Recommended Dental Products
For my daily preventive care, I use three dental products that I believe are very effective and efficient. Sonicare electric toothbrushes These clean by vibrating back and forth thousands of times per minute across the tooth surfaces. Cleaning is done by moving from side to side in quadrants. I have found that about ten seconds per quadrant is sufficient, but the instructions recommend more time. It takes some practice to maneuver the brush properly. Many people will find that the device “tickles” the gums in an unpleasant way, but with continued use, this goes away. Dozens of models are available with a big price range. I use and recommend the Philips Sonicare Advance 4100 Sonic Power model shown to the right. The devices are rechargeable. …
Continue Reading >How to Choose a Dentist
Dentists are licensed practitioners who hold either a doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) degree or the equivalent doctor of dental medicine (D.M.D.) degree. Becoming a dentist requires a minimum of two years of predental college work followed by four years of dental school. However, almost all students entering dental school have a baccalaureate degree. The first two years of dental school consist largely of basic and preclinical sciences. The last two years are spent primarily in dental practice under faculty supervision. State licensure is then acquired by passing national and state board examinations. Dentists who wish to specialize spend two or more years in advanced training. To become board-certified they must then pass an examination administered by a specialty board recognized by the American Dental …
Continue Reading >How Dental Restoration Materials Compare
Dental restorations can be classified into two types. Direct restorations are done by inserting filling material directly into the tooth. Indirect restorations are fabricated outside of the mouth. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the development of aesthetic materials made of ceramic and plastic. These mimic the appearance of natural teeth and are more aesthetically pleasing where they will be visible. But the strength and durability of traditional materials still make them useful, particularly in the back of the mouth where they must withstand the extreme forces that result from chewing. The traditional materials include gold, base metal alloys, and dental amalgam. Amalgam, produced by mixing mercury and other metals, is still the most commonly used filling material. Some people have …
Continue Reading >Fighting Gum Disease: How to Keep Your Teeth
More than 75% of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease. In its earliest stage, your gums might swell and bleed easily. At its worst, you might lose your teeth. The bottom line? If you want to keep your teeth, you must take care of your gums. The mouth is a busy place, with millions of bacteria constantly on the move. While some bacteria are harmless, others can attack the teeth and gums. Harmful bacteria are contained in a colorless sticky film called plaque, the cause of gum disease. If not removed, plaque builds up on the teeth and ultimately irritates the gums and causes bleeding. Left unchecked, bone and connective tissue are destroyed, and teeth often become loose and may have to …
Continue Reading >Questions and Answers about Dental Sealants
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants are put on in dentists’ offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth. How are sealants put on? 1. The tooth is cleaned. 2. The tooth is dried, and cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry. 3. A solution is put on the tooth that makes the surface a little rough. (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough surface.) 4. The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then new cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry. 5. …
Continue Reading >Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth
No matter what your age, you need to take care of your teeth and mouth. When your mouth is healthy, you can easily eat the foods you need for good nutrition. Smiling, talking, and laughing with others also are easier when your mouth is healthy. Tooth Decay (Cavities) Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for years to come. Tooth decay is not just a problem for children. It can happen as long as you have natural teeth in your mouth. Tooth decay ruins the enamel that covers and protects your teeth. When you don’t take good care of your mouth, bacteria can cling to your teeth and form a sticky, colorless …
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