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[…]

Burden of oral disease in Syrian refugee children

A summary of: Joury, E., Meer, R., Chedid, J. et al. Burden of oral diseases and impact of protracted displacement: a cross-sectional study on Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. Br Dent J (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2960-9 Introduction: Conflicts and war crises have been among the most persistent global challenges. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the global[…]

Miswak: a potential alternative to standard tooth-brushing?

A summary of: Yasmin, W. et al: “Miswak: The underutilized device and future challenges”. Vol.11(2), pp. 6-11 , October (2019) https://doi.org/10.5897/JDOH2019.0240 What is Miswak? Miswak also known as Siwak is a (bark) stick from the Salvadora Persica plant used as an alternative toothbrushing tool. ”Miswak” in Arabic means “stick to brush your teeth”. It has[…]

Research Summary: Trials and tribulations of dental tourism

A summary of: Turner, L. Cross-border dental care: ‘dental tourism’ and patient mobility. Br Dent J 204, 553–554 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2008.403 What is cross-border dental care? Cross-border dental care is also termed as ‘dental tourism’ a new phenomenon where an increasing number of patients are travelling across national borders for dental care and treatment. For example, individuals from[…]

Research Summary: Link between paediatric patient-related factors and dental general anaesthetic

A summary of: Hua, L., Busuttil-Naudi, A. & Keightley, A. Do paediatric patient-related factors affect the need for a dental general anaesthetic?. Br Dent J 233, 407–412 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4922-2 General anaesthesia (GA) is frequently used as a treatment modality in paediatric patients. There are several potential patient factors that may increase the need for treatment under GA[…]