Patient Education

The Trouble with Mouthwash

Posted on by Ellie Phillips DDS
Mouthwash is a bedrock of oral hygiene. So why do some say it harms the mouth? The answer is a mix of misunderstanding and bad headlines. The Human Microbiome Project of 2007 illustrated the mouth is home to hundreds of previously unrecognized good bacteria. Dentists used to call plaque “biofilm,” but plaque is a biofilm infection, and healthy biofilm is protective and the goal of good oral care. Studies show 40% of adult biofilm develops in childhood, which illustrates the tenacity of bi...
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Throwback: Interview with Brooke Armour, RDH

Posted on by Brooke Armour RDH
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Brooke RDH: I use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics to test new patients, patients that have clinical signs of periodontal disease, or patients with a complex medical history. Dr. McGlennen: What are the biggest benefits to using salivary diagnostics? Brooke RDH: The benefits of salivary diagnostics are being able to quantify periodontal disease, having something to physically show the patient about their periodontal dise...
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Master the Comprehensive Examination

Posted on by Lee Sheldon DMD PA
There are so many dentists. How do you differentiate yourself from others? Let me quote the Google reviews that I am most proud of: My first visit consisted of the most comprehensive dental exam I have ever experienced. The absolute best dental exam I’ve ever had in my life…! The most comfortable and detailed dental visit I've ever had. Very detailed exam, never had that extensive an exam. The most thorough examination I have ever experienced. His examination wa...
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A Dental Detective Story – When a 102% Surge in Bacterial Load After Scaling Unveils a Horizontal Transmission Tale

Posted on by Robert Benavides DDS
In the world of healthcare, understanding the root cause of health issues is paramount to providing effective treatment. This principle was put to the test in a fascinating case that highlighted the importance of considering both clinical and personal factors in patient care. The case involved an unexpected 102% increase in bacterial load within a patient's mouth, despite having undergone scaling, irrigation, and decontamination—a procedural-set known to significantly reduce bacterial load. ...
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Children Get Gum Disease Too

Posted on by Barbara Tritz RDH
Parents always ask me, “Does my child have any cavities?” What I also want parents to wonder and ask; “Does my child have gum disease?” People - parents - don’t know what they don’t know! Too often, we dismiss a “little bleeding” or calculus buildup in children (never mind adults) as poor oral hygiene and admonish them to brush and floss. Yet, without addressing the root causes, this inflammation does not resolve. Evolve your practice: look deeper into bleeding gums in children and ...
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Redefining Dental Care for The Reluctant: Technology’s Role in the New Mouth-Body Connection Era

Posted on by Robert Benavides DDS
Challenge: Addressing the unique needs of a patient with a history of hesitancy towards dental care, compounded by complex health issues such as Tobacco Dependence Syndrome, Hypertension, and Prediabetes, presented a significant challenge. This task, however, was greatly facilitated by the integration of CBCT/OralDNA® technologies. These cutting-edge tools played a pivotal role in demystifying the pathos process, enabling a more clear and personalized approach to the patient's treatment plan....
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Become a Healer

Posted on by Barbara Tritz RDH
Biological dental hygiene changed my dental hygiene world. Until six years ago, I was not even aware it existed. Luckily, I found it - or rather, it found me. I became a dental hygienist because I wanted to help people. Now I am a true healer; biological dental medicine is my calling. Welcome to my Bio-Logical World. We were trained in traditional dental practices - scraping and polishing teeth, emphasizing the importance of flossing, applying fluoride treatments, and delivering lectur...
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Systemic Inflammation, Elevated hs-CRP, and Oral Bacterial Pathogens Decrease After Two Years of Natural Dental Health Treatments: A Case Study

Posted on by Cass Nelson-Dooley MS, Ellie Campbell DO
Heart Disease Begins in the Mouth High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is the most clear, quantifiable, and readily accessible marker of the oral-systemic connection. We present a case study of an otherwise healthy 62-year-old woman with elevated hs-CRP who had abundant numbers of pathogenic oral bacteria. A natural dental health treatment over two years lowered hs-CRP and lowered oral pathogens. Given the links between oral disease, inflammation, and heart disease, it is wise to te...
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Hygienist Highlight: Baltimore Uptown Dentist

Posted on by Sherri Feldman RDH
Can you briefly describe your experience and background as a dental hygienist? I have been a hygienist for almost 40 years and have been working with a phase contrast microscope for the last 25 years. Using the microscope has helped me view the mouth’s connection to whole health. What motivated you to become a dental hygienist? I love smiles and want to help people have the healthiest mouth possible. Now, it’s a healthy mouth and body! How do you stay updated on the latest dental hyg...
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The Journey to Becoming a Complex Care Hygienist

Posted on by Sandy Sheffler RDH
My name is Sandy Sheffler, and I have been a registered dental hygienist in the State of Maryland since 1973. For the last 45 years, I have been very fortunate to work in very progressive dental offices. In 1988, I was introduced to Dr. Paul Keyes, dental researcher and director of the National Institute of Dental Research and the developer of the Keyes Technique – a 7 step system to periodontal health. He was among the first dentists to associate pathogenic bacteria with dental diseases. Th...
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