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Three weeks to enter 2017 Irish Dentistry Awards

There are just under three weeks left to enter the 2017 Irish Dentistry Awards. The entry date closes on 17 October 2016 – those interested in entering next year’s awards must register online and submit their entry before the closing date. The process is simple – just visit the dedicated awards website at www.irishdentistryawards.com and … Continued

EFP defends use of toothpaste while brushing

A recent review has found that toothbrushing alone may be just as effective as toothbrushing with toothpaste to remove plaque. It found that there is ‘moderate certainty that toothbrushing with a toothpaste does not provide an added effect for the mechanical removal of dental plaque’. The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has responded, adding that … Continued

Mouth cancer deaths predicted to rise by 2030

Mouth cancer related deaths are expected to rise between now and 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Mortality rates are predicted to increase by almost a quarter (24%), along with throat cancer (25%), bladder cancer (29%), diabetes (34%) and prostate cancer (38%). More than 300 cases of mouth cancer are detected each year … Continued

Selfies could improve toothbrushing habit

Selfies have been shown to improve the effectiveness of toothbrushing in a small pilot study. A group of dentists and researchers from India and the USA performed a proof-of-concept study to track the effectiveness of toothbrushing with taking a photo of themselves on their smartphone (a ‘selfie’). Indian dental students recorded five toothbrushing selfies on … Continued

Watching cartoons eases child dental anxiety

Watching cartoons during dental treatment could lessen children’s anxiety, distress and disruptive behaviour. In a study, 56 ‘uncooperative’ children underwent three separate treatment visits involving an oral examination, injection with local anaesthetic, and tooth restoration (max 30 minutes). The researchers monitored each child’s vital signs, blood pressure, and pulse. Children rated their own anxiety as … Continued

Why a sugar tax is a logical step in Ireland

Chris Macey looks at why a sugar tax could be a logical, effective first step to stop dental decay and child obesity It’s a basic rule of economics that when the price of a product goes up, consumption falls. If taxation is used to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks (SSDs), children in particular will consume … Continued

Lights, camera, action: how to excel at radiography

Maurice Fitzgerald explains what makes good radiography and how to get the perfect image Why is good radiography so important? Dental radiography is an essential part of everything we do in modern dentistry, from assisting in an accurate diagnosis to implementing and delivering the desired patient outcome. Current high-quality dentistry requires high-quality radiography. What do … Continued