Nutrition and Oral Care Products: Demystifying This Dynamic Duo to Build a Personalized Approach to Oral Health
Six CE credits recommended for dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and EFDAs
Education Methods: lecture, slides and discussion
This comprehensive lecture delves into the powerful partnership between nutrition and oral care products for optimal oral health. Attendees will gain knowledge of the ever-evolving landscape of over the counter (OTC) dental solutions. Many patients use dietary supplements as a replacement for properly balanced diets and dental professionals need to understand the effects supplements have on the oral environment. By exploring the intersection of dietary choices and the latest advancements in oral care products, participants will understand how to incorporate both nutritional advice and the effective use of OTC products into patient guidance.
Products used in dentistry and oral home care have a wide-ranging array of ingredients. The course also will explore how allergies and sensitivities factor into decision making for product choices in our practice and recommendations for patients.
Attendees can expect to be able to:
-- Recognize the connection between nutritional factors and oral health conditions, including symptoms of deficiencies and supplement excesses.
-- Understand various dietary supplements and oral probiotics, their uses, and the impact of "food fads" on oral health.
-- Discuss critical pH and guide patients on beverage choices.
-- Gain an understanding of medicinal herbals, antioxidants, vitamins, dietary supplements and essential oils.
-- Evaluate positive and negative attributes of oral home care product ingredients.
-- Recognize risks associated with e-cigarette vapor ingredients, stay informed on trends like Sodium Laurel Sulfate, BPA and Triclosan.
-- Describe the science behind new and unique oral care products in the market.

Presented by Linda Straub-Bruce, DHA, MHSA, RDH, FADHA, operations and finance director for a dental practice in Erie, PA. She recently earned her Master's degree in Health Services Administration and her Doctor of Healthcare Administration from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a part-time clinical faculty member at the LECOM Dental Outreach Clinic in Erie, where she works with 4th year dental students to facilitate their achievement of clinical copetency in procedures within her scope of practice. Dr. Straub-Burce has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.