Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Phylogenetic Signal In Tooth Wear: What Does It Mean?, Larisa Desantis, Mikael Fortelius, Frederick E Grine, Christine Janis, Thomas M Kaiser, Gildas Merceron, Mark A Purnell, Ellen Schulz-Kornas, Juha Saarinen, Mark F. Teaford, Peter S Ungar, Indrė Žliobaitė

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

A new study by Fraser et al (2018) urges the use of phylogenetic comparative methods, whenever possible, in analyses of mammalian tooth wear. We are concerned about this for two reasons. First, this recommendation may mislead the research community into thinking that phylogenetic signal is an artifact of some sort rather than a fundamental outcome of the evolutionary process. Secondly, this recommendation may set a precedent for editors and reviewers to enforce phylogenetic adjustment where it may unnecessarily weaken or even directionally alter the results, shifting the emphasis of analysis from common patterns manifested by large clades to rare cases.

Gps For The Gp: Guided Planning Surgery, Benjamin E. Schwartz

Touro College of Dental Medicine Publications and Research

The following is an exerpt from the article:

Guided planning surgery (GPS) programs are a valuable tool for the general dentist to help direct the proper implant orientation in order to prevent errors during the surgical procedure. Software exists that can plan implant and restorative tooth positions, auto-detect nerves, warn of proximity to vital structures, caution against incorrect implant locations, and fabricate surgical guides.

Influence Of The Oral Microbiome On General Health, Zvi G. Loewy, Shoshana Galbut, Ephraim Loewy, David A. Felton

Touro College of Pharmacy (New York) Publications and Research

The prevalence of edentulism is common worldwide. While improvements in access to healthcare and dental care are reducing the prevalence rate of edentulism, the rapidly growing number of elderly as a percent of the global population will sustain a need for denture therapy for the foreseeable future. While denture use has positive impacts on the quality of life, their use is associated with some problems and risks. Denture stomatitis, a chronic infection-related inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa, is extremely common and has been reported to occur in up to two-thirds of denture wearers. Importantly, epidemiology studies have shown edentulism …

The Effects Of Drug Abuse On Oral Health, Betzalel Krasnow

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Drug abuse, currently a national epidemic affecting millions of Americans, causes numerous health issues including increased dental disease. There are several factors which can contribute to an increase in caries and missing teeth. One of the most discussed mechanisms is xerostomia. Drug abusers tend to have large sugar intakes which exacerbates the problems caused by xerostomia. Drug abusers are also at risk for oral infections associated with dental decay due to their altered saliva composition. Unfortunately, once the symptoms are present there is little that can be done to correct them and the goal of the treating dentist should be …

Oral Biofilms: Development, Control, And Analysis, Daniela Berger, Aviva Rakhamimova, Andrew Pollack, Zvi G. Loewy

Touro College of Pharmacy (New York) Publications and Research

The oral cavity harbors hundreds of microbial species that are present either as planktonic cells or incorporated into biofilms. The majority of the oral microbes are commensal organisms. Those that are pathogenic microbes can result in oral infections, and at times can initiate systemic diseases. Biofilms that contain pathogens are challenging to control. Many conventional antimicrobials have proven to be ineffective. Recent advances in science and technology are providing new approaches for pathogen control and containment and methods to characterize biofilms. This perspective provides (1) a general understanding of biofilm development; (2) a description of emerging chemical and biological methods …