Articles from British dental journal

British dental journal · Dec 2005

Content analysis of children's television advertising in relation to dental health.

This paper provides some disturbing facts and figures about the amount of television being watched by children. In addition, it reports on the volume and type of television advertising aimed at young people, both in the United Kingdom and other developed countries. In view of recent public and professional concern as to the possible adverse effects of food advertising on children's health, this study set out to examine what proportion of television advertisements, directed at children, promoted products potentially harmful to dental health. ⋯ We found that, on average, 24 adverts were shown per broadcast hour, which accounted for 15.8% of the total schedule time. 34.8% of adverts related to food/drink products, and 95.3% of these promoted products that were deemed potentially cariogenic or erosive. The most frequently promoted food/drink products included breakfast cereals with added sugar (26.3%), confectionery (23.7%) and non-carbonated soft drinks (18.1%). It is very concerning that, despite recent specific codes of practice outlined by the Independent Television Commission for Children's Advertising, many food and drink products promoted during children's programming are potentially damaging to dental health.

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British dental journal · Nov 2005

British Dental Journal based Continuing Professional Development: a survey of participating dentists and their views.

There is little information available on journal based verifiable continuing professional development (CPD). The aim of this study was to survey those dentists who have undertaken this form of CPD and elicit their views. ⋯ Journal based learning appears to be an effective way of undertaking verifiable CPD.

The effect of a mandibular advancement splint in subjects with sleep-related breathing disorders.

This study assessed the effectiveness of a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) in subjects with sleep-related breathing disorders using both objective and subjective outcome measures. ⋯ The monobloc appliance significantly improved the Respiratory Disturbance Index in the obstructive sleep apnoea group. Some subjects had increased RDI scores following splint therapy. This supports the need for an objective assessment in the follow-up of patients treated with mandibular advancement splints.