Martha J. McComas, RDH, MS, is a clinical associate professor of dentistry and the interim assistant director of dental hygiene in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the U-M School of Dentistry. She has 18 years of clinical dental hygiene experience in general and periodontal practice. McComas also serves as Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s patient education expert.
One of my patients drinks a lot of diet soda, which has softened her tooth enamel. What advice should I give her on choosing a toothpaste that will support oral health but not be too abrasive?
Products that aid in the remineralization process should be considered as part of an overall caries prevention and management plan for at-risk patients.
Staying abreast of the changing landscape of caries risk assessment, management, and prevention will help oral health professionals provide the highest quality patient care.