The aim of this cluster randomised controlled trial was to measure the effectiveness of fluoride varnish as a public health intervention to prevent caries in the first permanent molars of 7- and 8-year-old children when delivered in the school setting. Schools that agreed to participate were randomized into test and reference groups by the study [read the full story…]
The aim of the study was to investigate whether, in a school-based setting in a low caries prevalence population xylitol/maltitol or erythritol/maltitol conferred any additional caries preventive effect. Xylitol is a non-fermentable sugar alcohol Erythritol is a noncaloric tetritol (tetrahydroxy alcohols) with about 70% of the sweetness of sucrose. Maltitol is generally considered an inert [read the full story…]
The aim of this trial was to determine the effectiveness of a new product, MI Paste Plus (GC America, Alsip, Ill), in the prevention or reduction of white spot lesions in orthodontic patients. 60 patients aged 12 and over who were undergoing routine orthodontic treatment were randomized to receive either M1 paste (n=26) or placebo [read the full story…]
Having to wear a retainer following orthodontic treatment is almost universal. The aim of this study was to compare the survival time of the Hawley retainer (HR) and the clear overlay retainer (COR) over one-year follow-up and to analyze risk factors contributing to their breakage. 120 adolescent patients were randomised to receive either a HR [read the full story…]
One of the components of policy to improve the health of people with learning disabilities is the recommendation that people should receive annual health checks. Following the introduction of a Direct Enhanced Service in England in 2008 to deliver annual health checks, progress has been made in increasing access to checks across primary care trusts [read the full story…]
Previous studies have suggested that statin therapy might be a useful treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. This randomised controlled trial conducted by a team of researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine set out to determine if the lipid-lowering agent simvastatin slows the progression of symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease. They recruited 406 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s [read the full story…]
Adherence to drug treatment is a constant challenge for mental health practitioners, so any research that explores why patients stop taking their medication is usually of interest. There are many published studies that look at the reasons why people decide to stop taking their antidepressants, and these range from finding it difficult to cope with [read the full story…]
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common chronic childhood disease and a serious concern for child welfare. In the USA its incidence has increased from 24% to 28% in recent decades. The aim of this study was to compare an intensive early intervention caries prevention strategy against a more limited control intervention. At 4 months [read the full story…]
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint is found in about 5-16% of those referred with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral glucosamine sulphate, compared with placebo, on pain and function in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular joints. Patients with the research diagnostic criteria for [read the full story…]
Intensive care patients are at risk of developing anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during their recovery. One study shows that 10% of patients who spend more than 48 hours in intensive care will go on to be diagnosed with PTSD (ref 2). This randomised controlled trial conducted by a collaborative team of [read the full story…]
