Fluoride varnish no more effective than placebo in preventing kids’ caries

Semiannual topical application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or sodium fluoride was no more effective than a placebo in preventing children from developing approximal caries. The 18-month clinical trial was published on June 2 in BMC Oral Health. In high-risk caries groups, a combination of strategies, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste, educating caregivers to improve oral health literacy, promoting schools and communities to create healthy dietary environments, and implementing water

The dental hygienist’s role in recommending, applying, and billing SDF

On September 15, 2022, the American Medical Association (AMA) approved a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application by healthcare professionals to treat cavities without prepping the tooth for a filling. This code will go into effect on July 1, 2023. This a huge step forward in medical-dental health integration and progress for oral health equity, providing access for millions of people who don’t have

Top Dental Clinic Cancun for a Smile Makeover

Getting a smile makeover is not only about achieving a dazzling set of teeth but also about boosting your confidence and helping you improve your overall well-being. Your smile is one valuable asset, and it plays a significant role in how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you. This is why when having noticeable imperfections on your teeth can affect how you feel about yourself. If you’ve found yourself

Sensory-adapted dental rooms soothe children with autism

A sensory-adapted dental clinic environment can make dental cleanings a lot less distressing for autistic children, according to research published on June 2 in JAMA Network Open. Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) compared the behavioral and psychological distress experienced by 162 children with autism receiving dental cleanings in a standard clinic environment and then in an adapted setting. The adapted room featured blackout curtains hung over the

CDC: Fluoride levels in some water systems too low to stop caries

About 16% of nearly 8 billion population-weighted fluoride measurements for public water systems were below optimal fluoridation levels, jeopardizing tooth decay prevention, according to a report published on June 2 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Between 2016 and 2021, monthly fluoride measurements were less than 0.6 mg/L. The U.S. optimal fluoridation level is 0.7 mg/L. Despite subpar fluoridation levels found in some drinking water, 4,080

Dental Crowns in Mexico: A Perfect Smile at a Fraction of the Cost

Just as the passing of time can be reflected in our physical appearance, it can also be manifested in the state of our teeth. Age, lifestyle, and accidents can play a huge role in changing the appearance and health of our teeth. Damaged teeth can have a big impact on someone’s lifestyle: not being able to enjoy comfortably your favorite foods, and to smile confidently, among other inconveniences that can

Can dental general anesthesia contribute to TMD in kids?

Developing a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in childhood and beyond may be attributed to certain elements of dental care performed under general anesthesia, as well as biopsychosocial factors, according to a review published on May 29 in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. The review only found one study that matched its criteria, but the evidence pointed to a potential link between general anesthesia for pediatric dental procedures and the subsequent development

SmileDirectClub launches SmileMaker platform in the U.S.

SmileDirectClub has launched its SmileMaker platform in the U.S. The platform uses artificial intelligence to show patients the potential result of treatment. SmileMaker, which was first launched in 2022 in Australia, received U.S. patent No. 11,633,260 in April 2023. To use the platform, consumers must download the SmileDirectClub app and capture a mobile 3D scan of their teeth, bite, and alignment using the camera of a smartphone. Consumers can see

Dental Hygiene in Thailand – A Guide to Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene while Traveling in Thailand

Dental hygiene in Thailand: A guide to maintaining good dental hygiene while traveling in Thailand, including information on where to buy dental products and how to find a good dentist. Should you bother availing professional dental hygiene services in Thailand? Shouldn’t getting your own toothbrush and toothpaste then brushing twice daily be enough? Usually, when people go to Thailand to get some dentistry work done, it’s something major. It usually

Dental Technology in Thailand — An Overview of the Latest Dental Technologies Available in Thailand

Dental technology in Thailand: An overview of the latest dental technologies available in Thailand, including digital dentistry, 3D printing, and other advanced techniques. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles for good reason. Many of its dental hospitals, centers, clinics, and schools have access to state-of-the-art technology in the realm of dentistry. In turn, many foreigners depend on dental tourism in Thailand to get affordable dental care. Thailand in

AAPD names new board, trustees

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) installed new board officers and trustees at the AAPD 2023 General Assembly meeting on May 29 in Orlando, FL. The individuals and positions are as follows: Dr. Scott Cashion leaves his post as AAPD’s vice president to become president. Dr. Scott Smith, who completed a three-year term on the board of trustees starting in 2017, was named president-elect. Dr. Thomas Ison, parliamentarian of the AAPD, was named vice

AAO highlights risks of mail-order orthodontics

A growing number of patients are seeking care from orthodontists for retreatment after using mail-order aligners, according to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). In a recent survey of its member orthodontists, the AAO reported that 77% of respondents said they had been consulted by patients for retreatment after using mail-order treatments that did not include a prior in-person examination. “It sounds almost too good to be true: the convenience