For much of the past century, operative dentistry has been anchored in a “drill-and-fill” paradigm that viewed enamel and outer-dentin lesions as mechanically defective rather than biologically dynamic. This philosophy is now being challenged. Contemporary minimally invasive dentistry has introduced two clinically validated, micro-invasive interventions capable not only of arresting but, in selected cases, partially […]
Category: Dr. Hajeera’s Space
The Beginning – A Conversation at Smile Maker Dental Clinic, Mysore It was a quiet afternoon at Smile Maker Dental Clinic, Mysore. The faint hum of the sterilizer blended with the aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee. Dr. Hajeera Banu, known among her peers for her balanced blend of clinical depth and human warmth, was […]
Dr. Hajeera's Space
“Why Saliva pH Testing Should Be Mandatory in Dentistry: Prevent Diet-Induced Cavities”
In my years at Smile Maker Dental Clinic, one lesson has grown ever clearer—the battle against cavities begins not with the brush, but with balance. Balance of habits, balance of diet, and, most profoundly, balance of saliva pH. Dentistry has long celebrated the toothbrush and floss as its warriors, but the true battlefield lies in […]
Dental caries remains a pervasive global health challenge, driven primarily by the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which forms robust biofilms that adhere to tooth surfaces, metabolize dietary carbohydrates, and produce enamel-eroding acids. Despite the efficacy of mechanical plaque removal and chemical antiseptics such as chlorhexidine and fluorides, the persistence of plaque-related diseases underscores the need […]
Dr. Hajeera's Space
The Dentist Who Saved Her Spine: A Tale of Ergonomics and a New Vision for Dental Education
Dr. Maya Sharma was born to be a dentist. From her first day at dental school, she was mesmerized by the precision of sculpting perfect smiles. Her hands were steady, her focus laser-like, and her patients at DentistryUnited swore by her skill. But as the years rolled on, a quiet ache began to murmur in […]
Dr. Hajeera's Space
Revolutionizing Immunization: Dental Floss as a Breakthrough Vaccine Delivery Modality
The convergence of oral health and systemic immunity has taken an extraordinary leap forward with the introduction of floss-based vaccination—a needle-free immunization strategy that taps into the gingival sulcus as a potent site for antigen delivery. Recently featured in Nature Biomedical Engineering, this novel technique utilizes vaccine-coated dental floss to stimulate both mucosal and systemic […]
Blood Pressure Screening in Dental Practice: A Guide for Dentists Blood pressure (BP) screening in the dental chair is a vital tool for ensuring patient safety and reducing risks during dental procedures. With hypertension affecting over 1.2 billion people worldwide, including 25–30% of adults in India (per WHO), dentists are uniquely positioned to detect undiagnosed […]
As a seasoned dentist, I’ve learned that the key to understanding a patient’s needs often lies in their story. Today, I shared a memorable experience with my new recruit dentists, Dr. Hannah and Dr. Gabriela, to illustrate how storytelling can transform the way we elicit patient histories. Let me take you through the story of […]
Dr. Hajeera Banu As a dentist dedicated to advancing patient care, I am continually inspired by research that uncovers hidden intersections between oral health and systemic conditions. A recent study published in the British Dental Journal sheds light on a compelling link between dental caries and cystic fibrosis (CF), offering fresh perspectives for practitioners and […]
Eco-Friendly Dentistry: A Tale of Transformation and Tradition Prologue: A Reunion in Ooty In the mist-kissed hills of Ooty, where the air carries the scent of pine and the promise of monsoon rains, Dr. Hajeera, a general dentist from Mysore, found herself wandering through the bustling halls of the South India Dental Sustainability Summit. […]