The opportunity costs to health care providers of failed appointment are considerable. The aim of this trial was to assess whether the use of text messaging would reduce missed appointments at a university paediatric dental clinic. 318 pairs (caregiver/child dyads) were randomly assigned (59 percent response) to receive a short message service (SMS) text message [read the full story…]
We recently reported on a other fluoride varnish study in a similar age group conducted in the UK. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish application in reducing caries increments in the permanent dentition of rural Brazilian school children over the course of 12 months. Children [read the full story…]
Edentulism can have functional, aesthetic and psychological impacts on patients. The aim of this study was to compare any improvement in quality of life and overall patient satisfaction following the provision of implant supported mandibular overdentures compared with conventional mandibular dentures. 122 edentulous patients had a baseline assessment of denture satisfaction and quality of life [read the full story…]
Children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are often prescribed antidepressant drugs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SRI), but many only partially respond to this treatment. This randomised controlled trial conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, examined the effects of augmenting the antidepressant medication with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). The trial was quite [read the full story…]
For critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a life threatening condition. Incidence rates varies and mortality rates can be as high as 50% . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects brushing teeth twice daily with purified water on VAP rates and oral health or hygiene in postneurosurgical, [read the full story…]
In the absence of a systematic review, we often go looking for randomised controlled trials as the best available evidence to answer questions about treatment. These two small randomised controlled trials from Korea and Iran respectively, investigate the effectiveness of laughter on mental health. The first trial from Kyungpook National University Hospital investigated the effects of [read the full story…]
In patients who use acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events some dentists recommend suspending its use before dental procedures to reduce bleeding. However, this potentially increases the risk of thromboembolic events. The effect of ASA on the amount of bleeding that occurs during tooth extraction procedures is controversial, and [read the full story…]
Mutans streptococci (mutans) have an important role in dental caries. Individuals having high levels of these organisms being considered to be a higher risk of disease. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a prenatal nutrition intervention to reduce sugar intake and mutans in low-income women. Pregnant women ≥18 years of [read the full story…]
Good oral hygiene is important for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. The aim of the study was to assess whether a motivational interview addressing the five dimensions of Leventhal’s theory performed better than conventional basic instruction on improving compliance with plaque control among patients with periodontitis. Patients were randomised to receive either a [read the full story…]
The aim of this study was to determine whether in patients diagnosed with pulpal necrosis and associated periapical radiolucency with moderate to severe preoperative pain ibuprofen or ibuprofen/acetaminophen was more effective for postoperative endodontic pain. 71 patients with a symptomatic tooth with a pulpal diagnosis of necrosis and moderate to severe pain at the time [read the full story…]
