Week in Review: New sealant guidelines; flossing controversy; and new weapons against plaque?

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Sealants may reduce carious lesions on the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars by up to 80%, according to a review jointly published by the ADA and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. You can read that story here. These organizations also issued new guidelines for using sealants in children and adolescents, in the hope of increasing sealant use. Read that story here.

The biggest recent story in dentistry has been this week's flossing controversy. In the next days and weeks, you are likely to hear one question over and over again from your patients: "Do I still need to floss?" Dental groups are continuing to support flossing in the wake of a critical report that questions the evidence backing the practice. Read our coverage here.

Also this week on DrBicuspid.com, new weapons in the fight against plaque and caries may soon be available. Topical antiplaque and anticaries toothpastes and rinses using nanoparticles that disrupt the biofilms in plaque may be not only feasible but effective, according to a study from University of Pennsylvania researchers. Read more here.

A project designed to improve the oral health of children up to 5 years old succeeded in getting more low-income kids to the dentist and tripling the number of preventive dental visits for a historically underserved population. But are the gains sustainable over the long term? Find out here.

Everyone has an opinion on this week's flossing controversy. No matter where you stand on the issue, this is an opportunity to have an important discussion with your patients at a time when oral healthcare is prominent in their minds. What are you doing? Let us know in our Forums.