Limited evidence to make recommendations about initial archwires or specific archwire sequences for orthodontic treatment

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The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and potential side effects of the various archwires used during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. Searches were conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library, Biomed Central, BBO including LILACS, Ind Med, Sceilo, Clinical trials.gov, Conference paper Index, Digital Dissertations, German National Library of Medicine (ZB MED), Google [read the full story…]

Passive smoking and periodontal disease- little evidence currently available of a link

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The strong association between smoking and periodontal disease is known (Dental Elf 20th June 2014). However as non-smoking individuals exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (passive or second- hand smoking) are also know to be at risk of disease this review aimed to assess the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and periodontal disease. Searches were [read the full story…]

Longitudinal study provides strong evidence that chronic smoking is a risk factor for periodontitis

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Smoking is recognised as a major risk factor for periodontal disease and a large number of studies have shown a strong and consistent association between smoking and periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to re-examine the periodontal effects of smoking and the impact of the other putative risk factors through early to middle [read the full story…]

Study suggests that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks increases caries risk in adults

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There is a well-established association between sugar and dental caries which was reinforced in a recent systematic review by Moynihan and Kelly (Dental Elf 12th Dec 2013). S ugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) which have sucrose (table sugar), high-fructose corn syrup or fruit- juice concentrates, either as purchased or added after purchase have seen sales and consumption [read the full story…]

Powered toothbrushes reduced plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes

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Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the commonest, but preventable diseases known to man. Regular and effective toothbrushing play an important role in the prevention of these diseases. Powered toothbrushes (PTBs) have been available since the 1960s and the question of whether they are better than manual toothbrushes (MTBs) has been with us [read the full story…]

Review finds limited evidence for effectiveness of Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate in caries prevention

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Dental caries remains a major public health problem. It has been demonstrated in in vitro studies that Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has a remineralising effect on enamel lesions. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the long-term (>3 months) remineralizing effect of CPP-ACP on early caries lesions in vivo compared with placebo [read the full story…]

Prevention toolkit from Public Health England

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Public Health England has just launched the third edition of the evidence-based toolkit for prevention. The first edition was published in 2007 and is considered to have been important in ensuring consistency of advice delivered as part of preventive treatment plans.   Within England it has also helped inform commissioners develop dental contracts that encourage prevention. [read the full story…]

Trial suggests that infiltrating early carious lesions in primary molars is effective

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Despite fails in caries level in recent decades caries is still a significant problem for many children The aim of this study was to compare the effect of infiltration and fissure sealing with fluoride varnish applications. Children aged 5-8 with at least three primary molars with initial lesions on three occlusal surfaces in each child [read the full story…]

Review suggests a modest quality of life benefit from orthodontic treatment

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There is increasing interest in patient reported outcomes (PROMs) from health care interventions. Oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been defined as, ‘the absence of negative impacts of oral conditions on social life and a positive sense of dentofacial self-confidence’ and a number of validated tools are available. The aim of this review was [read the full story…]

Only limited evidence on the use of photodynamic therapy in root canal disinfection

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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been suggested as a potential adjunctive aid to disinfection of the root canal. In principle, it uses a nontoxic photosensitizer that is selectively absorbed in a target tissue and a low-intensity light source. Upon photo-induced activation of the photosensitizer, in the presence of oxygen, a series of reactions produce free radicals [read the full story…]