This Cochrane review update of the effects of oral care measures in preventing nursing home-acquired pneumonia inlides 6 RCTs. Low-certainty evidence suggests that professional oral care may reduce mortality compared to usual care when measured at 24 months but evidence for other effects is inconclusive.
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This review of the malignant development rate of oral erythroplakia and associated risk factors included 10 studies involving a total of 441 patients. Meta-analysis of 3 studies suggest a malignant development rate = 19.9% (95%CI; -1.6% to 41.4%).
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In this blog Carly Ross assess a review of the associations between objectively assessed masticatory performance, chronic systemic diseases and physical function in older adults.
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This review of the effectiveness of professionally applied fluoride therapy in preventing and arresting dental caries in older adults aged 60 years or above included 7 studies. The findings suggest that 5% NaF varnish, 38% SDF solution, and 1.23% APF gel were effective in preventing root caries but the studies were varied in treatment protocols, intervention method and follow-up period so more research in needed.
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The use of dental implants has steadily increased and in recent years the largest increase has been noted in patients aged between 65-74 years. This age group are also likely to be on long-term prescription of antiplatelet and oral anticoagulants as prophylaxis against thromboembolic events. Dental implant placement as a surgical procedure presents a risk [read the full story…]
This review of current management strategies for adult patients with dental anxiety in the dental clinic included 54 studies. Most of the psychotherapeutic behavioural strategies provided some benefits but there was limited supporting evidence for some approaches. Pharmocological approaches were not included.
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Clarissa Giebel reflects on a recent systematic review which investigates online support for family carers of people with dementia.
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Clarissa Giebel reviews a recent study exploring the impact of auditory hallucinations on ‘living well’ with dementia using findings from the IDEAL programme.
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In this blog Carly Ross takes a look at a review assessing the association between social isolation and oral health in adults. The findings suggested no strong association however, only 4 studies were included and these were of limited quality.
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Carly Ross considers a review of the prevalence of chewing difficulty in older people in institutional long-term care. Only 10 cross-sectional studies were included in the review providing an estimated prevalence of chewing difficulties of 23% (95%CI; 1 to 53%) based on low certainty evidence.
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