Motivating smoking cessation among dental patients: smokers' interest in biomarker testing for susceptibility to tobacco-related cancers.

This study examined interest in receiving biomarker testing for tobacco-related cancer susceptibility among 148 smokers seeking routine oral health care in a public dental clinic. Patients completed a brief, self-report survey assessing their smoking history, tobacco-related illness history, readiness to quit smoking, perceived risk and worry about cancer, and their interest in being tested for genetic susceptibility for tobacco-related cancers. Participants were socioeconomically and ethnically diverse, and were primarily long-standing, nicotine-dependent smokers. Most reported (83%) interest in biomarker feedback, and most (86%) understood that a certain genetic make-up could place them at increased risk for tobacco-related cancers. Those participants who felt that quitting smoking would reduce future cancer risk, were at least in the contemplation stage of quitting readiness, felt more worried and more at risk for developing cancer, women and younger smokers were more interested in genetic testing (all ps < 0.20). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that gender and risk perceptions were associated with interest in testing. The public dental clinic setting holds potential for innovative smoking cessation interventions using personalized risk feedback.

Xerostomia. A common problem among the elderly.

Xerostomia is the subjective feeling of dry mouth caused by hyposalivation. It is a common problem among the elderly. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications, Sjögren's Syndrome and irradiation of the head and neck are the primary causes of hyposalivation in the elderly. Living with xerostomia can be a devastating experience for the sufferer. Through proper diagnosis and management, the dentist can help bring some relief to the patient with xerostomia.

Halitosis. A common oral problem.

Halitosis is caused primarily by bacterial putrefaction and the generation of volatile sulfur compounds. Ninety percent of patients suffering from halitosis have oral causes, such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, tongue coat, food impaction, unclean dentures, faulty restorations, oral carcinomas, and throat infections. The remaining 10 percent of halitosis sufferers have systemic causes that include renal or hepatic failure, carcinomas, diabetes or trimethylaminuria. Modern analytical and microbiological techniques permit diagnosis of bad breath. Management of halitosis involves maintaining proper oral hygiene, and periodontal treatment, including tongue brushing.

Minority Oral Health Research Center. Improving oral health and expanding opportunities.

To address the glaring problems of disparity in oral health and representation in the manpower pool of oral health researchers, the National Institute for Dental Research (NIDR) of the National Institutes of Health established Regional Research Centers for Minority Oral Health. The Minority Oral Health Research Center at New York University College of Dentistry, a collaboration between the college and the Fosyth Dental Center, is one of four centers established by the NIDR in the United States to improve oral health for all Americans and to enhance accessibility of research careers for minority individuals. This article describes the center's progress to date, expected outcomes and its call for partners to improve minority oral health.