This review of the effectiveness of Er:YAG lasers in reducing pain, oedema and trismus compared to rotary instruments for the removal of impacted lower third molars included 6 small studies only one of which was at low risk of bias. The findings suggest a reduction in swelling and a small reduction in pain however the findings should be viewed cautiously because of the limited amount and quality of the evidence.
[read the full story...]Chewing difficulty in older adults living in long-term care
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.
[read the full story...]Unique multiracial identities may serve as a protective or risk factor for eating disorders
Andie Ashdown blogs about a US survey study which finds that some multiracial identities may serve as a protective factor against eating disorder psychopathology, whereas other multiracial identities may point to an increased risk.
[read the full story...]Telemental health is promising as an effective and engaging alternative for in-person therapy #TeleMentalHealth
Liesbeth Tip summarises a recent umbrella review from the Mental Health Policy Research Unit, which finds that telemental health is a promising alternative for in-person therapy.
[read the full story...]Oral lichen planus and autoimmune disorders
This review of the prevalence of autoimmune disorders in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and their magnitude of association included 153 studies. while links between autoimmune thyroid diseases and diabetes mellitus where shown a majority of the included studies were of low quality.
[read the full story...]Self-disclosure and social media: review identifies two-way relationship with mental health #ActiveIngredientsMH
Pattie Gonsalves explores the relationship between self-disclosure of mental health and wellbeing in young people, by summarising a recent review on self-disclosure and social media, and also presenting findings from a new review on self-disclosure as an active ingredient in interventions for youth anxiety and depression.
[read the full story...]COVID-19 increased depression and anxiety disorders by >25% during 2020
Dona Matthews summarises a recent study in The Lancet which estimates that worldwide COVID-19 increased depression and anxiety disorders by more than 25% in 2020.
[read the full story...]Substance use is higher and more excessive in transgender people: evidence, limitations and gaps
Ivan Ezquerra-Romano summarises a systematic review looking into the prevalence of substance use among transgender people compared to their cisgender counterparts.
Today we also announce the launch of a new survey that will help us understand alcohol use in UK transgender and non-binary people.
[read the full story...]Dental neglect in children and adolescents -prevalence and risk factors
This review of the prevalence of dental neglect and risk factors in children and adolescents included 10 observational studies. A high prevalence of dental neglect (range 10% to 83%) and caries ( range 38.9% to 99% )was identified.
[read the full story...]Art therapy groups: many mental health patients are keen, but access remains limited
Lorna Collins reviews a cross-sectional study exploring the views and preferences of mental health service users about art therapy groups and treatment.
[read the full story...]