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Research Study of the MDS Orthodontics Graduates Selected as the Leading Cover Story in AJO-DO

The research study of the Orthodontics Residents at the Faculty of Dentistry, NUS, Dr. Cindy Ho and Dr. Lee Yue Ming has been selected as the leading cover story of American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO), April issue, 2017. The study was conducted under the supervision of A/Prof Kelvin Foong and Dr Jaya Seneviratne and in collaboration with Dr Vinicius Rosa.

AJO-DO is the official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, the American Board of Orthodontics and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. It has been the leading journal in Orthodontics field for more than 100 years.

"Streptococcus mutans", a key factor in the development of dental caries, accumulates in dental plaque biofilm during orthodontic treatment. Even small amounts of adhesive flash around a bonded bracket base can provide an ideal site for rapid attachment and growth of oral microorganisms.  Ho et al, working at the National University of Singapore, wondered if xylitol, an artificial sweetener often used in chewing gum and mouth rinses, could help inhibit the growth of S. mutans on adhesive flash. In the first stage of their research, they compared S. mutans biofilm growth on ceramic edgewise, stainless steel edgewise, and stainless steel self-ligating brackets. Biofilm accumulation was significantly greater on the ceramic brackets (the top image on the cover), so the researchers continued their work by growing biofilms on ceramic brackets and then exposing the brackets to different concentrations of xylitol.  The results of their research is reported in this issue of the AJO-DO. The smiling patient on the cover is Sean Niewoehner, who was treated orthdontically by Brent Tingey, Juneau, Alask.” (April issue, 2017, AJO-DO)