Citing new scientific evidence, professionals urge the end of fluoridation along with Congressional hearings.

For many Australians a trip to the dentist is not a pleasant experience. But while the mere sound of the drill may rattle the nerves, the decaying state of the dental health system is proving to be of greater concern.

Dentists have warned that increasingly prevalent drug use by young Australians is causing them dental problems. A report from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre suggests that 12 per cent of 24-year-olds have used amphetamines in the past year.

A typical human mouth teems with as many as 700 different species of microbes. A handful of these have been specifically implicated in promoting gum disease, dental cavities, and bad breath, but for the most part, the make-up of this complex ecosystem and its impact on human health remain largely unexplored.

High-tech dental lasers used mainly to prepare cavities for restoration now can help eliminate bacteria in root canals, according to research published in the July issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).

The purpose of this investigation has been to study the association between the space conditions of the deciduous and permanent incisors of the same individuals.

Colgate-Palmolive announced on June 15 additional developments and actions by the Company to protect consumers against possible risk from recently reported counterfeit toothpaste. Colgate warned consumers that the counterfeit toothpaste, which has been found in some small, independent dollar-type discount stores, may not contain fluoride and could contain Diethylene Glycol, an ingredient not used in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world.

Dentists may be able to help their patients stop smoking by referring them to tobacco-use telephone "quitlines," according to a pilot study published in the May issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).