This review of the effectiveness of the miswak in reducing plaque and gingivitis in adults included 9 RCTs. The included studies were small with the findings indicating that the miswak reduced plaque and gingivitis scores to a level comparable to toothbrush in the short term.
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This Cochrane review of the effects of psychological therapies in people (aged 12 years and over) with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD)lasting 3 months or longer included 22 RCTs. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) was the most frequently studied but overall there was insufficient evidence on which to base a reliable judgement about the efficacy of psychological therapies for painful TMD
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Theo Kyriacou and Andie Ashdown explore a recent systematic review that brings together two decades of research, which suggests that digital health interventions for anxiety disorders may be a more effective alternative to inactive controls, such as waiting-list groups.
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This review of techniques and materials used for the management of deep caries in immature permanent teeth included 12 RCT papers. The findings suggest high success rates for pulpotomy, but only a small number of papers were available for other techniques.
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This review of the effectiveness of the mHealth-delivered oral health education to parents parents regarding the improvement of parents’ knowledge, behaviours and children’s oral health status included 12 studies. The studies findings were variable with some demonstrating benefit and some no benefit with all 8 of the included RCTs being at high risk of bias.
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Nada Abou Seif summarises a network meta-analysis which finds that EMDR and trauma-focused CBT remain the most effective ways to treat adult PTSD.
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This review comparing the efficacy and safety of topical antifungal drugs for oral candidiasis in children and adults included 11 RCTs 9 of which concerned adults and 2 children. The findings support the use of fluconazole and amphotericin B for adults.
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This Cochrane review update assessing the effectiveness of school dental screening programmes on overall oral health status and use of dental services included 8 RCTs. There was not enough evidence to draw conclusions about whether traditional school dental screening can improve childrens dental attendance or lead to better oral health.
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In her first Dental Elf blog Iris Vaid looks at a review of salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a potential diagnostic marker for oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders.
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This review of clinical outcomes for immediate and non-immediate (early or conventional) loading in single-implant restorations included 10 RCTs. All the included studies had follow up periods of 2 years or more although the number of implant failures was very low overall (11 out of 522) in both goups.
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