Serving Those Who Served: Oral Health and Veterans

Serving Those Who Served: Oral Health and Veterans

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Alpert, faculty member at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, for a discussion about the unique oral health challenges facing U.S. veterans. Dr. Alpert explains why veterans experience higher rates of cavities, periodontal disease, and poor self-reported oral health than the general population, tracing the issue from unmet dental needs before military service to dental emergencies during deployment and limited access to care after separation. She highlights the significant gap in coverage and utilization of VA dental benefits, leaving many veterans without consistent oral healthcare. The conversation also explores the impact of trauma on oral health and dental care utilization, offering practical, trauma-informed strategies that dental professionals can use to create more supportive patient experiences. Dr. Alpert discusses the benefits of integrated care within the VA system and introduces a new Smiles for Life educational course focused on veterans’ oral health, special populations, and policy considerations. The episode provides valuable insights for clinicians seeking to better understand and serve those who have served.   Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Understanding the Impact of Restrictive Frenulums

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers is joined by Dr. Thomas Chiodo for a conversation about ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, and other restrictive frenulums. Dr. Chiodo explains how tongue-tie can affect tongue mobility and discusses the potential impact on infant feeding, including latch issues, poor suction, excess air intake, and related concerns such as bloating or reflux. The conversation also explores how restrictive frenulums may later influence speech development, oral function, and dental spacing. The episode walks through clinical evaluation approaches, including the use of assessment tools like the Tabby Bristol Tongue Tie Score and the Hazelbaker assessment, while emphasizing that some infants may naturally adapt or “grow into” their anatomy over time. Dr. Chiodo also reviews referral pathways, treatment options, procedural techniques, anesthesia considerations, and the importance of post-procedure stretching exercises to help prevent reattachment.   Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Beyond the Surface: Addiction, Recovery, and Oral Health

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers is joined by Dr. Tonya Cook and Dr. Rebecca Bernstein to explore the connection between substance use and oral health. They break down how substances like tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine impact the mouth, often accelerating decay through reduced saliva and other side effects—and discuss additional risks tied to stimulants, opioids, and other drugs. The conversation also highlights the broader challenges patients face, including disrupted self-care, stigma, and limited access to dental services, while emphasizing that integrating oral health into treatment can support better outcomes like employment and long-term recovery. The episode concludes with practical strategies providers can use to help mitigate damage, from fluoride treatments to simple daily habits. Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

The Role of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Dental Care

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers speaks with Beau Meyer, DDS, MPH, a board-certified pediatric dentist and associate professor at The Ohio State University, about silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and its growing use in medical settings. Meyer explains how this minimally invasive liquid arrests dental caries through antibacterial action and fluoride-driven remineralization, making it especially valuable in pediatrics, school-based programs, long-term care, and communities with limited dental access. They discuss safety, case selection, informed consent, and practical application guidance for primary care providers, including recognizing when referral is needed. The episode also covers effectiveness, follow-up protocols, and recent reimbursement developments that are expanding physician use of SDF.   Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Dentistry: What’s Changed and Why

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers is joined by Erinne Kennedy, DMD, MPH, MMSc, Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Integrated Learning at the Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine, for an in-depth discussion on antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry and why the guidelines continue to evolve. The conversation explores how new evidence has reshaped recommendations by more clearly weighing risks versus benefits, and why antibiotic prophylaxis is now reserved for specific patient populations, including those with certain prosthetic joints, high-risk cardiovascular conditions, and immunocompromising conditions. Dr. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of avoiding antibiotics unless they are truly indicated and introduces the concept of “living guidelines” that are regularly updated as new data emerges. The episode also addresses broader issues of antibiotic resistance, key considerations when treating cardiovascular patients, and the removal of clindamycin from recommended use due to its elevated risk of C. difficile infection. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Kennedy shares practical strategies to help dental professionals implement effective antibiotic stewardship and make evidence-based decisions in everyday practice.   Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].