Silver Diamine Fluoride can arrest caries in children

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This review of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to arrest caries included 19 studies and suggest that 38% SDF can arrest 81% ( 68-89%) of active caries. . However none of the available studies was at low risk of bias so the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

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Tobacco use and alcohol intake key risk factors for head and neck cancer

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The International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium is a collaboration of research groups leading large epidemiology studies to improve the understanding of the causes and mechanisms of head and neck cancer. This overview paper provides a summary their findings over the past decade.

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Statins for dementia prevention: well-tolerated, but Cochrane highlight lack of evidence

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Rosalyn Nelson summarises a recently updated Cochrane systematic review of statins for dementia prevention, which finds no evidence to support their use.

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Improved co-ordination is critical to improving care for older people

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Alison Turner presents a new report from the NHS Confederation called ‘Growing old together: sharing new ways to support older people’, which has been produced by the independent Commission on Improving Urgent Care for Older People.

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Probiotics for caries prevention?

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This small trial of probiotics as an adjunct to toothbrushing with a fluoride toothpaste to reduce caries in pre-school children suggests some additional benefit. Further studies are needed to clarify the findings, assess dose response, acceptability and cost effectiveness.

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The impact of community well-being champions in African and Caribbean communities

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Jenny Fisher examines a study seeking to understand the role and the impact of community well-being champions in African and Caribbean communities.

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Fissure sealants – are self-etch sealants more effective?

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This review looked at whether self-etch adhesive sealants were as effective as traditional acid etching. 5 split-mouth studies were included and they found significantly lower failure rates in the acid etch group. Odds ratio 4.46 (95% CI 1.31, 15.20).

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Reflections on Reimagining Social Care

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Sarah Carr takes a look at a new report from Research in Practice for Adults which uses evidence to reimagine social care.

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People who died by suicide are more likely to have been last discharged from a general hospital

Restraint is used widely in inpatient mental health settings both in the UK and internationally, but is linked with multiple adverse outcomes.

Suicide is a significant public health concern in the UK and globally. Recently it was reported that the UK male suicide rate in 2012 was 3.5 times that of women (Siddique, 2014). In 1981, when the data series these reports were based on began, the male suicide rate was 1.9 times that for women. However, overall [read the full story…]

“Inactivity costs the NHS an estimated £1.06 billion…” according to report

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Introduction This guidance has been prepared for commissioners and all staff providing lifestyle advice in primary care, including community health and allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists. It aims to raise awareness of the issues caused by inactivity, not just for individuals, but for the health service and economy as a whole, and provides a [read the full story…]