Contents

This Month’s Features

Managing teething pain, preventing caries, and educating parents/caregivers are key facets of oral health care when treating young patients. By Lindsey M. Lee, RDH, MS, Diana B. Aboytes, RDH, MS

Improve Oral Health Through Mouthrinse Use

The addition of a mouthrinse as an adjunct tool can provide myriad benefits. By Lynn Marsh, RDH, EdD, Marija L. Cahoon, RDH, MS

Supporting Sealant Retention

Material choice, tooth preparation, and technique are all important components of successful sealant placement. By Nicole Uhl, RDH, EFDA, MSA

Continuing Education

Addressing Multiple Supernumerary Teeth

The unexpected discovery of multiple supernumerary teeth requires a unique approach to treatment planning and oral hygiene. By Terry R. Dean, DMD

Aloe Vera and Oral Health

Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties may provide dental health benefits. By Linda Blackburn, BS, Leira Jimenez, Mary Tran, BS, Joan Pellegrini, PhD, RDH

7 Steps to the Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis

This protocol focuses on modifying risk factors, facilitating decisions about the use of antibiotics, and recommending appropriate oral hygiene measures. By Bharathi Devi Myneni, BDS, Charles M. Cobb, DDS, MS, PhD

The Oral Health Professional’s Role In Forensic Dentistry

Properly trained clinicians can use forensic dentistry to help identify individuals who may otherwise remain unidentified. By Joseph W. Evans, DDS

Departments

Editor’s Note

A Lifelong Commitment to Dental Hygiene

When I graduated from dental hygiene school, I wasn’t really thinking about 10, 20, or even 30 years down the road. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Ask the Expert

What Can Be Done to Improve Tetracycline-Stained Teeth?

I have a 25-year-old female patient with moderate to severe tetracycline staining, especially on the anteriors. By Erin Boyleston, RDH, MS, Van B. Haywood, DMD