maxill's Dental Blog

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) is a widely recognized antimicrobial agent that has made significant strides in dentistry. Known for its effectiveness in combating oral pathogens, this powerful antiseptic agent is utilized for various applications in dentistry, offering numerous benefits to both patients and practitioners. In this blog, we’ll review some key uses of chlorhexidine gluconate in dentistry and how it contributes to better oral health.  

What is Chlorhexidine Gluconate?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a chemical antiseptic that is highly effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its ability to bind to tissues and provide a prolonged antimicrobial effect makes it particularly useful in dental care. Typically available in mouth rinses, gels, and varnishes, chlorhexidine has been embraced as a vital tool for maintaining oral hygiene.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exhilarating experience filled with wonder and joy. As little ones grow, they embark on various developmental milestones, one of which is teething. While this process can be exciting, it may also present challenges, particularly when it comes to eruption cysts. In this blog, we’ll explore what eruption cysts are, how they affect infants, and what both parents and dental professionals should know to navigate these situations.

What are Eruption Cysts?

Eruption cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the soft tissue of the gum as a tooth is about to emerge. Typically associated with primary (baby) teeth, these cysts often develop over the crowns of erupting teeth in infants and toddlers.

If my dental regulatory body does not state specifically, that I need to track and trace, then who is telling me to track and trace?

A terrific question for any busy dental office to pose … who is telling me to track and trace?  To answer the ‘who’ one must understand the ‘why’.  Once the ‘why’ is understood through a risk management lens and professional responsibility to keep the public safe, the who loses its debate as you will be the person telling yourself to track and trace! 

Tracking and tracing are linking a sterilized package to the client it was used on.  Why do we label packages with the date, sterilizer #, load #, contents, and initialize? It is not just to label to see when it was sterilized but also where it’s going or in past tense, has gone. The label is the first step of having a recall system in place, it’s the tracking of packa

As new parents, you may find yourselves filled with excitement as you anticipate your infant’s milestones: their first steps, first words, and undoubtedly, their first tooth! However, it’s essential to understand that oral care should begin even before those tiny pearly whites make their grand debut. Proper oral hygiene during the early months can significantly impact your child’s dental health for years to come. In this blog, we’ll explore how to care for an infant’s mouth before teeth emerge, how to navigate the teething phase, the importance of early oral care, and the early warning signs of dental issues.

Oral Care Before Teeth Erupt

The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child’s oral care should start even before their first teeth appear. Typically, babies don’t begin to get their milk teeth or

As students head back to school, it’s crucial to prioritize oral health alongside academic success. Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining a bright smile, avoiding cavities, and ensuring overall well-being. Here are some practical tips and snack ideas to help keep your child’s teeth healthy when they can’t brush at school.

1. Morning Routine Essentials

Start each school day with a solid oral care routine. Ensure your child brushes their teeth for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste before leaving home. Don’t forget to encourage flossing! An effective routine includes:

Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Maintaining our health, including oral health, becomes increasingly important as we age. Unfortunately, many older adults face unique challenges that can affect their dental well-being. With the right knowledge and care, seniors can preserve their smiles and overall health. In this blog, we will explore common oral health challenges the elderly face, and the importance of regular dental visits, daily care routines, nutrition, and more.

Common Oral Health Challenges Faced by Seniors

Older adults often encounter specific oral health issues that can impact their quality of life.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Dry mouth is a common complaint among seniors, often caused by medications or medical conditions. Saliva plays

In today’s rapidly moving digital world, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become more than just tools for communication; they are powerful influencers in the landscape of cosmetic dentistry. As we scroll through carefully curated feeds filled with flawless smiles and trendy dental treatments, it becomes evident that these platforms are shaping patient expectations and decisions in ways never seen before. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest dental trends influenced by social media, their impact on patient behaviour, the challenges faced due to a lack of understanding about dental health, and what this means for both practitioners and patients alike.

The Rise of the Influencer Effect

Over the past few years, dental influencers and aesthetic gurus have taken social media by storm. These individuals, arm

Artificial and Augmented Intelligence is making a splash in the news and social media. AI tools used to produce music, AI to access information, and AI writing tools that generate letters, business reports, and other documents have increased the efficiency and productivity of professional life. The dental field has also been impacted. The ability to include AI in analyzing dental images, aiding in diagnosis, and improving patient care can be a game changer, but with the technology comes the responsibility of ethical implementation and protecting patients' rights.

American Dental Association (ADA) News reports that, on average, 50% of dentists said new technology, such as intraoral scanners, new radiographic imaging systems, and 3-D printing, would revolutionize their practice. This new technology lends itself to using AI to interpret the results of diagnostic tools.

In the rapidly evolving world of dental healthcare, the importance of maintaining comprehensive and accurate patient records cannot be overstated. These records serve as the backbone of effective patient care, helping dental professionals provide efficient treatment while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. As the industry transitions increasingly towards digital records, it’s essential to examine the significance of both digital and non-digital patient records in today’s dental practices.

The Foundation of Patient Care

Ensuring Comprehensive Treatment

Patient records contain vital information, including medical history, treatment plans, product allergies, and previous dental procedures. This information allows dental professionals to make informed decisions and tailor tre

Forensic odontology, also known as forensic dentistry, is a specialized field of dentistry that involves the proper handling and examination of dental evidence to identify human remains and assist in criminal or disaster investigations. Forensic odontologists also play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by using their expertise in dentistry to provide valuable information that can help solve abuse or death cases. The forensic odontologist assists legal authorities by examining dental evidence. The dentist and the dental practice have some responsibility to aid in the identity and examination process by retaining accurate records of their patients in the unlikely situation that one of the patients in the practice may need to be identified post-mortem.

There are three significant areas of activity in forensic odontology:

1. The examination