Chronodentistry: the role & potential of molecular clocks in oral medicine

Janjić K, Agis H. Chronodentistry: the role & potential of molecular clocks in oral medicine. BMC Oral Health. 2019 Feb 13;19(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12903-019-0720-x. What is the circadian rhythm?  Molecular clocks help organisms to adapt important biological functions to periodically changing conditions in the environment. Depending on the cycle length of respective biological rhythms, different types of[…]

Increased demand for orthodontic treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic: a commentary

Omran, R., Dowie, A. Increased demand for orthodontic treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic: a commentary. Br Dent J 234, 84–87 (2023). Introduction:  The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, has rapidly overwhelmed the delivery of dental health services worldwide. Despite that, there was a positive, unanticipated upsurge in the need for[…]

Exploring attitudes towards more sustainable dentistry among adults living in the UK

Baird, H.M., Mulligan, S., Webb, T.L., Baker, S.R. and Martin, N., 2022. Exploring attitudes towards more sustainable dentistry among adults living in the UK. British Dental Journal, 233(4), pp.333-342 Background: The nature of the resource-intensiveness of dentistry as a field presents significant impact on the environment. It is reported that dental services operated by the[…]

Efficacy of botulinum toxin in the treatment of bruxism: Systematic review.

Fernández-Núñez, T et al. Medicina oral, patologia oral y cirugia bucal vol. 24,4 e416-e424. 1 Jul. 2019, doi:10.4317/medoral.22923 Introduction Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a neurotoxin that is sourced from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When injected, the neurotoxin blocks the release of acetylcholine and, as a result, interferes with neuron signals responsible for muscle contraction. There[…]

Does listening to music reduce anxiety and pain in third molar surgery?

A summary of: Monteiro, J.L.G.C., da Silva Barbirato, D., Moraes, S.L.D. et al. Does listening to music reduce anxiety and pain in third molar surgery? —a systematic review. Clin Oral Invest 26, 6079–6086 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-022-04640-5 Introduction: Extraction of impacted 3rd molars is often associated with anxiety which also has an effect on the perception of[…]

Early detection and prevention of head and neck cancers

A summary of: Peter Glen and Etienne Botha, BDJ Team 2022 Nov;233(9):726-730. doi: 10.1038/s41415-022-5198-2 Introduction Head and neck cancers refer to malignancies that arise in the oral and nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx and salivary glands. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) form 90% of head and neck cancers, while basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most[…]

A systematic review on the accuracy and efficiency of dental movements with Invisalign®

A summary of: Galan-Lopez, L., Barcia-Gonzalez, J. and Plasencia, E. (2019) A systematic review of the accuracy and efficiency of dental movements with Invisalign®. The Korean Journal of Orthodontics, 49(3), p. 140. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4p41/kjod.2019.49.3.140 Introduction: In conventional orthodontic treatment, the use of braces can cause patient discomfort and interfere with aesthetics. With significant recent[…]

Paediatric dental outcomes among children exposed to chemotherapy in utero

A summary of: Iyer, N.S., Trager, L., Gaughan, J., et al. Paediatric dental outcomes among children exposed to chemotherapy in utero. Int J Paediatr Dent. 32(1):116-122 (2021). doi: 10.1111/ipd.12801 Introduction: Odontogenesis begins during foetal development (with primary teeth forming from 11-14 weeks), and while cancer in pregnancy may be rare, when cases as such appear,[…]

Hydrogen peroxide tooth-whitening (bleaching) products: Review of adverse effects and safety issues

A summary of: Tredwin, C., Naik, S., Lewis, N. et al. ‘Hydrogen peroxide tooth-whitening (bleaching) products: Review of adverse effects and safety issues.’ Br Dent J 200, 371–376 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4813423 The desire for whiter teeth has grown in popularity amongst the public. Going to the dentist to get teeth professionally whitened is more expensive than[…]

Barriers experienced by GPs in reporting child dental neglect

A summary of: Whyatt, L., Barry, S. An exploratory study investigating the barriers to reporting child dental neglect concerns among general medical practitioners in Greater Manchester. Br Dent J (2022) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5221-7 Child dental neglect is considered by the British Dental Association as an indicator of broader neglect in children. It is relatively common & can[…]