In a recent poll I read, people were asked if they would choose a cosmetic makeover, liposuction, facelift, or teeth whitening if money was no object. 52% of those surveyed said they would choose teeth whitening. While there are many ways to whiten teeth, including professionally in the dental office, consumers are spending over $1 billion per year on over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products. People want whiter teeth because it makes them look better.

Almost all whitening products will lighten teeth to a certain extent because they all contain hydrogen peroxide or a derivative. The controlled environment of the dental office and the quality of the materials used usually provides the most predictable and most effective… (Read More)

Despite the generalized notion that people should visit a dentist bi-annually, I am more a proponent of individualized frequency recommendations based on a few factors. We are not all the same; therefore, each of us has our own specific needs.

Results from a recent Gallup-Healthways poll of 355,334 Americans indicate that more than one-third of the population, 34% to be exact, did not visit a dentist last year at all. Over 50% of the population said they visited the dentist one time or less last year.

In a study reported in The New York Times and other major media, a report by the Journal of Dental Research indicates “little evidence supports biannual preventive care for… (Read More)

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? This isn’t a toothbrush or flossing problem, it’s the first sign of periodontitis. Around 50% of American adults suffer from mild, moderate, or severe periodontal (gum) disease. The first stage of this disease is called gingivitis. Keep reading to learn the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis as well as how a mild health issue like bleeding gums can progress into something much worse.

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In the first segment of this series I discussed the role of caregivers in early dental care. Prevention starts as early as 6 months into pregnancy and continues with essential steps early in a child’s life. The second segment discussed dental care for children as they develop. In this final segment I will discuss easy prevention and maintenance steps to take to help ensure dental health for a lifetime.

As I stated a few weeks ago, in preventive-based dental practices we go far beyond saying to patients, “you need to brush and floss more.” We truly believe that dental disease, both dental caries (cavities) and gum disease, is very preventable. However, we recognize that not… (Read More)

Last week I talked about oral care for mothers-to-be and babies. Preventive care truly does start before birth. This week we journey past those early years of life.

In preventive-based dental practices we go far beyond saying to patients, “you need to brush and floss more.” We truly believe that dental disease, both dental caries (cavities) and gum disease, is very preventable. However, we recognize that not every individual is equal when it comes to susceptibility. Each person presents with their own unique genetic pool, good and bad habits, number and position of teeth, and willingness to truly make a change. The one constant is that most of us have room for improvement.

It goes… (Read More)

Research shows that babies are born without any harmful bacteria in their mouths. However, once bacteria colonize in the mouth, children are more prone to cavities in their baby teeth and permanent teeth. How do they get the bacteria? Caregivers.

Most parents don’t know that they can pass harmful bacteria from their mouth to their baby’s mouth. The most critical time is during the child’s first 2 ½ years of life. Most children are born without a single tooth. Can bacteria passed to children without teeth affect their decay potential for their whole life? According to research the answer is yes.

Here’s a shocker…..If you have a history of poor oral health, including many fillings… (Read More)

Last week I discussed what sleep apnea is. This week I will discuss diagnosis and treatment.

Specialists who diagnose and treat sleep apnea express varying opinions about the cause and best treatment of the breathing disorder. Ask a lot of questions of each specialist to determine the most appropriate procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case. Here are the specialists who may be involved in diagnosing your sleep apnea and the ways they might assist you:

An ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) may recommend surgery to clear blockages caused by a genetic abnormality in the nose or throat. The uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) procedure eliminates tissue from the back portion of the mouth near… (Read More)

Today and next week is a re-introduction to what this severely underdiagnosed medical condition is, and the different ways to treat it. The more you become aware of the different symptoms associated with this problem, the more likely you are to identify whether you or a loved one may be affected. Treatment can extend life.

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects approximately 18 million Americans. It comes from the Greek meaning of apnea which means “want of breath”. People with sleep apnea have episodes in which they stop breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. (Note: They are always unaware this happens.)

Diagnosis of sleep apnea usually requires an… (Read More)

Last week I introduced a couple who had been seeing the same dentist for 30 years and were finally forced to make a change due to the dentist’s retirement. They visited a “new” dentist and were turned off because the dentist recommended significant treatment. Then they consulted with another dentist, who spent more time with them to discuss their specific situations and goals. However, they still missed their “old” dentist.

The couple loved their “old” dentist because she was someone they could relate to. The dentist kept things simple, and they liked simple. If they had a broken tooth, the dentist patched it up and they were on their way. They never talked about the… (Read More)

People often ask me how I have time to write columns, and how I’ve come up with topics for as long as The Town Common has been around. If you have read my columns over the years, you’ll remember I have discussed that time was one of the barriers keeping people from getting the dental care they need. Time is an excuse and I use it as an excuse all the time. However, we always make time for things that are important to us.

The topics I come up with have been an evolution. I try to keep it interesting. Of course, many of the things that I find interesting in dentistry would bore others.… (Read More)