Oral hygiene advice: Use of mobile phone applications in children and adolescents

There's huge potential for smartphones to be used in this kind of research

This review of the effectiveness of interventions delivered by mobile phones in improving adherence to oral hygiene advice for children and adolescents included just 2 small RCTs involving a total of 130 patients. The findings suggest that mobile phones are effective in improving adherence to oral hygiene advice in orthodontic patients.

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White spot lesion prevention during orthodontic treatment

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This review of the efficacy of preventive interventions against the development of white spot lesions (WSLs) during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment included 23 RCTs tha majority of which were at high risk of bias. The findings suggest some benefit from sealants and fluoride varnishes but more high quality research is neeeded.

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Fluoride for white spot lesion prevention during orthodontic treatment

iStock_000002259334XSmall braces on teeth

This review of professional topical fluoride application to prevent/reverse enamel white spot lesions during orthdontic treatment included 11 RCTs suggesting a reduction of in incidence of between 25–30% .

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Orthodontic patients: Reminders improved oral hygiene and compliance

Recent research has shown how behavioural activation can be delivered via smartphones.

14 RCTs were included in this review of the effect of different reminders on oral hygiene and compliance in orthodontic patients. For most outcomes measured beneficial effects were seen in the patients receiving reminders.

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White spot lesions: available treatments may provide improvements

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This review of treatments for post orthodontic white spot lesions included 20 studies examining a wide variety of approaches. Modest benefits were seen in addition to daily use of fluoride toothpaste and furhter high quality studies are needed to identify the best approaches.

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Resin infiltration for enamel development defects and WSLs

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This review of resin infiltration for enamel development defects and WSLs included 11 studies (7 RCTs) of limited quality. They suggest it may be a feasible treatment option, but high quality studies are needed.

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Post-orthodontic white spot lesions – lack of reliable evidence for management strategies

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Only 8 studies at high risk of bias were available for this review of treatments for post orthodontic white spot lesions (WSLs) . They provide little reliable evidence to support remineralising or camouflaging strategies to manage WSLs.

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Weak evidence for an effect of chlorhexidine varnish on mutans streptococci in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances

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11 studies were included in this review of chlorhexidine varnish to reduce mutans streptococcus in patients having a fixed orthodontic treatment. A majority of the studies demonstrated a positive effect but the quality of the evidence was weak.

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Moderate evidence that fluoride varnish applied regularly during orthodontic visits reduces enamel demineralisation

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The development of early, but reversible, carious lesions or demineralised white lesions (DWLs) is one adverse effect of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. The prevalence has been reported to be as high 70%, and although the majority are minor and fade with time as they resolve about 10% cavity and may require filings.   The main aim [read the full story…]

Sealant use had a small preventive effect on white spot lesions following orthodontic treatment

iStock_000002551343XSmall colourful braces on teeth

White spot lesions (enamel decalcification) is an adverse effect of orthodontic treatment and may be present in up to 50% of patients following removal of fixed appliances.   Topical fluorides have been shown to reduce decalcification and the use of fluoridated bonding composites and elastomerics have also been tested.   The aim of this study was to [read the full story…]