The Relaxation Response Resiliency Enhancement Program in the Management of Chronic Refractory Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Results from a Pilot Study.

Objectives: This is an open-pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a pain-specific version of an established mind-body medicine program, the Relaxation Response [RR] Resiliency Program [RP], in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder [TMD].

Methods: Male and female with at least a six-month history of pain involving the masticatory muscles were sought in the Orofacial Pain Centers of the Massachusetts General Hospital [MGH] or through an advertisement sent to MGH employees from 2008 to 2010. Eligible participants underwent the RP intervention [eight group sessions] after standard medical management.

Reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia among elderly patients in long-term care facilities through oral health interventions.

Aspiration pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality of elderly residents in long-term care facilities. The microflora present in the oral cavity because of poor oral hygiene has been associated with aspiration pneumonia. There is evidence that improved oral care can reduce the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia in the elderly.