Twenty three systematic reviews were included in this overview of reviews reviews assessing the link between periodontal disease and adverse periodontal outcomes. While a majority of the available reviews suggest an association there are concerns regarding the quality of the primary studies.
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This review of school-based oral health education included 12 trials and found it was effective in reducing plaque accumulation over a short period. there was no long-term evidence on the effectiveness.
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50 observational studies were included in this review of the effect of oral hygiene on periodontitis. The data suggests that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of periodontitis by around two- to five-fold compared with good OH. However the quality of the data is considered to be of low quality.
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51 studies were included in this Cochrane review of chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene measures. The review provides high quality evidence for a large reduction in the build-up of plaque at 4 to 6 weeks or 6 months. There is also high quality evidence of a moderate reduction in gingivitis in patients with mild gingivitis which may not be clinically important.
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This review of psychological interventions to improve oral health identified 9 RCTs reported in 11 papers. A small statistically significant improvement in plaque index was noted but the quality of the available evidence is low. More higher quality studies are needed.
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The aim of this review was to appraise and summarise systematic reviews of the efficacy and safety of available homecare toothbrush regimens for mechanical plaque removal on plaque and gingivitis in adults. Ten systematic reviews were included confirming that toothbrushing is effective in reducing levels of dental plaque.
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A number of reviews have been conducted of interdental cleaning aids. This meta-review brings together 6 reviews and finds only evidence of low quality for interdental brushes, floss, woodsticks and oral irrigators.
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A new review of anti-inflammatory agents for the management of gingivitis identified 14 studies. While the various anti-inflammatory agents showed benefit, the majority of the studies were at high risk of bias, so the results should be treated with caution.
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While there have been reductions in caries prevalence in many countries ,levels of gingivitis remain high. Toothpastes aid tooth cleaning and provide a useful delivery agent for plaque control agents. The aim of this review was to compare the effectiveness of stannous fluoride (SnF) toothpastes with triclosan-containing (Tcs) toothpastes in improving gingival inflammation and plaque [read the full story…]
Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the commonest, but preventable diseases known to man. Regular and effective toothbrushing play an important role in the prevention of these diseases. Powered toothbrushes (PTBs) have been available since the 1960s and the question of whether they are better than manual toothbrushes (MTBs) has been with us [read the full story…]
