While the dental hygienists working in some dental offices still use metal tools for cleaning teeth, the 21st century has brought change. Now, ultrasound and even lasers can be used for this process.
Dentists give parents peace of mind. During visits to the dentist, parents learn more about their child’s dental condition, as well as the right dental habits they can introduce to the child at home.
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Let us know if you are undergoing any medical treatments (like chemotherapy, hormone replacement, radiation and the like), as they can cause damage to your teeth and gums if not properly cared for.
If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, or even if you don't, make sure your dentist is screening for oral cancer during your annual, or semi-annual visits. Early detection can prevent more serious complications.
Unless there's significant pain involved, many of us tend to disregard bleeding and/or swollen gums. This, however, shouldn't be the case as these are symptoms of periodontitis which is a gum disease that can lead to other health problems like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Archaeologists have recovered artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C. that were used as primitive toothbrushes. The first type of toothbrush was nothing more than a twig that was chewed on and manipulated to remove food.
Are you the type of person who can feel your jaw clench whenever you hear the sound of a dental drill? Since lasers can decrease the need for drills, your next trip to the dentist could be a more relaxing experience.
Did you know your teeth are constantly growing? It's true. One of the roles of upper and lower teeth is to keep their opposite number in check so it doesn't become too long and cause problems. The phrase 'long-in-the-tooth' is not a convenient myth.
Because dentists are trained in detecting oral cancer, they understand the earliest signs of it so treatment can begin as soon as possible when it will be most effective.
Toothbrush tips: Toothbrushes should be changed at least every three to four months or after an illness, whichever comes first. In addition, try to keep the family's toothbrushes separated to prevent bacteria from spreading from one to another.
Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to get rid of the plaque underneath the gum line and other hard-to-reach areas between teeth. Your dentist can provide long-lasting treatments that protect the teeth from plaque.
Did you know that the average person in the U.S. spends about 39 days brushing their teeth in a lifetime? The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
The origins of anesthetic or sedation dentistry actually come out of Harvard University. In 1846, dentist William T.G. Morton administered a sulfur ether compound to a patient about to have oral surgery, and that patient in turn reported only minimal pain.
Have you ever heard about the 2-2-2 rule to keep your teeth healthy? According to this rule, you should visit the dentist twice a year, brush and floss twice a day, and spend two minutes each time you brush and floss your teeth.
Did you know it was customary during the middle ages to kiss a donkey if someone had a toothache? Thankfully, we have much better alternatives today!
We realize that no one wants to schedule an appointment for a root canal and a crown unless they absolutely have to. Let’s talk about the steps you can take now that may help you preserve the health of your teeth for many years to come.
Some physical therapies to treat TMJ disorders include ultrasound, moist heat and ice, and exercises to stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles.
Though both bones and teeth are made of calcium, teeth cannot repair or regenerate themselves like bones. In fact, the tooth is the only part of the body that can’t heal itself. So, be sure to take good care of them.
Unlike humans, dolphins get only one set of teeth that has to last them a lifetime. Instead of growing new teeth, they grow new protective layers over their teeth to keep them strong. You can actually tell the age of a dolphin by counting the layers, just like you can with the rings of a tree.
A dental hygienist has a number of important responsibilities when it comes to patient care. One of these responsibilities is helping to ensure that each patient knows the best way to take care of his or her teeth.
Have you ever wondered why your dental technician clears the area whenever doing the x-rays of your mouth? While radiation exposure isn’t enough to hurt our patients, our staff is more at risk because of the number of times they’d be exposed each day during patient x-rays.
If you are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation treatment or any other procedure for cancer, it can cause problems with your teeth. During the course of your treatment, increase your visits to the dentist to monitor your oral health.
Are you having a toothache on a weekend? If it's not a dental emergency, sometimes a solution of warm water mixed with about a half a teaspoon of salt may help with the pain, or prevent infection until you are able to visit the dentist. But don't put it off - call at the earliest convenience.
