Even though great strides have been made in preventing and treating tooth decay and gum disease, it is estimated that more than 35 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 178 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. “Edentulism,” which is the term used to describe the loss of
read moreIf your front teeth are severely discolored, misshapen, chipped, cracked, or otherwise imperfect, you may be interested to know that their appearance can be dramatically improved with the application of “porcelain veneers.” These ultra-thin porcelain shells are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations that require a more conservative approach to changing a tooth’s
read moreOlder patients have more to gain by visiting the dentist for regular checkups than simply maintaining healthy teeth and gums. As researchers continue to explore the notion that oral health and many diseases may share a common inflammatory pathway, new evidence has emerged that links oral health with cognitive well-being. While this research is in
read moreSaliva not only moistens and cleanses the mouth, but it also aids in digestion, controls bacteria, and facilitates enamel remineralization. It does so by neutralizing the acid in plaque and removing germs and food residue, thereby significantly reducing the risk of cavities and providing a mineral barrier that protects tooth surfaces. Thus, it is very
read moreOne of the finer points of a root canal procedure involves protecting patients from bacterial infection with the use of a “dental dam.” This involves placing a soft latex or silicone shield over the patient’s teeth and holding it in place with a clamp so that only the affected tooth pokes through an opening in
read moreAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. Unfortunately, because the 5-year survival rate of these cancers is about 50%, there are also 8,000 deaths attributed to oral cancer each year. However, recent research shows that such cruciferous vegetables as broccoli, cabbage, and garden
read moreWhen purchasing a toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles that have rounded ends. Hard bristles can wear away enamel, as can a “death grip” on your toothbrush that leads you to exert too much pressure on tooth enamel, which abrades teeth. With this in mind, use a light touch when brushing. If the bristles become
read moreAn American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey indicates that 99.7% of adults believe that a smile is an important social asset, which helps explain why tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Professional tooth whitening is particularly effective because dentists are permitted to use hydrogen peroxide at the 6% legal limit.
read moreIf you ever have received a prosthetic joint implant, you may be aware that implant patients have been advised to take antibiotics prior to undergoing a dental procedure. This recommendation has been made to prevent “bacterial endocarditis,” a life-threatening heart infection. The antibiotics prevent bacteria from being released into the bloodstream during a dental procedure
read moreIf you are concerned about exposure to radiation from dental x-rays, you should know that a routine exam, which includes four bitewing x-rays, is equivalent to less than one day of natural background radiation or a short plane trip (1-2 hours). By properly shielding patients’ bodies while taking x-rays, the radiation exposure is even lower.
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