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

Research Summary Oral health: The protective role of white blood cells Scientists from the Netherlands have identified a type of white blood cell as a potential component of oral health. Elena Nicu of the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam and her collaborators collected oral rinse and blood samples from 268 healthy volunteers. Cell count, cycle...Read More

Research Summary Dental prostheses: Cutting down on corrosion Silver-palladium-gold and gold-platinium alloys used as magnets for dental prostheses resist corrosion more than cobalt-chromium alloys. In removable prostheses, such magnets are attracted to a keeper, which is placed either on a treated root or a metal framework fixed in the mouth, enabling the prostheses to remain...Read More