Over-the-counter (OTC) bruxism splints available on the Internet.

Background: Some individuals may now be bypassing their dentists for treatment of bruxism. Self-diagnosed, self-adjusted and self-monitored consumers can access over-the-counter (OTC) bruxism splints via the Internet. While some may regard this market as benefiting consumers there are potential pitfalls that need to be highlighted.

Head and neck sentinel lymph node biopsy: current state of the art.

Sentinel node biopsy is an alternative to elective neck dissection for the management of T1/T2 oral and oro-pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas and is also finding application to head and neck cancer at other sites. The main clinical aim of sentinel node biopsy is to achieve better staging and there is now evidence that the procedure reduces morbidity. Reported detection rates for sentinel neck nodes are greater than 95% and there is also a negative predictive value of 95% for negative sentinel nodes.

"New age" pulp therapy: personal thoughts on a hot debate.

This article outlines the counterpoint delivered in the debate "Is Formocresol Obsolete?" It addresses the opinion supporting the need to move away from formaldehyde-containing preparations in the dental care of children. It is suggested that such a move should be made not just because of concerns relating to the possible toxicity of formaldehyde but to reflect a more contemporary, biologic approach to pulp therapy in the primary dentition.

Diet and dental erosion in young people in south-east Brazil.

Background: The regular consumption of acidic foods and drinks may be associated with dental erosion, and soft drink consumption appears to be increasing both in developed and developing countries. Dentists are aware that an acidic diet can contribute to the development of erosion; however, there may be confusion within the profession concerning the general health message of eating five portions of fruits and vegetables each day.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate associations between dental erosion and the consumption of acidic foods and beverages in schoolchildren in south-east Brazil.

How to make a well-fitting stabilization splint.

Unlabelled: This article demonstrates a clinical step-by-step approach to constructing stabilization splints. These splints can be invaluable for many restorative procedures and for TMD management. To help the busy practitioner, we have included tips on trouble shooting problems encountered during splint fitting.

Dental erosion amongst 13- and 14-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of dental erosion in a sample of 13- and 14-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren and to assess the relationship of dental erosion and socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods: A convenience sample of 458 children (190 boys and 268 girls) from 14 schools in Três Corações, south east Brazil, was examined. Socio-demographic data were collected by self-completion questionnaires.

The relationship between oral health and nutrition in older people.

The oral health of older people is changing with reducing numbers of people relying on complete dentures for function, and retaining some natural teeth. Despite this there are substantial numbers of older people whose ability to chew foods is compromised by their oral health status, either because they have few or no natural teeth. This alteration results in individuals selecting a diet that they can chew in comfort.

Treatment of temporomandibular disorders by stabilising splints in general dental practice: results after initial treatment.

Introduction: Little is known about how effective general dental practitioners (GDPs) are in treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The overall aim of this study was to compare the lower stabilising splint (SS) with a non-occluding control (CS) for the management of TMD in general dental practice.

Method: A total of 93 TMD patients attending 11 GDPs were randomly allocated to SS or CS.

Crowns and other extra-coronal restorations: resin-bonded metal restorations.

Resin-bonded metal restorations is the final part of the series. Cast metal restorations which rely on adhesion for attachment to teeth are attractive because of their potential to be much more conservative of tooth structure than conventional crowns which rely on preparation features providing macromechanical resistance and retention.