Here we take a look at what's been published in our journal that you may have missed!

Comments on recent community water fluoridation studies

Hearnshaw S, Cockcroft B, Rugg-Gunn A et al. Br Dent J 2023; 235: 639-641.

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©jc_design/iStock/Getty Images Plus

The CATFISH study (Cumbria Assessment of Teeth - a Fluoride Intervention Study for Health) was published in November 2022. This was the first UK evaluation of fluoridation introduction for many years and was welcomed by many in the dental community. This BDJ article, which features in our BDJ Big Impact Collection, aimed to highlight the report and to showcase the clinical and cost benefits of water fluoridation.

A background to water fluoridation is provided, before the authors launch into an in-depth, balanced analysis of the CATFISH study methodology and findings (including limitations of the study). Three recent non-UK studies are also used as a comparison, to highlight the adverse effects of ceasing water fluoridation programmes.

Read the full Open Access article here to see the overall findings: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-023-6338-z

Nicotine pouches: a review for the dental team

Jackson J M, Weke A, Holliday R. Br Dent J 2023; 235: 643-646.

Also part of our BDJ Big Impact Collection, this article delves into the world of nicotine pouches. Smoking cessation has been a particularly hot topic recently, especially with the increase in use of e-cigarettes/vapes, but nicotine pouches have also become increasingly popular in the UK since they first entered the market in 2019.

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Fig. 1 A nicotine pouch being inserted into the bucco-labial sulcus. Image courtesy of iStock.com/AndreyPopov

Within this article, the composition of nicotine pouches is outlined, in addition to patterns of use, oral/general health effects of use, as well as legislation regarding their production and sale. The advantages and disadvantages of nicotine pouches are also discussed, and comparisons are made with other nicotine replacement therapies.

Read the authors' conclusions in the full Open Access article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-023-6383-7