Oral Health Matters

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers welcomes Dr. Lisa Thompson, assistant professor of oral health policy and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, to discuss how declining functional status affects oral health and access to care. Dr. Thompson explains the Seattle Care Pathway, a framework that helps clinicians tailor oral health strategies based on a patient's level of dependency. She shares practical approaches for prevention, daily hygiene, caregiver support, denture care, and palliative oral care, while highlighting the importance of recognizing barriers to care and identifying potential signs of neglect or abuse.   Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Smiles for Life: Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers speaks with Dr. Stephanie Voyles, faculty physician at the St. Mary’s Family Medicine Residency Program, about the critical connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oral health. Dr. Voyles explains why HPV is now responsible for the majority of oral cancers in the United States and highlights the powerful role of the HPV vaccine in preventing these cancers. The conversation addresses the current lack of screening tests for HPV-related throat cancers, compares the effectiveness of vaccination versus natural immunity, and offers practical approaches for navigating vaccine hesitancy with patients and families. They also discuss additional prevention strategies, including routine dental visits, tobacco cessation, and safer sexual practices, underscoring the importance of early education and proactive care.   Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers welcomes Dr. John Ahern, Director of Medical Dental Integration at Cambridge Health Alliance, for a thoughtful conversation about bridging the gap between oral and medical health. Dr. Ahern shares his journey from Ireland to Boston and reflects on a decade of advancing integrated care in one of the country’s most diverse communities. Together, they explore practical strategies for embedding dental care into medical settings, from strengthening collaboration with primary care teams to equipping non-dental providers with the tools they need to address oral health confidently. Dr. Ahern discusses the importance of shared electronic health records, culturally responsive programs, and population-specific approaches that truly meet patients where they are. He also provides an optimistic look at the next five years, and the growing momentum behind more unified, equitable, and patient-centered medical-dental integration.   Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers sits down with Dr. Hugh Silk and Dr. Wanda Gonsalves to explore why oral health is essential before, during, and after pregnancy. They discuss how conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis can increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight—and how proactive dental care can make a difference. The conversation offers practical guidance on safe dental treatments during pregnancy, maintaining healthy habits at home, and the critical role healthcare providers play in integrating oral health into prenatal and preconception care. Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

In the inaugural episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers welcomes Dr. Denise Rizzolo and Dr. Thomas Chiodo for a deep dive into dental pain, trauma, and emergencies. They explore why dental injuries are especially common in children, the most frequent reasons patients seek emergency dental care, and how to respond when accidents happen. Dr. Chiodo breaks down the differences between avulsion, luxation, and subluxation injuries, while the guests stress the critical importance of quick action—particularly when it comes to repositioning displaced teeth. The conversation also highlights prevention strategies, from the use of mouthguards to safe practices with oral piercings, and closes with a reminder that routine dental care is the best defense against severe issues.   Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

Welcome to Oral Health Matters, a new podcast from Smiles for Life. Hosted by family physician and editor Karlynn Sievers, each 30-minute episode features candid conversations with leading voices in oral health education. Expect fresh perspectives, inspiring stories, and practical insights that highlight the impact of the profession. Check out the trailer for episode one! Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.