Adjunctive chlorhexidine for gingival health in orthodontic patients

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This review of the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) products in maintaining gingival health in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances included 20 RCTs only 1 of which was at low risk of bias. The findings showed a benefcial effect on gingival parameters with CHX mouthwash at 1-3 months but the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

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Bioactive toothpastes for dentine hypersensitivity

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This review of the effectiveness of toothpastes containing bioactive glass,applied either at-home or in-office for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity included 15 studies. The included studies showed marked variation in the length of follow up, and the concentration of the bioactive material so meta-analyses was not possible.

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Halitosis: What are the best methods of prevention and control?

According to this review, Venlafaxine, Pregabalin, Escitalopram, and Duloxetine are viable alternatives to traditional drug treatment for generalised anxiety disorder.

44 RCTs were included in this Cochrane review assessing interventions for the prevention and control of halitosis. Only low to very-low cetrainty evidence was identified so conclusions regarding the superiority of any intervention could not be drawn.

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Top Dental Elf Blogs Jan – Mar 2019

Yes, it's a Christmas kitten. Well this is the internet. Designed to share knowledge. And pictures of kittens.

Our most popular Dental Elf blogs for January, February and March 2019 featuring Sedation, General anaesthesia and fluoride toothpastes.

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Enamel white spot lesions: self-application of topical fluorides for prevention and reversal

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This review of self-applied topical fluorides for the prevention reversal of enamel white spot lesions during fixed orthodontic treatment included 3 RCTs two of which were at high risk of bias.

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Desensitising toothpastes for dentine hypersensitivity a network meta-analysis

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This network meta-analysis comparing the effect of different desensitising toothpastes on dentine hypersensitivity included 30 RCTs. The findings suggest that toothpastes containing nano-hydroxyapatite or arginine may be the most effective. However additional larger studies are required.

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Anti-plaque agents in toothpaste: Are they helpful in managing gingivitis?

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This review of the efficacy of different anti-plaque chemical agents in managing gingivitis included 32 RCTS of toothpastes and 19 of mouthrinses suggested greater benefits with some agents.

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Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS): Does SLS-free toothpaste use benefit patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis

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This review of the effects of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) free and SLS-containing toothpastes in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) included 4 small RCTs with the findings suggesting that patients with RAS may benefit from using SLS-free toothpaste. However the quality of teh availabel studies is very low.

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Baking soda toothpaste for control of plaque and gingivitis?

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This review of the effect of baking soda toothpastes on plaque and gingivitis included 21 studies providing 43 comparisons that suggest some benefit with respect to plaque removal.

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Fluoride toothpaste: Effects of different fluoride concentrations on caries

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This Cochrane review of effectiveness of different fluoride concentrations of toothpaste in reducing dental caries updates the 2010 review and includes 96 RCTs. It provideds good evidence to support the benefits of using fluoride toothpaste in preventing caries and demonstrates a does response effect.

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