Insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of biofeedback for sleep bruxism

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Sleep bruxism (SB) is a sleep related disorder characterized by tooth grinding or jaw clenching during sleep, which is usually associated with sleep arousal. A wide range of treatments has been proposed including, relaxation exercises, behavioural approaches, dental splints and biofeedback.  The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of any biofeedback treatment [read the full story…]

High-viscosity glass-ionomer cements increased interproximal fluoride concentration more than resin-based fluoride-containing sealants

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The latest update of the Cochrane review on fissures sealants (Ahovuo-Saloranta et al 2013) confirmed the use of resin-based sealants as a effective method of preventing or controlling occlusal caries.  The Cochrane review included 15 trials comparing glass ionomer with resin sealants and there was insufficient evidence to make any conclusions about the superiority of [read the full story…]

New Cochrane Protocols May 2013

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The fifth issue of the Cochrane Library for 2013 has three new protocols  from the Oral Health Group:- The first protocol is:- Riley P, Lamont T. Triclosan/copolymer containing toothpastes for oral health (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD010514. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010514. The main aim here is , to assess the [read the full story…]

Insufficient evidence for the efficacy of primary school-based behavioural interventions for reducing caries

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This new Cochrane review looked at school-based interventions aimed at changing behaviour related to toothbrushing habits and the frequency of consumption of cariogenic food and drink in children between the ages of 4 and 12 years. The Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) ,Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, [read the full story…]

New Cochrane review finds that NRT, bupropion and varenicline are effective treatments for smoking cessation

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Smoking is the main preventable cause of premature illness and death worldwide. Approximately 20% of deaths in men and 5% in woman over 30 can be attributed to smoking. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 6 million people die from smoking related disease each year, with tobacco being the number one risk factor for [read the full story…]

Practice-based trial find better outcomes with MTA for direct pulp-capping in permanent teeth

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Exposure of the dental pulp is an occasional hazard associated with dental treatment. Direct pulp capping is a procedure in which a medicament is placed directly over the exposed dental pulp, with the specific aim of maintaining pulp vitality and health. Calcium hydroxide (CaOH) has for many years been considered the material of choice for [read the full story…]

Methadone for opioid detoxification as effective as other medications, but all have high relapse rates

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Dependence on opiates (a group of drugs including heroin, morphine, and methadone) can be highly destructive for both the individual and for the people around them. Heroin addiction in particular is associated with major health risks, co-morbid mental health problems, and a wide-range of social issues. Attempting to stop opiate use leads to severe withdrawal [read the full story…]

Review finds that toothbrushing has only a small effect on ventilator-associated pneumonia

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Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a life-threatening condition in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Incidence rates vary between 9% and 45% and it carries a significant mortality risk. The oropharynx and upper gastrointestinal tract are the main reservoirs for the associated pathogens.  The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of oral care [read the full story…]

New Cochrane Protocol April 2013

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Just one new protocol in the April issue of the Cochrane Library from the Oral Health Group.  The aim of this review will be to assess the effects of interventions for the management of patients with taste disturbances. The review is planning to look at pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.   The primary outcomes being looked at [read the full story…]

No reliable evidence that any specific initial arch wire material is better than another for orthodontic treatment

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This is the latest update of a Cochrane review which aims to assess the effects of initial arch wires for alignment of teeth with fixed orthodontic braces in relation to alignment speed, root resorption and pain intensity. The Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register, CENTRAL, Medline and Embase databases were searched.  Handsearching of a number [read the full story…]