Week in Review: Is oil pulling effective? | Sexual harassment | Sugar industry influence

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of oil, typically coconut or sesame, around the oral cavity. This motion allegedly "pulls" bad bacteria from the mouth. But does it work? Researchers found that it may be as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque-induced gingivitis, according to a presentation this week at the 2019 International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia.

More than 20% of attendees at the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) meeting reported being sexually harassed at some point from 2015 to 2018, according to another presentation at the IADR meeting on June 21. "Put-downs," unwanted sexual comments, and unwanted touching were just three of the behaviors reported.

The AADR put into place a new code of conduct at clinical meetings in 2018, but as the researchers concluded, that 1 in 5 attendees of a meeting was harassed is a cause for concern. I would say that it's more than a cause for concern -- it's wrong that anyone would have to experience this behavior.

Finally from the IADR meeting, you've heard of the tobacco industry's influence on medical research of nicotine products, but did you know the sugar industry did something similar in the 1970s? According to research presented on June 19, the sugar industry used dietitians to help spread pro-sugar messages to dental professionals.

Also this week, while no one can predict the future with 100% certainty, certain trends can help provide a road map. Dr. Roger P. Levin examines five of these trends for dentistry, including the growth of dental support organizations, declining reimbursement, and staffing issues.

Thanks to everyone who read and shared our first Saturday Letter from the Editor last week. Do you like receiving these week-in-review emails on Saturdays? Let us know.