Legendary chemist Joseph Priestly of England isolated nitrous oxide during experiments in 1772 by heating ammonium nitrate together with iron filings. Priestly also was the first to isolate oxygen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Have you always wondered what types of dental applications lasers can have? In addition to helping to detect cavities in teeth, they can also be extremely helpful in surgical procedures where a high level of accuracy is necessary.
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).
Brush your teeth in the morning and before bed. If you sleep without brushing your teeth. all the food you ate that day will begin to rot inside your mouth.
Eating sugary foods regularly can have an effect on the condition of your teeth. It is best to only eat these types of foods in moderation.
Dental crowns are caps that restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. These can be made of different materials. Two tooth-colored substitutes are all porcelain and porcelain fused to metal crowns.
An added defense against tooth decay is to have a fluoride varnish applied to your teeth. Unlike a sealant which is applied to a tooth's bite surface, a fluoride varnish is applied to the entire tooth.
Don’t think that sedation dentistry is only appropriate with lengthy, complex procedures. Many kids and adults benefit from sedation dentistry for even a normal cleaning. Even the most basic dental procedure can be a nightmare for someone with dental anxiety.
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.
When brushing your teeth, remember to brush your tongue as well. Neglecting tongue hygiene often leads to bad breath and other oral health issues because the tongue's rough surface makes it easy for bacteria to thrive.
While tobacco products are known to increase risks for oral cancer, there are a number of risk factors for oral cancer which you may not be aware of, including – heavy alcohol use, extended exposure to sunlight on the lips and poor dental hygiene.
When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it causes all sorts of problems. Aside from significant pain, there is also the possibility of infection, swollen and/or bleeding gums, and bad breath. As such, surgical removal of the tooth is the only solution.
Did you know that, according to a 1997 Gallup poll, dentists placed fifth as the most trusted medical professionals in the United States?
Did you know that lasers are effective at removing a biopsy or lesion from the mouth? In fact, many dentists will use lasers exclusively to remove unnatural or irregular looking tissue for cancer screenings.
One of the ways that TMJ can be treated is through the use of physical therapy to help relieve the joint-related nerve pain. When coupled with other treatments such as heat treatments and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy has proven to be very successful.
Your toothbrush is an important item in your oral hygiene toolbox. Select only those toothbrushes with soft, rounded bristles and that have been approved by the American Dental Association. In addition, replace them every two to three months.
If you’ve ever had a root canal in the past, it may not be among your fondest and happiest memories. Now that laser technology is more widely available, it’s possible to clear out the infection without so much fuss.
If your teeth are sensitive to cold or hot foods, you may have a cavity or overly sensitive nerves. Your dentist can recommend solutions.
As an alternative to oral sedation, an IV drip is also available. This method involves a controlled flow of the sedative into a vein, and its effects appear quickly. This method may be used for longer dental procedures as it allow the dentist to regulate the amount of sedative received.
Do you have persistent bad breath that you cannot get rid of? Are your gums receding and making your teeth look longer? You may have periodontitis. Schedule an appointment for a checkup and treatment.
Teeth are labeled according to position. From front to back, they are the: central incisor, lateral incisor, cuspid or canine, first bicuspid or first premolar, second premolar or second bicuspid, first molar, second molar, and finally, third molar or wisdom tooth.
A crown is a common type of dental restoration that can last for decades and solve many dental problems. Dentists advise this procedure when a tooth has been weakened by grinding or chipping, has been broken by trauma or when veneers are not enough to take care of the problem.
Oral X-rays do more than simply detect cavities. They diagnose bone diseases and are used to help plan orthodontic treatments. They are also used to understand the extent of injuries to the mouth, jaw, and teeth and to monitor recovery.
Do you practice good techniques when you brush your teeth? You should be gently brushing, using back-and-forth motions while holding your brush at a slight angle. Aim the bristles on your toothbrush toward the area where your teeth meet the gums, and don't forget your tongue!