Gas Could Be Used By Dentists As An Alternative To The Drill

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Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a gas-firing device that offers a pain-free alternative to the dentists’ drill. The device can clean out cavities and make fillings tougher.

A new ‘gas-firing’ device may offer a pain-free alternative to the dentist’s drill — and could make fillings even more hard-wearing.

The device, which resembles an electric toothbrush, cleans out cavities in rotten teeth in only 30 seconds, according to new research.

It works by generating high-energy gas and liquid particles to kill bacteria and blast out the decayed pulp of the tooth.

Estimates suggest that around one-in-four of us fear going to the dentist, leading to many people not visiting at all

The researchers at the University of Missouri who developed the device say it means less discomfort for patients, as it does not affect the highly sensitive nerves in the teeth.

Conventional drills cause pain because the vibrations from the drill trigger signals in these nerves.

Tooth decay is the second most common health problem after the common cold.

It is caused by bacteria in the mouth — one of the bacteria’s main food sources is sugar, which is why sweet treats accelerate tooth damage.

Most cavities are discovered by dentists in… continue reading

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Shortage Of Dentists In South Africa Puts Patients At Higher Risk for Cancer

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In South Africa there are less than 3500 dentists practicing in the country. The lack of dentists means South Africans are more exposed to the risks of throat and mouth cancer.

According to the South African Dental Association, there are possibly fewer than 3500 practising dentists in the country.

“Your oral cavity is never examined unless you go to a dentist,” said Professor André van Zyl, of the School of Dentistry at the University of Pretoria.

He was speaking at a press briefing in Cape Town yesterday to highlight the increased risks of developing mouth and throat cancer through smoking cannabis and using hubbly-bubbly or hookah pipes.

Last year, the dental association warned that the human papilloma virus (HPV) might cause throat cancer. Having several oral sex partners would also increase the risk of picking up the virus.

But because many South Africans either cannot afford or do not have access to a dentist, their chances of detecting mouth and throat cancer before it is too late are very slim.

The Department of Health’s human resources strategic plan, published in October, reported that there were 5.63 dentists per 10000 people who can access private dental care in this country, compared with 0.2 dentists per 10000 South Africans in the… continue reading

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