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PODCAST

Oral Health Matters

An original podcast series from Smiles for Life, featuring candid conversations and expert insights exploring the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being.

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All Episodes

27:41

Creating Positive Dental Experiences for Patients...

Oral Health Matters ·

2026/08/31

In this episode of Oral Health Matters from Smiles for Life, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers welcomes Dr. Neeta Chandwani for a conversation about improving oral health care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Chandwani explains how sensory sensitivities, communication challenges and other barriers can turn everyday routines like toothbrushing and dental visits into difficult experiences for patients and their families. She shares practical strategies caregivers can try at home, from

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31:45

Game On: Protecting Athletes' Oral Health

Oral Health Matters ·

2026/07/28

In this episode of Oral Health Matters from Smiles for Life, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers welcomes back Dr. John Ahern, director of Medical Dental Integration at Cambridge Health Alliance, for a conversation about protecting athletes' oral health on and off the field. Dr. Ahern discusses the benefits and limitations of today's mouthguard options, the evidence supporting their role in preventing dental injuries, and why proper fit matters. He also explores the oral health impact of sports drinks and

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37:38

Caring for Oral Health Through Every Stage of Dependency

Oral Health Matters ·

2026/06/29

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

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35:18

Serving Those Who Served: Oral Health and Veterans

Oral Health Matters ·

2026/06/09

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

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29:58

Understanding the Impact of Restrictive Frenulums

Oral Health Matters ·

2026/05/01

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

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27:40

Beyond the Surface: Addiction, Recovery, and Oral Health

Oral Health Matters ·

2026/03/30

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,

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30:51

The Role of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Dental Care

Oral Health Matters ·

2026/02/20

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

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40:12

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Dentistry: What’s Changed...

Oral Health Matters ·

2026/01/30

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

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24:07

HPV and Oral Cancer: What Clinicians Need to Know

Oral Health Matters ·

2025/12/29

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

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35:52

Where Medicine Meets Dentistry: Building a Better...

Oral Health Matters ·

2025/11/25

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

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28:11

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Dental Care Into...

Oral Health Matters ·

2025/10/28

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

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25:08

Dental Emergencies: What to Do When Accidents Happen

Oral Health Matters ·

2025/09/23

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

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0:47

Oral Health Matters Trailer

Oral Health Matters ·

2025/09/15

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.

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13 results

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