Because dental lasers boast unique absorption characteristics, they are used to perform specific dental procedures. Hard tissue lasers have a wavelength that is highly absorbable by hydroxyapatite and water, making them more effective for cutting through tooth structures.
In addition to an orthodontist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be required if there is also a mouth or jaw issue that needs to be addressed.
Is there a difference between mouth rinse and mouthwash? An article in the Tennessee Tribune says that the former is used before brushing and flossing while the latter, is used after. It also says that mouth rinses addresses plaque buildup while mouthwash kills the bacteria left behind after brushing.
Normally, people are fitted with braces as children. However, this doesn't mean that adults can’t seek orthodontic treatments, too. In fact, there are many people who consult with orthodontists later in life to correct deficiencies they've had since they were young.
What are some other health dangers associated with poor oral health? It is now known that gum disease can contribute to the development of cancers of the neck and head.
Hesi-Re was the earliest known dentist, and lived 5000 years ago in Egypt. Lucy Beaman Hobbs is credited as being the first female dentist in 1866, while Irene Newman became the first female dental hygienist in 1905.
We recognize that many people have a certain level of apprehension about visiting the dentist. When you need surgery performed on the soft tissues of your mouth, laser dentistry may help to take away some of your anxiety.
Dentists recommend regular flossing, but many people don't floss often enough. Lack of flossing can cause cavities between teeth and inflamed gums.
Can you sleep wearing dentures? Yes, but it is recommended that they should be removed. Removing your dentures at night will give your gums and jaw some time to relax from the pressure of the denture during the day.
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.
You might be surprised to know that before the invention of toothpaste, people used to grind charcoal, lemon juice, ashes or even a mixture of tobacco and honey to clean their teeth. Toothpaste as we know it was invented only about 100 years ago.
Did you know that lasers used in laser dentistry have been proven to reduce bacterial infections in the case of both diseased gum tissue and in extreme tooth decay? The use of lasers can also help control bleeding during surgery.
In America, many people consider dentistry as one of the most trusted careers. A dentist does more than diagnose and provide treatment to diseases, but also helps improve the patients’ appearance by giving them a brand new smile!
A tooth consists of two major parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part while the root is embedded in the gum and anchored to bone. The tooth is further divided according to layers, namely: enamel (topmost), dentin (next layer), pulp (center), and cementum (the root’s covering).
There are several ways in which your dentist can help you to control TMJ jaw and facial pain. This includes through over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAI) drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, although sometimes stronger prescription pain killers are prescribed.
Do you know where your buccinator muscles are? They are the muscles in the walls of the cheek. You REALLY wouldn't be able to smile or chew without them! They are also the first muscle babies learn to control - so they are a pretty important!
If you have a tooth that cracks or breaks, here are some tips for controlling the pain until you get to the dentist: Rinse your mouth with warm plain or saline water, apply an ice pack and use an OTC analgesic (according to its directions).
While brushing is recommended at least twice a day, it is actually ideal to brush within 30 minutes to an hour after eating. However, if you just consumed acidic food or drinks, it would be best to wait at least half an hour because the acids can soften your teeth’s outermost layer.
Did you know that teeth start to form even before you are born? Even though they don’t come through until the child is between 6-12 months old, “milk teeth” or better known as baby teeth, start to form when the baby is in the womb.
One of the most popular ways to administer sedatives is orally, which is great for people who are nervous about needles. The sedatives can either be swallowed whole or crushed and put under the tongue (sublingually) where they can be absorbed readily into the bloodstream.
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.
If you or a family member are an ice chewer, you may want to rethink the habit. Chewing ice places undue stress on teeth and can cause them to chip or break.
If conservative, non-invasive methods have failed to resolve your TMJ issues, the dentist may recommend a different approach. Injecting a corticosteroid into the joint, for example, can ease swelling, reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
