You gave a patient in recovery an alcohol-based mouth rinse. What now?

March 4, 2025

What happens if you have a patient rinse with an alcohol-based mouth rinse, and then it occurs to you that they are in recovery for alcoholism? Join us in Medical History Mysteries as we discuss.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

We are continuing our coverage of dental professionals are humans, too, so with that being said, what happens if you have a patient rinse with an alcohol-based mouth rinse, and then it occurs to you that they are in recovery for alcoholism?

First, how do you know the patient is in recovery? Patients may not want to disclose that information, and in some states and municipalities it’s protected by law, so you may not be allowed to ask. It all goes back to what questions you have on your medical history forms.

Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we discuss what to do in these types of situations, as well as two drugs you should be looking for that patients in recovery take.

Thumbnail image credits 129574462 © Chernetskaya | Dreamstime.com

More Medical History Mysteries videos …

The Dental Economics Network brings you the best content from Dental Economics, RDH, DentistryIQ, and Perio-Implant Advisory.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.