An electricity-generating toothbrush may improve plaque control and reduce harmful oral bacteria – find out more about this and other new updates from the dental sector.
The device uses piezoelectric monofilament bristles, which produce electrical charges as they bend during brushing. These charges generate reactive oxygen species that can disrupt bacterial biofilms – the protective communities that allow plaque-causing bacteria to persist on teeth.
In laboratory tests, the toothbrush reduced pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is associated with periodontitis. Researchers also assessed the device in 115 volunteers over three months. Participants received the same brushing instructions, but those using the electricity-generating toothbrush showed lower relative levels of several oral pathogens, based on gene and metagenome sequencing of oral samples.
The researchers reported improvements in plaque control, gingival inflammation and bleeding compared with conventional nylon-bristled toothbrushes. The findings suggest that integrating piezoelectric materials into everyday oral-health tools could add an antimicrobial effect to mechanical brushing without requiring a powered device or chemical treatment.
The research was highlighted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Further research will be needed to confirm longer-term clinical benefits, establish how the technology performs in broader patient groups and assess its potential role alongside established preventive care.
Study links chronic stress with oral cancer progression
Chronic psychological stress may actively contribute to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression through a newly identified brain-bone marrow-immune pathway, according to researchers at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University.
Published in the International Journal of Oral Science, the study combined UK Biobank data, patient samples and several mouse models.
The researchers found that changes caused by stress reduced cancer-fighting T-cell activity and promoted tumour growth and recurrence. In mice, blocking a receptor pathway restored anti-tumour immune activity and improved the effect of immunotherapy.
The authors stress that the observational UK Biobank analysis cannot establish causation, and clinical studies are needed. Nevertheless, the findings may support future biomarker development and closer monitoring of patients experiencing anxiety or depression.
Registration opens for 2027 Chicago Midwinter Meeting
Registration is now open for the Chicago Dental Society’s (CDS) 2027 Midwinter Meeting, taking place at McCormick Place West, Chicago, from 25-27 February 2027.
The meeting will feature more than 240 courses delivered by 149 dental-industry speakers, half of whom are new to the programme. More than 50 workshops will provide hands-on learning, alongside curated learning pathways, expanded wellbeing content on ergonomics and career longevity, and programming developed with The Pankey Institute.
A new Midwinter Meeting Digital Pass will give delegates unlimited virtual access to recorded lectures. It can be bought with in-person registration or separately, enabling those unable to travel to access the educational programme. CDS says the pass will allow in-person attendees to spend more time in workshops, the exhibition and networking events without missing recorded lectures.
The exhibition hall will retain additions introduced previously, including relax and recharge lounges, Hadley’s pet park and expanded food and drink options. New layouts are also planned for the early career dentist and dental student lounges.
Other features include a quiet and prayer room, afternoon yoga, dine-around networking events and a keynote from Olympic figure-skating champions and broadcasters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir.
Dentaid launches royal-themed Crown Challenge
Dentaid The Dental Charity has opened registration for its new Crown Challenge, inviting the dental community to dress in royal-inspired attire and raise money for people unable to access dental care.
The flagship event, the Windsor Ultra Challenge, will take place on Saturday 17 April 2027. Participants can walk, run or jog 10km, 25km or 50km, beginning and ending at Windsor Racecourse. The routes will take in Windsor Great Park and views of Windsor Castle.
Entrants will receive event support including food and drink stations, medical provision, parking, shuttle transfers and camping options. Finishers will receive medals, T-shirts and celebratory drinks. Registration costs £15 for 10km, £30 for 25km and £40 for 50km. Minimum fundraising targets are £150, £275 and £375 respectively.
For supporters unable to attend Windsor, Dentaid is also offering a ‘your palace, your pace’ option. Participants can choose their own route and distance, ideally beginning near a local castle or palace, with support from Dentaid’s fundraising team.
Money raised will support Dentaid’s mobile dental outreach services for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, harm and abuse across the UK. Chief executive Andy Evans said the event aims to bring together dental practices, suppliers, clinicians and other supporters for a shared fundraising challenge.
HuFriedyGroup to acquire Mectron’s dental business
Mectron has signed an agreement to sell its dental business to HuFriedyGroup, expanding the global reach of its Italian-made piezoelectric and air-polishing technologies. The transaction, expected to complete by the end of 2026 subject to customary conditions, covers Mectron’s Italian dental operation, its German subsidiary’s dental activities and the dental business of US subsidiary Piezosurgery Inc.
Importantly, manufacturing will remain at Mectron’s long-standing Carasco, Liguria site. Under a multi-year supply agreement, Mectron will continue making the full dental range for HuFriedyGroup, preserving local production expertise, jobs and research capability. Dental commercial and research and development staff will join HuFriedyGroup.
Mectron, founded in 1979 and known for developing PIEZOSURGERY technology, says the deal will give its products access to HuFriedyGroup’s distribution network across around 100 countries – double the approximately 50 markets it currently serves directly. The companies have already worked together since 2023, when HuFriedyGroup began distributing selected Mectron devices in the US and Canada.
Following the sale, Mectron will focus on its medical business, including piezoelectric surgical systems used in operating theatres. Both businesses will remain independent until completion.
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