Ask the Expert

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted dentistry. All oral health professionals are concerned about remaining safe during the provision of dental care and ensuring the safety of patients. The appropriate wearing of masks is key to the…

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?

Clinicians should consider the design of the sickle when deciding upon its use.

The only absolute contraindication to CHG mouthrinse use is hypersensitivity to CHG or to any components found in the product formulation.

With the concern about COVID-19, my area recently had something else to be worried about—an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease. When we return to treating patients, what can I do to prevent this?

I am about to graduate from dental hygiene school. I was taught that the current standard of care is to avoid creating glassy, smooth surfaces. However, one instructor in the clinic suggested that all surfaces should be glassy and smooth.…

One of my patients underwent replacement of occlusal amalgams on #3 and #4 with recurrent decay using a resin restorative material. The patient complained of swelling and bruising the length of her mandible that lasted about 2 weeks, along…

Knowing when it’s time to replace ultrasonic inserts/tips is integral to successful instrumentation.

What do you recommend to patients who want to maintain their oral health but abstain from fluoride?

I recently had a patient ask about the oral health benefits of using charcoal toothpaste. Are there any or is it just another fad?