Weekly Top 5: Controversial intraoral device for weight loss; unlawful orthodontics
1. Intraoral device controversy: Researchers who say they hoped DentalSlim Diet Control device would combat "the global obesity epidemic" are facing social media backlash for the device being “degrading and humiliating.” Read both what researchers say about the device and its results, and an article that offers viewpoints on the controversy.
2. In the news: Illicit (and illegal) at-home “dentistry” is making headlines. In Louisiana, police issued an arrest warrant for a woman without a dental license accused of fitting a 15-year-old girl with new braces, while a Texas man was arrested after a woman whose tooth he extracted went to a licensed dentist and was told the roots of the tooth were still in her gums.
3. Personal and professional wellness: Could working out just five minutes a day via a practice described as "strength training for your breathing muscles" lower blood pressure to the level of exercising and taking medication? According to an AHA study, High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) could play a key role in helping fend off high blood pressure and CVD.
4. Patient resource: Cracked tooth is one of those issues that isn’t usually serious but does get patients talking. This article breaks down its types, causes, and treatments.
5. Trouble: Office drama comes with the territory, and a few weeks ago we featured a question from a reader about her toxic colleague that got plenty of similar feedback sent our way. Here’s hoping your colleagues are easier to work with—but we have experts on hand to help if you need it.