Translating science to the chairside: A transformative path in periodontal care
Periodontal disease remains one of the most prevalent yet preventable chronic conditions in adults. From this frustration, PerioMonitor was born.
Periodontal care
Analysis links gum disease to higher risk of erectile dysfunction
Severe gum disease may significantly increase the risk of erectile dysfunction, adding to growing evidence that oral health is closely linked to overall wellbeing, according to new analyses highlighted by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP). Periodontitis — an advanced form of gum disease — has long been associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis … Read more
Reality and current status of the peri-implant diseases management
Over the past few decades, patient demand and inquiries regarding dental implants have increased significantly. Today, more than 100 commercial implant brands exist, with an estimated 12–15 million implants placed annually worldwide.1 As a result, by 2023, over 200 million patients globally were living with dental implants. According to Grandview Research, North America accounted for 38.4% … Read more
The Debridement Difficulty Index (DDI):A proof-of-concept, GPT-supported tool for predicting periodontal therapy complexity
Periodontal debridement, particularly scaling and root planing (SRP), remains the cornerstone of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Its effectiveness in reducing probing depths and controlling inflammation has been well documented for decades.1-3 However, despite its central role, the procedure presents significant variability in complexity. Factors such as pocket depth, furcation involvement, root concavities, calculus tenacity, and patient-related challenges … Read more
Automating risk-factor tracking and screening in dental hygiene practice
Navigating the new nicotine landscape The use of oral nicotine delivery products (ONDPs), along with vaping and other modifiable risk factors (MRFs), have surged in the last decade. More recently, the rate of use of novel non-tobacco ONDPs, such as nicotine pouches (NPs), have been increasing—particularly among adolescents in Canada. In 2023 NPs snuck through … Read more
Effective toothbrushing: Why, when, and how to teach it
Toothbrushing—everyone knows they should do it, and that it’s the primary way to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. Yet dental disease remains widespread. Why? As with other forms of preventive healthcare, such as diet and exercise, the problem lies not in knowledge but in the application of knowledge. Patients must be taught, motivated, and … Read more
The cost of inconsistency in dental hygiene: Bold truths you can’t ignore
Meet Cheryl, a 52-year-old patient who has been coming to your office every six months for over a decade. She’s loyal. She’s trusting. And like many patients, she doesn’t ask too many questions, until something didn’t add up. At her last visit, she saw a dental hygienist she had not met before. This time, her … Read more
Study finds no strong link between diet and cavities in young children from low-income families
While sweet drinks and snacks aren’t recommended for children, a new study has found no significant association between their consumption patterns and the development of early childhood caries (ECC) in low-income children under the age of two. Published July 13 in BMC Oral Health, the study followed 127 Medicaid-eligible children from birth at two university-affiliated … Read more
Menopause and the mouth: The silent link we can’t ignore
Menopause is a silent epidemic, an often-overlooked transition that impacts every cell in the body, including the mouth. As a dental hygienist, educator, and woman who has experienced a hysterectomy and early menopause myself, I know firsthand the power of connection, education, and advocacy when it comes to navigating this challenging season of life. Sleepless … Read more
A new era in oral hygiene: Lumoral antibacterial light therapy
Finnish scientists have introduced an innovative oral hygiene solution, Lumoral (Koite Health Ltd., Espoo, Finland), the first antibacterial photodynamic device designed for home use. Lumoral harnesses light energy to combat oral diseases and complements existing cleaning methods to enhance home oral care. By selectively eliminating harmful bacteria in dental plaque, Lumoral represents a revolutionary advancement … Read more
Peri-implant disease: What your patient can do to prevent losing the implant; What you can do to prevent losing the patient
Tremendous strides have been made in both the construction and the placement of modern dental implants compared to earlier iterations. Yet, the prevalence of peri-implant disease continues at an alarming rate. In a meta-analysis of 110 clinical studies examining the extent of peri-implant disease affecting more than 12,000 active dental implants, it was shown that … Read more
Using Motivational Interviewing and the Transtheoretical Model to halt early cavities in elite athletes
An elite athlete presented with multiple areas of incipient interproximal caries. Through ongoing learning of behaviour modification techniques and evidence-based decision-making, incorporating the patient’s goals and preferences, the latest research, and clinician expertise were imperative. Initially, my participant presented with a high caries risk assessment and an initial Plaque Index of 68%. Reducing his risk … Read more
Undertaking an action research project as a dental hygienist
Have you ever considered undertaking your own action research project? It’s an intriguing concept, isn’t it? We engage in research daily, often without even realizing it. At rdhu, we encourage our members to plan their year around topics that truly interest them. We offer complimentary webinars designed to spark curiosity and leave you eager to delve … Read more
Molecular iodine offers new hope to periodontal patients: How does it compare to chlorhexidine?
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1954.1 In its more than 70 years of clinical use, it has become a standard of care in infection control, globally. CHX oral rinse has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance and has been a valuable adjunct in the control of periodontal disease for … Read more
Periodontal disease and alcohol consumption: The relationship, dental management, and role of the dentist
Abstract Periodontal disease is a chronic multifactorial disease of the periodontium, involving inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth including the gingiva, periodontal ligaments, root cementum and the alveolar bone. Alcohol has been found to have a negative impact within the oral cavity and more specifically on periodontal health. Although alcohol has … Read more
Unlocking the mysteries of dental unit waterlines: A guide for dental hygienists
Did you know 90% of bacteria live in biofilms?1 Understanding the complexities of biofilm and the function of Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs) is essential for dental hygienists dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care. This article aims to demystify the processes involved in maintaining DUWLs by highlighting the importance of routine testing, effective product use, and best … Read more
Addressing the hottest topics in clinical dental hygiene
What a great time to be a dental hygienist! I am thrilled to not only write this month’s editorial but to also have curated this edition’s content and theme specifically to help you, dear dental hygienist, stay current with the latest and greatest happening and to get excited about the future of our profession. This … Read more
Tips for educating parents on infant and preschoolers’ oral hygiene
Treating children, not teeth If toothbrushing is not rocket science, how come it is so difficult to do it effectively, as dental caries is the most common disease in the world? Why is it not effective in preventing tooth decay? You need to be able to answer your patient’s question: why do I still get … Read more