| How Gum Disease Works |
 | Gum disease is caused by plaque, a bacterial film that continuously forms around the teeth. Plaque is responsible for sore, puffy and bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and tooth loss. |
| One visit root canal makes it easier |
 | Question: I have a tooth bothering me, but am reluctant to go to the dentist because I might need a root canal. I?ve heard root canal takes three visits and several hours to complete. |
| New study links gum disease to premature birth |
 | After adjusting for smoking, race and maternal age, these researchers found that mothers with gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely than mothers with healthy gums. |
| A Painless Root Canal in One Visit? It can be done |
| New techniques have greatly reduced the time needed to perform a root canal, and also greatly limited the potential for discomfort. In almost all cases, root canal therapy can be effectively completed in just one visit! |
| Limiting discomfort after gum surgery |
 | Gum surgery is usually not painful. Believe it or not, I have actually had patients sleep through the procedure. There will be varying degrees of discomfort, however, after the anesthesia wears off. |
| Periostat, a new drug for the war against gum disease |
 | Periodontal or gum disease is an infection that causes bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and teeth that fall out. A bacterial film called plaque that continuously forms around the teeth and gums causes gum disease. An estimated 56 million Americans suffer from gum disease, the main reason people lose their teeth. |
| The role of vitamin C in gum disease |
 | Vitamin C, or Ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and limes, as well as fresh vegetables such as green peppers and tomatoes. |
| Root canal x-ray provides more questions than answers |
 | A root canal that has become re-infected will usually continue to cause pain or discomfort, especially when biting down. In some cases, a failing root canal will cause swelling, also known as an abscess. |
| Root canal realities (Part 6) |
 | A root canal that is failing will usually continue to cause pain or discomfort, especially when biting down. |
| Control Freaks need not fear the dentist |
 | When people who are used to being in a position of power are put into a situation where they must relinquish that power to their dentist; anxiety, confrontation and avoidance are the most common reactions. |
| Dispelling myths about root canal |
 | Say the words ROOT CANAL, and most patients will immediately tense up. Perhaps it is this element of fear that is at the heart of the apparent confusion about the process. |
| A missed nerve can cause problems after root canal |
| One other important thing to look for is the possibility that a nerve canal was not treated or |
| How to whiten a dark tooth a after root canal |
 | Question: I have had a root canal done on my front tooth several years ago, and it has slowly turned brown. I want to know if it will ever go back to its regular color, or get worse. What should I do? |
| One visit root canal makes it easier |
| Question: I have a tooth bothering me, but am reluctant to go to the dentist because I might need a root canal. I?ve heard root canal takes three visits and several hours to complete. |
| Referred Pain, a Puzzle for the Patient |
 | Pain from an infected tooth can travel from tooth to tooth on the same side of the jaw, and sometimes to the ear. In fact, pain from an infected tooth on the upper jaw can even travel to the lower jaw on the same side of the mouth, and vise-versa. |
| Root Canal Revealed |
| What is mysterious or unknown to us tends to heighten our anxiety and fear. Once the mystery is revealed, the associated fear will often resolve as well. |
| To post or not to post, that is the question |
| Root canal is like taking an infected core out of an apple and the post is like putting a synthetic core back in place, restoring its strength. |
| When a root canal goes bad |
| ...about ten percent of the time, a root canal will become re-infected or |
| Despite some perceptions, it's still safe to go to the dentist |
| Unflattering sitcoms and commercials frequently use fear of the dentist and dental treatment in their contrived scenarios. |
| The unfinished root canal: a hidden danger |
 | An unfinished root canal will eventually cause many problems. |
| "Million Little Pieces" Dental Ordeal Dubious |
 | Frey also describes a harrowing ordeal at the dental office that makes Little Shop of Horrors and Marathon Man seem like a trip to Mister Rogers? neighborhood. |
| Consistency aids patient comfort |
| Changes in personnel, length of time waiting to be treated, and how treatment is delivered tend to leave the greatest impression on dental patients. |
| Ways to prevent gagging during dental treatment |
 | A caring and concerned attitude by the dentist can often go a long way to allaying a patient's anxiety and can significantly reduce gagging. The dentist should then find out what procedures or situations have triggered gagging in the past and see if alternative ones can be used. |
| Ways dentists improve the |
| The most effective way, however, to help patients cope with discomfort after dental procedures is to let them know what to expect, ahead of time.. |
| General anesthesia and the phobic dental patient |
 | Some people are so fearful of the dentist that they avoid dental care at all costs. These patients are considered dental phobics, and may sometimes require sedation or general anesthesia (being put to sleep) to have their dental treatment completed. |
| A matter of trust |
 | Question: I have not been to a dentist in about a year and a half since I recently moved to the area. My new dentist told me that I have seven cavities and need two crowns. I have no pain and everything feels great. I am reluctant to go back to him because I don?t think I have any dental problems. What do you suggest? |
| Bad teeth? Most dentists won't scold |
| Fortunately, most dentists realize that scolding their patients will ultimately backfire, because it tends to either drive people away or cause them to build up a barrier of resentment towards the dentist. |
| Conquering Dental Fear |
 | Many of the patients that I treat who have a high level of dental fear often recount a frightening experience that they had years ago at a dental visit. The most common are stories of when the patient was a child, and that the dentist was either rough, insensitive, or caused them pain. |
| Expectations and the Infrequent Dental Patient |
 | The first step in aiding the patient is to relieve the pain. I believe that this can be a critical juncture in helping the patient get back on the right path towards dental health, and that path is paved with compassion, not scolding or lectures. |
| How Modern Dental Precautions Limit the Spread of Disease |
| Limiting the spread of infections in the medical and dental professions has gained widespread attention in the 1990's, largely due to the prevalence of the deadly HIV (AIDS causing) virus. More than a century ago, doctors discovered that microorganisms (germs) cause infection and can result in serious complications during surgical procedures. |
| Knowing what to expect after dental treatment |
 | If the dentist has not said anything to the patient about this potential for pain, most reasonable people could assume that the dentist did not do a good job, the wrong tooth was treated, or a wide variety of discouraging thoughts. |
| Patient Benefits from Laughing Gas |
| Nitrous Oxide Gas, often referred to as laughing gas or sweet air, is an effective anesthetic drug that has many benefits for patients seeking dental treatment. |
| Listening to others can make you afraid of the dentist |
| In other cases, however, a person can become |
| The Internet, a great resource for the fearful patient |
 | The anonymity of the Internet allows people to voice their fears or concerns from the comfort and security of their own homes. |
| You almost never need to go without teeth |
| With proper planning, a dentist can usually prevent the embarrassing situation of having their patient go without teeth. |
| No pain? Still see your dentist |
| If your dentist suggests that your bridge should be replaced, you should ask him or her why. If you are not satisfied with the answer, ask if he or she would mind if you took the x-rays to another dentist or to a dental school for a second opinion |
| How Dental Fears Work |
| There are also large numbers of people who are afraid of the dentist or of certain dental procedures but have never actually had a bad experience at the dentist's office. These are people who have heard from others that dentistry is painful -- and they believe it! |
| Preventing dental fear in children |
| The conduct of the dentist is directly related to the development of dental fear in children and adults. The past experience that causes the most fear is the memory of a dentist causing pain during treatment and then humiliating the person when they complained. |
| A case of missing teeth |
 | Question: My son has had bitewing and panoramic x-rays taken, and is missing 7 primary and at least 7 secondary (adult) teeth. He appears to be a normal, healthy 5-year-old boy. We are being treated by a good pediatric dentist and have been to a few others, but no one has seen a child like him. They have ruled out ectodermal dysplasia. What other developmental problems should we be looking for? Can dental implants be used to replace his missing teeth? |
| Exposing myths about teething and childhood illnesses |
| Teething has become something of an |
| Forgotten Baby Teeth may Shed Light on Nuclear Testing Dangers |
| These teeth could decide a long-standing scientific debate about whether Cold War nuclear bomb tests by the United States and the Soviet Union harmed the general public. |
| Spill-proof cups may cause as much dental damage as the bottle |
| Putting a child to sleep with either a bottle or a spill-proof cup can cause damage to the teeth. The reason is that milk or other carbohydrate containing liquids stay on the teeth and allow bacteria that are normally present in the mouth to attack the teeth by forming ?plaque acids?. |
| When Less is More with your Child |
 | Question: I have just scheduled my 4-year-old daughter for her first dental appointment. Do you have any suggestions on what to tell her to prepare her for the visit? |
| Why are baby teeth important? |
 | My four year old needs fillings? Why don't we just let them fall out, or pull them if they bother him? |
| Dental dos and don'ts during pregnancy |
| Question: I am three months pregnant, and my gums feel a little bit sore. Should I put off going to the dentist until after my child is born? |
| Dental Implant pros and cons |
 | Patients with certain diseases or who take medications that affect the immune system can have an increased risk of implant infection. |
| The best implant may be your own tooth |
 | Another procedure that has generated some interest recently is the use of a person's own tooth as a kind of |
| Dental Implants - Research points to faster results |
| One major drawback associated with dental implants is the time it takes to complete treatment. In general, after the dentist places implants into the jawbone, several months are needed for bone to grow around the implants, a process known as osseointegration. |
| Antibiotics usually not needed for people with artificial joints |
 | The need for artificial joints, including total hip and knee replacement, are often caused by chronic ailments commonly found in older people, such as severe arthritis. |
| Dental Implants OK for Type 2 Diabetics |
 | Despite the potential problems associated with healing and fighting infection, a new study shows encouraging results for implants in people with type 2 diabetes. |
| Dissecting the Implant Procedure |
 | In some cases, a computer-assisted tomography (CAT scan) is advisable to give the dentist a more accurate representation of the amount of jawbone available for dental implants. |
| Missing teeth? Weigh your options |
| Missing teeth can often be a source of embarrassment, as well as affect a person's quality of life. Some of the problems associated with lost teeth include difficulty eating or chewing (hard foods can get painfully jammed into the gum), speech problems, and also cause the adjacent teeth to shift. |
| How Dental Implants Work |
| Fortunately, dental implants, a discovery by a Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. P.I. Brånemark, have led to a vastly improved quality of life for the many people who suffer from the problems associated with missing teeth. |
| Antibiotics needed less frequently and in lower doses to prevent a heart infection after dental treatment |
| For many years, the American Heart Association (AHA) has mandated that dentists give patients antibiotics before and after almost all dental procedures. |
| Less is More: Limiting the Use of Antibiotics in Modern Dental Treatment |
| Although these antibiotics can help fight the bacteria associated with most dental infections, they are rarely used as the primary therapy alone. |
| Deadly Dental Abscess: Fact vs. Fiction |
 | Regardless of the source, a swelling of the gum indicates a more serious infection. |
| Coping with Dental Emergencies: broken dentures and crowns (caps) that fall out |
 | The most likely dental emergency for denture wearers is a chipped denture tooth or one that has broken off. If you have a spare denture (all denture wearers should have one), use it until you can go to the dentist and have it fixed. |
| Don't throw out your temporary crown! |
| The temporary crown is essential for comfort, appearance, and to maintain the position of the adjacent teeth for the permanent crown. |
| Dental X-rays and Digital Technology |
 | Dental radiographs or x-rays are an important part of a thorough dental examination. A full set of x-rays (18) is usually required for patients who are new to a dental practice, or who need extensive treatment. Two to four follow-up or check-up x-rays called |
| Dental information in cyberspace |
| Fortunately, there are responsible individuals and organizations that can be trusted for giving accurate information. There are several sites on the Internet that contain useful dental information. |
| A cavity vaccine may be on the horizon |
 | Cavities have plagued mankind for ages, and now, new hope exists for a vaccine to prevent them. Several months ago, British scientists published a study (May, Nature Medicine) describing a new vaccine that they herald as a safe, effective and painless way to prevent dental cavities. |
| In-office tooth whitening cost effective without the light |
| Recent research from several sources has now determined that the light has little or no positive whitening effect, but may increase sensitivity during the procedure. |
| New techniques, materials improve dental office visits |
| >In an effort to reduce discomfort during dental procedures, today's dentist can use either air abrasion or a dental laser. These modern devices enable dentists to treat many cavities without a needle or a dental drill. |
| How much pain is normal after dental treatment? |
| Every day, I receive emails from just about everywhere asking me questions about different dental problems. No matter where the question comes from, it's amazing how similar most of the problems are. |
| New crown eliminates grey lines |
| |
| What to do when your dentist is out of the office |
 | The best way to handle a potential dental emergency is to avoid one from ever occurring in the first place. |
| Coping with dental emergencies: swelling and having a tooth knocked out |
| Oral swelling is almost always caused by an infection of a tooth, or of the gums. Swelling that is caused by a tooth is the result of a deep cavity or trauma that causes bacteria to infect the tiny nerves and blood vessels within the tooth. |
| How to save a knocked out tooth. |
 | If you can get to your dentist within an hour, but are unable to re-insert the tooth into the socket, you should store the tooth in your child's saliva or in cold milk. |
| Coping with dental emergencies: pain and broken teeth |
| A painful tooth is most commonly caused by an untreated cavity that spreads to infect the tiny nerves and blood vessels within it. The tooth will be sensitive to cold, then hot foods or beverages, later to biting down, and finally it will begin to hurt all the time. |
| Technology aids oral cancer diagnosis |
| An oral cancer screening is an important part of every dental examination, but potentially dangerous lesions can sometimes go unnoticed. The reason is that many oral lesions tend to look the same. Pizza burns, canker sores, fever blisters, lacerations, as well as oral cancer can all appear surprisingly similar. |
| Smart Magnets equal tight dentures |
| This bone loss causes a denture to become unstable, and can make eating, speaking, and smiling a chore. Unlike upper dentures that derive additional suction and stability from adhering to the palate, the lower denture must rely primarily on the height of the remaining jawbone or |
| ShopRite does information right |
| The concept is simple: Not only can you buy your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, but actually learn how and why to use them. |
| The Right Equipment can save your Life in the Dental Office |
| One of the most dangerous types of emergency involves the cardiovascular system, especially heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. Until recently, dentists could do precious little to treat these life-threatening emergencies in a typical office setting. Now, a relatively new device called an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is available that can often prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). |
| New Local Anesthetic Aids Patient Comfort |
| I decided to try Septocaine and found that it was indeed superior to the other local anesthetics that I had been using. I found that my patients became more numb than before, and the vast majority told me that they felt no pain during routine or surgical dental procedures. |
| Limitations of Dental Lasers |
 | A common type of laser used for treatment of dental cavities is the erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG). The technology allows tiny layers of the tooth to be removed quietly and usually without discomfort. |
| Cosmetic dentistry, implants herald new era in dentistry, Part 2 |
| Dental implants, discovered by Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. P.I. Br'emark, have led to a vastly improved quality of life for the many people who suffer from the problems associated with missing teeth. |
| Great strides in dentistry in last decade, Part 1 |
| Perhaps one of the most improved dental procedures in recent years is also the most feared, that of course, is root canal. |
| Genetic engineering may help |
 | The goal of the research is to grow teeth remotely in culture for transplantation or locally within the mouth itself. |
| Technology aids oral cancer diagnosis |
| An oral cancer screening is an important part of every dental examination, but potentially dangerous lesions can sometimes go unnoticed. The reason is that many oral lesions tend to look the same. Pizza burns, canker sores, fever blisters, lacerations, as well as oral cancer can all appear surprisingly similar. |
| Ancient Greeks weigh in on wisdom teeth debate |
 | Other dentists believe that impacted wisdom teeth should be removed only when there is infection, pain, a tumor or cyst, or the wisdom tooth is damaging or about to damage adjacent teeth or other parts of the mouth. |
| Problems with dental extractions (Part 7) |
| Prolonged bleeding may occur if there is damage to a blood vessel or other tissue during an extraction, if a patient is taking certain medications or has a predisposing medical condition. |
| Having A Tooth Pulled? Consider The Risks |
| Considering the trauma that often accompanies an extraction, I often wonder why some people are quick to suggest that I pull a tooth instead having a root canal, a far less aggressive, as well as tooth-saving procedure. |
| The Panoramic X-ray: Shows Dentist the |
| This x-ray supplies information about the teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses, and other hard and soft tissues of the head and neck. |
| When it's Wise to wait with Wisdom Teeth |
| Question: My wisdom teeth have never fully come in and have never bothered me. I'm 35, should I consider having them removed? |
| Invisalign invisible braces- not just for adults anymore |
| Using special computer software, orthodontists and computer technicians work together to virtually |
| Braces, an essential element of modern dental care |
| Although braces are less noticeable then they were in the past, some teenagers are often self-conscious about sporting that |
| Invisalign "invisible braces"- an idea whose time has come |
| Good candidates for this new system are adults who have slight to moderate spacing or crowding of their teeth. Teeth with spacing have gaps between them, and teeth with crowding overlap each other. |
| Space Maintainers can prevent need for braces |
| One treatment that may reduce or eliminate the need for braces in the future is a space maintainer. |
| Good dental health can add years to your life |
| Now, a recent study confirms that good dental health has another important benefit-it can add years your life. |
| The Flipper; a whale of an option |
| A bridge and implants can cost significantly more than a removable partial denture, and may not be viable options for some patients. In certain cases, a removable partial denture may be the best or only choice available. |
| Hypertension and Medications Impact Dental Care |
 | Hypertension, often referred to as the |
| Seniors Can keep their teeth for a lifetime |
| I wonder how many senior citizens included keeping my teeth for a lifetime in their list of New Years resolutions this year. Recent surveys by the American Dental Association and Oral B reveal that 7 in 10 respondents 65 years of age and older visit their dentist at least once a year, and almost all said they believe that healthy teeth and gums are important. It's great to know that seniors are concerned about their oral health, because dental needs change as we age. Our seniors need to be concerned with cavities, gum disease and the fit of their dentures. |
| Seniors Can Magnetize Those Dentures |
| Tooth loss, a common condition found in many of our senior citizens does not represent a normal part of the aging process. Rather, it is often the result of the antiquated dental philosophy encountered by seniors? decades ago that advocated tooth extraction for dental problems instead of saving teeth. Consequently, senior citizens are more likely to have full or partial dentures replacing missing teeth than the rest of the population. |
| Seniors May Need Oral Hygiene Assistance after Stroke |
| Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is the result of an interruption of oxygen carrying blood to the brain. |
| Senior's study links gum disease to heart disease and stroke |
| Periodontal or gum disease is a bacterial infection effecting an estimated 56 million Americans, and is about as widespread as the common cold. A bacterial film called plaque, that continuously forms around the teeth and gums, causes gum disease. Gum disease is responsible for bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and teeth that fall out. Until recently, the prospect of losing one?s teeth was the main thing a person suffering from gum disease had to worry about. Now, a building body of research has uncovered possible links between gum disease, heart disease, and stroke. |
| Some reasons why our seniors may not be tasting their food |
 | Anyone who has ever eaten at an Italian restaurant knows first hand how important the smell of food is and how it enhances the enjoyment of the meal. |
| What teeth to keep when most are damaged |
| People who have avoided dental care for many years and have already lost most of their teeth will sometimes go to a dentist and ask for all of their remaining teeth to be pulled or extracted. Their teeth are often broken and have deep cavities, and the situation seems hopeless. |
| Valplast partial dentures improve comfort, appearance |
| The material is translucent, so the patient's own gums show through, giving a very natural appearance. |
| A facelift at the dentist? |
| To better understand the issue and make an informed decision, it is important to know the training of each specialist. |
| Biopsy by right doctor is vital |
| The question of who should do a biopsy in the mouth depends on several factors, including the type of lesion, the experience and training of the dentist or medical doctor, and who will do follow-up treatment for the patient. |
| Don't worry, cleft lip and cleft palate can be corrected |
 | Cleft lip and cleft palate are very common birth defects, effecting one in every 700 live births in the United States each year. |
| Removable partial dentures may harm teeth |
| Now, a new study confirms that the supporting teeth of a partial denture are at a substantially greater risk of being lost than if the patient had a permanent bridge or had never had the teeth replaced. |
| Denture adhesive, a multipurpose tool |
| Over time, dentists have learned that many patients use denture adhesives to improve the comfort and fit of their dentures. I see nothing wrong with patients using a modest amount of denture adhesive, but draw the line when that use becomes excessive. |
| The denture dilemma |
| To avoid a waste of time and money, people should seek out dentists experienced with the treatment of full and partial dentures. |
| Removable dentures may increase gum disease |
| A new study in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that removable partial dentures can have a negative impact on the gums. |
| Krazy glue, great for dentures, helps stop bleeding |
 | After more than six decades, this super sticky substance has found a new role in the treatment of dental patients. |
| A Word about Dental Fees |
 | There are many factors that help determine dental fees. First and foremost, dental fees must be tied to the cost incurred for providing the treatment, also known as the dental office overhead.. |
| George Washington ate here- but with his own teeth? |
| A famous painting of Washington in 1779 shows a scar on his left cheek, believed to be the result of a badly abscessed tooth. |
| Corticosteroids can increase patient's risk at the dental office |
| Any dental procedure that causes an elevated level of physical stress (dental fillings, root canal, oral surgery, etc.) or emotional stress (fear) can be expected to challenge the adrenal gland to produce increased amounts of cortisol to combat that stress. |
| Clindamycin, an effective drug for dental infections |
| Clindamycin is a highly effective drug when used to fight dental infections. The reason is that Clindamycin is nearly completely absorbed (90%), and penetrates deeply into the soft tissues of the body, as well as bone, where dental infections reside. |
| Cholesterol- Friend and Foe |
 | Statistics show that more than half of all Americans have cholesterol levels that exceed the recommended amount, and one in five has cholesterol levels that are considered high. |
| Chemotherapy can Wreak Havoc in the Mout |
| A diagnosis of cancer is truly devastating to most people. Sadly, the chance of getting most forms of cancer increases, as we grow older. In fact, cancer is the second most common cause of death among senior citizens, those over 65 years of age. Treatment for cancer usually involves chemotherapy (drug therapy), radiation, surgery, or some combination of each. |
| Bulimia can have Damaging Dental Consequences |
| Bulimia nervosa or Bulimia is a psychological eating disorder that can cause serious medical and dental problems. |
| Blood thinners can increase bleeding for dental procedures |
 | Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are used for a variety of medical reasons. They are principally used to prevent stroke, heart attack, thrombosis and embolism (stationary or travelling blood clots that can block blood vessels killing body tissues). |
| Aspirin is a potent drug |
| In some cases, aspirin should be avoided for at least one week prior to dental procedures that are expected to cause bleeding. |
| What to do after a tooth is pulled |
| The first thing to avoid after a tooth has been extracted is spitting or rinsing the mouth for 24 hours. This is often hard to do, because it seems only natural to want to spit out excess blood that may form in the mouth after treatment. |
| Diagnosis derived from ancient Greeks |
| To determine if a condition requires treatment, the dentist or medical doctor must ask himself or herself the following questions: |
| Potato product can stop bleeding |
| Fortunately, a new product made of purified potato and applied as a fine powder produces immediate coagulation at the surface of a wound, and then normal blood clotting. |
| Most prosthetic implants safe during dental care |
 | Fortunately, most prosthetic devices are safe from infection and do not require antibiotics prior to dental treatment. |
| Oral precautions during radiation therapy |
| Radiation treatment does not generally cause side effects to the mouth unless the cancer is located in the head and neck region, especially the jaw or salivary glands. |
| Use caution with narcotic pain medication |
| Narcotic pain medication like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone are necessary and helpful drugs when used to control pain, but are also potentially addicting or lethal if abused. |
| Herpes Simplex: Limiting the spread of sexually transmitted disease |
| Even though most of us have been exposed to HSV-1, this does not mean that we will ever have signs or symptoms of the disease. It has been estimated that up to 40% of those people exposed to HSV-1 will suffer from recurrent herpes. |
| Epinephrine usually safe in people with high blood pressure |
| Despite the obvious importance of epinephrine in dental anesthetics, there are some potential risks. Epinephrine is associated with an increase in blood pressure and the development of cardiac arrhythmias. |
| Diabetics are at risk for dental infections |
| Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body uses food. There are two types. Type 1 is referred to as insulin dependent or immune-mediated diabetes, and is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. |
| Extreme Makeovers' by your local dentist |
| The show captivates the viewing audience because the results achieved by the talented team of professionals are often amazing. The show is also a service to dentists and their patients because it demonstrates what can be realistically obtained with modern cosmetic dentistry. |
| Some Dental Precautions before General Anesthesia |
| During endotracheal intubation, a flexible plastic tube is placed in the mouth and then into the trachea to allow a patient to receive air while under general anesthesia. Loose teeth can present a considerable problem for the anesthesiologist who must negotiate the tube with keen precision and limited access from the oral cavity. |
| Dental surgery may be okay on Coumadin |
| A person taking Coumadin must be monitored very closely because too much or too little of the drug can cause dangerous and sometimes fatal side-effects. |
| Dental Detectives take a |
| Roughly 90% of the victims of mass tragedies are identified by forensic dentistry with the use of dental records. |
| Need a new dental bridge? Ask a few questions |
 | If your dentist suggests that your bridge should be replaced, you should ask him or her why. If you are not satisfied with the answer, ask if he or she would mind if you took the x-rays to another dentist or to a dental school for a second opinion |
| Moving, How to find a new dentist? |
 | Question: I am moving out of state next month, and am wondering how I can find a new dentist? |
| Jargon Confuses Patients |
| Dentists as well as other doctors, nurses, and technical staff should use words that are clear, accurate, and commonplace. |
| Dentistry.com, a great web site for consumers and dentists |
 | Dr. Jeffrey Wissot, a California dentist, is the founder of Dentistry.com, whose primary goal is help people obtain |
| Dentist-Supervised versus over-the-counter tooth whitening (Part 2) |
 | Although not listed in some of the commercial product's inserts, before tooth whitening, the consumer should have their teeth professionally cleaned, all cavities filled, and the gums should be healthy. |
| A second opinion can be a real eye-opener |
 | Getting a second opinion on a dental problem is sometimes the most important decision a person can make. |
| Real world dentistry- problems and solutions Part 1 |
 | The important thing for patients is to not become too discouraged with their treatment or dentist if a problem does occur. |
| General Dentist quarterback of dental team |
| If a person goes to the wrong specialist for their dental problem, the specialist may not be able to provide and perform multiple treatment options. |
| Dental Comfort Checklist |
| The most effective way to help patients cope with discomfort sometimes associated with dental care is to let them know what to expect, ahead of time |
| Rotary motto |
| The idea of |
| Selling Dentistry- a disturbing trend |
| A dentist who is |
| Herbal Medicine and Dental Dangers, Part 2 |
 | There are many herbal medications that can increase the action of these prescription drugs used to treat hypertension. Most of these herbal remedies are considered diuretics, and can cause a dangerous condition called hypotension (low blood pressure) when used with anti-hypertensive drugs. |
| Herbal Medicine and Dental Dangers, Part 1 |
| These natural medications are capable of dangerous drug interactions that can put a person at an increased risk for a complication during and after dental treatment. |
| Green tea may help prevent oral cancer |
| Recent studies have shown that green tea can cause cell destruction in several types of tumor cells, including those that cause oral cancer. |
| When your family doctor should call the dentist |
| Unfortunately, the reason that a dentist was not consulted is because most medical doctors have little experience with dental problems. Medical doctors are generally not educated in medical school or in their residencies about dental diagnosis or treatment. |
| Dentist-Supervised versus over-the-counter tooth whitening (Part 1) |
| Tooth whitening can remove years of coffee, wine, soda and other unsightly stains quickly, safely, and with minimal discomfort. |
| Three keys to curing cancer |
 | Three common ways to treat oral and other cancers include, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy (drug therapy). In many cases, these methods are combined to get the most effective results. |
| Taking a team approach to dental care |
| This older population of patients is apt to have a greater amount of general health problems and may require the dentist to seek the input of the patient's family doctor or medical specialist. |
| Dentist on the lookout for skin cancer |
| One of the most noticeable conditions that a dentist can find is skin cancer, especially when it appears on the face. Dentists who see a suspicious bump on the skin should inform, and then refer their patient to a dermatologist as soon as possible. |
| Please fill out front and back of forms |
 | Why does the dentist need to know about your recent surgeries, medications, heart, and all of your personal medical information? He or she is just fixing your teeth, right? The answer is not as simple as you might think. |
| Crown adjustments cause concerns |
| Question: I recently had a crown (cap) placed and when the dentist was fitting it to my bite, he had to trim a little bit of the crown. Now there are two small spots where the underlying material shows through. He says that's not a problem, but I'm concerned that the porcelain may chip easier. It is on the biting surface. Also, what kind of metallic material is the crown made of? Is there any danger this being exposed in the mouth? |
| Answers to Common Dental Questions, Part 2 |
| One of the great things about doing an Internet chat is that you get questions that you might otherwise not receive. The Internet provides a layer of security and anonymity that makes it easier for people to open up and ask important, sincere questions. I'd like to share some more of these questions and my answers to them. |
| Getting a great smile ready for the wedding day |
| Everyone wants to look and feel their best on their wedding day, and having an attractive smile to greet friends and relatives and for pictures is a must. |
| Answers to Common Dental Questions, Part 1 |
| Question: What's up with these multiple varieties of toothpastes anyway? You've got your ?tarter control,' your extra whitening, your mint flavor gel, etc. How do I know which toothpaste to buy these days? Help! |
| Crowns and bridges should not come out (Part 3) |
| The properly done crown or bridge can easily last ten to twenty years if the patient sees his or her dentist twice a year and has good oral hygiene. |
| Advantages of an On-Site Dental Lab |
| Although most dentists send their lab work to a remote location, I believe that there are distinct advantages to having the dental lab |
| Cell phone civility |
| Although cell phones and pagers have improved communication in general, they can sometimes become a barrier when people are meeting face to face. |
| Tooth shaping and adjustments- safe and effective |
| Tooth shaping can shorten long teeth, round off pointed teeth, and help create a pleasing smile that gently follows the contour of the lower lip. |
| Thermaguard, a comfortable choice for bruxism |
| Patients should make every effort to reduce or eliminate stress, and a custom night-guard may be required to help alleviate facial discomfort. |
| Mouthguards protect athletes from dental problems |
| Dentist prescribed, custom-made mouthguards are essential for the prevention of painful and costly sports-related dental and facial injuries, as well as concussions. |
| The Gift of Oral Health for the Holidays |
| |
| Digesting the alphabet soup of dental insurance |
| Understanding the alphabet soup of dental insurance plans can be a difficult endeavor for most people. |
| Taking the pain out of dental fees |
| Most people have no idea that there is anything wrong until they have pain. A typical scenario is that a small painless cavity grows deeper into the tooth over months or years. |
| Tips for keeping teeth white |
| More advanced procedures, like resin bonding (white fillings), porcelain veneers, and all porcelain crowns can brighten a smile, while also repairing chips and imperfections, closing gaps, improving contours, and creating teeth that have more ideal size and shape. |
| Saving that old, loose dental bridge - and saving money! |
| The most common problem with an aging bridge occurs when cavities get underneath the crown margins or edges, weakening the teeth that anchor it. |
| Do I really need that dental work? |
| Question: I have not been to a dentist in about a year and a half since I recently moved to the area. My new dentist told me that I have seven cavities and need two crowns. I have no pain and everything feels great. I am reluctant to go back to him because I don't think I have any dental problems. What do you suggest? |
| When to see a dental specialist |
| What most people want to know is |
| Dental Injection and Burning Tongue |
| Question: I recently had dental treatment (a temporary crown) and during the injection, I felt an electric shock on the left side of my tongue. Over the past 5 weeks, I have had a burning sensation on that same side of my tongue, like it was scalded with hot water. The dentist has put my on different vitamins and minerals, but nothing has helped. What should I do? |
| Pros and Cons of treatment at a Dental School |
 | A simple filling that would take no longer than twenty minutes in a private practice can take several hours at a dental school. |
| Standing behind treatment- the |
| If repair or replacement is required before an acceptable period of time, the dentist should consider not charging the patient or charging a reduced fee. |
| How Cholesterol Works |
| It may surprise you to know that our bodies make all the cholesterol we need. When your doctor takes a blood test to measure your cholesterol level, the doctor is actually measuring the amount of circulating cholesterol in your blood, or your blood cholesterol level. |
| Cosmetic Dentistry may have originated two thousand years ago |
| Most people would probably agree that cosmetic dentistry is a relatively recent trend. Tooth whitening, white resin fillings, porcelain veneers, gum lifts, and other cosmetic dental procedures have only come into vogue over the last two decades. |
| How Cancer Works |
| What we think of as |
| How Tooth Whitening Works |
| >Dentist-supervised tooth whitening involves the controlled use of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, tailored to a particular patient. Dentists may administer in-office treatments or at-home treatments. Before the tooth whitening treatment, most dentists clean the teeth, fill any cavities, and make sure the patient's gums are healthy. |
| Smart Patient Magazine spotlights local doctors |
| In each Smart Patient Magazine, new procedures, current trends, and cutting-edge technologies are explained first-hand by the doctors who do them. |
| Being on call a growing experience Part 6 |
| Patients who come to the hospital with swelling from a dental abscess, teeth that have been loosened or knocked out, lacerated lips, broken jaws, and other serious oral problems will prompt a page to the dental resident from the attending physician in the emergency room. |
| Dentist as visiting anesthesiologist Part 5 |
| Working with the anesthesiologist, dental residents see how disease and its treatment impact patient care when anesthetic agents and surgery are involved. |
| Dental Residents meet Phobic, TMJ patients (Part 4) |
| Fortunately, The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York has a special clinic for the treatment of dental phobia. Here, dental residents learn to treat dental phobics with sophisticated methods of behavioral management. |
| The oral surgery rotation- toughest of them all (Part 3) |
| Dental and oral surgery residents also performed other advanced oral surgical procedures such as the removal of excess bone from the upper or lower jaws, taking tissue samples for biopsy, the wiring of broken jaws, and other procedures. |
| The Hospital Clinic where real learning begins Part 2 |
| At the hospital clinic, most dental residents treat at least ten patients a day, and the dental problems are often more advanced. |
| The Dental Resident's Digest (Part 1) |
| Unlike medical school, where graduates are generally required to take at least three years of residency prior to being able to practice, a dentist can begin treating patients directly out of dental school. |
| The dental clinic, a testing ground the last two years of dental school, Part 3 |
| The best way to explain how a very "green" dental student treats a patient would be both very slowly, and with a lot of supervision. |
| The Bonded Bridge-one nice way to improve your smile |
 | The bonded bridge has several benefits over conventional fixed bridgework (a series of joined caps or crowns). These benefits include reduced cost, less drilling or preparation of the teeth, and less time required to complete the treatment. |
| Get the "Inside Scoop" on dental school- Part 1 |
| In dental school, you have nine hours of lecture and/or lab five days a week, take about 100 credit hours per year, and have only a couple of weeks off in the summer. In college, many students take a part time job. In dental school, that is next to impossible. |
| Understanding and treating TMJ disorders |
| TMJ is the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, a small |
| Trigeminal Neuralgia doesn't show up on Dental X-rays |
| Question: I have been experiencing shooting pain on the right side of my mouth for several months. My dentist has examined the area and taken x-rays, but cannot find any problems. I got a second opinion, with the same results. Do you have any suggestions? |
| Small adjustments, big improvement |
| It is good to remember that when a tooth is numb, it may be hard for a person to judge whether their |
| Relief from those pesky canker sores |
 | Canker sores usually occur in clusters of less than six, and tend to recur periodically in response to stress, during the menstrual cycle and hormonal changes, and from food allergies and dietary deficiencies (especially iron and vitamin B12). |
| General Anesthesia has Dental Roots |
| Dr. William Morton, a Massachusetts dentist, was looking for a way to painlessly extract teeth. As a dentist practicing in the 1840's, there was no local or general anesthesia available to make removing teeth tolerable. |
| Dentists not more likely to commit suicide |
| You may be surprised to learn that there is little evidence that dentists are more prone to stress-related suicides than the general population, according to an article in the June 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). |
| Cosmetic Dentistry on a "shoe-string" |
| The reality is that many patients do not want to spend thousands of dollars for a cosmetic procedure. So, what can the rest of us do who want to improve our smiles without breaking the bank? |
| Dental residency should be mandatory for all states |
| Recently, New York has become the first state to drop the clinical board examination in favor of mandating a one year residency for all prospective dentists. This move is wise and long overdue. |
| Back to school dental tips |
| Although cavities have been on the decline in recent years due to water fluoridation in many communities, tooth decay is still a common problem for many of our children and adults as well. |
| YouTube, blogs can help ease dental fear |
| In addition to websites that offer reliable information, two relatively new sources, YouTube and blogs can also be helpful for the fearful patient. |
| Palatal Expander essential for some children |
| Although braces are usually performed on most children at ages 12 to 13 or older, the palatal expander is often used on children as young as eight, before the upper jaw rigidly attaches to the rest of the skull. |
| Air abrasion, great for kids of all ages afraid of the needle |
| Fortunately, times have changed, and for the better. Thanks to advances in dental technology, a new device called air abrasion has been created. With air abrasion you do away with several things at once: First, you eliminate the needle, then the dental drill, and finally the annoying build-up of water during treatment. |
| Antibiotics not needed for mitral valve prolapse, most heart conditions, prior to dental treatment |
| Recently, a study published in Circulation, the Journal of the American Heart Association has again changed the recommendations for who requires antibiotics prior to certain dental procedures. These recommendations greatly reduce the amount of people that require antibiotics prior to some dental procedures, and represent a major change from the guidelines last updated in 1997. |
| Dental Clearance needed for Joint Replacements |
| People who are scheduled for total joint replacement are required to get a dental clearance prior to their surgery. The reason is that any untreated dental infection arising from the teeth or gums can cause bacteria to lodge in the newly placed artificial joint, compromising the healing and successful outcome of the operation. |
| Problems with replacing silver fillings |
 | When a filling is replaced, the new filling is often deeper and larger than the old one, and frequently closer to the nerve contained within the pulp of the tooth. |
| Five Step Program for getting all your dental work done |
| In my experience, most patients want their large dental treatment done as quickly and painlessly as possible. |
| Gum disease potential x-factor for pancreatic cancer? |
| After adjusting for age, smoking history, diabetes, obesity, diet and other variables, the researchers found that men with a history of periodontal disease had a 63 percent increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. |
| Cosmetic Dentistry, implants herald new era in dentistry (Part 2) |
| Dental implants and cosmetic dentistry provide two of the most valuable and exciting treatment options for today's dental patients. |
| Dental Tips for Frequent Travelers |
 | In most cases, people who require a large amount of treatment like a bridge or porcelain veneers should have their treatment completed before or after a planned trip. A different dentist not familiar with you or your dental situation may not be best suited to help you if a problem occurs when you are far from home. |
| Dental treatment in an |
| Unfortunately, this is not an ideal world, and even a very good dentist and their patient can experience problems after dental care. |
| Prevention's fluoride article slanted and flawed |
| The article, "The Danger in Your Water" tries to undermine the stellar, 60 year track record of community water fluoridation. In fact, water fluoridation was heralded by the CDC in 1999 as "one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century". |
| Fosamax scare over jaw damage overblown |
| Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious condition. Patients will typically feel jaw pain, swelling, teeth movement or loosening, draining of infected gum tissue, numbness and/or exposed bone. |
| Arestin, a great new drug to fight gum disease |
| Unlike systemic antibiotics, Arestin, a minocycline powder, is delivered locally and painlessly into the gum, greatly reducing the potential side effects of antibiotic use. |
| How the B Vitamins Work |
| Vitamin B is actually a group of eight individual vitamins, often referred to as "B complex vitamins". We will take a look at how the B vitamins work so you can begin to understand why Kellogg's and your mother made sure you include these vitamins that are essential for a healthy diet. |
| How Vitamin C Works |
| Championed by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling, Ph.D., and advocated by many nutrition buffs, vitamin C is indeed a fascinating and important nutrient (or micro nutrient) necessary for human life. |
| How a Diagnosis Works |
| One of the most prominent and influential of the ancient physicians was Hippocrates. His systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients nearly twenty-five centuries ago, helped to set the foundation for how doctors approach their patients today. |
| Gum-lifts and Bonded Bridges help lead the way to an attractive smile |
| A bonded-bridge can replace a missing tooth in far less time and for less money than a porcelain bridge or an implant. |
| Dramatic enhancements with advanced dental and plastic procedures, Part 2 |
| Porcelain veneers or crowns can significantly change a person's smile and help improve their self-confidence. They can be used to improve a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems. |
| Dentistry and Plastic Surgery: small procedures get large results, Part 1 |
| Fortunately, modern dentistry and plastic surgery can literally reverse these tell-tail signs of facial aging with a surprising variety of treatment options. |
| Three Cosmetic Dental Procedures that won't cost a Bundle |
| Cosmetic dentistry is a becoming an area of growing interest for many consumers in recent years. In fact, last year, consumers spent over one billion dollars on tooth whitening products and services alone. |
| Quackwatch website helps consumers make informed decisions |
| Despite the advanced state of medical science, many people with health problems turn to dubious methods. Faced with the prospect of chronic suffering, deformity, or death, many individuals are tempted to try anything that offers relief or hope. |
| Men's Health magazine highlights dental fear |
| Recently, Jenna Bergen, writing for the March issue of Men's Health magazine interviewed me about how to help dental patients get over their fear of the dentist. Regrettably, I've had a lot of practice answering these questions from new patients in my office and emails I receive almost every day. |
| Mercury free and healthy? |
| Reading this information, anyone would be crazy to have an amalgam filling put in their mouth. The only problem is that none of these supposed harmful effects are true. The last line in the quote is the giveaway that what you are reading is both unproven and junk science. |
| Root Canal Misinformation Abundant on the Web |
 | Most of the misinformation concerning root canal comes from the ?research? of a dentist named Dr. Weston A. Price and the debunked focal infection theory. |
| Ten things every dental patient should know |
| See your dentist at least twice a year, more if you have been diagnosed with gum disease. Many dental problems, like small cavities and gum disease, are painless. Missing dental appointments increase the likelihood of needing a root canal, crown, or gum treatment. |
| Root Canal Demonstration draws interest and skepticism |
| It has been my experience that clinical videos, in good taste, can help some people overcome their fear of the dentist and dental procedures. Not everyone agrees. Some people do not want to know anything about what their dentist is doing, as long as they are not experiencing any discomfort. |
| Smokeless Tobacco: an unsafe alternative |
| Smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco (either shredded, or in plugs or twists) and snuff (finely ground processed tobacco) are not safe alternatives to cigarette smoking. Smokeless tobacco, often romanticized in old western movies and seen being used by baseball players, is a highly addictive form of tobacco. Smokeless tobacco can cause cancer, damage teeth and gums, and have a negative social impact. In fact, homerun king Mark McGwire, whose father is a dentist, is an ardent spokesman against smokeless tobacco. McGwire has raised awareness about the dangerous habit, and is a positive role model for all athletes who are, or are considering using smokeless tobacco. |
| Prenatal Fluoride may protect kids from cavities |
| Question: My gynecologist recently prescribed prenatal vitamins for me to take throughout my pregnancy. Do you recommend taking a fluoride supplement as well? |
| Is Dental Water Dangerous? |
| The question most people want answered is, |
| Illegal drugs present dental health hazzards |
| Question: My 17-year-old son has recently come out of a drug rehabilitation center for abuse of heroin and cocaine. He has not been to the dentist in about two years. His teeth seem discolored and his gums red and puffy, what do you recommend? |
| Gatorade, KMX damages teeth more than Coke, says study |
 | Beverages such as KMX energy drink, Snapple Lemonade, Red Bull, and Gatorade caused the most erosion, while Coca-cola, black tea, and black coffee caused the least erosion. The study has several limitations, and can be easily misinterpreted. |
| Chewing Gum, one easy way to help prevent cavities |
| Chewing gum is often considered particularly harmful because many brands contain sugar, and can stick to dental fillings, caps or crowns, and other dental work, loosening them. This is not true of all brands, however. In fact, non-stick, sugarless chewing gum is actually beneficial |
| Vitamin C prevents scurvy- take in moderation |
| Some people believe that because vitamin C is water-soluble, it is safe to take in high doses. Unfortunately, high doses of vitamin C can cause a number of serious health consequences. |
| Bottled water does not protect you against cavities |
| Bottled water has come into vogue in recent years largely due to concerns about the purity and taste of tap water. |
| Tongue piercing problems related to time and design |
| Tongue piercing can also interfere with speaking or swallowing, and dental problems created by the piercing will require treatment. |
| Atkins diet has hidden dental benefit |
| The Atkins diet is very low in carbohydrates, so many of the foods and beverages that promote tooth decay are not permitted. |
| Helpful hints halt classroom cavities |
| The soda has a low PH and makes the mouth acidic, and the sugar content promotes tooth decay when it comes into contact with bacteria in the mouth. In fact, there has been quite a bit of controversy over the fact that some of the major soda companies have contracted for the placement of their soda machines in a number of schools. |
| Preventive dental care helps people and their furry friends |
 | Once your pet displays one or more of the following warning signs, serious gum disease may be present. These signs include bad breath, usually noted first, followed by yellow-brown crust on the teeth, bleeding gums, change of chewing habits, and then going to the food bowl and not eating or even dropping food out of the mouth. |
| Illicit drugs and dental dangers |
 | Massive destruction of the teeth can occur due in part to the highly acidic nature of the drug, as well as the increase craving for soda and sweets. |
| How Cosmetic Dentistry Works |
| Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of treatment options for people seeking to enhance their smile. The options range from porcelain veneers to braces! In many cases, a combination of these techniques is required to deliver the best results. |
| The value of a smile |
| Having a good smile can be a great asset in life. Business and social situations are often enhanced by a confident attitude, which includes an appealing smile. |
| Tooth whitening may promote dental health awareness |
| I have also discovered that people who have enhanced their smile with dentist-supervised tooth whitening programs can become more motivated in their attitudes towards maintaining dental health. |
| Is a teeth-whitening salon coming to a town near you? |
| We have designer hair salons, tanning salons, and Starbucks has even created a designer coffee |
| Resin bonding, a fast way to close gaps between teeth |
| Resin fillings, also referred to as composite, white fillings or bonding, can make a substantial improvement in the appearance of the teeth in a short period of time. In most cases, I can close a gap between two teeth in less than half an hour, and at a far less fee than either braces or porcelain veneers. |
| Porcelain Veneers Best for Keeping Teeth White |
| She said that she had already had tooth whitening performed by her previous dentist, and wanted her teeth to stay white longer. I then suggested that she consider porcelain veneers because they can provide a more permanent change in the color of her teeth. |
| Porcelain Veneers Create Dramatic |
| Veneers are what give many Hollywood movie stars that dazzling smile we see on the silver screen. |
| Cavity treatment in a nutshell |
 | The goal of treating cavities involves two basic principals: removing the decayed and damaged portion of the tooth, and rebuilding the missing tooth structure with a filling material |
| Cavities, they've plagued mankind for thousands of years |
| As "sugary foods" (candy, sugar frosted breakfast cereals, ice cream, soda, Kool-aid, etc.) and other carbohydrates are eaten, the PH drops. At a PH of 5.2 to 5.5 or below, the acid begins to dissolve the hard enamel that forms the outer coating of our teeth. |
| Air Abrasion: Patient friendly technology for painless fillings |
| Although the concept of air abrasion originated decades ago, only recently has advances in technology and modern dental filling materials sparked new interest in the method. |
| A smile literally as good as gold |
| Question 1: Why will some dentists cover a perfectly good tooth with gold? This is most noticeable on the front teeth, and usually pertains to African Americans. I'm sure you have seen some cases where not only one tooth, but several are covered with gold. Can this process be reversed with success, or is it permanent? In addition, this must be extremely expensive. Why would a dentist perform such a procedure to a perfectly normal tooth? |
| A simple filling can offer a few surprises (Part 2) |
 | After the decay is removed, and the filling is placed, several problems can occur. If the filling is too large, it can make the remaining tooth and filling susceptible to fracture. |
| A cavity vaccine may be on the horizon |
| Cavities have plagued mankind for ages, and now, new hope exists for a vaccine to prevent them. Several months ago, British scientists published a study (May, Nature Medicine) describing a new vaccine that they herald as a safe, effective and painless way to prevent dental cavities. |
| Beware of Sticky Halloween and Christmas Candy |
 | If you can avoid sugary foods you should, but if you can't, just make sure you brush your teeth right afterwards |
| Soda sugar and acid increase cavities |
| The soda has a low PH and makes the mouth acidic, and the sugar content promotes tooth decay when it comes into contact with bacteria in the mouth |
| Amalgam fillings: fact versus fiction |
| Amalgam fillings are frequently replaced to improve the appearance of the teeth. Patients should be informed that there is always an element of risk when a filling is taken out, because more advanced procedures for the tooth may be needed. |
| Dental Insurance pays less for white fillings |
| If you have dental insurance, you should be aware that your insurance company may not pay as much for white fillings as they will for silver fillings. This is especially true for teeth treated in the back of the mouth, namely the molar and premolar teeth. |
| Tongue piercing and today's teens |
| Body piercing, an element of so-called body art, has grown immensely over the last several years. This trend, seen mainly in adolescents and young adults, involves piercing of the tongue, lips, cheeks, nose, eyebrow, and the erogenous zones. Glorified in movies such as Pulp Fiction, and considered |
| The Vital Role of Fluoride in Dental Health |
| Comment: I am a practicing dentist in Bucks County who reads your articles sometimes I disagree with you, sometimes I think you are right on the money. But to say seniors should use fluoridated water to prevent cavities is DEAD wrong. You (and all first year dental students) know that (fluoride) is only good (at tap water concentrations) for developing teeth in kids. Fluoride tablets or drops will do nothing systemically for adults. Reaction: When I received this letter, I was disappointed by both the provocative tone and the erroneous content it contained. I decided that it was time to set the record straight about how fluoride fights tooth decay. |
| Cigarette Smoking: A factor in many oral health problems |
 | Smoking is associated with an increase in oral cancer, cavities, gum disease, and may also increase the likelihood of having a child with cleft lip or palate. |
| Brushing before you eat - it might be a good idea |
| Although that is still good advice, some research suggests that brushing your teeth before you eat may be more important than brushing after. |
| Bad breath; An age-old problem with some modern solutions |
| The problem of bad breath has been around for thousands of years. It was written about in the Jewish Talmud, ancient Greek and Roman literature, and as early as 850 AD, Islamic literature offered some explanation for the origin of the teeth as well as |
| Good bacteria may lead to fresh breath |
| Dental problems including broken teeth that trap food, infected teeth that abscess, and untreated periodontal (gum) disease are the most likely causes of bad breath. |
| The Gentle Hygienist- keeps you coming back |
| Just as it is vital for the dentist to provide treatment in as painless a manner as possible, it is equally important for the hygienist. In fact, people in good dental health may actually have more treatment provided by their dentist's hygienist than the dentist himself. |
| What's the Deal with Dental Unit Waterlines? |
| Dental unit waterlines supply the water used during dental treatment. The water is used most often in high-speed drills, the air-water syringe, and the cavitron (cleans teeth and gums). |
| Vitamin C, vital to health, can keep you |
| Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is probably one of the most highly publicized, yet least understood of all of the vitamins. |
| The B-complex vitamins, essential for oral health |
| A little known consequence of certain vitamin deficiencies is a number of conditions that can affect the mouth. One of the vitamins that are essential for oral health is vitamin B, or more specifically, the B-complex vitamins. |
| Obesity: a new risk factor for gum disease? |
| "Young adults (age 18-34) considered obese by BMI and WC were 74% more likely to have gum disease than those who were of normal weight." |
| Gum disease, tooth loss, heart disease linked in new study |
 | People who had gum disease, 17 or fewer teeth, and no teeth at all had a significantly higher incidence of coronary heart disease. |
| Cranberry juice may help prevent cavities and gum disease |
| Dr. Koo found that two daily doses of 25% cranberry juice inhibited bacteria from binding and accumulating on an artificial tooth surface by 67 to 85 percent. |
| Blue light may keep gums healthy |
| The researchers found that 500 to 600 of the roughly 700 or so bacteria in the mouth were rapidly killed by the light. |
| How Cavities & Fillings Work |
| This may sound a bit surprising to most people, but the large majority of cavities are completely painless. This is because the outer enamel has no nerves. It is only when the cavity enters the underlying dentin that the cavity may begin to feel sensitive. |
| Venus helps create beautiful smiles |
| Many of these products come out with a |
| What material is best for my teeth? |
| Another procedure that has generated some interest recently is the use of a person's own tooth as a kind of "natural" implant. |
| Ways to bulletproof yourself against cavities |
| Another way to reduce the incidence of cavities is to use a toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. Fluoride is a compound that is added to most tap water supplies, toothpastes, and mouth rinses to reduce cavities. |
| Senior's getting more cavities than kids! |
 | It may surprise you to know that in some recent studies, another group of people, senior citizens, have a much higher rate of cavities than children. |
| How to Prevent Baby Bottle Cavities |
 | Your one-and-a-half year-old can't tell you what's wrong yet, but recently he has started crying during meals and pointing to his front teeth. He has trouble falling asleep, and wakes up crying, touching his teeth. |
| The relationship between pregnancy and cavities |
| A young woman will come into the office after a recent pregnancy with several cavities and explain to me that all the calcium from her teeth was used for the baby's milk. |
| Politician touts junk science to fuel amalgam fears |
| The reason that the mercury in amalgam fillings is harmless is because it is chemically bound to the other metals it contains. |
| Mercury fillings- a factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease? |
| Although Alzheimer's generally strikes people over 65 years of age, it is not a normal part of the aging process. A recent study has put to rest concern that dental amalgam may be a risk factor in developing the disorder. |
| How Dental School Works |
 | How Dental School Works |
| Medication Checklist for Dental Patients |
 | Medication Checklist for Dental Patients |
| Dental X-rays Safe and Essential: New Study Highly Flawed |
| Dental X-rays Safe and Essential: New Study Highly Flawed |
| Mercury and pregnancy, a dangerous combination? |
| Question: I've heard that the mercury in dental fillings could be harmful for me because I am pregnant. My dentist is planning to do two fillings next week, is there any danger? |
| Less Drilling can be Better Dentistry |
| From the patient's perspective, there is less drilling, which can translate into less potential discomfort during and after the procedure. |
| Gold Crowns, a Lost Art |
| All gold crowns are durable, adapt tightly to the tooth, are very well tolerated by the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth, and do not tend to wear the tooth they bite against to any noticeable degree. |
| Filling a deep cavity, it's a catch-22 |
| If a deep cavity is filled, and there is no visible evidence that the pulp has been infected, the tooth might still need root canal days, weeks, months, or even years later. |
| Getting the dentistry done, ASAP |
| Fortunately, patients that cannot schedule or tolerate multiple visits can have most if not all of their treatment completed in one, two or three visits. |
| Decoding Dental Jargon |
| You might be thinking that your dentist is looking at a bowl of alphabet soup instead of your mouth, but he or she is actually using a form of dental shorthand. . |
| How Gum Disease Causes Bone and Tooth Loss |
 | Gum disease causes bone loss because these harmful bacteria in our mouths force our bodies to defend against them. |
| Minnesota Hygienists May Soon Pull Teeth |
 | Minnesota may be the first state to allow dental hygienists to pull teeth, begin the process of root canal, and drill and fill teeth. |
| Get the scoop on treatment for gum disease |
 | The main ways to treat gum disease is with deep cleaning under the gums, gum surgery, bone grafts, and antibiotics. |
| FDA Consumer Magazine Spotlights Gum Disease |
| The emergence of drug resistant bacteria, side effects, and potentially dangerous allergic reactions are all reasons for dentists to be very prudent in the administration of antibiotics. |
| Two substitute drugs can help prevent enlarged gums |
| There are three classes of medications that can cause enlarged gums, namely, the anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers. |
| Dental Splinting to Save Loose Teeth |
| In some cases, loose teeth are good candidates for a procedure known as |
| Bad Gums? Check your Calcium |
| Calcium intake is well known for its ability to help prevent the damaging effects of osteoporosis, but may also help limit bone loss around the tooth roots caused by periodontal (gum) disease. |
| Glitches and Gum Disease |
| A good way to gauge whether the dentist or hygienist is gentle is at a semi-annual cleaning. If the cleaning is comfortable, chances are that the scaling and root planing will be as well. |
| How Root Canals Work |
| Sometimes the pulp becomes infected. When this happens, it must be removed with root canal therapy. A root canal is the only way to save the tooth. A mature tooth can survive very well without the pulp. |
| Simple procedure can replace missing teeth |
| The three most common ways a dentist can replace one or more missing teeth are a permanent bridge (a series of joined caps), an implant(s), or a removable partial denture. |
| Be wary of Dental Vacations |
| A new trend may be emerging where some people are willing to travel to foreign countries to get low cost dental care. |
| Optimal dental health critical for athletes in Beijing |
| With the Olympics just completed, it is critical that athletes are in optimal dental health for both training and competition. |
| Curbing dental costs today and tomorrow |
| Most people know that dental care can be expensive, especially for those who have avoided seeing a dentist for several years. Increased cost of dental education, office overhead, including staff salaries, supplies, laboratory fees, rent, utilities, maintenance and many other factors all contribute to the cost of dental treatment. |
| Retired NFL Player's Dental Program |
| Over the last year, I have created a dental benefit program for retired NFL players. I came up with the idea after a meeting with Ron Davis at the Bensalem Rotary Club. |
| Pain control primary goal during dental treatment |
| Dentists have many ways of reducing discomfort during dental treatment. The first step dentists take is to evaluate the treatment required to decide if anesthesia, given as an injection, is needed. There are many dental procedures that can be done comfortably without anesthesia, using modern dental technology. |
| The many causes of sensitive teeth |
| Concerns about sensitive teeth are one of the most common things that a dentist hears when a patient comes in for an appointment. Unfortunately, there are many different causes for sensitive teeth and the treatment options are also varied. |
| New Year's Resolutions - Dental Style |
| One important resolution to consider is to improve your dental health in the New Year. Here's how: See your dentist at least twice a year, more if you have been diagnosed with gum disease. |
| New York residents prevent fluoridation of their water |
| In Corning, New York a ballot measure to prohibit the city council from enacting legislation to fluoridate the water supply won by only nine votes, 1,395-1,386. |
| Stress during root canal may increase catching a cold |
 | Most people have heard that stress can have a negative effect on a person's health and overall well-being. So it is not surprising that one study has shown that dental patients who have had root canal were at an increase risk for illnesses like the common cold. |
| BCHIP dental program helps uninsured children |
| The cost of dental care can be barrier for low-income, uninsured children. Fortunately, there are programs and individuals that can help these children receive the dental treatment that they need. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis suffers may be at risk for gum disease |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease that affects more than one million Americans. RA is a chronic condition that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling that can be permanent and debilitating. |
| Tooth Whitening "Shop" Raises Concerns |
 | Tooth Whitening "Shop" Raises Concerns |
| New Study Links Osteoporosis and Tooth Loss |
| New Study Links Osteoporosis and Tooth Loss |
| Understanding Dental Fears |
| Does the sound of the dentist's drill make you cringe? Does the sight of the needle make you scared and nervous? If so, you're not alone. |
| Dental Assistants May Have New Role |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA) are dental assistants that have additional training and are able to do everything that the usual dental assistant can, but also fill teeth after the dentist has prepared them. |
| Single Visit Veneers Great for Improving Your Smile |
 | Single visit veneers great for improving your smile |
| Dental Treatment is the Patient's Choice |
| Dental Treatment is the Patient's Choice |
| American Dental Association out to stop Tooth Whitening |
| American Dental Association out to stop Tooth Whitening |
| Gum Disease Linked to Stillborn Baby |
| Gum Disease Linked to Stillborn Baby |
| Scared Parents Make Their Kids Afraid of the Dentist |
| Scared parents make their kids afraid of the dentist |
| Cuts in Health Bill Could Reduce Dental Benefits for Seniors |
| Cuts in Health Bill Could Reduce Dental Benefits for Seniors |
| Sipping Wine Can Damage Your Teeth |
| Sipping Wine Can Damage Your Teeth |
| Simple, Affordable Way to Replace a Missing Tooth |
 | Simple, Affordable Way to Replace a Missing Tooth |
| Dental Care During Pregnancy Essential |
| Dental Care During Pregnancy Essential |
| Dentists Should Prescribe Pain Medication with Caution |
| Dentists Should Prescribe Pain Medication with Caution |
| Plenty of Dental Procedures Do Not Require a Needle |
| Plenty of Dental Procedures Do Not Require a Needle |
| Dental Amalgam Under Assault in California Again |
| Dental Amalgam Under Assault in California Again |
| Kellogg foundation to Fund Controversial Dental Therapist Project |
| Kellogg foundation to Fund Controversial Dental Therapist Project |
| Another Ten Things Every Dental Patient Should Know |
| Another Ten Things Every Dental Patient Should Know |
| Dental Fear Still an Obstacle for Many Patients |
| Dental Fear Still an Obstacle for Many Patients |
| Black Tea May Have Too Much Fluoride |
| Black Tea May Have Too Much Fluoride |
| The International Organization for Dental Phobia Treatment (IODPT |
| The International Organization for Dental Phobia Treatment (IODPT |
| Need for Antibiotics Up to Dentist and Orthopedic Surgeon |
| Need for Antibiotics Up to Dentist and Orthopedic Surgeon |
| Dr. Oz's Sharecare Website Helps Inform Consumers |
| Dr. Oz's Sharecare Website Helps Inform Consumers |
| More Answers to Common Dental Questions |
| More Answers to Common Dental Questions |
| Dental Treatment Okay During Pregnancy |
| Dental Treatment Okay During Pregnancy |
| Buffers Take The "Sting" Out of Dental Injections |
| Buffers Take The "Sting" Out of Dental Injections |
| Maryland Teen's Death Raises Questions About Wisdom Tooth Removal |
 | As published in the Bucks County Courier Times on Wednesday, January 18th. |
| Good Dental Health Vital for Athletes |
![]() | Good dental health vital for athletes |
| Exercise Clothing and Caution at the Dental Office |
![]() | Exercise Clothing and Caution at the Dental Office |
| New Study on Dental X-ray Brain Tumor Risk Not Reliable |
![]() | New Study on Dental X-ray Brain Tumor Risk Not Reliable |
| Prevention and treatment of post-concussion syndrome |
![]() | Prevention and treatment of post-concussion syndrome |
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| Results: 332 |
