One way you can help your children develop good oral hygiene habits is to let them know you are going to brush your teeth and then have them watch. Kids want to be just like mom and dad and they will be asking if they can join in once they see you brushing.
While brushing your teeth, you should also brush your tongue from the back towards the front to lessen any bacterial build-up. Never scrub the tongue too vigorously however, as doing so can damage your taste buds.
The ancient Egyptian medical book known as the Ebers Papyrus (1700-1550 BC) contains 800 prescriptions and refers to at least 700 drugs. It’s the oldest known text that also explicitly mentions dental diseases and includes toothache remedies and treatments.
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.
Be sure to speak to your dentist about the right mouth rinse for you. While fluoride rinses help in the prevention of tooth decay, fluoride is not appropriate for everyone, such as young children. There are many types of mouth rinses on the market such as for dry mouth, plaque prevention, fresher breath, stronger teeth, and gum health, to name just some.
Unless you will be receiving general anesthesia, the sedation medicine you will be prescribed slows your central nervous system, relaxing you and reducing pain, yet allowing you to be aware of your surroundings and what is being done.
It's important to tell your dentist if you are pregnant. All elective procedures should wait until after your baby arrives but cleanings are extra important because pregnancy can cause hormonal changes that leave you more susceptible to gum disease.
What used to be called “conscious sedation” has been given a more appropriate label – moderate sedation. Under this type of anesthesia, you will not feel any pain and it is unlikely you will remember the procedure; however, you may carry on a conversation, although you may be difficult to understand.
When did brushing one’s teeth everyday become a regular habit in the United States? Not until after World War II. While mass-produced toothbrushes were available before that time, everyday tooth brushing was not the norm until soldiers in World War II were instructed on daily brushing habits.
Have you been hesitant to schedule a necessary dental surgery because you don’t want to risk your teeth getting damaged in the process? If it’s possible to complete your procedure with lasers, it’s likely that you don’t have to worry about tooth damage.
If you hear a clicking sound or experience a grating sensation when you chew or open your mouth, it’s possible you have TMJ. If your jaw clicks but there’s no discomfort when you open your mouth, it’s likely the clicking is not associated with TMJ.
If you'd rather not wear braces because of how they make you look, your orthodontist may be able to provide you with an alternative. Called invisible braces, these appliances do the same job but are made of clear plastic and are thus, largely unnoticeable.
