The first set of braces looked totally different from the braces people wear today. They were made in 1728 by Pierre Fauchard and they were made of a flat piece of metal joined to the teeth by a thread.
Sedatives have been around and used by doctors for thousands of years. Some of the ancient sedatives included alcohol, mandrake root, and opium poppies. Modern sedatives first started showing up in the 1800s with the creation of bromides and chloral hydrate.
In 1989, the first laser specifically designed for dental use became available. Now there are around two dozen variations for use. According to The Academy of Laser Dentistry, the laser is one of dentistry's most exciting advances to date.
The first mass-produced toothbrushes were distributed in England around the late 1700s, while in they appeared around the late 1800s in the US. The toothbrushes then were made from materials derived from animals such as bone handles and pig hair bristles.
How much pressure should you apply when you brush your teeth? Well, this depends but generally, the bristles shouldn’t bend flat against the teeth. Instead, only their tips should touch the surfaces because brushing too hard will eventually wear out the enamel.
Do you have a condition that causes you to have pain in the temporomandibular joint of your jaw? Dental lasers may be used to quickly reduce pain and inflammation in this area.
Are you planning on having a family? Then both you and your partner need to improve your dental care. Poor oral health can cause diminished fertility in both women and men.
The state of your dental health is strongly linked to your circulatory, digestive, respiratory, and other crucial systems in the body. Well-maintained oral health helps reduce a person’s risk of severe health complications.
What is the purpose of mouthguards? Mouthguards prevent accidental injury to the mouth during contact sports. They are also extensively used to treat teeth grinding, also called bruxism, and various other temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Do you want to change the appearance of your teeth? Well, there are several options to achieve this. Some of them include dental crowns, dental bonding, veneers and recontouring or reshaping.
Dental lasers are changing the field of dentistry in amazing ways. Just one way that dental lasers are changing the landscape of dentistry is by eliminating the need for dental drills and anesthetic injections during some types of filling procedures.
One of the more bothersome aspects of plaque is that it is always present. That's why it is important that you brush and floss at least twice a day, and visit the dentist for regular professional cleanings.
Left untreated, cavities can cause significant pain. Once the bacteria eats through your enamel, the exposed nerves will begin to send pain sensations when in contact with hot or cold temperatures.
Sir Humphry Davy discovered the practical application of nitrous oxide, which he called laughing gas, but Davy is just as well known for creating a miner’s safety lamp. Until 1815, miners wore helmets with candles inside. Unfortunately, these occasionally created sparks which, combined with methane gas in mines, led to explosions.
The first toothbrushes to use nylon bristles were American made starting in 1938. Americans were also the first to patent a toothbrush and mass-produce them in the 1885. Despite this, Americans didn't develop the habit of brushing daily until the soldiers from WWII brought the trend home.
Did you know that ancient Greeks used talc, iron rust, pumice, alabaster, or coral powder as toothpaste? Tree twigs were the first toothbrushes. Luckily, we have much better options today!
To become a general dentist, one must first finish an appropriate bachelor's degree, followed by a four-year stint in dental school. After earning a degree, the new dentist is then required to take a licensure exam in order to be able to start practicing.
We recognize that few people want to deal with a soft tissue issue in their mouths at the expense of their teeth. Let’s talk about how laser procedures allow us to operate on soft tissue without damaging your teeth in the process.
Want to reduce the bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities and bad breath? Try chewing gum (here, chewing is both a verb and an adjective). There's one caveat, though. Make sure it contains the sugar-substitute xylitol.
While you may be perfectly alert before your dental appointment, you shouldn't operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after taking the sedative. That's why it's important to schedule a companion to come with you to your appointment, then give you a ride home afterwards.
If you are considering a career as a dental hygienist, you will want to review different programs at different schools to make sure you find that best one for you.
Have you ever heard of natal teeth? It is a condition in which an infant is born with teeth (they usually are found on the lower gums). About one child in every 2,000 births has this condition.
In 1959, NASA developed nickel-titanium which was created originally for shuttles sent to outer space. The metal alloy was also used to make thin and durable wires used for braces.
