oral health

The optimal state of the mouth and normal functioning of the organs of the mouth without evidence of disease.

Our oral health Blogs

Paucity of high-quality evaluations of the relative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and safety of dental auxiliaries

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This new Cochrane review looks at studies assessing the effectiveness, costs and cost effectiveness of dental auxiliaries in providing care traditionally provided by dentists. Only 5 studies, the majority conducted more than 20 years ago could be included so no firm conclusions can be made.

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How should I brush my teeth?

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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…]

Review found little short-term differences in gingival condition between triclosan-containing and stannous fluoride toothpastes

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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…]

Chlorhexidine mouthwash better than chlorhexidine dentifrice or gel at inhibiting plaque but it leads to more tooth discolouration

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The role of chlorhexidine (CHX) in inhibiting plaque growth has been extensively studied. The aim of the review was to evaluate the effectiveness of CHX-containing dentifrice (DF) or gel (CHX DF/gel) compared with CHX mouthwash (MW). Searches were conducted in Medline-PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Embase databases. Randomized controlled trials [read the full story…]

Few trials on improving adherence amongst orthodontic patients

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Successful orthodontic treatment requires that the patients to agree with and follow the treatment proposed. This requires the patients to keep appointments, maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing elastics, appliances and avoid damage. The aim of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of interventions to enhance adherence among orthodontic patients aged 12 to 18 years. [read the full story…]

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Study suggests that regular dental checks between 50-65yrs reduced major tooth loss

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Regular dental examinations are considered an important element of preventive dental care. The aim of this cohort study was to assess the impact of routine dental attendance between the ages of 50 – 65 in relation to major tooth loss and Oral Health related Quality of life (OHRQoL) In 1992 all 50-year-olds in two Swedish [read the full story…]

Review finds that oral appliances produce improvements in some obstructive sleep apnoea indicators

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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can result in day-time sleepiness, neurocognitive decline and, in the long terms cardiovascular problems. While nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for OSA oral appliances (OAs) have been used as an alternative approach. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of OAs that advanced [read the full story…]

Powered toothbrushes reduced plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes

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Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the commonest, but preventable diseases known to man. Regular and effective toothbrushing play an important role in the prevention of these diseases. Powered toothbrushes (PTBs) have been available since the 1960s and the question of whether they are better than manual toothbrushes (MTBs) has been with us [read the full story…]

Prevention toolkit from Public Health England

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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…]