and unevenly spaced teeth.

Cosmetic dentists not only help to enhance the aesthetics of your smile but also help to restore your oral health. There are many patients who hesitate to go for smile makeovers because they think the overall cost of the procedure is very high. But, nothing is worth a million dollar smile and above all nowadays there are many cosmetic dentistry financing plans which can help you with cost factor.

Cosmetic dentistry is a perfect combination of art and science therefore it is very important that the cosmetic dentist that you select not only qualified and skilled but have an artistic touch. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist who has expertise in the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques and help in getting the most natural-looking results then you must browse through http://www.invisaligntopdentist.com.

Source :- Cosmetic Dentistry Guide

Read more...

Drug firms may exceed growth targets

Mumbai:- Despite forex losses and currency fluctuations impacting profitability, leading Indian drug companies such as Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Wockhardt are likely to exceed revenue growth targets set for financial year 2008-09.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories which is celebrating its 25th year of inception, had targeted 25 per cent growth in revenues for 2008-09. In the first three quarters, the Rs 5,000-crore company recorded revenue growth of 25 per cent, 30 per cent and 49 per cent respectively, despite heavy losses in the first quarter.

According to analysts, the company is likely to have a good showing in the last quarter with about 20 per cent growth, thanks to good revenues from sumatriptan succinate, an authorised generic version of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)’s Imitrex. The company launched the product in November last year, with exclusive sales opportunity for six months.

“The Indian companies would continue to benefit on the top line front from the 25 per cent rupee depreciation as compared to the last quarter of the previous year. On the operating front, margins are expected to contract for most companies,” said a Angel Broking analysis, led by analyst Sarabjit Kaur Nagra.

Another company that has performed beyond expectations is Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, India’s largest drug company in terms of market capitalisation. Sun Pharma gave a guidance of 18-20 per cent growth in revenues for 2008-09, but it has already recorded 50 per cent growth in net sales to Rs 3,137.9 crore for the first nine months, from Rs 2099.4 crore in the same period in 2007-08. Net profit was also up at Rs 1422.9 crore, up by 86 per cent, compared to the same period last year.

Analysts feel Sun Pharma’s performance in the fourth quarter will be affected due to diminishing sales for pantoprazole and production issues with Caraco, its US subsidiary. “Sun Pharma numbers should see sequential moderation, as sales of pantaprazol have come down and Caraco base business continues to decline,” said a CLSA report.

“In the first nine months, we have exceeded our guidance with basic business, without considering one-time opportunity revenues and other additional income,” said a Sun Pharma spokesperson.

According to a Religare Hichens Harrison earning estimate, second largest domestic drug maker Cipla’s March quarter sales are expected to go up by over 23 per cent to Rs 1,383.1 crore on year on year basis and profit after tax to grow by 60.2 per cent to Rs 253.3 crore on year on year basis.

Total sales for Cipla grew 26.4 per cent to Rs 3,785 crore for the nine months, but PAT was down by 1.2 per cent to Rs 521 crore, impacted by currency fluctuation losses. Motilal Oswal estimates Cipla’s revenues to grow 22 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2008-09. Analyst firm Prabhudas Lilladher had estimated Cipla’s revenues to grow 24 per cent, with a 9.3 per cent growth in net profit for 2008-09. Angel Broking’s estimate was an overall 10.4 per cent growth in PAT for Cipla for 2008-09.

Lupin Ltd, another top five Indian drug company, also had better than industry average performance in the first nine months. The company, which was growing at over 30 per cent in the last four years, maintained 38 per cent growth in turnover and 49 per cent growth in profits in the first nine months of 2008-09. “We should continue that momentum in this quarter. We anticipate to grow by at least 25 per cent in the next year,” said Kamal K Sharma, managing director, Lupin.

Even the debt ridden Wockhardt Ltd is outperforming its past business growth. Revenues increased by 40 per cent to Rs 2644.2 crore for the nine months ended in calendar year 2008.
However, its net profit was down by 21 per cent due to financing cost and exchange fluctuation on foreign currency borrowings. “Our growth will continue to outperform industry average in the coming years and for the last two quarters. Currency fluctuation losses and debt is a temporary phenomenon which we will address through restructuring our debts,” Wockhardt chairman Habil Khorakiwala said in a recent interview.

Motilal Oswal estimates that excluding upsides from patent challenges, forex losses and acquisitions, sales of major drug companies will grow over 20 per cent and Profit After Tax (PAT) by 17.6 per cent for the fourth quarter. Top-line growth for mid-cap generic companies will be about 33 per cent and for contract manufacturing specialist companies, growth will be about 18 per cent. However, on a reported basis, PAT is likely to decline by 63.2 per cent without making these adjustments.

Source :- Drug firms may exceed growth targets

Read more...

Free Dental Services For Niagara Children

In celebration of April 2009 being National Dental Health Month, Niagara Region Public Health is pleased to announce the expansion of the Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) Program which now reaches children up to age 17. The program previously covered children from birth to age 13.

The Children in Need of Treatment program, funded by the Ministry of Health Promotion, provides free dental services to children whose parents have no dental coverage and cannot afford the cost of urgent dental care.

The Children in Need of Treatment program includes dental care services such as:

* fillings,
* extractions,
* sedation,
* and preventive dental care.

To promote the expansion of the services to teens, most secondary schools will receive a visit from Niagara Region Public Health during April. During this visit, a registered dental hygienist will be available to perform a quick dental screening on any interested students. Students whose parents are eligible for the program will be given information on the Children in Need of Treatment program and will be asked to visit a participating dentist.

"Anytime a service is expanded to promote dental health it is certainly welcomed and we are pleased to expand services to improve the dental health of children and adolescents in Niagara," states Stephanie Gordon, Manager, Niagara Region Public Health.

This new program is aimed at improving oral health of Ontario families and their children, where an inability to pay may prevent access to urgent dental care and required dental services.

Source :- Free Dental Services For Niagara Children

Read more...

A heart-warming smile is now easy

Looking good and feeling good is on high priority now to create a lasting and worthwhile impression. When you have a warm smile you can connect even with strangers and they automatically feel that they can approach you without thinking twice. Dentist San Jose is known to be proficient and reliable. Dentist in San Jose understand your problem area and guarantee to fix your problem right without you wasting time and energy. Both Dental health and oral hygiene are very vital. Poor oral hygiene can lead not only to bad teeth and unhealthy teeth but also score of other health problems.

Cosmetic dentists San Jose are well known to deal with any situation. Cosmetic dentists San Jose are very capable you will comfortable with the right dentist. When you choose the right dentist half your problems are already solved. Cosmetic dentistry san Jose has adapted themselves to new techniques and technologies. Choosing a new dentist can be an involved process but it is well worth the effort. Dentistry in San Jose will make sure you get the best treatment available further more because oral hygiene and health is so important.

San Jose holds some of the greatest cosmetic dentists in the world. Dentistry San Jose consists of well renowned professionals who are very sure of the procedures they use. They have advanced in technology as well as their approach. They are very warm and will put to ease as you enter their clinic.

Since looking good has become imperative, so is choosing right. Everyone wants or dreams of looking good whether a celebrity or not. The quality of work done by a Fremont cosmetic dentist is definitely one of the best on the globe.

It is a well-known fact that every individual has a different and unique bite. Dentist in Fremont take care of the overall structure of your mouth and teeth. Gaps in your teeth no longer have to be visible there is a porcelain substance available to fill in your teeth. You smile will turn out even more appealing and vibrant with the right cosmetic dentist at your side. Dentist Fremont is a step ahead in terms of knowledge and technology.

Cosmetic dentist Fremont use dental procedures such as bleaching or teeth whitening, veneers, gum lifting, enamel shaping and bonding. Cosmetic dentistry Fremont use extremely professional procedures which will make you feel vibrant and appealing.

You can return with an energetic smile which can create miracles at the time of need.

Source :- A heart-warming smile is now easy

Read more...

Should 'dental therapists' be allowed to drill and extract?

Dentists are concerned about a bill -- cleared a Minnesota Senate committee -- that gives clinicians more responsibility.

Minnesota is poised to become only the second state in the country to allow someone other than a dentist to fill cavities and pull teeth.

The proposal, which cleared a state Senate committee on Wednesday, would create the dental equivalent of nurse practitioners to provide care in parts of the state where dentists are in short supply.

But one big question has yet to be settled: Just how independent should they be?

The Minnesota Dental Association insists that dentists must be on the premises to supervise the new clinicians, known as "oral health practitioners" or dental therapists. But a group called the Minnesota Safety Net Coalition says the new clinicians should be free to work in other settings in order to reach thousands of low-income children and adults who now get no dental care at all.

Last year, the Legislature gave its initial blessing to the idea of a new type of dental practitioner, and asked members of both sides to join in a "work group" to hammer out their differences. But on Wednesday, there was little sign that the debate has eased.

Dr. Scott Lingle, past president of the Dental Association, warned that even a simple tooth extraction can lead to serious complications, and that dental therapists won't be able to handle them without a dentist present. "Essentially, you're playing doctor without going to doctor school," he said.

Another dentist, Dr. Chris Carroll, said in written testimony that the idea "resembles, too much, what is now being done in the lesser developed parts of the world," adding that "it would be reproducing a level of patient care that America evolved away from years ago."

Source:- Should 'dental therapists' be allowed to drill and extract?

Read more...

A warm appealing smile is what you will get with an unbeatable dentist

A warm appealing smile is what you will get with an unbeatable dentist

Both Dental health and oral hygiene are very vital. Poor oral hygiene can lead not only to bad teeth and unhealthy teeth but also score of other health problems. Dentist in San Jose are known to be proficient and reliable. It will not feel as if you have come in for an appointment or a clinic but it will feel like you have entered a spa.

When you are meeting a dentist for the first time, you must ask questions. You must know how the dentist deals with emergencies this will show the capability of the dentist. Choosing a new dentist can be an involved process, but it is well worth the effort. San Jose dentists will make sure you get the best treatment available, further more because oral hygiene and health is so important. It is imperative to trust a new dentist.

Every single person is concerned about their appearances, the way they look. Everyone wants or dreams of looking good whether a celebrity or not. San Jose holds some of the greatest cosmetic dentists in the world. The quality of work done by a San Jose cosmetic dentist is definitely one of the best on the globe.

A San Jose cosmetic dentist takes care of the overall structure of your mouth and teeth. Gaps in your teeth no longer have to be visible there is a porcelain substance available to fill in your teeth. You smile will turn out even more appealing and vibrant with the right cosmetic dentist at your side.

One of the greatest things about San Jose cosmetic dentists is the fact that they have the latest technology, it in turn ensures that San Jose dentist are a step ahead in terms of knowledge and technology. With the apt dentistry in San Jose, you may just require one sitting.

Popular procedures, which are prevalent, in the way for cosmetic dentistry include:-
bonding, bleaching or teeth whitening, enamel shaping, gum lifting and veneers.

The procedures such as indirect fillings, dental bridges, tooth reshaping, dental veneers, gingival sculpting and dental implants used by the dentist in San Jose, are designed to keep your smile looking its best and to improve your overall appearance, will help you realize your worth a lot more and even better.

You will end up saving a lot of time, when you make a visit to the dentist in San Jose. The procedures are a matter of minutes which will leave you relaxed. For more details please visit http://www.invisaligntopdentist.com

Read more...

Dental Care Services

Here we will Discuss about the Dental problems more ... So if you are suffering from tooth problems like tooth decay or cavities, bad breath, broken teeth, mis-sized teeth, tooth gap, gum disease, yellow teeth or snoring the offices of this Punjabi dentist in San Jose, Cupertino and Fremont are the place to be. If you are searching for a root canal dentist in San Jose, veneer dentist in Cupertino or a child dentist in Fremont your search ends here, with us. Be it porcelain crowns in San Jose, Porcelain bridges in Cupertino, tooth implants in Fremont or anything else, no one can serve your needs better than us.

Dr. Pannu is among the premier family dentists in San Jose, Cupertino and Fremont. His practice exceeds his reputation of high caliber, gentle dental care. Each time you visit one of our offices, you can expect the highest dental standards and the use of state-of-the-art technology. Through continuing education we are able to offer you and your family exceptional dental care that you are looking for. Providing quality care and patient satisfaction is our ultimate goal.

Source :- Dental Care Services

Read more...

Bad mouth odour is the worse

Bad mouth odour is the worse

Bad mouth odour is the worse one could ask for or dream of. It spoils the best one can give or maybe even the first impression. Proper dental health care is sure to ensure healthy teeth and fresh breath. When it comes to ones teeth they are meant to last out for lifetime, and good dental care can make them last out for long.

Since there are natural teeth in the mouth, tooth decay can occur since there could be remaining bacteria, which sticks to the teeth and causes dental plaque. Plaque can only be removed with careful brushing every single day. Along with brushing flossing also helps remove plaque and leftover food.

For good dental health, one should ensure good brushing with a good toothbrush as worn out toothbrushes do not help in cleaning teeth and can also cause injury. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three months for better gums and teeth.

When it comes to a smile it could win over anyone at anytime or age. Fluoride is very essential for both adults and children. Which could be found in drinking water and some food items. A balanced nutritious diet can go a along way for good dental health, including raw vegetables, cheese and fruit.

A good dentist goes a long way in ensuring good dental health with regular check ups even in the case of false teeth or dentures and even real teeth. Good oral health can also be had with good toothpaste, never compromise on good toothpaste.

Incase of dentures they should be kept clean without the presence of leftover food particles, which in turn could cause gum irritation and bad breath. The entire surface of the dentures should be brushed very well. When one usually crosses 35 years and above one may experience tooth loss because of a gum disease known as periodontal disease, which is caused due to infections of the gum and bone that keep and hold the teeth in its place.

Natural permanent teeth could be had only once in a lifetime, and you should take good care of your teeth and be even more confident. As you look in the mirror to see you teeth you will automatically smile back, but this will only happen when you ensure good dental care and health. Refrain from activities such as too much coffee and smoking.

By keeping your mouth healthy you are ensuring a healthy body. Take proper care of your teeth and have white attractive teeth and a rewarding smile all life long.

Article Source :- Bad mouth odour is the worse

Read more...

Good dental hygiene helps keep children happier

Good dental hygiene helps keep children happier

What you should know:-

Children with healthy mouths are usually happier and healthier overall.

Good oral health habits can decrease the risk of gum infections that can affect overall health. Pain and the risk of serious problems can be reduced when infections are treated quickly. Children have suffered high fevers and even died from severe tooth and gum infections that spread to the brain.

The structure of a child's mouth can affect the ability to eat, breathe, swallow and speak properly. Healthy baby teeth are important to hold places for permanent adult teeth. Pediatricians can check the shape of a baby's mouth and recommend ways to correct problems. Severe problems, such as a cleft lip or palate may require surgery.

Care of the mouth begins at birth. Parents and health professionals can look for oral problems that can affect the development of a child. Parents can start a routine of good oral hygiene, so gums and baby teeth stay healthy.

Regular dental check ups can detect and treat oral health problems before they become severe.

Many federal, state, school and private programs pay for oral health care for children in the Mid-South.

Federally funded programs in Tennessee have included Head Start, Women Infants and Children's program (WIC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the Water Fluoridation Assistance Program, TennCare and Medicaid. TennCare has a contract with Doral Dental to provide oral health and preventive care to children of low-income families.

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has helped many children in the South get dental care.

The Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas Departments of Health have programs to help public school students get preventive dental care. Children with good oral health miss less school. Tooth pain is a big reason for absence.

Mid-South children have benefited from programs in which nurses apply a fluoride varnish to their teeth. Many students have also benefited from dental sealant programs. Sealants create a barrier between teeth and the sugars and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Sealants in the grooves of molar teeth are effective in preventing cavities.

The combined use of sealants and fluoridation has greatly reduced the rate of tooth decay in children.

There are many wonderful oral health programs. Yet, many children do not receive regular dental care. Some parents put off getting dental care for children, especially when the economy is poor. Many kids in the Mid-South lack dental clinics close to home. Poor children suffer from oral health problems more than wealthier children. Some children lack care because some dental professionals refuse to accept Medicaid, TennCare or certain insurance plans.

Many employers offer health insurance to employees and their families. However, many do not offer dental care.

Children without dental insurance are far less likely to get dental care than those who do have coverage.

What you should do:-

Make sure children get professional care for their teeth and gums every six months.

A child's first dental visit should be by 18 to 24 months of age. Clean teeth as soon as the first baby tooth shows up.

Stress the importance of good nutrition and oral hygiene to children of all ages.

Teach older children about proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. Mention flossing, too.

Teach children about the damage that sugar, bacteria, tobacco and alcohol can do to their gums and teeth.

Give kids low-sugar snacks like celery and carrots.

Parents of babies should prevent problems that can develop before a child gets permanent teeth. Thumb sucking can distort a child's teeth. Some parents cause cavities when they put babies to bed with bottles of milk, soda or fruit juice. Many parents protect their babies by changing over to cups for drinking by the first birthday.

Don't ignore a child's tooth or gum pain or bleeding gums. Also keep an eye out for infections, such as cold sores.

Protect a child's mouth. Children who play sports may need mouth guards. Prevent unintentional injuries to the mouth by teaching good habits and safety. Tell children not to chew on pencils, spoons or other hard items.

Article Source :- Good dental hygiene helps keep children happier

Read more...

Instant insight: Smart dental implants

Instant insight: Smart dental implants

Henning Schliephake from the George-Augusta University, Göttingen, Germany, discusses the state-of-the-art dental implants making their way to a dentist's surgery near you

Dental implants are screws or cylinders, commonly made of titanium, which are inserted into the jaw bone in a surgical procedure. They act as artificial roots and can provide anchorage to crowns and bridges after the original root has been lost. Close contact between the adjacent bone and the implant surface is important for the artificial roots to remain fixed for the long-term. This bone-to-implant contact is accomplished by the growth of new bone on the titanium surface. The adsorption of biomolecules and blood components onto the titanium from the body fluids surrounding the implant is a crucial step in this process. This allows bone cells and their precursors to approach the surface and start growing bone tissue. Bone healing may be compromised by previous infection, radiotherapy or osteoporosis, and this can jeopardise the process and lead to implant failure.

In recent years, material scientists and clinicians have developed a number of approaches to improving the regenerative capacity of adjacent bone. One strategy is to create surface conditions that encourage quicker and more intense adsorption of biomolecules onto the implant surface, by altering the implants surface morphology and surface chemistry. Increasing the surface roughness using acid etching and sandblasting combined with integration of fluoride ions or calcium phosphate nanocrystals considerably increases the speed and strength of the bone-implant contact.

An alternative way of enhancing bone formation on the implant surface is using biological signals to attract bone cells to the surface and increase the speed they grow. Some of these signals are based on a short sequence of amino acids - the so called RGD motifs - that bind to specific receptors on the cell surface initiating cell migration and/or increasing cellular activity. The signals are held in place by various types of linker molecules that are anchored to the titanium surface.

Another way to accelerate bone growth is using signalling molecules or growth factors to accelerate cellular specialisation. As bone forming cells originate from so called precursor cells, using osteogenic signalling molecules such as bone morphogenic proteins on the implant surface could considerably increase the number of bone forming cells and therefore the amount and strength of the bone grown.

In native bone, many of these osteogenic signalling molecules are encased in the bone matrix, a highly structured assembly of minerals and proteins, which provides three-dimensional stability to the bone tissue. This reservoir of growth factors aids the healing process of bone, for example after a fracture. The most complex approaches among recent surface modifications of titanium implants have tapped into this source to produce matrix-engineered surfaces. Here bone matrix proteins such as collagen are arranged on the implant surface, together with molecules that bind growth factors in native bone, to provide a reservoir for osteogenic signals that are slowly released from the surface in a nature-like fashion after implant placement.

Many of these biological approaches have yet to work their way from the bench to the bedside. However, the huge potential of this research and improved biotechnological capabilities will eventually prove useful for the incorporation of many types of artificial materials into the human body - extending far beyond the integration of dental implants.

Article Source :- Instant insight: Smart dental implants

Read more...

Turning the light off on tooth bleaching

Turning the light off on tooth bleaching

Norwegian scientists have demonstrated that light sources often used as part of the tooth bleaching process do not contribute to the effectiveness of the process and may pose possible health risks.

Tooth bleaching is becoming a popular way to remove stains on the teeth caused by smoking, red wine, tea and coffee, in an attempt to achieve a Hollywood smile. The process used by dentists to bleach teeth involves applying an oxidising agent to the teeth and in some cases a light source is then shone onto the teeth.

Ellen Bruzell from the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials, Haslum, and colleagues, measured the effectiveness of teeth bleaching using seven different commercially available products, with and without using light sources. The claim that light-assisted tooth bleaching is more efficient than ordinary bleaching has not been substantiated in the literature, explains Bruzell. She says that they found a 'lack of additional whitening effect when light is used compared to bleaching without light'.

The team also demonstrated that for the majority of the light sources tested, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to during the bleaching process poses a risk of damage to the skin and eyes if proper protection is not used. Thomas Attin, an expert in preventative and restorative dentistry from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, comments that this study is very interesting and says that 'the aspect that the light sources used for bleaching may cause some risks (not only to the teeth) is new.'

Bruzell also found an increase in exposed perichymata (grooves on the surface of the tooth enamel) on the bleached teeth compared to unbleached control teeth, showing that the tooth bleaching process removes part of the pellicle that covers the enamel's surface, making the teeth more vulnerable to mechanical stress.

Bruzell says she is now carrying out a study on the effectiveness of first time tooth bleaching. Future work may also include investigating the effects of optical radiation on oral tissue and looking into the adverse effects of repetitive tooth bleaching, she adds.

Article Source :- Turning the light off on tooth bleaching

Read more...

“Invisalign” Straighten your teeth without braces

“Invisalign” Straighten your teeth without braces

For complete online solutions to all your dental problems do come to www.invisaligntopdentist.com. Here every patient is treated with complete care and giving personal attention to each patient. At Dr. Pannus Institute you are provided with many dental solutions, one of the most famous of them being Invisalign, for which Dr. Pannu has also received the Invisalign Innovator Award and is considered among the top 1% Invisalign practitioners in North America, having achieved an extra ordinary level of Invisalign experience.

Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces, using a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. You wear each set of clear invisible aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the final position your orthodontist or dentist has prescribed.

Other than Invisalign they also provide their patients with many other solutions like 'Veneers' which is the attachment of a slender ammo porcelain to the exterior of the patients teeth o get better the glance of a extensive assortment of dental defect 'Root Canal' which is the procedure of treating the internal structure damages of your teeth and other major dental solutions being Lumineer, dental filling, infant dental care and dental implantation.

They also have the facility of cosmetic dentistry which actually helps his patients to have the best smile. It is the field of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of the mouth (teeth and gums) unlike traditional dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases .Cosmetic dentistry uses tooth whitening, bonding and porcelain veneers to create a more youthful smile. So now all your dental solutions are just a click away.

Source :- “Invisalign” Straighten your teeth without braces

Read more...

Take care of oral health

As we enter 2009, many of us have already adopted a resolution for the New Year. While beginning a diet, committing to an exercise routine or spending more time with family are great choices, placing a priority on your oral health should be near the top of anyone's list.

Medical research has found that infections or bacteria in the mouth are linked to overall health. Periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of the tissues that support the teeth, is closely associated with the development of strokes, heart disease, pre-term births and pneumonia.

Additionally, people with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, which can make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar. Gum disease may also be a risk factor for diabetes, even in people who are otherwise healthy.

You can help minimize your risk by following good oral-hygiene steps and visiting your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings. Oral cancer screens are part of routine dental exams, and new advanced technology can help detect oral cancer at its earliest stages.

There are several things we can do on a daily basis to get on the right road to excellent oral health. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. Limit your intake of sweets, especially sugared, carbonated beverages. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Drink more water. Individuals with dentures should brush and rinse their dentures daily and clean with denture cleanser.

Remember, it is important to visit your dental team for regular exams, screenings and cleanings. Denture wearers are checked to ensure dentures fit properly.

Taking care of your oral health will help your overall health throughout the New Year and beyond.

Source :- Take care of oral health

Read more...

Town braced for new NHS dentist surgery

DENTISTS are expecting to be inundated with patients after a new NHS surgery was announced for a Suffolk town.

The new Bury St Edmunds practice is expected to open on Woolhall Street in April and is the first sign in the town of a package of investment tackling the county's NHS dentist shortage.

The announcement has been welcomed by patients and community leaders in an area where only 22% of practices are accepting new patients. And according to NHS Suffolk one-in-four 5-year-olds have decaying, missing or filled teeth.

The move comes after Suffolk health bosses conceded there was “significant unmet need” and “although there is a statutory duty to ensure that there is reasonable access to dentistry, it is not clear that this requirement is being met everywhere”.

The Bury practice set to be run as the White Cross practice and is part of a £1.8million overhaul to increase access for patients in response to the problem.

David Lockwood, chairman of Suffolk County Council's health scrutiny committee and St Edmundsbury Borough Council member, said: “This is great news for the west of the county. A new practice has already opened in Brandon and it has already begun making a difference.

“And the addition of investment orthodontic services is also going to be fantastic.”

The money, first announced last September, has also been earmarked for new practices in Sudbury, Hadleigh, Eye and Stowmarket, with further investment in Saxmundham, Woodbridge and Newmarket.

Among the recommendations to be implemented by the funding - of which £500,000 will be spent on orthodontics - people living in urban areas should be within five miles of a dentist and people living in rural areas should be no more than 12 miles away from a surgery.

A spokesman for NHS Suffolk said: “NHS Suffolk is spending £1.3million this year to improve access to dental services across the county, with a further £500,000 for orthodontic services.

“As part of this, we are now working closely with the owners to establish the new practice in Bury St Edmunds, and further details will be announced over the coming weeks.”

Source :- Town braced for new NHS dentist surgery

Read more...

Effective new malaria drug to be approved by FDA

Washington (IANS): The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is likely to approve a new malaria drug with artemisinin, a wormwood derivative from China that has proven effective for the infection in Africa and Asia.

Although only about 1,500 reported cases of malaria are treated in US annually, the drug would also be made available to the military and to Americans planning to go abroad.

However, worldwide malaria is still one of the most serious infectious diseases, claiming two million lives and affecting two to three billion people every year.

Named Coartem, the drug is made by Swiss company Novartis. It combines artemether, an artemesinin derivative, with lumefantrine, a drug developed by Chinese scientists, which does not kill parasites as quickly but lingers in the blood a while longer.

By mopping up parasites that artemisinin misses, lumefantrine helps prevent resistance that would defeat the drug, as has occurred with other therapies like chloroquine.

University of Pennsylvania pharmacologist Doron Greenbaum, said although the exact mechanism by which artemisinin kills parasites is still open to considerable debate, the drug likely acts against one or more protein targets that may make it susceptible to resistance that has developed to most other drugs.

Drug resistance to artemisinin has already been shown to occur in the lab, and reports have already surfaced about potential resistance in malaria endemic regions like southeast Asia.

Thus the potential success of Coartem treatment for malaria should be greeted with cautious optimism knowing that resistance is likely to arise and that other new drugs will need to be developed quickly.

Greenbaum recently reported that small molecule defensin-mimetic compounds discovered by Radnor, Pennsylvania-based biopharmaceutical company PolyMedix, irreversibly kill P. falciparum while sparing human red blood cells.

Plasmodium species are responsible for the nearly 500 million cases of malaria worldwide and as many as two million deaths, most of them in children.

As with antimicrobial agents, first-line malaria agents are losing effectiveness due to development of resistance to drugs by the target organisms.

Greenbaum demonstrated that PolyMedix's compounds kill P. falciparum irreversibly, meaning the cells do not recover when the agent is depleted.

Irreversible killing distinguishes a "cidal", or true killing mechanism, from a "static" mechanism that holds the infectious agent at bay while the body's immune system fights off the infection, said a Pennsylvania release.

"If we treat for 10 hours and remove the compound, the parasites never recover," notes Greenbaum. Many antimicrobial and antifungal drugs are of the static variety.

Source :- Effective new malaria drug to be approved by FDA

Read more...

'Alzheimer's drugs double death risk in elderly'

London (AP) :- Anti-psychotic drugs commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease may double a patient's chance of dying within a few years, suggests a new study that adds to concerns already known about such medications.

"For the vast majority of Alzheimer's patients, taking these drugs is probably not a worthwhile risk," said Clive Ballard, the paper's lead author, of the Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases at King's College London.

"Would I want to take a drug that slightly reduced my aggression but doubled my risk of dying? I'm not sure I would," Ballard said.

The research was published today in the medical journal, Lancet Neurology.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and causes symptoms including aggression, delusions and hallucinations. Previous studies have shown anti-psychotic drugs, which can help control the aggression and hallucinations for a few months raise the risk of death in older patients with dementia. There are other side effects, including respiratory problems and stroke.

Ballard and colleagues followed 165 patients aged 67 to 100 years with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease from 2001 to 2004 in Britain. Half continued taking their anti-psychotic drugs, which included Risperdal, Thorazine and Stelazine. The other half got placebos.

Of the 83 receiving drugs, 39 were dead after a year. Of the 82 taking fake pills, 27 were dead after a year. Most deaths in both groups were due to pneumonia.

After two years, 46 per cent of Alzheimer's patients taking the anti-psychotics were alive, versus 71 per cent of those not on the drugs. After three years, only 30 per cent of patients on the drugs were alive, versus 59 percent of those not taking drugs.

Read more...

Scientists closer to finding cure for cancer afflicting kids

Sydney (IANS): Researchers have edged closer to finding a potential cure for the commonest tumour afflicting young children.

Michelle Haber AM, executive director, Children's Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA), said the findings were an exciting development towards an eventual cure for this childhood cancer.

Researchers have known that the presence of multiple copies of the cancer-associated gene, MYCN, in neuroblastoma tumours is a powerful predictor of death in this disease.

It has also been known that MYCN drives the expression of many other genes including one in particular called ODC1.

"Patients whose tumours carry multiple copies of the MYCN gene have a particularly poor prognosis and new therapies are urgently needed," said Haber.

"Our findings indicate that over expression of the ODC1 gene contributes to the aggressive biology of this tumour and poor clinical outcomes, said a CCIA release.

Using a lab model of neuroblastoma, researchers tested whether inhibiting ODC1 activity with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a drug known to suppress ODC1 function, would improve treatment of neuroblastoma, when used in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.

"We found that the combined drug treatment prolonged tumour-free survival compared with chemotherapeutic drugs alone, suggesting that targeting ODC1 for suppression is a potentially valuable therapeutic approach," said Haber.

Source :- Scientists closer to finding cure for cancer afflicting kids

Read more...

Lung Cancer: Still the Biggest Cancer Killer, by Far

While researchers make advances, quitting smoking remains your best bet

It's the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, killing more people each year than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined.

It's typically discovered too late to be treated successfully, with about 85 percent of victims dead within five years of diagnosis.

And nine out of 10 cases of the disease are tied to a single behavior -- smoking.

Lung cancer killed 160,390 people in 2007, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance. That's an average of 439 people a day.

And tobacco caused 90 percent of those deaths, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

"Smoking is the most lethal legal activity in our society," said Dr. James Mulshine, a professor of internal medicine and associate provost for research at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Researchers are trying to find better ways to detect lung cancer and to find genetic warning signs, or markers, that could predict who might be at increased risk.

But doctors say anti-smoking measures have proven the only effective weapon against the disease.

"At this point, the progress in decreasing lung cancer death rates is due solely to men quitting smoking since the early 1990s," said Dr. Michael Thun, vice president of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society.

The death rate for men fell from 90.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 1990 to 69.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2005, Thun said. But the death rate for women peaked in 1998 at 41 deaths per 100,000 and has remained in that range ever since, he said.

"Lung cancer rates have been falling in men since 1991, since men began to quit smoking," Thun said. "They have leveled off in women, but are not declining. Women started smoking later than men in our society and are having more trouble quitting."

For some time, it was thought that women might be more susceptible to tobacco-related lung cancers than men. However, recent research from the National Cancer Institute has disproved that notion.

"It looks like the effect of tobacco is the same for women as it is for men," said Dr. Tim Byers, deputy director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center and a professor with the university's department of preventive medicine and biometrics.

Other recent research has discovered a genetic variant tied to lung cancer risk. Doctors earlier this year found a 70 percent increased risk of the disease among carriers of a deficient gene called Alpha 1-antitrypsin.

But given that smoking is the cause of nearly all lung cancers, doctors aren't sure that knowledge of a genetic link will prove useful in the near term. "There's nothing that can be done about this genetic variant," Thun said.

The most promising area of new research involves early detection of lung cancer through the use of spiral CT scans.

Currently, when lung cancer is detected, the disease has already spread outside the lung in 15 percent to 30 percent of cases, according to the National Cancer Institute. That's because chest X-rays can only detect larger tumors of 1 centimeter or more.

But spiral CT, a technology introduced in the 1990s, can pick up tumors well under 1 centimeter.

About 50,000 current or former smokers are participating in the National Lung Screening Trial, a study that hopes to determine in the near future whether CT scans can allow early intervention that would save a person's life.

"We all have our fingers crossed that the trial will show there is a screening procedure that will make a difference," Byers said. "We're probably about two to three years away from knowing the results of that trial."

In the meantime, doctors say the best way to save lives from lung cancer is to throw more energy into measures that will prevent smoking.

Studies have shown that raising the price of cigarettes through taxation, clean air laws that prohibit smoking in public places, and counter-advertising have all helped reduce smoking rates in the United States, Thun said.

"We know those tactics work, but, for political reasons, they're not being fully applied," he said.

Quitting smoking also will allow people to avoid the host of other health problems that come with it, most notably cardiovascular disease.

"If you avoid smoking, you have avoided the Mount Everest of avoidable health hazards," Thun said.

Source :- Lung Cancer: Still the Biggest Cancer Killer, by Far

Read more...

Inflamed gums, heart disease linked

LONDON:- The next person who reminds you to floss might be your cardiologist instead of your dentist, for a new study has revealed a link between inflamed gums and heart disease.

Scientists have known for some time that a protein associated with inflammation called CRP is elevated in people who are at risk for heart disease. But exactly where is the inflammation coming from?

Well, researchers have found that infected gums may be one place. Indeed, proper dental hygiene should reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke or heart disease independently of other measures, such as managing cholesterol.

"It has been long suspected that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process, and that periodontal disease plays a role in atherosclerosis.

"Our study suggests that this is the case, and indicates that something as simple as taking good care of your teeth and gums can greatly reduce your risk of developing serious diseases," lead author Mario Clerici said.

In their study, the researchers from Britain and Italy examined the carotid arteries of 35 healthy people (median age 46) with mild to moderate periodontal disease before and after having their periodontal disease treated.

One year after treatment, they found that a reduction in oral bacteria, immune inflammation and the thickening of the blood vessels was associated with atherosclerosis.

Article Source :- Inflamed gums, heart disease linked

Read more...

Human bone marrow synthesised in lab Washington

Artificial bone marrow that can continuously make red and white blood cells has been synthesised in a lab for the first time. This could lead to simpler pharmaceutical drug testing, closer study of immune system defects and a continuous supply of blood for transfusions.

To determine whether the substance behaves like real bone marrow, the scientists implanted it in mice with immune deficiencies. They produced human immune cells and blood vessels grew through the substance.

Cancer-fighting chemotherapy drugs can strongly suppress bone marrow function, leaving the body more susceptible to infection.

The new artificial marrow could allow researchers to test how a new drug at certain potencies would affect bone marrow function, said Nicholas Kotov, co-author of the study and professor in University of Michigan departments of chemical and bio-medical engineering.

"This could assist in drug development and avoid severe side effects before human drug trials," he said.

The substance grows on a 3-D scaffold that mimics the tissues supporting bone marrow in the body, Kotov and Joan Nichols, professor at the University of Texas, collaborated on many aspects of the project.

"This is the first successful artificial bone marrow," Kotov said. "It has two of the essential functions of bone marrow. It can replicate blood stem cells and produce B cells. The latter are the key immune cells producing antibodies that are important to fighting many diseases."

Blood stem cells give rise to blood as well as several other types of cells. B cells, a type of white blood cell, battle colds, bacterial infections, and other foreign or abnormal cells including some cancers.

Bone marrow is a complicated organ to replicate, Kotov said. Vital to the success of this new development is the 3-D scaffold on which the artificial marrow grows. This lattice had to have a high number of precisely-sized pores to stimulate cellular interaction.

The scaffolds are made of a transparent polymer that nutrients can easily pass through. To create the scaffolds, scientists moulded the polymer with tiny spheres ordered like billiard balls. Then, they dissolved the spheres to leave the perfect geometry of pores in the scaffold.

The scaffolds were then seeded with bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblasts, another type of bone marrow cell, said a Michigan university release. The findings were published online in Biomaterials.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service

Read more...