Journal - Canadian Dental Association = Journal de l'Association dentaire canadienne
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Electronic cigarettes (e‑cigarettes) are widely available, and their use is increasing worldwide. They are promoted as a safer alternative to combustible cigarette smoking and as an effective smoking cessation aid. E‑cigarettes are designed to provide smokers with the desired nicotine dose without burning tobacco. ⋯ However, although e‑cigarettes might be an acceptable harm-reduction strategy, the differential effects of e‑cigarettes and combustible cigarettes have been based on self-reported perceptions. In addition, a growing number of young people, who have never engaged in combustible cigarette smoking, are smoking e‑cigarettes, which may not be harmless. We analyzed peer-reviewed publications available through PubMed to summarize the effects of e‑cigarettes on oral health.
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Review Comparative Study
Implications of Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, for oral surgery practice.
Direct thrombin inhibitors, specifically orally administered dabigatran etexilate, are emerging as alternatives to warfarin for anticoagulation in the management of atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. The risk associated with bleeding events while taking dabigatran has been documented in multiple randomized controlled trials, but to date, no studies have focused on the risk of bleeding after dental extraction. ⋯ With the increasing use of direct thrombin inhibitors, the safe management of patients taking these anticoagulants must be delineated. This review compares dabigatran and warfarin, especially in terms of their effects on dental and oral surgery practice, and examines best management of these patients in light of the existing literature.
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Review Case Reports
Dental procedures and stroke: a case of vertebral artery dissection.
As vertebral artery dissections may cause stroke, they must be identified and treated promptly. The association of arterial dissection with dental procedures has been previously observed. In this article, we report on a patient presenting with posterior circulation stroke secondary to vertebral artery dissection following a dental procedure. The clinical course, radiologic findings and management are described and the literature regarding vertebral dissections is reviewed.
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Water fluoridation remains a contentious issue in Canada and many communities choose not to fluoridate their water supply. As of 2007, 45.1% of the Canadian population had access to fluoridated water supplies. ⋯ This article provides an historical overview and a current snapshot of water fluoridation in Canada. It concludes that the ultimate advantage of fluoridation is that it helps everyone in a community, regardless of socioeconomic status.
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Among the many factors important in children"s development is sleep. Sleep disorders can impair children"s sleep and lead to negative consequences. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which involves blockage of the airway during sleep, can affect development and behaviour; thus, OSA in children should be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. ⋯ However, it remains unclear what proportion of children with enlarged tonsil tissue suffer from OSA. Dentists are becoming increasingly aware of the issue of OSA as they are sometimes involved in treatment of this condition using oral appliances. Moreover, as dentists often look into children"s mouths, they can play an active role in identifying those with enlarged tonsils and referring them for sleep assessment.