PPP201 - Mind the Gap: Cavities, Myths and Oral Health with Professor Ian Meyers and Geraldine Moses
Join Professor Ian Meyers and Dr Geraldine Moses as they separate oral health fact from fiction in an engaging discussion on fluoride myths, dry mouth, toothpastes, and the products lining our pharmacy shelves. From why drinking more water may not be the only answer to managing xerostomia to the differences between stannous and sodium fluoride, they unpack the evidence behind everyday oral health advice.
The conversation also explores the role of Tooth Mousse and other calcium-based products, whether toothpaste additives are worth the hype, whether clove oil still has a place in oral care, and the evidence for teething gels. With practical insights for older adults, children, cancer patients, and those with orthodontic appliances, this episode is packed with expert tips to help clinicians and consumers make informed oral health decisions.
See previous PPP episodes on oral health for more content
Resources:
Caries
Angela M.L. Benn, Nicholas C.K. Heng, W. Murray Thomson, Jonathan M. Broadbent; Plaque and Dental Caries Risk in Midlife. Caries Res 28 December 2022; 56 (5-6): 464–476. https://doi.org/10.1159/000527255
Toothbrush
Cochrane - Powered/electric toothbrushes compared to manual toothbrushes for maintaining oral health - https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD002281_poweredelectric-toothbrushes-compared-manual-toothbrushes-maintaining-oral-health
Fluoride
Foley MA, Sexton C, Spencer AJ, Lalloo R, Do LG. Water fluoridation, dental caries and parental ratings of child oral health. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2022; 50: 493–499. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12697
Do LG, Sawyer A, John Spencer A, et al. Early Childhood Exposures to Fluorides and Cognitive Neurodevelopment: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study. Journal of Dental Research. 2025;104(3):243-250. doi:10.1177/00220345241299352
Do, L.G. (2020) Guidelines for use of fluorides in Australia: update 2019. Australian Dental Journal https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12742
Cochrane - Fluoride toothpastes of different strengths for preventing tooth decay - https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD007868_fluoride-toothpastes-different-strengths-preventing-tooth-decay
Nascimento CFD, Gindri LADS, de Oliveira MN, Paranhos LR, Hugo FN. Water Fluoridation and Dental Caries Prevention Globally: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JDR Clinical & Translational Research. 2026;11(2):107-116. doi:10.1177/23800844251342804
Azarpazhooh A, Main PA. Fluoride varnish in the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review. J Can Dent Assoc. 2008 Feb;74(1):73-9. PMID: 18298889.
Australian Dental Association (ADA) - Policy Statement on Fluoride Use - Policy Statement 2.2.1 - Fluoride Use | Australian Dental Association
ADA June 2020 No. 498 | PRACTICAL GUIDELINES for use of fluorides
Tooth Mousse
GC Tooth Mousse
https://www.henryschein.co.nz/Documents/Brochures/GC%20Tooth%20Mousse%20World%20of%20Proof.pdf
Lift the Lip
Carslake R, 2024 Lift the Lip - A Children's Population Oral Health Promotion Intervention. International Journal of Integrated Care 24(S1):130 DOI: doi.org/10.5334/ijic.APIC3130
Common Oral Conditions
Stoopler ET, Villa A, Bindakhil M, Díaz DLO, Sollecito TP. Common Oral Conditions: A Review. JAMA. 2024;331(12):1045–1054. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.0953
Teething Gels
Teoh, L. and Moses, G.M. (2020), Are teething gels safe or even necessary for our children? A review of the safety, efficacy and use of topical lidocaine teething gels. J Paediatr Child Health, 56: 502-505. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.14769
Xerostomia
Thomson, W.M.; Smith, M.B.; Ferguson, C.A.; Moses, G. The Challenge of Medication-Induced Dry Mouth in Residential Aged Care. Pharmacy 2021, 9, 162. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy9040162
