implants - the journal of oral implantology UK Edition

I news_ implants 08 I implants1_2012 New research from Queen Mary, University of London in collabora- tion with research groups in the USA sheds light on why gum disease can become more common with old age. The study, published in Nature Immunology, reveals that the de- terioration in gum health which often occurs with increasing age is associated with a drop in the level of a chemical called Del-1. The researchers say that understanding more about Del-1 and its effects on the body’s immune system could help in the treatment or prevention of serious gum disease. Periodontitis is a disease of the gums which causes bleeding and bone loss which can, over time, lead to loss of teeth. It affects about 20 per cent of the UK population and is caused by an over-active im- mune response to bacteria that grow in the mouth. As people age they are more likely to suffer from inflammatory diseases, including gum disease. The new research investigated gum disease in young and old mice and found that an increase in gum disease in the older animals was accompanied by a drop in the level of Del-1. This protein is known to restrain the immune system by stopping white blood cells from stick- ing to and attacking mouth tissue. Mice that had no Del-1 developed severe gum disease and ele- vated bone loss and researchers found unusually high levels of white blood cells in the gum tissue. When they treated the gums of the mice with Del-1, the number of white blood cells dropped, and gum disease and bone loss were reduced. The researchers say their findings could be the basis for a new treatment or prevention of gum disease. Mike Curtis is Professor of Microbiology at Queen Mary, Univer- sity of London, Director of the Blizard Institute and the lead on the microbiological studies in the research. He said: “Periodontitis is an extremely common problem and we know that the disease tends to be more common as we get older. “This research sheds some light on why ageing makes us more susceptible and understanding this mechanism is the first step to an effective treatment.” _ Study hints at why gums suffer with age NHS & Private dental patients in the UK who are about to have a new crown, implant, denture or veneer fitted are now being offered the opportunity to find out where their appliances have been made, following the launch of the ‘British Bite Mark’ by the Dental Laboratories Association. In recent months there have been a significant number of dentists looking to send their prescriptions to dental labo- ratories in the Far East to help reduce their overheads, rather than using the traditional route of dental laboratories based in tahe UK. The Dental Laboratories Association appreciate that the dif- ferent levels of regulation and professional requirements can be confusing and difficult for patients to understand and therefore have looked to design a logo that at a quick glance will help inform the patient that their dental appliance has been manu- factured in the UK and meets the UK regulatory requirements. At the launch of the British Bite Mark campaign, Richard Daniels, Chief Executive of the Dental Laboratories Association said: ‘‘In these turbulent economic times it is understandable that dental practices are looking to cut costs, however by sourc- ing crowns, bridges, dentures and veneers from dental laborato- ries in the Far East just to save money isn’t acceptable without making the patient aware. ‘‘I believe that by introducing the British Bite Mark, we are helping patients instantly recognise where their appliance has been manufactured and that it complies with UK regulations, with the ultimate aim of ensuring patients receive a transparent service from their dentist.’’ Over the coming months, the British Bite Mark will feature strongly in local and national media, as well as in all the ma- jor social networking sites. The Dental Laboratories Association will also be issuing information to health centres, Libraries and dental practices to help educate the patient about the difference between appliances manufactured in the UK and overseas._ Dental Laboratories Launch ‘The British Bite Mark’