Toroidal polar topology in strained ferroelectric polymer
We report toroidal topological texture self-organized in a ferroelectric polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride-ran-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)], that exhibits concentric topology with anticoupled chiral domains. The interplay among the elastic, electric, and gradient energies results in continuous rotation and toroidal assembly of the polarization perpendicular to polymer chains, whereas relaxor behavior is induced along polymer chains. Such toroidal polar topology gives rise to periodic absorption of polarized far-infrared (FIR) waves, enabling the manipulation of the terahertz wave on a mesoscopic scale. Our observations...
Source: ScienceNOW - March 4, 2021 Category: Science Authors: Guo, M., Guo, C., Han, J., Chen, S., He, S., Tang, T., Li, Q., Strzalka, J., Ma, J., Yi, D., Wang, K., Xu, B., Gao, P., Huang, H., Chen, L.-Q., Zhang, S., Lin, Y.-H., Nan, C.-W., Shen, Y. Tags: Materials Science reports Source Type: news

National Academies Complete Review of National Toxicology Program ’s Second Draft Monograph on Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Effects
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released today a review of the National Toxicology Program ’s (NTP) second draft of the monograph Systematic Review of Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Health Effects. (Source: News from the National Academies)
Source: News from the National Academies - February 9, 2021 Category: Science Source Type: news

Influences on dentists' adoption of nonsurgical caries management techniques: A qualitative study
Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insight into practitioners ' influences, motivations, and clinical decision making in the adoption and use of management and treatment approaches for carious lesions in the pediatric population. Practice implications: The primary factors and barriers identified in this study are possible targets for education and quality improvement programs aimed at increasing NSCMT use.  (Source: Dental Technology Blog)
Source: Dental Technology Blog - February 2, 2021 Category: Dentistry Source Type: news

Caries arrest effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride compared to alternative restorative technique: randomized clinical trial
ConclusionBoth SDF and ART are, indeed, effective for arresting caries. However, the chair-time management required for SDF is significantly shorter compared to ART. Taking into consideration the present evidence, the best decision regarding disease management and application of SDF or ART is to be made by the dentist and the patient/parent, recognizing individuals ’ differences and preferences.  (Source: Dental Technology Blog)
Source: Dental Technology Blog - January 13, 2021 Category: Dentistry Source Type: news

Prenatal fluoride exposure linked to lower intelligence in children
Researchers reported associations between higher fluoride levels in pregnant women and lower measures of intelligence in their children. (read more) (Source: Environmental Factor - NIEHS Newsletter)
Source: Environmental Factor - NIEHS Newsletter - January 6, 2021 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: news

NTP board approves research concepts
<div class="rxbodyfield">Mountaintop removal and fluoride were among the research areas reviewed by the National Toxicology Program Board of Scientific Counselors.</div> (read more) (Source: Environmental Factor - NIEHS Newsletter)
Source: Environmental Factor - NIEHS Newsletter - January 6, 2021 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: news

Fluoride to the rescue?
(University of California - Santa Barbara) Scientists have long been aware of the dangerous overuse of antibiotics and the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant microbes that have resulted. While over-prescription of antibiotics for medicinal use has unsettling implications for human health, so too does the increasing presence of antibiotics in the natural environment. The latter may stem from the improper disposal of medicines, but also from the biotechnology field, which has depended on antibiotics as a selection device in the lab. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - January 4, 2021 Category: Biology Source Type: news

What goes well with tacos? Toothbrushes!
From cleanings to root canals to extractions in decidedly non-dental office environments, a  core part of UCLA dental students’ education includes critical oral health care delivery to people in underserved communities.Since its inception in 1964, the UCLA School of Dentistry ’s students, residents and faculty help thousands of people annually in community clinics across southern California to fulfill its historical mission of improving the oral health of Los Angeles, California and beyond. Their efforts continue to be essential as an estimated 5.2 million people in Ca lifornia do not have dental insurance according...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - December 15, 2020 Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news

Statistical comparisons of blood alcohol samples from 6-mL and 10-mL grey-top tubes - Olds ML, Naquin JL.
Historically, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) studies utilized a 1% concentration of the preservative sodium fluoride (NaF), leaving an information gap supporting usage of lower concentrations of NaF to preserve ethanol. As many forensic laboratories uti... (Source: SafetyLit)
Source: SafetyLit - November 28, 2020 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Tags: Alcohol and Other Drugs Source Type: news

Dose-Response Effect of Fluoride Dentifrices on De-/Remineralization of Root Dentine in situ
In conclusion, a dose-response F effect was observed, and the high-fluoride dentifrice was effective in enhancing root dentine remineralization in this short-term in situ study.  (Source: Dental Technology Blog)
Source: Dental Technology Blog - October 23, 2020 Category: Dentistry Source Type: news

Kenya: Crippled By Lake's Fluoride Waters, Women Struggle to Survive
[Thomson Reuters Foundation] Lake Baringo -- Several thousand villagers have developed a painful bone-weakening disease, with women worst affected, officials say (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine - October 19, 2020 Category: African Health Source Type: news

Efficacy of silver diamine fluoride and sodium fluoride in inhibiting enamel erosion: an ex vivo study with primary teeth
ConclusionConsidering phosphorus loss values, 10% SDF seems to be effective in inhibiting enamel erosion after 1% and 10% citric acid challenges, whereas 2% NaF only after 1% citric acid challenge. Regarding calcium loss values, both fluoride agents seem to have no impact on inhibiting enamel erosion after 1% and 10% citric acid challenges.  (Source: Dental Technology Blog)
Source: Dental Technology Blog - September 1, 2020 Category: Dentistry Source Type: news

How Are Dental Abscesses Treated?
Discussion Dental caries are one of the most common infections. It is usually caused by Streptococcus viridans. Dental caries are also quite preventable with brushing the teeth at least twice a day with a fluoridated dentifrice, use of dental floss, and preventative dental appointments with application of fluoride varnish and sealants as appropriate. Additionally, fluoridation of the community water supply has significantly decreased dental caries and is a very effective public health measure. Fluoride binds within the dental matrix to strength it. Dental abscesses are usually caused by poor oral hygiene but others are at...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - August 24, 2020 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Pediatric Education Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news

Fluoridated Water Protects Baby Teeth, Too
THURSDAY, Aug. 20, 2020 -- Fluoride in drinking water reduces the odds for severe cavities in baby teeth, researchers from New Zealand report. Although fluoridated toothpaste is widely available, fluoridated water continues to show a benefit in... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews - August 20, 2020 Category: General Medicine Source Type: news