May 14, 2013
Sorry to say, it can. In fact, anything involving contact with saliva—a kiss, parents tasting their babies’ food, sharing of tableware and toothbrushes—can transmit decay-causing bacteria. Soon after birth, infants start to get those bacteria that inhabit the mouth and cause cavities. These germs are usually transferred by the babies’ mothers or other family members. [...]
May 7, 2013
Back and forth goes the argument—what toothbrush is best? Gadgeteers can spend $150 for an electric brush designed to rotate and oscillate, with angled neck, sure-grip handle, dual speed control, and even a timer. Researchers say that rotation-oscillation electric brushes remove plaque and reduce gingivitis better than any other kind—but only slightly better. Do-it-yourselfers can [...]
Apr 23, 2013
Start reading labels to choose the right toothpaste for you and your family. All toothpastes have certain ingredients in common. They’ll contain mild abrasives for scrubbing, foaming detergents to help float away debris, fluoride to protect tooth enamel, thickening agents for stability, humectants for moisture retention, and flavors to make the mixture palatable. Gum Protection [...]
Apr 16, 2013
When Elbow Grease Counts Most periodontal patients in our practice become very familiar with the two primary therapies we rely on to treat gum disease: scaling and root planing. Sounds a little disagreeable, yes. But scaling and root planing are the beginning of the end of periodontal problems. The treatment is tried and true, with [...]
Apr 9, 2013
It’s not the best way to deal with bad breath… Do you have bad breath, aka halitosis? If so, what are you doing about it, besides turning your face away from anyone who comes near? Finding the cure means first finding the cause. In many cases, food particles and bacterial plaque accumulate toward the back [...]
Apr 2, 2013
Dental emergencies happen. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, don’t delay. Call us immediately for an emergency visit. Re-implanting a tooth works best when done within 30 minutes. After two hours, the procedure is unlikely to be successful. Call us after any blow to the mouth. A chipped tooth can be repaired, and any [...]
Mar 26, 2013
Here are some facts about what can be a frustrating condition… We call it xerostomia—and it can be a serious problem. It tends to happen as we age—but it doesn’t have to. Besides being uncomfortable, dry mouth makes teeth more cavity-prone. It can be the side effect of some medications or radiation therapy for cancer. Fight dry [...]
Mar 19, 2013
Now that the days are getting longer and the air is fresh, it’s the perfect time to burst out of those winter doldrums and create a little sparkle. Why not give your teeth a spring cleaning while you’re at it? Regardless of how careful you are about dental hygiene on a day-to-day basis, there’s no [...]
Mar 12, 2013
And periodontal health is more than a dazzling smile. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums has become more important than ever. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of the gums that not only can lead to tooth loss but can even interfere with other systems of the body. Periodontitis, aka gum disease, has been associated with [...]
Mar 5, 2013
Most dentists will agree that crown restorations are at the heart of general dentistry. We’ve all studied crowns in dental school, and some of us have done our best work replacing missing teeth and saving the rest. Research has given us the wherewithal to achieve virtually ideal restorations. They are natural looking, comfortable and stable in the [...]
