News

Letters to the Editor

Compliments on Caries

Regarding “The Caries Balance” by John D.B. Featherstone, MSc, PhD, which appeared in the February 2004 issue—finally an article on dental decay that doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand. This article was well-written and well-received. Understanding the caries process, assessment, and management of caries prevention is such an important role for the hygienist. Since reading this article, I feel I am able to explain the caries process to my patients and parents without sounding like a broken record. Looking forward to reading the second part of this article.

—Susan Petersen, RDH, Chino Hills, Calif

Photo Mishap

I am appalled that the child pictured in “Promoting Prevention” in the February 2004 issue (page 27) was allowed to dangle her hand in the cuspidor!

—Ann Howell, RDH, BS, Colorado Springs, Colo

Editor’s Note: This image was used by the author to demonstrate a specific position in which a young child could receive a dental examination. However, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene does not support having children put their hands in the cuspidor.

Good Tidings

I just discovered this great magazine while searching for new information on periodontal instrumentation. What a great journal with current and leading edge information. I am referring all of our students to your website.

—Marilyn Kinnear, RDH, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

I enjoy your informative journal immensely. I am finally completing my Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene Education after dreaming of it for 20 years. I hope I can give a little back to this wonderful career that people like you have furthered.

—Rebecca Schulz, RDH, Big Lake, Minn

I look forward to receiving Dimensions each month. I depend on this well-written and well-researched journal to keep me current in caring for my patients. Thank you.

—Dalinda Beem, RDH, Inverness, Fla

FYI

Oral Disease Knows No Bounds

Oral disease is a serious health problem not only in industrialized nations but increasingly in the developing world, according to new findings released by the World Health Organization on February 24. Although in developed parts of the world, the average ratio of dentist-to-population is 1:2,000, the report notes that 60% to 90% of school children and most adults are still affected by dental caries. Caries is also a growing problem for undeveloped parts of the world, such as in Africa where the ratio is 1:150,000. Oral cancer is a major health hazard, according to the report, with a very high incidence in south central Asia and increased incidence in countries like Denmark, Germany, Scotland, and central and eastern Europe. The report lists smoking, smokeless tobacco, chewing betel, and alcohol use as risk factors.

The World Health Organization’s Global Oral Health Programme is outlined in the report and it addresses risks like oral hygiene practice, sugar consumption, calcium and micronutrient consumption, and tobacco use, while also tackling sociocultural issues such as poor living conditions, substandard education, and lack of cultural support for oral health. To download the report, visit www.who.int/oral_health/publications/report03/en/.

Soy Derivative Rinse May Help Prevent Oral Cancer

With the mortality rate of oral cancer at 50% post diagnosis and with early detection difficult, a new soy derivative rinse may make a big difference, according to a March 1 article in the Los Angeles Times. The Bowman-Birk inhibitor, a soy derivative, appears to work by stopping the production of specific enzymes that may push cells into becoming cancerous. A study performed at the University of California, Irvine, Medical Center, had 32 patients with a precancerous oral disease—leukoplakia—take the Bowman-Birk inhibitor in a mouthrinse twice a day for 1 month. A24.2% reduction in lesion size was noted. Researchers are now conducting a larger study involving controls.