Enamel matrix derivative may provide some benefit in periodontal therapy

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The aim of this review is to give an updated answer to the question whether the additional use of Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in periodontal therapy is more effective in comparison to control or other regenerative procedures. The authors searched MEDLINE (PubMed) for randomized controlled trials where EMD was used for treatment of intrabony defects, [read the full story…]

New systematic review protocols for periodontal disease and caries prevention

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Two new systematic review protocols have been published in the Cochrane Library recently.  This indicates research in progress, of course, and we would not expect results to be published for some time.  However, people who are investigating these topic areas may like to know that a review is under way. The full text of each [read the full story…]

Some evidence to support adjunctive amoxicillin and metronidazole for treating patients with aggressive periodontitis

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Most people suffer with inflamed gums for time to time. However, approximately 10% of the population suffer from more severe gum problems (periodontitis) leading to loss of bone supporting the teeth and potentially loss of teeth.  The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of combined amoxicillin and metronidazole (AMX/MET) as an adjunctive [read the full story…]

Evidence to suggest alcohol consumption is a risk indicator for periodontitis.

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The aim of this cross sectional study was to investigate the association between the frequency of alcohol consumption and periodontitis. A sample of 542 adults  aged 35-55 underwent a complete periodontal examinations with alcohol consumption being measured using AUDIT (alcohol use disorders identification test)  and CAGE (Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) instruments. Patients were classified into [read the full story…]

Some evidence to support antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis

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The aim of this review was to assess the efficacy and safety of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) used alone or adjunctive to scaling root planing  (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis. The authors searched seven databases and conducted a manual search for randomised controlled trials conducted on humans  diagnosed with chronic periodontal disease comparing (aPDT) [read the full story…]

Bacteraemia due to everyday oral activities

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The aim of this review was to investigate the robustness of the observations on the influence of oral hygiene, gingival and periodontal status on the development of bacteraemia from everyday oral activities (B-EOA), analysing its prevalence, duration, magnitude and bacterial diversity. The authors searched MEDLINE-PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase for studies on B-EOA. They [read the full story…]

No evidence that periodontal treatment during pregnancy prevents adverse pregnancy outcomes

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The latest critical summary from the ADA Centre for Evidence-based dentistry looks at  a systematic review and meta-analysis of obstetric outcomes after periodontal treatment  that was first published in  2010 in the British Medical Journal. A number of studies have associated periodontal disease with adverse obstetric outcomes ( pre term, low birth weight,etc)  The aim [read the full story…]

Motivational interview is a promising approach for improving plaque control in patients with periodontal disease

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The aim of this study was to assess whether an original motivational interview addressing the five dimensions of Leventhal’s self-regulation theory performed better than conventional basic instruction to improve compliance with plaque control among patients with periodontitis. Participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (motivational interview in addition  to standard treatment programme) or [read the full story…]

Adaptive devices and orofacial exercise improve gingival health in adults with systemic sclerosis

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Medical treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and its complications involves the use of immunosuppressants and calcium channel blockers which are known to increase the risk of developing gingival hyperplasia . In addition defective vascularity and alterations of the  microcirculation of the gingival tissues may lead to gingival inflammation. Sicca symptoms (including dry mouth) are also [read the full story…]

No clinical justification for replacing conventional toothbrushes with more expensive models

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The aim of this single-blind cross-over study was to compare the performance of three different toothbrush models in the control of dental biofilm and maintaining a healthy gingival condition. The sample was randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C), each of which used one of the three toothbrushes tested. The brushes had bristles [read the full story…]