Results: 675

For: randomised controlled trial

Augmenting drug therapy with CBT helps young people with OCD: results from new randomised controlled trial

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Research shows that using antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SRIs) to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in young people is sometimes problematic. Patients often do not respond to the drugs and so other therapies are necessary to augment the treatment. One such therapy is CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). This 12-week randomised controlled trial took 124 paediatric [read the full story…]

Group music therapy may help reduce agitated behaviour in people with dementia

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For many of us, music therapy represents a safe, cheap and enjoyable treatment option for older people living in care. A ‘no brainer’ for those responsible for the daily activities provided to keep care home residents active in body and mind. This small randomised controlled trial conducted by researchers from Taipei Medical University in Taiwan [read the full story…]

Rapid maxillary expansion with Haas-type and Hyrax-type expanders

Upper orthodontic appliance

First described over 100 years ago, rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a method used to correct a transverse maxillary deficiency.  The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of RME in the transverse plane with Haas-type and Hyrax-type expanders by using cone-beam computed tomography. The authors randomised 33 subjects (mean [read the full story…]

Hall Technique for carious primary molars outperformed standard restorations at 5 years

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In the Hall Technique  carious primary molars are managed by sealing decay under preformed metal crowns without any caries removal, tooth preparation, or local anaesthesia.  The aim of the study was to compare the clinical/radiographic failure rates of the Hall Technique (HT) against General Dental Practitioners’ (GDPs) standard (control) restorations. This split-mouth study involved 132 [read the full story…]

Compliant high risk children benefited from twice weekly supervised high fluoride gel brushing programme

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Despite continuing improvements in dental health considerable inequalities remain with highest levels of disease amongst children living in the most materially disadvantaged areas. The main aim this study was to assess the caries-preventive efficacy of  a 2 years  twice weekly supervised brushingprogramme using a self-applied gel containing 12,500 ppm fluoride on schooldays compared with weekly [read the full story…]

Group cognitive behavioural therapy almost as good as individual CBT for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

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There are a number of studies that show the positive impact that cognitive behavioural therapy can have on the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This randomised controlled trial conducted by researchers in Denmark sought to shed some light on the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioural therapy compared to individual CBT. 110 outpatients with OCD were [read the full story…]

Are single dose oral medications for post root treatment pain relief effective?

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The pain associated with root canal treatment is a major source of fear for patients. Pre treatment, treatment, and post treatment pain is anticipated, experienced, remembered, and shared by patients. The aim of this trail was to compare the effects of single doses of three oral medications on postoperative pain following instrumentation of root canals [read the full story…]

Using ice chips reduces oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy

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Cancer treatment is increasingly effective but is associated with short and long term side effects. Oral side effects remain a major source of illness despite the use of a variety of agents to prevent them. One of these side effects is oral mucositis (mouth ulcers). The aim of this study was to assess the effect [read the full story…]

Motivational interview is a promising approach for improving plaque control in patients with periodontal disease

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The aim of this study was to assess whether an original motivational interview addressing the five dimensions of Leventhal’s self-regulation theory performed better than conventional basic instruction to improve compliance with plaque control among patients with periodontitis. Participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (motivational interview in addition  to standard treatment programme) or [read the full story…]

Adaptive devices and orofacial exercise improve gingival health in adults with systemic sclerosis

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Medical treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and its complications involves the use of immunosuppressants and calcium channel blockers which are known to increase the risk of developing gingival hyperplasia . In addition defective vascularity and alterations of the  microcirculation of the gingival tissues may lead to gingival inflammation. Sicca symptoms (including dry mouth) are also [read the full story…]