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 experimenting with toothpaste flavors and toothbrushes to using visual schedules, timers and different brushing positions, and discusses how occupational therapists and behavior analysts can help with desensitization. The conversation also explores the importance of early prevention, establishing a dental home and recognizing medication-related concerns such as dry mouth. For dental professionals, Chandwani offers ways to create a more accommodating experience through thoughtful scheduling, shorter visits, consistent environments and individualized sensory supports, emphasizing that successful care often starts with understanding what works best for each patient.

Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

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 energy gels, shares practical guidance for responding to dental emergencies, and explains how stronger collaboration between medical and dental professionals can improve athlete safety and long-term oral health.

Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

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.