Regular and effective removal plaque is considered to be an efective method of controlling and preventing gingivitis. Toothbrushing with dentifrice is a key method and antiplaque agents (eg chlorhexidine, triclosan/copolymer) have been introduced with the aim of increasing effectiveness. The aim of this review was to see if chlorhexidine (CHX) dentifrice /gel was more effective [read the full story…]
Just over a third (36%) of the UK population are reported to be moderately anxious of dental treatment with about 12% reporting extreme dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is not just a UK problem but also a global one with figures varying around the world. New to the Cochrane Library is a protocol of a review, [read the full story…]
As previously discussed on the Mental Elf, the rates of tobacco smoking in most developed countries are falling, helped in part by high levels of taxation and bans on smoking in public places. However, over 20% of adults in the UK continue to smoke, and this means that smoking is the greatest single cause of [read the full story…]
Many have suggested a two-way relationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Poor glycaemic control is associated with an increase risk of periodontal disease and in 2010 a Cochrane review (Simpson et al) estimated a 0.4% reduction of HbA1c associated with periodontal treatment. At that time Simpson et al noted that there were only a small [read the full story…]
The effective removal of plaque is important for the prevention of both caries and periodontal disease. Interdental cleaning aids are frequently recommended in addition to toothbrushing to improve plaque removal. The aim of this study was to investigate interproximal plaque removal with an angled interdental brush as compared to a straight interdental brush. Adults aged [read the full story…]
30% of domestic violence (DV) begins during pregnancy and is most prevalent within the working and lower middle socio-economic classes. It is a major public health concern and abuse during pregnancy is of particular concern due to the health risks to both mother and child. It can cause physical and psychological harm to women, and [read the full story…]
It is reported that around 13% of upper canines can be displaced, the majority of these being palatally displaced. Controversy exists on whether a closed techniques of moving a canine into its correct position beneath the palatal mucosa (closed technique) is preferential to an open technique which involves moving the canine into its correct position [read the full story…]
One of the major complaints of people on antidepressant medication is the effect it has on their sex lives. It does this in three main ways – it affects sexual desire, the ability to achieve and sustain an erection in men and alters the sensation of orgasms and ejaculation. These side effects are one of [read the full story…]
Long-term stability following orthodontic treatment required long-term retention. Compliance with removable retention regimens is variable so some practitioners favour fixed retainers. The aim of this study was to compare the survival of mandibular lingual retainers placed using either chemical or photo polymerization after orthodontic treatment. Patients who had completed orthodontic treatment with no active caries, [read the full story…]
With the increasing popularity of dental implants and the difficulties of managing infections around them it is important to know whether the use of prophylactic antibiotics is beneficial or not. This review is an update of a Cochrane review originally published in 2008 and last updated in 2010. The aim of the review was to [read the full story…]
