OstrowTalk is dedicated to providing professionals in oral health with the knowledge and understanding necessary to deliver appropriate care to their patients and communities. You'll hear from our faculty, a selected group of domain experts with outstandi
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Online Programs

This episode explores the complexities of neuropathic pain, its misdiagnosis as dental issues, and how understanding its mechanisms can improve treatment. Dr. Keating, Dr. Brahmbhatt, and Dr. Johns (students in our online/hybrid Orofacial Pain Program) share insights on diagnosis, biological processes, and effective management strategies.Keywords:neuropathic pain, dental pain, diagnosis, central sensitization, peripheral sensitization, orofacial pain, treatment strategiesKey Topics:Misdiagnosis of neuropathic pain as dental issuesMechanisms of peripheral and central sensitizationSigns indicating neuropathic pain over dental problemsCase studies illustrating nerve injury and misdiagnosisTreatment options, including medications and interventions

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast outlines a diagnostic framework for dental practitioners to evaluate patients suffering from limited mouth opening, emphasizing that restricted movement is a symptom rather than a standalone diagnosis.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast looks beyond mechanical tooth wear to identify the underlying biological and behavioral triggers of bruxism.

This episode explores how neuropathic pain can mimic dental issues, why accurate diagnosis matters, and practical approaches clinicians can use to recognize and manage these conditions effectively.Keywords:neuropathic pain, dental practice, trigeminal neuralgia, orofacial pain, diagnosis, chronic pain, dental treatment, nerve pain, clinical clues, pain managementKey Topics:Neuropathic pain and neuralgia definitionsDifferences between odontogenic and neuropathic painClinical features of trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathyDiagnostic approaches including neurosensory exams and nerve mappingCase studies illustrating misdiagnosis and correct managementTreatment options, including medications and therapyImportance of early recognition to prevent unnecessary procedures.

This episode explores burning mouth syndrome (BMS), covering its definition, prevalence, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Hosted by Dr. Ashley Chung, a graduate student in Ostrow's Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine MS program and a practicing dentist in Arizona, this podcast episode aims to equip general dentists and patients with essential knowledge to recognize and manage this complex condition.Keywordsburning mouth syndrome, oral health, diagnosis, treatment, neuropathy, menopause, postmenopausal women, dental practice, patient advocacy, oral medicineKey TopicsDefinition and symptoms of burning mouth syndrome (BMS)Prevalence and demographic details, especially in postmenopausal womenImportance of thorough medical history and exclusion of other causesPotential mechanisms, including nerve neuropathy and hormonal linksTreatment options including medications, supplements, and therapyRole of interdisciplinary care and specialist referrals

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast emphasizes that quality improvement and patient safety are critical components of dental public health rather than just hospital-based concerns.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast emphasizes the critical need for upgraded safety protocols and quality improvement measures when treating the rapidly growing geriatric patient population in dentistry.

In this episode, Dr. Su-Wen Chang and Dr. Maha Mohamed, students in our online/hybrid Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine MS program, explore medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). They discuss its causes, stages, and management strategies. Dr. Chang and Dr. Mohamed discuss how general dentists and specialists can identify, prevent, and treat this complex condition effectively.Keywords:MRONJ, osteonecrosis, bisphosphonates, jaw health, dental management, oral surgery, medication side effects, bone healing, dental prevention, interdisciplinary careKey Topics:Definition and significance of MRONJMedications involved in MRONJ (bisphosphonates, denosumab, anti-angiogenic drugs)Stages of MRONJ and clinical presentationMedical management strategies including antibiotics and adjunct therapiesSurgical interventions and planning with advanced imagingImportance of medical history and interdisciplinary communicationPrevention strategies for at-risk patientsPatient education and realistic treatment goals

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast describes the Community Oral Health Program at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, emphasizing its role in addressing the national shortage of dental professionals.

In this episode, Dr. Divya Harika Pedada, a graduate student in Ostrow's online/hybrid Orofacial Pain Certificate program, explores the neurobiological and psychosocial factors behind TMD and chronic jaw pain, emphasizing the importance of understanding central sensitization, psychological assessment, and personalized, data-driven treatment approaches.Keywords:TMD, central sensitization, psychosocial factors, chronic pain, neuroscience, dental health, stress, sleep, personalized medicineKey Topics:Psychosocial predictors of TMDCentral sensitization and neuroinflammationImpact of stress and sleep on chronic painPsychological assessment and intervention in TMDData-driven personalized treatment approaches

This episode explores the critical role general dentists can play in identifying and managing obstructive sleep apnea. We discuss screening tools, signs to watch for, and how dental practices can contribute to overall health and wellness.Keywords:sleep apnea, dentistry, screening tools, oral health, sleep disorder, OSA, patient care, dental exam, sleep health, health screeningKey Topics:The importance of sleep apnea awareness among dentistsScreening tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the STOP-Bang questionnaireSigns of sleep apnea visible during dental examsThe significance of airway-related findings in oral health assessmentsReferral process to sleep specialists and diagnostic proceduresImpact of untreated sleep apnea on overall healthThe role of oral appliances in sleep apnea managementConnecting sleep quality with pain management in dentistry

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast outlines a clinical strategy for assessing the effectiveness of medications in patients with centralized orofacial pain.

This episode explores the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular joint disorders, focusing on limited mouth opening, its causes, and treatment options. Dr. Gannon Lee shares insights on recognizing symptoms, performing examinations, and understanding when to refer to specialists.KeywordsTMJ, TMD, limited mouth opening, disc displacement, joint pain, dental diagnosis, oral facial pain, TMJ treatment, jaw disordersKey TopicsCauses of limited mouth openingDifferentiating muscular, articular, and structural issuesImportance of thorough history and examinationNormal mouth opening ranges and what indicates a problemSigns of disc displacement without reductionRole of imaging and when to referTreatment options for muscle-based and joint issues

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast examines the growing crisis in geriatric oral healthcare, where an aging population with complex dental needs is outpacing the available specialized workforce.

In this episode, Dr. Kareem Abraham and Dr. Salome Masrani explore the underlying causes of bruxism, emphasizing the importance of a diagnosis that goes beyond occlusion and night guards. They discuss how medications, sleep disorders, lifestyle, and behavioral factors contribute to jaw clenching and grinding, providing practical questions and strategies for general dentists.Keywords: bruxism, night guard, sleep disorders, medications, stress, lifestyle, dental health, sleep apnea, behavioral factorsKey Topics: Differences between clenching and grindingPrevalence of bruxismImportance of investigating causes before treatmentRole of medications like SSRIs and ADHD drugsImpact of caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugsSleep disorders and their link to bruxismClinical questions for history takingLayered approach to management and treatmentOver-attribution of bruxism to stress

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast highlights the critical role of caregivers in managing the oral hygiene of both children and the elderly, particularly for those in the "sandwich generation" who support both age groups simultaneously.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast advocates for a life course perspective in dentistry, viewing oral health as a single continuous arc rather than a series of disconnected stages.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM. This podcast outlines essential clinical strategies for managing patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a dental setting, featuring insights from oral medicine specialist Dr. Joel Epstein.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast highlights the critical link between trigeminal neuralgia and multiple sclerosis, emphasizing that unexplained facial pain is often an initial symptom of the disease.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast investigates the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary collaboration within the healthcare sector.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast showcases expert Dr. Glenn Clark highlighting the critical role of dental professionals in identifying multiple sclerosis through atypical orofacial pain presentations.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast outlines the critical connection between trigeminal neuralgia and multiple sclerosis, emphasizing that unexplained facial pain can be an early indicator of neurological disease.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast highlights the critical necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration in geriatric dentistry to address the complex needs of an aging population.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast explores how environmental conditions act as a secondary trigger for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) rather than a direct cause.

The podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast describes a shift in dentistry from treating jaw pain as a mechanical dental issue to recognizing it as a neurological and psychological condition.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast identifies climate change as an emerging threat to global oral health, linking environmental shifts to a rise in periodontal diseases, oral cancers, and tooth decay.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast explores the dangerous relationship between declining air quality and the well-being of the elderly, with a specific focus on the often-overlooked area of oral health.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast advocates for a shift in dental care from a mechanical cleaning model to a strategy focused on managing the oral microbiome.

This Podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast xplores the oral-gut microbiome axis and its critical role in regulating systemic immunity and inflammatory diseases.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast outlines a precision medicine framework for treating bruxism by shifting the focus from dental protection to the neurological origins of jaw clenching.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast explores the bidirectional relationship between the oral microbiome, physical activity, and the management of chronic pain.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast discusses how the oral cavity serves as a critical biological indicator of an individual's overall health and the rate at which they are aging.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast discusses how treating orofacial pain effectively requires a biopsychosocial approach that looks beyond physical symptoms to prioritize a patient's mental health and coping mechanisms.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast shows it lowers stress hormones, boosts circulation, and shifts immune cells toward a healing state.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM. This podcast explores the complex, reciprocal relationship between the psychological well-being and dental health of the elderly population.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast explores the bidirectional relationship between psychological well-being and dental health, emphasizing that the two fields are deeply interconnected through biological, behavioral, and social pathways.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast explores the shift from a one-size-fits-all medical model toward precision medicine, a data-driven strategy that tailors healthcare to an individual's unique genetic and environmental profile.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast discusses how modern dentistry often relies on a standardized scheduling model that prioritizes production goals over the specific biological and emotional requirements of the individual.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast indicates yoga significantly reduces chronic pain from fibromyalgia and migraines.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast suggests poor rest often precedes increased pain sensitivity and distress.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast discusses how precision medicine uses genomics, AI, and salivary biomarkers to provide personalized dental care for older adults with multimorbidity.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast links moderate chronic pain in seniors to increased fall risks, sarcopenia, and slower gait speed.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast discusses how modern dental medicine is undergoing a paradigm shift by moving away from traditional repairs toward regenerative dentistry, which focuses on restoring biological function.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast highlights how regenerative dentistry is transitioning from laboratory research to a vital clinical tool for managing the complex dental needs of older adults.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast discusses how modern dentistry is transitioning from basic symptom relief toward biologically driven regeneration, where the success of high-tech treatments depends on a patient's internal health.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM. This podcast highlights the critical link between Type 2 diabetes and various oral fungal pathologies, noting that mouth issues often serve as early indicators of systemic disease.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM. This podcast details the bi-directional relationship between diabetes and oral health, emphasizing that poor blood sugar control and mouth diseases often worsen one another.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM. This podcast provides a clinical overview of the profound and bidirectional relationship between diabetes and oral health, explaining that poor blood sugar regulation exacerbates the risk of severe oral diseases, while inflammation from oral infections negatively affects systemic glucose levels.

This podcast was created using Notebook LM. This podcast focuses on Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia (COD), a common, benign condition in which jawbone is replaced by fibrous tissue and cementum-like deposits, which gradually matures into a dense, sclerotic stage lacking adequate blood supply.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM.This podcast provides an overview of the strong, bidirectional link between diabetes and oral health, identifying this connection as a significant public health crisis that is often overlooked.

This podcast was created using NotebookLM. This podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the crucial connection between oral health, the microbiome, and various systemic diseases.