Oral Health March 2015

The Oral Health Journal is an important publication in the Canadian dental world. It has a reputation for its forward- thinking approach, the March 2015 issue being an excellent example. Where content is available online I have provided direct links. Other content is only available in the print version of the journal.

There are two short case reports. One by Jeffrey Brown touches on neurological side benefits from treatment of a TMJ disorder. The other by German Ramirez-Yanez is a report on early intervention for treatment of a malocclusion (print).

There are two major articles which are very timely. One is on the ALF appliance. Jim Bronson et al do a fine job of presenting the core of their teaching program. For anyone interested in the biological aspects of orthodontic thinking and how to employ suitable forces in early treatment this is a great introduction. The other article (print) by Michael Gelb sums up the accumulated wisdom of his father Harold—whom I first heard in the 1970s—to which Michael adds his own extensive research. One of the interesting issues he addresses is the distal positioning of the maxilla as a primary source of airway problems and malocclusion, something John Mew has been discussing for more than 30 years. Osteopathic evaluation of the cranium strongly supports this viewpoint.

The article by Lawrence Kotlow is about lip and tongue ties. He presents a practical classification for tongue-ties and discusses how to treat them. At present I check for anterior ties but the existence of a posterior tongue-tie was new information and I have had to revise my thinking. These ties are an important but overlooked cause of malocclusion due to restriction of tongue movement. This can create difficulties in suckling and swallowing. Professionals such as dentists will not normally see the consequences of this until 3-4 years of age at the earliest, but other disciplines such pediatricians or lactation specialists have to deal with them from the moment of birth onwards. Tongue and lip ties are definitely something to keep in mind no matter the age of the patient.

Finally, the Editorial by Jan Goodman on the need for orofacial myofunctional therapists discusses the possibilities of incorporating this kind of therapy into our treatment planning.

These articles are available at www.oralhealthgroup.com where they can be found under the magazine tab and archives for March 2015. The Journal is to be congratulated for its willingness to explore innovative ideas. I recommend these articles and am encouraged by their being published in a wide-circulation general dental journal.

Gavin