Dental Info

When I was a younger dentist I would have said emphatically NO! It seemed to me somewhat unethical to reward my staff based on our offices statistics. Instead I gave automatic raises every year of five percent. This became a nonviable policy when my practice didn't grow additionally during the previous year. I had to come up with a better system. It seemed to me that my staff, although extemely loyal didn't have the same burning desire for our practice to be busy in the same way that I did. They sometimes seemed happy when patients cancelled or when there were  holes in our schedule.  This made sense since when the office got busier or did more procedures they needed to work harder and their salary was fixed. This fact made me remember a time long before when I was a teenager and I went to a country fair with my father and we went on a ride that involved us both working in unison to use centrifugal force to make the ride flip over ( think of a swing with a cage for people ...

As in any fast-paced industry, innovation plays a critical role in dentistry. Today’s dental practice owner is both entrepreneur and health practitioner, and adaptability in both roles is crucial to success. While it’s true that innovation can mean playing an endless game of “keeping up with the Joneses,” it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several ways that dental practices can adapt to changing times and improve performance while sticking to a budget. Innovations in treatment: Educate your staff and patients When you think of innovative treatments, technology may take center stage in your mind. While it’s true that clinical technology is an important investment for any dental practice, there are ways to improve your quality of care without spending much. Acknowledging the mouth–body connection is one way to provide better service, and all it takes is some training and a plan. By educating yourself and your staff, you’ll equip your office to provide more comprehensive care. ...

There are lots of ways to deal with missing or damaged teeth. You’ve probably heard one of us at Lifetime Dental Health talking about implants, dentures, bridges, and crowns, but have you ever wondered what they are and how they work? Dr. Barry & Dr. Love know that folks in Columbus like to be informed, so think of this as your personal guide to things that might end up in your mouth. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call! Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures, Oh My! At some point in time, most of us will lose at least one adult tooth. The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease, but it could also be an accident, a sports injury, or a cavity on steroids. Some people are even born without the ability to develop one or more adult teeth! Either way, the point is that most Columbus residents will one day face a decision: how do I replace my lost or damaged tooth? There are many ways fill a gap in your bite: Crowns Crowns themselves do not replace entir...

As a parent, you will have numerous opportunities to teach your children valuable skills and each one will yield priceless memories. Your child’s first step, your child’s first word, your child’s first bike ride, your child’s first unassisted brushing and flossing session…Well, maybe that last one won’t be as memorable, but Dr. James Fili wants to remind all Dubuque parents that good oral hygiene habits begin in childhood. So, today, we at Dubuque Periodontics would like to take this opportunity give you some tips on teaching your kids to brush and floss. Good Brushing Habits Last Forever Just in case you have that nagging question about baby teeth, we’ll settle it right now. What’s the point of taking care of baby teeth, if they get a whole new set in a few years? As baby teeth come in, they are literally setting the stage for adult teeth. An early loss of a tooth can mess up the corresponding adult tooth’s placement. Bad hygiene in the early years can also cause infection, diffi...

We’re no strangers to extreme temperatures and dry weather in Portland, and our lips are proof. Most of us experience chapped lips at some point during the year and it’s not uncommon to see lips that suffer from annoying, painful cracks. Here at Family Dental Health we are very much attuned the oral health needs of Portland, so here are a few tips from Dr. David Case  about how to keep your lips healthy, kissable, and free to eat and drink whatever you crave! Do You Have Chapped or Cracked Lips? If you have dry lips that are chapped, peeling, and/or cracked, you probably already know about it. However, here are some telltale signs: Sensitive or painful lips Smiling hurts You lick your lips often Your lips show clear signs of peeling or cracking You bleed from the corners of your mouth You have open sores or marks on your lips How to Get Rid of Cracked Lips Dry, chapped, and cracked lips can be caused environmental factors, such as climate change, sun damage, and wind e...

There’s a lot of hair and makeup that goes into making your favorite stars sparkle on the screen. And while we can’t all hire a professional artist to make us look perfect every day, there is a lasting solution to giving you that perfect Hollywood smile. What are Veneers? Veneers are a very strong, paper-thin cover over your teeth. They look just like real teeth, but even better. Veneers are often used to improve the look of teeth with spacing and alignment issues or staining problems . They can be applied wherever needed, on one tooth or a whole set. Which Celebrities Have Veneers? Veneers are a popular option for celebrities who spend their life (personal and professional) in front of the camera. When your smile determines your income, it just makes sense to invest in those pearly whites. So which stars have gotten veneers? Zac Efron Tom Cruise Demi Moore Katy Perry Catherine Zeta Jones Nicolas Cage Miley Cyrus Nene Leakes Jamie Foxx 50 Cent Hilary Duff … Just to...

Welcome to your mouth! You might be surprised at how many different parts work together to make your mouth work for you. A healthy mouth is necessary for a healthy life. Read more below from Dr. Michael Colleran in San Luis Obispo to get an in-depth look at the human mouth and how it works. Teeth You’d be lost (and very hungry) without these shining beauties. Adults have 32 teeth and babies have 20. The four different kinds of teeth you have are: Incisors in the front that bite and cut tough food like meat Canines tear food, like a big piece of bread off the loaf Premolars also tear, and crush food like salad greens Molars grind everything down small enough for you to swallow and digest The white, visible part of your tooth is called the crown[LINK] and the invisible part under your gums is called the root. All of your teeth have three layers: Enamel is the outer layer that is the chewing surface and protects the layers below . Dentin is the next layer of hard tissu...

Although you might think of your general health and your dental health as two separate categories, they are much more connected than the average Denver resident would suspect. Just like the information you provide to your doctor helps him/her keep your health in good shape, Dr. Paini depends on your input for optimum dental health. We at Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry like to go above and beyond for our Denver patients, but we need your help to make sure you get the quality dental care you deserve. Here are a few reasons why: The average Denver resident might not think to mention to their dentist what’s going on with their physical health, but you’d be surprised how much that information can make a difference in your oral care. Dr. Paini needs to be able to see the whole picture so that we can keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Diabetes and Dental Health 750,000  Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. However, few diabetes sufferers know the full extent of the dis...

The technology of dental medicine is advancing by the minute. There are now sophisticated techniques for diagnosing and tracking oral cancer, correcting crooked teeth in less than a year, treating periodontitis (advanced gum disease) without surgery, and many more. Yet, when it comes down to diagnosing issues and creating an effective treatment plan, nothing beats a fresh set of X-rays. Dr. Brickey & Dr. Povine use dental X-rays to see the whole picture, in order to keep your teeth healthy, bright, and beautiful. If you are a Salt Lake City resident with questions about how X-rays work, read on, and don’t hesitate to call Natural Smiles Dentistry with any concerns. What are X-rays? X-rays have been around since 1895, when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first discovered that his cathode ray tube could penetrate black paper and cast shadows of solid objects. X-rays are on a shorter wavelength than visible light and pass through soft tissue in the human body, providing a detailed pictur...

We love to talk about the fun and interesting sides of oral health, but today, there is something much more serious on our minds. We care about the health of everyone in Plantation, and as dental care professionals, we feel it is our duty to educate you on how to be as safe and healthy as you can be. While you have probably heard of the human papilloma virus and oral cancer, most people don’t know that they are linked. Here is some information from Dr. Rizvi about the topic. If you have any questions, please feel free to give My Dentist for Life a call . What is HPV? Human papilloma virus refers to a family of nearly 200 strains that infect the epithelial cells of skin and mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, throat, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis (through the urethral opening), and the anus. HPV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact (oral and genital) and it is one of the most common viruses in the country. According to the CDC, 8 out of 10 A...

The World Health Organization defines health as “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Sadly, in our fast-paced culture, many of us settle for less-than-healthy or even truly sick conditions every day. We allow ourselves to be tired, achy, stressed, and in pain more often than not. Why? Because it’s hard to prioritize our long-term health in a world of so many immediate needs competing for our attention. But long-term health is actually the most important need of all. Without our health, we won’t truly be able to enjoy life or contribute to a greater good. Dr. Ron Wagner, Dr. Kent Wagner, Dr. Cannon, Dr. Lawler & Dr. Nelson offer a few points on how to seek wellness and prevent oral health problems before they even start. Starting Upstream It’s easier to stop pollution from entering a stream in the first place than to try cleaning up the mess afterward. By starting upstream and taking your preventative ...

There are many kinds of doctors – Doctors of English, Doctors of Philosophy, Doctors of Medicine, Dr. Pepper… (wink). Of course, when we use the term doctor, we most often mean a physician or doctor of medicine. But did you know that dentists are doctors, too? Every doctor has a specialty, and a dentist’s specialty is oral health. Dr. Gollofon , your Seattle dentist explains how dentistry is a specific branch of medicine, and what it all means for the link between oral health and overall wellness. Dentists Are Doctors Dentists are every bit as trained and educated as physicians. They have the same general education in science as physicians before they get clinical training in dentistry. This background education helps dentists look at you, the whole package, when taking care of your teeth. Dentists are specialists in the science and mechanics of oral health, which extends to your head, face, and neck (the craniofacial region)—important parts of your body! Your oral health is an ...

Don’t be Afraid of the Dentist! We at Central Avenue Dental know that some Charlotte folks avoid the dentist’s chair like the plague. According to studies at the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, as much as 8% of Americans are too afraid to go to dentists and 20% are too anxious to visit a dentist for anything other than an emergency. Dr. Berglass understands that dental anxiety prevents a lot of people from getting the care they need, so we’ve designed our entire practice around your comfort. Read on to find out about how we can help! Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist First of all, don’t feel bad if you fear the dentist. It’s very common and understandable. Your mouth is sensitive and private, and having someone else poke around in there can be traumatic. However, there are a ton of things we do at Central Avenue Dental to make sure that every patient feels safe and comfortable. That means that from the waiting room to Dr. Berglass’ chair, you are in goo...

When it comes to ridiculous beliefs on dental hygiene and treatment, we’ve heard just about everything. However, the most dangerous ones usually aren’t quite so over the top. Unfortunately, a number of dental myths are floating all over Lexington, so Dr. Brewer is here to put an end to the misinformation. Don’t feel bad if you have believed one or more of these at some point, you’re not the only one, but do make sure to give us a call at Brewer Family Dental if you have any questions or concerns. If your gums are bleeding, don’t brush them The idea behind this false claim is that bleeding gums need to be allowed time to heal before they should be brushed, when in fact, gums bleed because they haven’t been brushed enough! This is because bacteria has built up around and beneath the gum line, irritating the gums. Sensitive teeth is a sign of cavities Tooth sensitivity varies among Lexington residents. Some people have particularly sensitive teeth, and others simply have recessed gum...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fluoridation of drinking water is ranked among the ten greatest public health achievements of 20 th century America. However, a quick search of the internet tells us that fluoride is actually toxic if ingested in large enough quantities. So which is it? Do the health benefits outweigh the negatives of fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water? We at Northern Trails Dental Care know that Gwinn folks care a great deal about their health, so we’ve put this article together to examine the facts and help you come to your own decision. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you might have, so feel free to give us a call !  Why Use Fluoride in the First Place? In order to understand the controversy, we must first to understand what led to putting fluoride in toothpaste and water. Even today, dental caries (tooth decay) is considered the most prevalent chronic disease in children and adults. With that in mind, i...

Well I got my notice that it was time to renew my offices radiation equipment permit from the City of New York. This chore comes around every two years. This year the city has changed it requirements. Last time they added a requirement that we needed to send proof  that our practice covers employees with disability and unemployment insurance. This took a little extra time because I had to contact my insurers for the form the city required. This year I decided to deal with it a month ahead of my license's expiration date. Unfortunately NYC has taken away the option of mailing my application and now only offers two ways of renewal, Dentists have a choice of going in person with "supporting documents" or going online to complete the renewal application. Online sounded good, so I started doing it this morning on my day off. It should have been easy but it didn't turn out that way.Three proofs were needed ( proof of the two insurance policies and also proof of having...

Last week I had a patient who quacked like a duck!I kid you not! She was in my chair and evidently when I lay her back she experiences a partial airway obstruction . I was treating her anterior teeth and she helped me by retracting her tongue. Every so often she would make what sounded like a duck quacking noise with her tongue. I believe she was experiencing "wake apnea" and needed to breathe better. Her tongue must have been blocking her airway. It was a little like having a version Felix Unger in my chair. At first I tried to get her to stop, but I guess she just couldn't help herself and needed to do it to breathe better. Luckily she was able to repress the urge momentarily while I placed the bonding into her tooth. She is a great patient but her quirk can make dentistry challenging. This brings up the fact that a number of patients seem to have "tics" while receiving dental treatment. Some patients have a phlem problem and need to take breaks to clear...

Did you know the same plaque that decays your teeth can cause major heart problems? What if you could fight plaque and heart failure both by improving your oral health? Dr. Gollofon in Seattle is here to tell you more! Someone dies from a heart attack every minute , according to the American Heart Association , and most heart attacks (and 85% of strokes) are caused by cholesterol build-up – aka plaque . But there is good news. You can work with your Seattle dentist and your doctor to understand and minimize your risk factors for developing plaque and tooth decay. Risk Factors for Tooth Decay In 2010, tooth decay was the most common condition in the world! Everyone struggles with tooth decay and plaque build-up for reasons unique to their own body and lifestyle. By learning what puts you most at risk for decay, you are investing in your health for the long term. It’s a Two-Way Street Your oral health affects your whole body Your overall health affects your oral health Geneti...

The image of a glass full of false teeth on the nightstand is plastered all throughout popular culture. You would think that soaking your dentures in water and cleaner is sufficient, but Dr. Paini reminds us that proper denture care requires more than just that. In fact, denture maintenance is an important part of oral health. For Denver residents who have dentures or are considering them, it is important to know exactly how they function and how to care for them. If you have any questions, please give us a call at Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry. How do Dentures Work? Dentures are intended for Denver residents who have lost most or all of their teeth. Dentures are removable dental appliances that look nearly identical to natural teeth. They also function the same way, allowing folks with little or no remaining teeth to eat and speak normally. In addition to improving oral health, facial structure, and smile, having a good set of dentures can mean a world of difference for your genera...

If you are a parent, you probably know how difficult it is to get Charlotte, NC children to brush and floss regularly. On top of that, young children often lack the necessary motor skills to properly care for their teeth. At Central Avenue Dental, we want your whole family to have excellent dental health , so here’s some information on how Dr. Berglass can help protect your kids from tooth decay. If you have any questions or would like schedule a consultation , please give us a call. Kids and Cavities In the back teeth, there are numerous nooks and crannies that toothbrushes can’t quite get to. Referred to as pits and fissures, these areas on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars are particularly susceptible to tooth decay in children between the ages of 6 and 14. Food can easily get stuck in the tiny grooves and remain for long periods of time, which, combined with bacteria, creates the perfect environment for tooth decay and cavities. How Dental Sealants Can Help Dent...

Living in a land of antibacterial gels, soaps, plastics and even fabrics, it might surprise you to hear that tons of bacteria live in your mouth every day, and they aren’t all bad! In fact, some play an important role in keeping up your overall health. Some oral bacteria, however, can cause serious problems and must be fought with good oral hygiene . Dr. Gordon from Gordon Dental Associates in St. Augustine helps you understand the role bacteria play in your health and wellness. What are Bacteria? Bacteria are very small organisms made of just one single cell. That’s compared to over 37 trillion cells in the human body! Bacteria have their own DNA and they need sources of energy (food) just like you do. Nearly 700 different kinds of bacteria can live in your mouth! But most people only have 34-72 kinds at any given time. What Do Bacteria Do? Of all the bacteria in your mouth, some are good, some are bad, and some are simply neutral. The good bacteria, called probiotics, help aid ...

If you are looking for a dentist in Columbus, you may have picked up on the fact that there are two types of dental degrees – DDS and DMD. Perhaps you’ve noticed that there are far more of one than the other, or maybe they are split 50/50. Either way, you’re probably wondering what the difference is, and how this will affect your dental care. At Lifetime Dental Health, we love to spread the word about all things dental, so here are the facts, straight from Dr. Barry & Dr. Love. The Difference Between DDS and DMD You have the right to know what training your health care professionals have received so that you can choose the best fit for your needs. Most Columbus folks know there are specialties in dental medicine, such as orthodontics (braces), periodontics (gums), and cosmetics, but what about the degrees? Don’t worry, Dr. Barry & Dr. Love have even known dentists that are still confused about this. So what is the difference between the two degrees, anyway? The short answer...

We’ve all had a toothache at some point at some point or another. While you should always consult your Las Vegas dentist, it’s not always a serious problem. Often, the issue can be fixed with a filling or a root canal. However, many Las Vegas residents have found themselves in a situation where the tooth is not salvageable, and the only solution is for Dr. Ron Wagner, Dr. Kent Wagner, Dr. Cannon, Dr. Lawler, or Dr. Nelson to perform an extraction, or remove the tooth. Today, Dr. Ron Wagner, Dr. Kent Wagner, Dr. Cannon, Dr. Lawler, and Dr. Nelson at Wagner Dental would like to talk about what you can expect from an extraction and why it’s not something to fear! Pulling Teeth isn’t like “Pulling Teeth” Anymore Just like root canals, tooth extractions have a pretty bad reputation. Many Las Vegas folks may refer to something difficult by saying it was, “like pulling teeth.” However, Dr. Ron Wagner, Dr. Kent Wagner, Dr. Cannon, Dr. Lawler, and Dr. Nelson will be the ...

Are you or a loved one suffering from the toothache blues? Don’t wait around in pain for the problem to resolve itself. Although, at My Dentist for Life , we do enjoy spending quality time with our patients, we don’t want any Plantation residents to have to undergo dental procedures that could have been avoided. A toothache can be a sign of a much more serious problem that should be addressed immediately, but there are a few things you can do at home, in the meantime, to get temporary relief from toothache pain. Home Remedies: Painkillers – This one might be fairly obvious, as painkillers are one of the fastest, most effective ways to temporarily relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Salt Water – Salt has natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Add a spoonful of salt to a warm cup of water. Gargle the dissolved solution several times daily. Cold Compress – Just like any other injury, a cold compress can work wonders at reducing the swell...

The technology of dental medicine is advancing by the minute. There are now sophisticated techniques for diagnosing and tracking oral cancer, correcting crooked teeth in less than a year, treating periodontitis (advanced gum disease) without surgery, and many more. Yet, when it comes down to diagnosing issues and creating an effective treatment plan, nothing beats a fresh set of X-rays. Dr. James Fili uses dental X-rays to see the whole picture, in order to keep your teeth healthy, bright, and beautiful. If you are a Dubuque resident with questions about how X-rays work, read on, and don’t hesitate to call Dubuque Periodontics with any concerns. What are X-rays? X-rays have been around since 1895, when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first discovered that his cathode ray tube could penetrate black paper and cast shadows of solid objects. X-rays are on a shorter wavelength than visible light and pass through soft tissue in the human body, providing a detailed picture of what’s going on ins...

It’s no secret that residents of Salt Lake City love sports! The folks around here work hard and play just as hard, whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or the numerous other high-impact sports that can cause harm to your family’s mouths. In fact, at least 13% of all oral injuries happen during sports activities. Dr. Brickey & Dr. Povine want you to know how keep your teeth out of harm’s way and still enjoy a good game, so please read on and learn how to win big with a safe, healthy smile. It’s About More than Mouth Guards We know what you’re thinking, mouth guards are the key to staying safe on the field, right? Yes, they are a big part of it, but it takes more than just a mouth guard to keep your kids from getting a chipped tooth while scoring a touchdown. Sports safety for oral health means getting the right mouth guard and wearing it the right way. After all, the best defense is a good offense! Do I Need a Mouth Guard? If you or a member of your family is conside...