I'll name that bacteria in.......

So, this week was a busy mix of clinic with some very interesting meetings thrown in. I have a few bits of good information I want to share but can't yet. All of it is newsworthy so will let those cats out of their bags as soon as I can.


I have started a product review section for Preventative Dentistry and am really excited by it. I have trialled lots of products for people previously and provided feedback to the companies; often the products are prototypes. This feedback was never disclosed before. The difference here is that my findings will be published and the products will be sale ready. I have always told every company the same thing at the start. I will be honest and if it is good will say so happily. Equally, if I do find problems then I will report them also. My patients are so used to it now they are disappointed if I don't have something new to try out on them at their recall sessions. Preventative Dentistry is going from strength to strength just now and is one to watch.


The big dental news for me this week is that Kings have been awarded an enormous grant to take on the equivalently large task of making a comprehensive list of oral bacterium. They are going to sort out the 1,000 odd species and hopefully be able to understand more about why a healthy biofilm can become aggressive, who the aggressors are, and what can be done to prevent their domination. I know, I know for the most part what we do now works. But for around 5%-15% of the population who will lose the battle with them despite best efforts, this piece of research could be the change we are waiting for to give us the upper hand. I would love them to run a competition to name one of the new found species. It would be a toss up between Bob or leaving a lasting impression and going for Mhari as the ultimate reminder of my geeky obsession with oral bacteria! I am genuinely so interested in the development of biofilm I would be willing to volunteer on this one for free, and if I could, get a visit to look at how it develops. Bacteria heaven!


Finally, we were told that females who have gingivitis or periodontal disease could find it harder to conceive. We are also told that kissing is good for the oral health as it produces more saliva and makes a good ph balance in the mouth. So it seems we all need to floss more and snog more for the sake of our oral health.


Keep on keeping on


Mhari