User:EditingDentist/sandbox

A Cochrane review published in 2019 shows little evidence to support the use of any particular method to treat bad breath.

Testing

Studies conducted to investigate the effects of antibiotics on patients with acute periapical periodontitis and acute apical abscess showed that patients receiving antibiotics in addition to root canal treatment did not have a reduced level of inflammation as compared to the patients not receiving antibiotics. However the available research on this topic is not of optimal quality therefore the results are not entirely reliable.

For some patients, it is possible to have a drug holiday during which bisphosphonates are discontinued if the benefit of discontinuing the drug outweighs the risks. If it is possible to have a drug holiday, it is recommended that treatment be carried out during that period. Some patients however have been taking the drug for a prolonged period of time and so the bisphosphonate levels have accumulated in the body. In this case, a drug holiday would be of no benefit.

Hypersensitivity

Studies have demonstrated that using sealers and restoration to reduce dentin hypersensitivity has been more effective in the short term. Using toothpaste is also effective but for long term use over 6 month.

Gingival retraction

Gingival retraction paste

Use of gingival retraction paste has been demonstrated to be most successful in providing a dry field and imposing minimal injury on the surrounding periodontium. It has a decreased ability to retract gingival tissues however, in comparison to a retraction cord.

Gingival retraction cord

A retraction cord, although more damaging to the gingival tissues, has proven to displace gingival tissues more effectively and is therefore recommended in instances where thick periodontium is present. Without any chemical additions, such as epinephrine or sulphate compounds, the cord on its own does not produce haemostasis at the sulcus.

Xylitol

Some studies have demonstrated that toothpastes with xylitol as an ingredient are more effective at preventing dental caries in permanent of children teeth than toothpastes containing fluoride alone. Furthermore xylitol has not been found to cause any harmful effects. Further investigation into the efficacy of toothpastes containing this product is however required as the currently available studies are of low quality and therefore the results of such studies must be applied carefully.