Research Summary Early childhood caries: Disease-associated bacteria prefer carbs over protein Bacteria in dental plaque from children with early childhood caries metabolize carbon from different sources than bacteria from healthy individuals. Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common chronic disease in children. Scientists from the Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology led by...Read More

Research Summary Gum disease: Defensive protein levels increase early in infection Defences against gum disease are bolstered via increased expression of the proteins that seal the gaps between oral epithelial cells. Previous work has indicated that these tight junction proteins are involved in gum disease, but their role is unknown. ZhongHao Liu from Binzhou Medical...Read More

Research Summary Caries prevention: Antibacterial additives in dental restoration Antibacterial properties of dental restorations improve on addition of nano-silver and an ammonium compound. Amorphous calcium phosphate is widely used for restoration because of its biocompatibility and similar composition to minerals in hard tissues. However, the detrimental formation of biofilms on dental resins and hence, the...Read More

Research Summary Dental restoration: Building stronger bonds Sturdier implant–porcelain bonds are now accessible thanks to new insight into the impact of restorative procedures on veneered ceramics. Zirconia has emerged as a dental ceramic of choice due to its favorable integration into the existing bone, and high toughness and thermal expansion, which are needed for durable...Read More