Author: Sherri Merritt

In the world of dental health, few topics spark as much conversation, and sometimes controversy, as fluoride.   You’ve probably seen it mentioned on toothpaste labels, in bottled water discussions, and even in city council meetings debating water fluoridation.  It is a hot topic in my city of Pensacola, Florida now!   So, what’s the truth? Is fluoride a miracle mineral that protects your smile or a substance you should avoid?  Let’s

Running a successful dental practice means balancing clinical excellence with business efficiency. One of the most overlooked areas that can quietly drain your profits is inventory and supply management. Dental supplies are essential, but without a system, they can quickly balloon into a major expense. A smart target is keeping supply costs at or below 5% of the previous month’s collections. It’s a realistic, proven benchmark used by many successful

Dentistry is evolving beyond just teeth and gums. Today, forward-thinking dentists are expanding their focus to include airway health and sleep—two areas that profoundly affect not only oral health but overall well-being. The mouth is the gateway to the body, and dentists are uniquely positioned to detect signs of airway and sleep disorders that can lead to chronic fatigue, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, and more. By integrating airway and sleep

Temporary crowns play a crucial role in restorative dentistry, serving as interim solutions while permanent restorations are being fabricated. Although they are not meant to be long-term restorations, temporary crowns must be carefully made to ensure patient comfort, proper function, and gum health. Three critical factors in successful temporary crown fabrication are achieving thin margins, ensuring accurate occlusion, and properly cleaning excess cement. Each of these aspects contributes to the

Sleep apnea is a serious and often overlooked condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic fatigue. While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines have long been the standard treatment, oral dental appliances are emerging as an effective and more comfortable alternative for many patients. In this

Over the last decade, dental imaging technology has evolved rapidly, offering better clarity, faster results, and more precise diagnostics. One of the biggest game-changers has been the widespread adoption of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Once primarily used by specialists like oral surgeons and endodontists, CBCT is now making its way into general dental practices across the country. In 2025, more general dentists are investing in this advanced imaging technology to