I’m almost positive that you’re going to learn something today. I was flipping through The Atlantic’s website when I came across this article from March 2017. It’s an interview with Mary Otto, the author of “Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health In America” and she has a lot of really good information to share.
For example, do you know why dentists aren’t doctors? I do. And so does Mary. She also makes some really good points, like why is it that dentists aren’t treated as medical specialists? I mean, you’d not go to some guy in an unaffiliated office where your records couldn’t or wouldn’t be shared if your liver was going sideways. You’d go to a hepatologist. Your mouth influences the rest of your body as much as your liver does. I’m pretty sure we’ve blogged about that before.
Something that most people won’t tell you is that the first dental college in the US was started by two self-taught dentists, back in an age when you could teach yourself dentistry and no one would call the police. They initially wanted to open a department at the University of Maryland in Baltimore back in the 1840s. When the physicians ran them out on a rail, they threw their hands up and said, “Fine, then. We’ll start our own dental school!”
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Dental Fear | General Dentistry
Have you ever walked into a place and immediately knew you should get. out. now? Although it’s not common, there are still some dentists out there that are best to be sidestepped whenever possible. It’s not just about the drilling and the filling, it’s the general attitude and atmosphere. After all, you deserve a good dental experience, not one that’s going to leave you wondering if the receptionist hates your guts or if the hygienist was really all that hygienic.
I found this article that includes a lot of good tips to help you figure out if that nagging feeling is just dental anxiety or if there’s really something to your concern about a new dentist. Sometimes it’s not just you, it’s the facility. Just like in any profession, there are going to be a few dentists you’re best to avoid. I have more on this on the blog today.
Do you snore, toss and turn all night or wake up several times a night? An estimated 18 to 20 million American adults had the same problems before they were diagnosed with sleep apnea by a sleep specialist. The primary treatment for this condition is continuous positive air pressure therapy (you know, getting a CPAP machine), but this therapy can be hard to get just right.
A lot of people don’t know it, but I can help with your sleep apnea, too! A lot of CPAP patients with mild to moderate apnea find that they can’t really tolerate the machine, so they come to visit their friendly neighborhood dentist for help. We don’t do CPAP, but we have something just as good that can reduce or eliminate your need for sleeping in a space mask every night…
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Brushing | Flossing | Oral Health
I’m often asked about the different high tech tools that are out there. “Hey, Doc, what’s up with the water flosser? Can I do that and stop brushing?” or “Can I avoid cleanings if I get an electric toothbrush?” Everybody wants to simplify their lives, you know. The fewer tools, the fewer steps to good dental hygiene, the better. It’s natural and it makes perfect sense, so don’t take this as me putting anyone down.
When I was out cruising the ‘net the other day, I came across this piece on Bellatory, by a fellow oral hygiene fanatic. He did a great job of breaking down the basics of these tools and how they work, as well as which tools they can displace from your bathroom shelf.
You may be surprised at what you learn.
You probably know that part of what we do in my office is considered “cosmetic dentistry.” This means that we basically work really hard to make sure you have the best smile anywhere, but there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we don’t always show off. That’s why when I saw this great description of cosmetic dentistry, I thought you’d get some mileage out of it.
Just like starting Kindergarten, sprouting body hair and learning to drive, growing new teeth represents major milestones for your kids! We take care of a lot of children of various ages in the office and parents often ask if we think their teeth are growing in at a normal rate. When I came across this really informative page put together by the American Dental Association, I was thrilled. Now all of you worried parents can be assured that your child is developing normally.
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Unless you’ve been camping under a rock somewhere, you’ll recognize the word “fluoride,” and probably have some kind of opinion on the subject of fluorination. As a dentist, I am, of course, in huge favor of fluorination for public water supplies. That’s my bias right there. Even though I’m inclined to support fluorination for all, I also think it’s important to continue to study the effects of this mineral over the long run. New evidence, maybe a new opinion?
Anyway, I was thinking about fluoride the other day, so I went looking for some information I could share with you all on the subject. There’s a lot to learn about the magical stuff that we dentists love for its ability to prevent tooth decay.
Like all sorts of licensed professionals, being a dentist comes with a set (or series!) of letters tailing the doctor’s name. Every dentist has them, but have you ever wondered what they actually mean? And is there a difference between a DDS and a DMD? Should you be changing dentists to get a better experience?
So many questions! That’s why we’re addressing dental initials today on the blog.
Brushing | Oral Health | Toothpaste
You know, as a dentist, I spend a lot of time trying to convince people that they need to brush more often and do a better job when they do. Inevitably, I hear all sorts of excuses, from lack of time to sensitive teeth and — not surprisingly — that patients don’t like the flavor of toothpaste.
I admit that basic mint toothpaste can taste pretty awful, depending on the brand, but with online shopping, you have options. So many options. For example, you could start brushing with cupcake flavored toothpaste or even chocolate. You might as well brush with cake frosting!
THIS IS GAME CHANGING STUFF, PEOPLE!
Brushing | Oral Health | Toothpaste
We talk about a lot of heavy stuff on Facebook and the blog, so today I thought I’d find something a little more down to earth and maybe even useful for you guys. As it turns out, toothpaste is kind of a miracle cure for everything from scrubbing the face of diamonds to sticking posters on the wall (I did not know that was possible!).
