What’s the evidence on the best approach to supportive periodontal therapy?

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a chronic condition caused by bacteria, which stimulate inflammation and destruction of the bone and gum tissue supporting teeth. People treated for periodontitis can reduce the probability of re-infection and disease progression through regular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). SPT starts once periodontitis has been treated satisfactorily, meaning that inflammation has been controlled and destruction of tissues supporting the tooth (bone and gums) has been arrested. SPT aims to maintain teeth in function, without pain, excessive mobility or persistent infection over the long term. SPT treatment typically includes ensuring excellent oral hygiene, frequent monitoring for progression or recurrence of disease, and removal of microbial deposits by dental professionals. Although success of SPT has been suggested through a number of long-term, retrospective studies, it is important to consider evidence available from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Issue 10 of the Cochrane Library is out!

Issue 10 of the Cochrane Library has been published and features two new protocols from the Cochrane Oral Health Group.

Interventions for the maintenance of the dentition in patients treated for periodontal disease

This is a protocol for a review which intends to look at the effect of supportive periodontal treatment (SPT) in the maintenance of the dentition. It will compare the effect of conventional dental care (provided by a general dental practitioner or specialist) or no SPT versus SPT (provided by the periodontist).

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009376/abstract

Primary school-based behavioural interventions for preventing caries

This is a protocol for a review which will assess the clinical effectiveness of school-based interventions aimed at changing behaviour relating to tooth brushing habits and the frequency of consumption of cariogenic food and drink in children (4 to 12 year olds).

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009378/abstract

Other highlights of the Cochrane Library for October:

Transtheoretical model for dietary and physical exercise modification in weight loss management for overweight and obese adults
Natalizumab for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis
Exercise training for adults with chronic kidney disease
Calcium supplementation (other than for preventing or treating hypertension) for improving pregnancy and infant outcomes
Evening versus morning dosing regimen drug therapy for hypertension
Single dose oral analgesics for acute postoperative pain in adults (podcast available)
Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients (podcast available) (Cochrane Journal Club material available)