A systematic review identified 39 observational studies looking at oral health problems in elite athletes. The quality of the studies was low and there may be some concerns about unrepresentative sampling. It suggests that oral health problems are common in this group. This consensus statement highlights these problems and makes recommendation for the future oral health of athletes and to research in this area.
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This systematic review of observational studies found that patients with had a poorer clinical oral health status than health older patients.
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Regular daily toothbrushing plays an important part in preventing periodontal disease and caries but is there consensus on how this should be carried out. The main aim of this study was to assess the methods of toothbrushing recommended for both adults and children by dental associations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and professional dental sources such [read the full story…]
While there have been reductions in caries prevalence in many countries ,levels of gingivitis remain high. Toothpastes aid tooth cleaning and provide a useful delivery agent for plaque control agents. The aim of this review was to compare the effectiveness of stannous fluoride (SnF) toothpastes with triclosan-containing (Tcs) toothpastes in improving gingival inflammation and plaque [read the full story…]
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…]
The use of motivational interviewing is increasing in dentistry and the recent SIGN guideline (Dental Elf 18th March 2014) recommended that oral health promotion interventions should be based on recognised health behaviour theory and models such as motivational interviewing. The aim of this review was to analyze the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in changing oral [read the full story…]
Triclosan is a polychloro phenoxy phenol that has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It has been used since the 1970 in a range of products including soaps, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpastes. The aim of this Cochrane review was to assess the effects of triclosan/copolymer containing fluoride toothpastes (TCT), compared with fluoride toothpastes, for the long-term control [read the full story…]
Tooth loss tends to increase with age as a result of caries and periodontal disease. In 1992 the World Health Organisation indicated that the treatment goal for oral health should be the maintenance of a functional, aesthetic dentition of at least 20 teeth. The aim of this review was to assess the relationship dentition status [read the full story…]
Regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste has strong evidence for its effectiveness. Brushing at least twice a day is more effective that once a day or less and ‘Twice a day” is has been a long-standing oral health message. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the issues parents facing [read the full story…]
It’s not all about the Mental Elf you know. There are lots of other elves who spend every waking hour scurrying around to find reliable evidence to help you. There are now seven magnificent elf websites and one more due to launch very soon. Here’s a quick run down of my brothers and sisters in [read the full story…]
