Does breastfeeding increase Early Childhood Caries?

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Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common oral health problem, particularly in disadvantaged and developing populations. Its causes are multifaceted, including feeding practices like breastfeeding. The link between breastfeeding and ECC is unclear. Key findings No significant association was found between breastfeeding and the development of early childhood caries (ECC). Nighttime breastfeeding was associated with an [read the full story…]

AI in Dentistry: A Closer Look at Caries Detection

  Key points  Artificial intelligence (AI) models show promise for detecting cavities, but their accuracy varies depending on the method used. AI may be better at detecting early cavities than advanced ones. Professional and dental cameras provide better results than smartphone cameras. Background Dental caries is a widespread problem, and early detection is crucial. While [read the full story…]

Most popular Dental Elf Blogs Jan – Mar 2023

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Topics covered in our most popular blogs in the first quarter of the 2023. included , selective caries removal, root canal dressings and pain management following dental extractions

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Plaque accumulation with clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances

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This review comparing plaque accumulation in orthodontic patients undergoing clear aligner (CA) and conventional fixed appliance treatment included 14 studies. The findings suggested less plaque accumulation with CA but all the included studies were at moderate to high risk of bias.

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Vitamin D and dental caries risk in children

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This review of the association between higher dental caries experience and lower serum vitamin D levels in children included 13 studie. The findings suggest higher levels of caries in patients with lower vitamin D levels.

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High-fluoride toothpaste or high fluoride mouthrinse to prevent white spot lesions in adolescent orthodontic patients – trial

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270 pateints were randomised in this trial to compare high-fluoride toothpaste and high-fluoride mouth rinse for preventing white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment. The findings suggest a benefit for high fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouth rinse in preventing white spot lesions.

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Caries experience in patients with diabetes mellitus

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This review of caries experience in adult patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) compared diabetics to individuals without DM included 13 mainly cross-sectional studies. The findings suggest higher DMF scores in patietns with DM.

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Dental caries and genetics – is there a link?

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This review assessing the agreement of dental caries experience between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic twins (DZ) included 19 studies. While the findings indcate a possible a genetic influence the certainty of evidence is very low so the findings should be interpreted very cautiously.

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Caries in HIV-infected children and adolescents

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This review assessing whether caries severity is higher in HIV-infected children and adolescents than in those who uninfected included 16 studies. While the review suggests a higher caries severity in those infected with HIV the certainty of the evidence is low with the majority of studies not providing information on potential confounders.

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Composite resin restorations – incremental or bulk fill?

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This review of the clinical effectiveness of bulk-fill versus incrementally layered conventional resin composites included 18 RCTs. Owing to the variety of composite materials and bonding systems used a narrative summary was presented with the findins suggesting no important differences between incremental and bulk-fill techniques.

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