This course has expired and is no longer available.
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines, home remedies, and supplements are used to combat illness, provide relief, and support health. The unintended oral consequences of medications and supplements are rarely discussed. Many medications and products have acidic pH levels. Others may be formulated with high levels of fermentable carbohydrates, and some products have both a high sugar content and low pH levels. Caries is a pH mediated microbial infection in which acid production via carbohydrate metabolism damages hard tooth structure. While erosion does not have a microbial component, damage occurs with regular, sustained acid attacks on tooth structure. It is important to understand formulations—syrups, lozenges, hard disks, sprays, gummy chews, gels, rinses, powders, effervescent tablets, chewable tablets, and tablet coatings. The impact of medications, remedies, and supplements on both acid erosion and caries development is important, especially if products are used routinely or multiple times a day. A thorough health history can uncover previously hidden risk factors that can lead to the development or exacerbation of erosive tooth wear or a caries infection.
Educational objectives
At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants will achieve the following:
1. Appreciate how medications can play a role in caries and erosion
2. Recognize hidden sources of fermentable carbohydrates
3. Learn about ingredients and product formulations
4. Discover the destructive role of citric acid
5. Understand why dry mouth increases risk for caries and erosion
6. Compare pH levels of oral moisturizers
7. Know how a detailed health history uncovers dangerous habits and products
Photo credit: © Antonio Guillem | Dreamstime.com
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
3 CE credit(s)
Course Type: written
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is $59.00 for 3 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Dental Board of California: Provider RP5933. Course registration number CA code: 03-4527-15405. Expires July 31, 2022. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.”
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2022 to 10/31/2024.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 150
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPNW (January 1, 2022–December 31, 2024). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code:
Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.
