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Sharks will never suffer from cavities
Study shows shark teeth contain fluoride

A study published in the Journal of Structural Biology has revealed shark teeth contain fluoride; the active ingredient in most toothpaste and dental mouthwash.

This new research helps to explain why sharks are so effective at tearing or cutting their prey. Their teeth are perfectly designed for such tasks and have the benefit of never suffering from cavities.

For the study, Matthias Epple and a number of colleagues used a multitude of high tech investigative techniques, including scanning electron micrographs, to look at the teeth of two different sharks; the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). These sharks were chosen because of their different eating habits. Shortfin makos tear the flesh of prey, while tiger sharks cut flesh.

Epple, a professor of inorganic chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen, said: “In order to make teeth more acid resistant, toothpaste often contains fluoride. In the surface of human teeth after brushing, a small amount - much less than 1 percent - of hydroxide is exchanged by fluoride.”

He added: “In contrast, (the surface of) shark teeth contain 100 percent fluoride. In principle, sharks should not suffer from cavities. As they live in water and as they change their teeth regularly, dental protection should not be a problem for sharks.”

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk