Study: Lidocaine May Kill Head, Neck Cancer Cells

DrBicuspid reports, “Lidocaine (the most common local anesthetic used for dental procedures) triggers specific bitter taste receptors in the mouth that may ultimately lead to the death of head and neck cancer (HNC) cells, according to a preclinical study recently published in Cell Reports.” The “increased expression of these bitter …

New Device Detects Early Biomarkers Associated With Oral, Throat Cancer

DentistryIQ reports, “A new early-stage oral cancer detection test for dental professionals could offer ‘unprecedented level of actionable insight into their patients’ health,’” according to Viome Life Sciences, the company launching it. The Oral Health Pro with CancerDetect is “a device that, according to a company press release , uses proprietary RNA …

EPA To Require Utilities To Remove PFAS From Drinking Water

The New York Times reports, “For the first time, the federal government will require utilities to remove from drinking water two toxic chemicals found in everything from waterproof clothing to dental floss and even toilet paper, the Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesday.” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan “said the …

Cigar Smoking Associated With Increased Risk Of Cancers, Gum Disease, Tooth Loss

HealthDay reports that according to experts, cigars are not better for one’s health relative to cigarettes. HealthDay adds, “By 2022, cigars were the second most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle school and high school students, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, the outlet also …

Researchers Say Alcohol Warning Labels Do Not Adequately Inform Consumers About Cancer Risk

The Washington Post  (Blakemore) reports alcohol warning labels “haven’t been updated since the late 1980s,” and “now, researchers say they don’t adequately advertise alcohol consumption’s biggest potential health consequence: cancer, including breast cancer.” In a perspective piece  published in “the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers warn that the labels …

Researchers Say Alcohol Warning Labels Do Not Adequately Inform Consumers About Cancer Risk

The Washington Post (Blakemore) reports alcohol warning labels “haven’t been updated since the late 1980s,” and “now, researchers say they don’t adequately advertise alcohol consumption’s biggest potential health consequence: cancer, including breast cancer.” In a perspective piece published in “the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers warn that the labels are outdated …

Systemic Review Assesses Dental Treatment Before Radiotherapy For Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

A systematic review published in The Journal of the American Dental Association associated dental treatment prior to radiation for head and neck cancer with a higher risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, but the evidence was of very low certainty, ADA News reported. “Maintaining optimal oral health may help reduce …

Vaping Can Have Similar Effect On Teeth As Cigarette Smoking

Health discusses the effects vaping may have on the teeth, featuring information from American Dental Association spokesperson Dr. Matthew Messina. Vaping adds “heat in the mouth,” Dr. Messina says, which “changes the bacterial presence in the mouth. It dries the mouth out.” Dr. Messina adds, “[The] rate of tooth decay …