The most common reason to see a sedation dentist is dental anxiety, but another common reason is an overactive gag reflex. This can interfere with a dentist's ability to work well, but sedation can help relax your gag reflex so the dentist can work.
Do you know that breastfeeding can also pose oral health concerns? According to a study, 40% of kids between 6 and 24 months of age who were breastfed without their mothers cleaning their teeth after developed some tooth decay.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists comprise half of the top 10-highest-paying professions in the US. Dental surgeons top the list with more than $166,400 median salary, while general and specialty dentists occupy the fifth and sixth slots.
Diabetics have an increased risk for developing oral infections and periodontal disease. If you have diabetes, maintain your blood glucose level, brush and floss regularly and see your dentist. Ask your dental team about any other precautions you should take for optimal oral health.
The recommended amount of time that you should spend brushing your teeth is a full two minutes. To help ensure that you do not stop brushing early, you can use a timer.
Talk about multi-tasking: in the middle ages, dentistry was commonly done by barbers and blacksmiths, who often performed complicated surgeries with nothing more than the tools they had on hand. It wasn't until 1840 when the first school to teach exclusively dentistry was opened in Baltimore, Maryland.
Did you know in Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, fake tooth braces are actually considered a style statement? Youth consider them to be cool as opposed to being ugly or uncomfortable.
Nitrous oxide is a common sedative that's administered by being inhaled. It's also known as "laughing gas." The name comes from the relaxing effect that it has on people which can make them laugh or giggle. A sedation dentist will usually use this a a mild sedative.
Can you really whiten your teeth on your own? Somewhat. Over-the-counter whitening products may lighten stains like coffee and tea, but the color of the tooth will not change. That's a job for a professional.
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).
Carbon dioxide lasers are typically used in oral surgery, including the removal of diseased tissue and bone. They are also useful for removing tumors from the mouth.
Have you heard about "kavala" or "gundusha”? Well, it is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique where oil (usually coconut) is swished or held in the mouth for around 20 minutes. This act is known for improving oral health.
When you think about it, a good oral hygiene routine is fairly simple: brush and floss your teeth twice a day, cut back on sugar intake and visit your dentist twice a year.
Did you know that laser dentistry has the approval of the FDA, the US Food and Drug Administration that strives to protect and promote health? Lasers have been used within dentistry to treat a wide range of issues since 1994.
While major dental work is typically performed under some form of sedation, there may be other reasons to use it for less invasive or minor procedures. If you or your child have difficulty sitting still or have unusually sensitive teeth, mild sedation may help the procedure go better.
The signs of gingivitis are red, swollen, and bleeding gums, and it is caused by bacterial buildup because of poor oral hygiene. If not treated, it can become periodontitis, a more severe disease that can lead to tooth loss and other problems.
Do you ever feel like your gums have taken over the inside of your mouth? When the position of your gums is causing issues with the health of the surrounding teeth, it may be possible to correct the problem with a laser procedure.
Lasers were first mentioned by the renowned physicist and mathematician Albert Einstein in 1916. He postulated that some of the electromagnetic spectrum could be stimulated so as to produce amplified light. Years later, in the 1950s and 1960s, technological advances were made in the field of science that led to the lasers we know today.
Specializations in dentistry include: dento-maxillofacial radiology, endodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, public health, special needs, and forensic odontology.
If you'd like to restore your teeth's whiteness, your best bet would be to ask your dentist about professional whitening. Depending on your needs, your dentist will be able to recommend a treatment that will give you the best, longest-lasting results.
Have you ever heard the term "nurdle"? No, it's not a new sport. It is the technical term for the dab of toothpaste that you put on your toothbrush.
Take the time to brush your teeth properly. It is not something that should be rushed. Generally, it is recommended that you spend approximately two minutes brushing your entire mouth.
Even if your wisdom teeth aren't causing pain, they may need to be extracted. If they are not erupting correctly, or are not in a position to be cleaned properly, they may cause problems later.
