Dental Info

We understand that seeing the dentist can be scary. About 50% of people report having some fear about getting dental work done, and sadly, 15% of people avoid dentistry completely because of fear or anxiety. Your oral health is important, and we don’t want anything to keep you from getting the treatment you need and deserve. The Ancient Greeks used root herbs and alcohol as medical sedatives and anesthetics. The Incas used cocoa leaves to numb patients. As long as people have needed medical treatment, doctors have used sedatives to make them more comfortable. Thankfully, modern science gives us more than herbs and cocoa leaves to aid in our comfort at the dentist. Today, it’s safely used on millions of people in dental offices every year. Different sedation techniques–along with seeing a dentist you trust–will help you feel confident and peaceful about your dental experience. The different medications used in sedation dentistry can help control pain, help you relax, and even help yo

A recent, three-part study by Crest® puts numbers to what most of us already knew – white teeth are beautiful and powerful! The study used both qualitative and quantitative measures in multiple settings to determine what effect white teeth can have on a person’s life. In a portion of the study on employment, researchers found that whiter teeth greatly increased a person’s chance of being offered jobs but also of receiving higher pay. In a portion of the study on romance, subjects went on simulated dates and found the dates were more successful after their teeth had been whitened. Dr. Dacher Keltner, a smile psychologist and psychology professor, says, “This study provides some of the first findings that speak to the powerful benefits of having a whiter smile.” Why We Like White Teeth There’s no arguing it, people like white teeth – on themselves and on others. Perhaps this is because white teeth appear healthier and cleaner. Some scientists also guess that having white teeth is a

Diabetes is a chronic and complicated disease that affects how your body processes sugar—its main source of energy. Diabetes symptoms mostly affect your heart, eyes, nerves, and kidneys, but it can affect your whole body, including your mouth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) , more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and almost 2 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Managing your blood sugar is very important if you have diabetes and will help keep symptoms at bay. Taking good care of your oral wellness is actually one key to managing blood sugar. Diabetes & Your Mouth Diabetes can show itself in your mouth by causing: Gum disease : This condition is surprisingly common among most adults and has an even stronger correlation with diabetes, but it can and should be treated. Dry mouth : Diabetes tends to cause a decrease in saliva, which can be uncomfortable and cause bad breath. Decreased ability to taste : Diabetes can make it difficult to full

If you’ve visited our blog before, you know that we love to talk about tooth decay. The chances are, everyone has had or will have tooth decay at one point. It is classified by the National Institutes of Health as the most prevalent disease in the world. Today we’re going to talk about a few of the factors involved in causing tooth decay and what you and Portland dentist Dr. David Case can do to protect your smile. The Unique Makeup of Your Teeth Even within your own mouth, teeth vary widely in shape, size, and enamel quality and consistency. Some teeth are harder than others, and some—especially molars—may have deep fissures that can trap bacteria, causing decay. Additional defects in enamel formation can cause yellow or brown areas on your teeth that are more susceptible to caries (tooth decay). The pH Level in Your Mouth Research indicates that acidity in your mouth plays an important role in developing tooth decay. A low pH (an acidic state) allows decay-causing bacteria to t

What is Gum Disease? The short answer: gum disease is a common gum infection that can become very problematic, but you can prevent it! The long answer: all the tissues in your body have a self-defense mechanism called “inflammation.” When bacteria build up in your mouth, your gum tissue will inflame to try and kill it. Gum inflammation is called gingivitis and looks like red, soft, and sore gum tissue. Over time, gingivitis can lead to more troublesome gum disease (called periodontitis) that can grow even deeper and start to harm the bones of your teeth and jaw. Severe gum disease can wreak havoc in your mouth. Pregnant women need to be especially careful because gum disease is linked with pre-term births and babies with low birth weight. Every mom and mom-to-be wants the best start for their baby on their journey into parenthood. Read on to learn more from Wagner Dental about gum disease and pregnancy . Gum Disease, Pregnancy, and Birth Defects Here are the facts: Up to 75%

Breakfast is always being touted as the most important meal of the day—and for good reason! It’s important for families to kickstart their day with nutrients that will help them power through school, work, socializing, sports, homework… does anyone else feel exhausted just thinking about it all? The right foods in your child’s lunch can help boost their energy and keep those brains, bodies, and mouths going all day! Alternatively, lunches full of sugary, sticky, acidic foods and beverages can accelerate tooth decay and cause your child to feel sluggish both physically and mentally. The St. Augustine dentists of Gordon Dental Associates love to share ideas on what to include in your child’s lunch to keep their smile safe and their health optimal… and perhaps what to leave out and have as an occasional treat for good behavior. But First, Hydration About 65% of a child’s body is made up of water (60% for adult men, 55% for adult women), and it’s important for this balance to be ma

Do you know the status of your occlusion? That’s the technical term used to describe the way your maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth align. If you happen to have a bite that doesn’t connect quite right—or at all—it’s referred to as a malocclusion . You might ask yourself, “Well, I can eat and speak without any difficulty, so does the way my teeth touch really matter?” The Brooklyn dentists of Park Slope Dental Arts are here to explain why your occlusion is important and focus on the impacts of an overbite . Stay tuned to our blog for discussions on other types of bites, too! Goldilocks & The Three Bites When determining whether your bite is properly aligned, the size of your jaws is considered as well as the size of your teeth in proportion to your jaw. With ideal alignment, your teeth should meet at the same time and with equally distributed amounts of pressure. For this to happen, the fine points of your teeth (called cusps) must be arranged like puzzle pieces me

Cancer is always a scary word—but it doesn’t have to be the last word. Equipped with good information and the best doctors, you can feel empowered to navigate whatever stands before you or your loved one. Oral cancer is common, affecting approximately 50,000 Americans every year. If you have more questions about oral cancer, read more below from Gwinn dentist Dr. Gwendolyn Buck . Signs of Oral Cancer Oral cancer is most common among people ages 41-60, and men are at a greater risk of developing it than women. Oral cancer can affect your tongue, cheeks, lips, sinuses, throat, teeth, gums, and roof of the mouth or below your tongue. Unfortunately, it is often detected later than many other types of cancer. This is one reason why it’s so important to know your body and what’s normal (or not) for you. The earlier you can detect any sign of changes in your mouth, the better.  Regular visits to the dentist include regular screenings for abnormalities that may be signs of oral cancer. Th

We’ve all got our reasons. Money. Time. The fear of pain. Juggling insurance. Facing one more reminder that we really should be flossing more. Any of these might cause us to avoid and put off regular visits to the dentist. Has it been so long since your last dental appointment that you’re not even sure how to find a dentist you can trust? Or perhaps you know and love your dentist but you dread the idea of trying to catch up on life with the hygienist while your mouth is being propped open by a tiny plastic jack. (Yes, we think about that too!) Parrish dentist Dr. Rick Schnur and the Florida Smile Design team are happy to help you prioritize your dental health, which is why we go to great lengths to remove any barrier that might keep you from stepping through our doors. Sedation options , flexible payment plans, plentiful office hours, and a skilled dental team can help you achieve your best smile. Our relaxed office is comfortable from the waiting room to the dentist chair. Florid

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antibiotic topical liquid solution brushed onto teeth to halt the progression of tooth decay. Research has shown the effectiveness of SDF in cavity prevention and arrest, and it has been used safely and successfully worldwide with patients of all age groups. Harp Pediatric Dentistry uses silver diamine fluoride to help our patients alleviate and battle tooth decay in a noninvasive, affordable way. Read on to learn more about SDF and what it can do for you or your child’s oral health! What is Silver Diamine Fluoride? Silver diamine fluoride combines fluoride to promote mineralization, silver to act as a microbial, and ammonia to stabilize the high-concentration solution—so the silver kills bacteria while fluoride prevents further breakdown of the tooth structure. Since it is applied topically with a brush, it requires minimal disruption of the natural tooth—meaning no drills or fillings ! Future dental restoration will almost always be necessary,

As of October 9th, 2019 dentists must comply with the New York State law that mandates  all employers provide sexual harrassment training to their employees.  This training needs to be taken and given by all employees of dental practices (the dentist included) each year from now on. I realize that the October deadline date has passed, but I am sure a number of dentists have not yet completed their training. Recently a colleague of mine asked me about how I provided training for my staff. He was a little "tardy" and wanted to provide training for his staff now. I explained it is not terribly difficult and I  completed the training in about an hour with my staff during a lunch and learn. I took the mandatory online course given by the NYU College of dentistry in the spring and I had my staff watch it as well. Each of my staff had to sign an attestation that they completed their training and I filed this paper away just in case I need proof of my compliance. The New York S

 Our last day in the office is Monday December 23. We reopen on January 2nd. On behalf of me and my staff, we wish all our patients happy holidays. This marks the end one year and a beginning of a new one and for many this is a time for reflection. Next year will mark the fortieth year of my dental practice and every day in my office I encounter patients who I have been fortunate to be in a position to treat, whose continued trust is both  an honor and a source of professional pride. My relationship with my patients adds meaning to my life and I look forward to continuing their care in the years to come. While some of my  long time colleagues have already retired , I have resumed teaching at NYU College of Dentistry, supervising third and fourth year students, on Thursday mornings and Fridays. While at the school I have numerous opportunities to interact with students and their patients,  Using a baseball analogy, I feel like a batter taking extra batting practice to sharpen my ski

A temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition that millions of people suffer from each year. A TMD, often referred to simply as TMJ, occurs when the temporomandibular joint is damaged or otherwise functioning improperly. This can result in jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, pain after sleep, earaches , and various other issues. Temporomandibular disorders are often misdiagnosed and mistreated. Medical experts who lack experience with TMDs may struggle to provide care. Meanwhile, many recommended solutions, such as hot compresses and pain relief drugs, will only offer temporary respite. The jaw joint is especially difficult to treat because the joint itself is so complex. No other joint provides for such a wide range of movement as your jaw. At the same time, your jaw is strong enough to chew tough, hard foods yet precise enough to enable speech. One way to achieve lasting pain relief and potentially heal your TMD is to give your jaw a workout or massage. P

My office doesn't have a panorex machine. For most situations a full set of periapical radiographs and bitewing x-rays are fine, but sometimes my patients have trouble tolerating the sensor far back in their mouths. Also my staff, who take my radiographs don't like hurting my patients by pushing the sensor way back. Most of time it's fine but it today I needed t be the meany by and take an xray practically in my patients throat. My patients is a very sweet 83 years old and has been in my care since 1984. She seldom has problems and doesn't like x-rays. We take them, but not every year. Usually we are taking Bitewings every year and a half to two years. Today she was in my schedule with the note that she had a problem with swollen gums. After she was seated I asked what was bothering her and she laughed and said it was bothering me in the back on the left for two weeks but today she felt better. I checked in the area and her #19 and #18 looked fine, but when I pr

Electric toothbrushes have been on the market for years now, and whether you’re a devout user or a critical skeptic, you may still be wondering: do they really work better , or have we all been duped? William S. Darr, DDS is here to break down some of the myths and separate fact from fiction to give us the spin on electric versus manual toothbrushes. What’s Wrong with Ol’ Trusty? Well, nothing… really. People have been brushing manually since the Middle Ages and continue to use manual toothbrushes effectively today. So why reinvent the wheel if it already rolls? Simple—technology and innovation drive us forward. Wheels today aren’t made of stone, they’re made from high-tech metals and rubber because we’ve discovered better materials and designs that fit our modern needs. Yes, they both accomplish the same end goal, but one is clearly more efficient than the other. So, the question becomes not what is wrong with manual toothbrushes, but what’s wrong with how we’re using them? With

There is a law of nature that states: “function follows form.” This saying means that how something appears determines how it works. For example, you may own many screwdrivers of different sizes and shapes (form) to loosen all different kinds of screws (function). Think of a watering can with a long spout that’s perfect for pouring water right where you want it, versus one with a broad spout meant to cover large areas more quickly. When you think about it, this principle also applies to your smile. A mouth with missing teeth isn’t nearly as functional as a mouth with a full set of chompers. Enter: cosmetic dentistry. While the word “cosmetic” makes these treatments sound optional, many times they are necessary to improve physical function or mental and emotional well-being. Read more from Tomball dentist Dr. Michael Cimino to learn about cosmetic dentistry and the positive impact it can have on your life. Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Whitening  — an absolute favorite when it comes

If you had to give up your toothbrush or your car, which would it be? According to a recent survey, 42 percent of adults and 34 percent of teens would rather turn in their keys, computer, cell phone, or microwave than get rid of their toothbrushes. It seems that many people love toothbrushes the way your Atlanta orthodontist Dr. Caroline Ceneviz does. Chamblee Orthodontics would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the history of the toothbrush and discuss choosing the one that’s right for you. Toothbrushes are Older than What?! Did you know that toothbrushes were invented before soap, deodorant, and even toilets? The idea of the toothbrush is over 5,000 years old, although back then they were a lot different than what we have now. In ancient times, people used sticks, bones, and all manner of animal hair and products to brush their teeth and take care of their gums. The switch from animal hair to synthetic materials (for bristles) is fairly new, and the mass production of to

Baby teeth , also called deciduous, primary, milk, or lacteal teeth, have many different purposes. Lexington dentist Dr. Kevin Brewer is asked the purpose of baby teeth often. So what’s the answer? Tiny Teeth for Tiny Mouths Child-sized mouths are not large enough to accommodate a full set of adult teeth, so the primary teeth become placeholders in the jaw, saving spaces for adult teeth to grow in as they begin to surface from under the gums. Baby teeth usually begin to erupt around 6 months of age, but may begin forming in the womb even before birth! By the age of 3 years, children should have all 20 of their baby teeth, which remain in the mouth for the bulk of childhood—roughly 8-10 years. The presence of baby teeth allows children to eat solid foods and helps as they learn to speak clearly and quickly. They Grow Up So Fast The first adult tooth erupts where the baby teeth have been lost around 6 years of age. By age 13, all permanent adult teeth—except wisdom teeth which tend

I usually employ four laboratories for my patient's lab work. Two crown and bridge labs, a denture lab and an orthodontic lab for night guards. I prefer small to medium size labs because I need the  type continuity of care that I get from having the same technicians perform my work. I prefer to collaborate with my labs and that means I must be able to effectively communicate what I need from them in terms of my restorations. Effectively I am teaching them my particular preferences. When speaking with them, they often tell me about what most dentists want. I usually respond that " It not that important what they want and I want it this way, because...." I find that if I add my justification it helps them understand my motivation and helps them remember my particular request. Lately I have expanded my choices of labs to 6 due to the increasing digitalization of dentistry and my patients expectations for state of the art, highly esthetic restorations. I have added an &qu

We’ve all seen variations of DIY methods when it comes to pulling loose baby teeth: the string and door slam method is by far one of the most popular (although we’re not sure why). But our team at Blue Wave Dental is here to advise against this and similarly aggressive techniques so your kiddo will have the safest and most painless tooth loss experience possible. (Growing up is traumatic enough already, right?) Read on to learn more about the dos and don’ts of helping wiggly baby teeth make their grand exit. Why baby teeth? All this wiggly tooth talk might have you wondering–why do we get two sets of teeth? Well, simply because baby mouths are not yet big enough to house a full set of adult chompers. So, we start out with a smaller set of baby teeth to get us through these early, small-mouthed years until our growth and development allows more space for adult teeth to make their entrance. When the permanent teeth start to come in, the roots of the baby teeth dissolve until they’re