Author Archives: GreatSmiles

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): What Actually Helps

Prevalence 22%, 36 trials that failed to prove any moisturising product, and the root caries risk numbers — plus the fluoride plan that does work. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Wisdom Teeth: Remove Them or Watch Them?

Three Cochrane reviews on third molars — removal versus retention, surgical technique and post-op pain — plus antibiotics and PRF. Every number has a PMID. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Teeth Whitening: What Peroxide Actually Does

Three reviews, not marketing: concentration and time drive the result, sensitivity affects 15-78%, light activation is ‘limited and conflicting’, and a 10% carbamide peroxide safety line. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Amalgam or Composite Fillings: The Evidence

A Cochrane review of 2,205 references (RR 1.89 for composite failure), a longevity meta-analysis, and the toxicology panel’s verdict on mercury — what to ask for in a back tooth. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Periodontitis and Diabetes: The Two-Way Link

Eleven systematic reviews and a 264-patient randomised trial later: how much gum treatment moves HbA1c, what it does not fix, and what to ask for in a US dental office. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Xylitol for Cavities: What the Trials Actually Show

A Cochrane review of 10 trials and 5,903 people, two meta-analyses and the dog question: what xylitol can and cannot do for cavity prevention, with every number tied to a PMID. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Fluoride Varnish for Kids: Does It Work?

What the Cochrane review, the dose-response trial and the ADA/USPSTF guidelines actually say about fluoride varnish in children — plus D1206 codes and Utah Medicaid frequency rules. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): Cost, Safety, Side Effects

38% SDF explained for patients and clinicians: 29 RCTs and 13,036 participants in the 2024 Cochrane review, 51.6-81% arrest rates, 6.6% pain and 76% blackening in an 888-child safety trial, D1354 billing and Utah’s $6.00 primary-teeth-only rate — with what the evidence does not support. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Clear Aligners vs Braces: Do They Work as Well?

Aligners win on comfort. On effectiveness the literature is more specific than the sales script: predictability depends on the type of tooth movement, and treatment time is not automatically shorter. Two comparison reviews and one overview, in plain language. Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment