Compounded dental drugs: Where convenience meets consequence

You’ve probably encountered compounded medications at some point. Maybe a pharmacy-made topical anesthetic or a customized rinse for a sensitive patient. Simply put, compounding means a pharmacist mixes or alters ingredients to create a medication tailored to an individual’s needs, such as changing the flavor, adjusting the concentration, or modifying how it’s delivered. Dr. Richard Nagelberg. In dentistry, the kind of customization that compounding brings to a medication can be

Whiter teeth may start with toothbrush vibrations

Researchers have developed a tooth-whitening powder that is activated by the vibrations of an electric toothbrush, according to a press release from the American Chemical Society. When activated, the powder triggers the release of reactive oxygen species that break down stains without harming teeth, according to the release dated January 26. “This work offers a safe, at-home teeth whitening strategy integrating whitening, enamel repair and microbiome balance for long-term oral

Patients in this state may have the worst dental health

Mississippi appears to be the U.S. state with the poorest oral health, ranking the lowest due to dental treatment costs and access to fluoridated water, according to an analysis published on January 29 by personal finance website WalletHub. Meanwhile, Illinois ranked as the top state for dental health, thanks to fewer residents reporting mouth or tooth pain or sleep disruptions related to oral health over the past year, according to

The risks of compounded minocycline gels in periodontal treatments: A conversation with Dr. Tim Donley

I recently spoke with Dr. Tim Donley about the growing use of compounded minocycline gels in periodontal therapy and why dentists should think twice before switching from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments. Donley is a leading expert in gum disease treatment and dental implants, an international speaker, and co-author of the first textbook on modern ultrasonic periodontal therapy used in dental schools worldwide. His evidence-based, patient-centered approach has

How dental hygienists are holding up

Though dental hygienists reported moderate levels of self-compassion and still get joy from helping patients, they also felt work-related physical, psychological, and emotional exhaustion. The study was published on February 2 in the Journal of Dental Hygiene. Improving self-compassion and compassion satisfaction among dental hygienists may prevent compassion fatigue, which reduces the risk of burnout, the authors wrote. “Strategies might include personal (e.g., positive self-talk and self-care) and workplace (e.g.,

Multiple scenarios, 1 glass ionomer: Riva SC is the next breakthrough

The beauty of dentistry lies in its constant evolution and the fact that no matter how many procedures are completed day after day, challenges inevitably present themselves. Every dentist, every patient, every tooth, and every clinical situation is unique. Whether those challenges arise from difficulty in isolation, limited access to the operative field, patient cooperation, or anatomical limitations, clinicians must continually adapt their approach. Dr. Haleh Fazeli One of the

Trial postponed for dentist accused of assault

A dentist in Maryland accused of assaulting a woman multiple times over a year has had his trial delayed to March due to new evidence, according to a story published on January 30 in the Frederick News-Post. The trial of Dr. Brian Motz, 46, of Monocacy Valley Dental in Frederick, MD, has been postponed to March 12 because the prosecution received new police body camera footage and Motz’s counsel needed

Dr. David Hornbrook on the biggest challenges facing dentistry today

What actually separates dentists who struggle from those who consistently win with patients, cases, and long-term success? This episode of The Art of Dental Finance and Management podcast goes beyond techniques and tools to reveal the real differences that matter. In this episode, Dr. David Hornbrook shares decades of insight on how top-performing dentists think, communicate, and design their careers. The discussion covers why clinical skill alone isn’t enough, how

Preat launches overdenture attachment system

Preat has launched PreatLoc, an overdenture attachment system designed for reliability, ease of use, and patient comfort. The PreatLoc Overdenture Attachment System.Preat. It is compatible with many overdenture systems, fitting 18 implant systems and 35 connections. PreatLoc is designed for improved long-term retention, performing better in early cycles and maintaining stability, Preat said. Its zirconium nitride coating is designed to reduce plaque, biofilm, and inflammation, supporting tissue health and offering

Do you know the dental needs of kids with obesity?

Children with obesity may have greater oral health needs, including a higher risk of caries and gum disease, which can negatively affect their quality of life. This study was recently published in the International Dental Journal. Furthermore, children with severe or complex obesity may face a higher risk of oral health problems due to factors such as high-sugar diets and early changes in glucose metabolism, the authors wrote. “This study

Podcast: From conventional to innovative care in pediatric dentistry

In this episode, HuangshanDental.com Editor-in-Chief Kevin Henry interviews Dr. Howard Elson, a pediatric dentist with a unique approach to dental care. Elson shares his journey from a conventional practice to a surgery center model, focusing on treating Medicaid patients and using general anesthesia for safe, comprehensive, efficient and gentle treatment in one visit for appropriate children. He discusses the challenges and rewards of pediatric dentistry, emphasizing the importance of behavior

Gum disease germ may be linked to breast cancer

An oral bacterium associated with gum disease may be found in breast cancer tissue, where it spreads through the mammary ducts or the blood and can accelerate tumor growth. This study was recently published in Cell Communication and Signaling. Furthermore, breast cancer cells with certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1, may be susceptible to the bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), pointing to a potential link between periodontal disease and breast