Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

D TI: The bacterium Strep- tococcus salivarius, a harmless inhabitant of the human mouth, inhibits the formation of dental biofilms (plaque). Japanese researchers have discovered that the bacte- rium produces the FruA enzyme, which inhibits the development of plaque. In their study the scientists separated a couple of substances produced by Streptococcus sali- varius and tested their impact on Streptococcus mutans, the pri- mary species of bacteria inhab- iting the mouth and main factor for the formation of plaque. The authors suggest that FruA may actually regulate microbial path- ogenicity in the oral cavity. “We show that FruA produced by Streptococcus salivarius in- hibited Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation completely in the in vitro assay supplemented with sucrose,” the researchers state in their study, which was published in the March 2011 is- sue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. The reseachers say the activ- ity of the inhibitors was elevated in the presence of sucrose, and the inhibitory effects were de- pendent on the sucrose concen- tration in the biofilm formation assay medium. FruA is produced not only by Streptococcus salivarius, but by other oral streptococci. Much of the oral microbial flora consists of beneficial species of bacteria. They help maintain oral health and control the progression of oral disease. According to the science por- tal wissenschaft.de, a major step in fighting caries could be taken if the researchers find a method to implement FruA into a dental health product. DT Enzyme could fight caries Streptococcus is a genus of spherical Gram-positive bacteria. Some of that bacteria can be found in the mouth. (DTI/Photo courtesy of Sebastian Kaulitzky) J ames Hull Associates is delighted to announce two new senior appoint- ments as it further strengthens its Board. Current CEO Robin Pugh, (pictured left), will step up to Chairman after successfully guiding the business through its recent refinancing. Robin will take up the role of Chair- man left vacant since the de- parture of Graham Hutton of Hutton Collins. Robin said “This is an exciting point in the development of the Group and I look forward to working with the team to take the busi- ness forward as the UK’s lead- ing provider of specialist den- tal services.” Robin will be replaced as CEO by Bryan Magrath, (pic- tured right), who joins James Hull Associates after a long and successful career with some of the UKs leading blue chip retailers. Bryan’s experi- ence in customer facing organ- isations will be vital in helping James Hull Associates become the UK’s dentist of choice both for general and specialist care. Bryan said “I’m delighted to be joining James Hull Associ- ates and the world of dentistry. The sector is changing rapidly and JHA is ideally positioned to take advantage of the devel- oping market. I look forward to learning from the team around me and being part of the next phase in the develop- ment of JHA. JHA is a UK provider of spe- cialist and general dental care with 74 practices nationwide, all dedicated to providing the highest standards of clinical care and customer service. DT New Appointments at James Hull Associates April 25-May 1, 20116 News United Kingdom Edition Call: 020 8965 2913 Email: sales@velopex.com Highly effective Cavity Preparation, Cleaning and Stain Removal through Fluid Abrasion - No Injections :: No Pain :: No Mess! www.velopex.com DT08.04.11rpc H appy the Hippo has been recruited by the British Dental Health Foun- dation to help teach young children how to look af- ter their teeth. Around one third of children under the age of 12 in the UK contin- ue to suffer from dental decay. Happy will be joining the Foun- dation in May to help lead the 35th National Smile Month cam- paign. Despite major improvements in children’s oral health over the past 40 years, many children are still being affected by den- tal decay. The most recent data suggests that around a third (31 per cent) of five year olds start- ing primary school will have dental decay. The picture is slightly worse for children aged 12 in secondary schools – one third of children in every class- room will have signs of visible dental decay. The theme of this year’s Na- tional Smile Month campaign is the ‘Smile Factor’. In adulthood peoples’ mouth, teeth and smiles are fundamental to all aspects of their life – whether career, per- sonality, relationships, attrac- tion or all-round good health. Creating good oral health habits from an early age are especially important to help children keep their smile factors throughout their lives. Chief Executive of the Brit- ish Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, says: “Over the past 40 years we have made great improvements in children’s oral health. In 1973, nine out of every ten children aged twelve showed signs of visible dental decay. However, the incidence of dental decay still remains too high and we hope that Happy the Hippo will show more children how to look after their teeth better. “National Smile Month between 15 May and 15 June is a great opportunity for parents, guardians, schools and teach- ers to get involved. We have lots of excellent free resources at www.smilemonth.org to help educate and improve children’s oral health. Our free Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188 is also available to anyone who needs help and advice.” DT Happy the Hippo here to help Happy the Hippo