Doctors' Drugs and the Dangers of Dental Decay.

Many "anti-something" medications, which are prescribed by medical doctors for older patients, often for dubious reasons, result in a serious reduction in the quantity and quality of saliva. That drug-induced xerostomia can produce dangerous dental decay, particularly in already compromised dentitions.This article suggests that doctors should undertake a personalised "benefits, risks, alternatives, nothing" (BRAN) analysis including an assessment of the possible dental decay risks, especially before prescribing combinations of "anti-" drugs for marginal conditions.

Darwinian Dentistry? Social Media, Smartphones and Selfie Sticks.

The COVID-19 pandemic produced numerous challenges for clinical dentistry which necessitated adaptation and innovation. This article will illustrate the use of selfie stick devices and ring lights for dental care practitioners to create customised 'selfie' videos of them using very effective cleaning devices on the patient's own smartphone. Because these short, engaging videos are now readily available to the patient at their home it reminds them which brushes to use, where and how.

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Self-Compassion-Related Interventions for Individuals With Chronic Physical Health Conditions.

Self-compassion, defined as a mindful way of coping with pain and suffering by showing kindness, care, and concern towards the self, may improve psychological adjustment in people living with a chronic physical health condition (CPHC). Various studies illustrate that self-compassion is associated with positive outcomes in general. The aim of this systematic review is to establish the effect of compassion-related therapies on self-compassion specifically in people with CPHCs.