Do whitening toothpastes really work? To a point. Most types of over-the-counter whitening toothpaste products can whiten teeth – with regular use – by about one shade. For effective and long lasting whitening results though, options available through your dentist are best.
The benefits of using a laser during most dental procedures can be staggering. Not only will it decrease the need for anesthesia and drilling, but it can also reduce the amount of bacteria present in cavities and gums.
Are you planning to start a family at some point? Then you need to know that poor oral hygiene can have a negative impact on the fertility of both women and men.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, you may want to set aside extra time for your first appointment with us. This will allow us to time to fully evaluate the condition of your mouth and remove any stubborn plaque deposits.
While you may need to see a specialist to get certain dental conditions treated, you'll be glad to know that your general dentist can handle quite a number of procedures. Also, this dentist will be able to recognize potential problems and refer you to the proper practitioners.
Injuries to your mouth and teeth are quite common when you're an athlete. The best way to protect your teeth in contact sports is to wear a mouth guard. If you play hockey or football, consider using a face cage to protect yourself from trauma.
You'd probably be surprised to know that teeth shouldn't be ivory white, but should instead be a few shades yellower. This is because the teeth’s inner layer, called dentine, is yellowish and shows through the teeth's translucent enamel covering.
Sir Humphry Dale experimented in 1799 with nitrous oxide and provided the nickname “laughing gas.” Though he did not use the gas in medical procedures he did hold laughing gas parties with other members of English society, creating a fad that last for decades after his 1829 death.
Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, consisting of about 300 different species. The most common and destructive of which is the Streptococcus mutans, which is responsible for converting sugar into acids that destroy the teeth.
Did you know that the cranial nerves in your head make up around 80 percent of your brain's total sensory function? The trigeminal nerve is a major player in your cranial membrane, is the largest of your 12 cranial nerve centers, and passes directly through your jaw. No wonder TMJ can be so painful!
Did you know that as many as 40% of children age 2-3 years old experience some kind of inflammation of gum tissues? Using a laser within dentistry can greatly benefit patients of all ages.
Did you know men in ancient Mayan civilization used to fit gemstones into their teeth by making small holes? According to them, doing so helped to make their mouths pretty.
What does "impacted" mean? It means the tooth is so far back in your mouth that it may be trapped by your jawbone or gums so that it can't break through properly. Surgery is typically necessary to correct the condition.
Have you or a family member been battling a cold or other illness? If so, it's time to change the toothbrush, even if it's relatively new. Bacteria can linger on the bristles, which can cause a reinfection.
Tooth sensitivity is when you feel pain when you consume hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. It mainly occurs due to thinned tooth enamel. Some other causes are receding gums, chipped or fractured teeth, and tooth grinding during sleep.
Did you know that dental laser surgery is a minimally invasive procedure and does not use drills, needles, or scalpels? And, since the laser can be precision adjusted, it can even be used to painlessly remove small or subtle enamel imperfections such as coffee stains or cracks.
Did you know that bad teeth were considered a rich man’s disease about 200 years ago? This was because only wealthy people could afford to buy sweets.
Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to determine the cause of your TMJ disorder. That’s because your pain may be the result of a combination of problems such as arthritis or jaw injury.
To maintain good oral health, it is best to eat sugary and starchy foods in moderation. Foods with high quantities of sugar and starch tend to produce acids in the mouth which can weaken teeth and ultimately lead to decay.
Are you preparing to take up scuba diving? You may want to visit the dentist for a checkup. A new study found that the constant clenching and the changes in pressure can trigger dental problems if not monitored.
There are a variety of different things that could influence how a sedative works, and how well a dental procedure works. This could include things like medications, smoking, alcohol consumption, so be sure to mention these to your dentist when giving your history.
John Baker, the first medically trained dentist, was a man of many talents. In addition to dentistry, he sold tooth powder which would “preserve the Teeth, render them perfectly white … fasten those that are loose, and prevent them from further decay.”
Do you want to change the appearance of your teeth? Well, there are several options to achieve this. Some of them include dental crowns, dental bonding, veneers and recontouring or reshaping.
You should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Using a toothbrush for too long can bend the bristles and if this happens, the toothbrush doesn’t clean well.