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School of Dental Medicine
Penn Study Finds Link Between HIV Treatment and Neuronal Degeneration
Antiretroviral drugs have been life-changing therapies for HIV patients, but they can have significant side effects.
Penn's John Farrar, Elliot Hersh and Rosemary Polomano to Receive 2016 One Health Award
John T. Farrar of the Perelman School of Medicine, Elliot V.
Penn Dental Professor Shuying Yang Explores Bone Development and Therapies
Shuying (Sheri) Yang, a new associate professor in the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine’s Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, began her career as a medical student, the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
Penn: Plant-made Antimicrobial Peptide Targets Dental Plaque and Gum Tissues
Protein drugs, which derive from biological sources, represent some of the most important and effective biopharmaceuticals on the market. Some, like insulin, have been used for decades, while many more based on cloned genes are coming to market and are valued for their precise and powerful functions.
Philly Sisters, Mentorship Program Graduates, Return to Penn as Students
By Patrick Ammerman A high school mentoring program at the University of Pennsylvania designed for local first-generation students helped two sisters navigate the college-appication process. That path ultimately led both back to Penn.
Penn Study Finds Nasal Spray Effective and Safe Anesthesia for Dental Work
A fear of pain causes many people with dental phobias to avoid or delay needed treatment. In some cases, the injection of a numbing agent can be the most painful part of the visit.
Penn Team Uses Nanoparticles to Break Up Plaque and Prevent Cavities
The bacteria that live in dental plaque and contribute to tooth decay often resist traditional antimicrobial treatment, as they can “hide” within a sticky biofilm matrix, a glue-like polymer scaffold.
Penn Hosts Two CASE Advancement Interns
Now until July 29, the University of Pennsylvania Office of Development and Alumni Relations is hosting two interns for the CASE Advancement Internship Program.
Penn-led Team Develops Plant-based Polio Booster Vaccine
Jonas Salk created a vaccine against polio that has been used since 1955; Albert Sabin created another version that has been on the market since 1961. Together, these two vaccines have nearly eliminated polio from the face of the earth.
Penn Dental Students Raise $29K for Oral Cancer Foundation
April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month and University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine students teamed with students from Temple University to bring attention to the disease and the importance of early detection through the annual Philadelphia Oral Cancer Walk and 5K on April 2.
In the News
The Guardian
Does your jaw click? Do you grind your teeth? It could be this little-known condition
Thomas P. Sollecito of the School of Dental Medicine says that roughly 10-15% of adults have some form of temporomandibular disorder, though the vast majority don’t require treatment.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
What to know about fluoride in drinking water, and whether RFK Jr. could really have it removed
In the early 1900s, Penn alumnus Frederick Sumner McKay collected evidence that fluoride in water helped prevent tooth decay. Dean Mark Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says that fluoridated water is a great safety net provision for adults who don’t see the dentist regularly or can’t afford to routinely buy toothpaste.
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Associated Press
Menopause can bring on dental problems, but you can protect your mouth
Thomas Sollecito of the School of Dental Medicine says hormonal changes can reduce bone density and saliva production, harming gums and teeth.
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Time
Six health myths about oils
Dean Mark Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says that oil pulling won’t cause harm but has never reversed periodontitis or gingivitis.
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The New York Times
Swish, spit, repeat: Is oil pulling good for your teeth?
Mark S. Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says that oil pulling should never be a substitute for brushing or flossing one’s teeth.
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