Preventative Dentistry

About Nitrous Oxide

The search for a substance that would let a patient slip into merciful oblivion during surgery has been one of mankind's goals for centuries. In North America, we can thank a dentist, Horace Wells of Connecticut, for the development of nitrous oxide as a form of dental anesthesia. During the early 1840s, Dr. Wells was looking for ways to make his patients more comfortable during procedures. While watching a demonstration [...]

About Nitrous Oxide2023-12-22T15:16:57-08:00

Trouble Spots—Oral Lesions

During the course of a day, you’re likely to have a look inside your mouth and briefly survey the landscape. We hope so, anyway. Aside from the stray loose filling or that crown that will need repair soon, fuss over the soft tissues in your mouth—the mucous membrane, the skin. Are there any red or white spots you haven’t noticed before? Maybe you have taken a wait-and-see approach to a [...]

Trouble Spots—Oral Lesions2024-09-04T08:54:01-07:00

Sense about Sensitivity

When teeth hurt, the sooner we reach the root of the problem, the sooner the pain disappears. What triggers tooth pain? Heat, cold, touch, air, sweet or sour foods. If you recently had a cavity filled, that area may be sensitive for awhile. Other causes of sensitivity are: Erosion of tooth enamel. Gum shrinkage down below the crown exposing the cementum beneath, an area sensitive to heat and cold. One [...]

Sense about Sensitivity2023-12-22T15:16:05-08:00

Healthy Gums—Healthy You!

Fighting periodontal (gum) disease through meticulous daily hygiene and regular dental appointments is brilliant. You preserve your beautiful smile and sweet breath, maintain the health of your teeth and gums, and protect your overall health in the bargain! Periodontal disease—a chronic inflammatory disease that can destroy gum tissue, ligaments, even the bone supporting the teeth—is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease has been associated with [...]

Healthy Gums—Healthy You!2023-12-22T15:15:57-08:00

Fluoride—You Never Outgrow Your Need

You grew up with fluoride. Your teeth show it in the very fact that you still have them. Before 1945, by the time your nest was empty, your mouth was often empty as well. But when cities began adding it to water supplies, tooth decay took a nose dive. Most of us never gave it a second thought, just turned on the tap and downed the cure. Fluoride reverses the [...]

Fluoride—You Never Outgrow Your Need2023-12-22T15:15:49-08:00

Soft Drinks Pack a Hard Punch

Soft drinks are bad for your teeth in more ways than one. There’s sugar, and then there’s acidity. The sugar provides necessary food for the bad bacteria in your mouth. If you’re drinking the national average of two cans of soft drinks a day, you’re giving aid and sustenance to the enemy. Bacteria eat what you eat, and sugar sends them into overdrive. But sugar isn’t the worst culprit. Fizz [...]

Soft Drinks Pack a Hard Punch2023-12-22T15:12:09-08:00

Heart Disease and Dental Care

Do I need to take an antibiotic before my dental appointment? Patients who have had rheumatic fever, heart murmur, heart valve replacement or orthopedic joint replacement are at risk for a condition called infectious endocarditis. The American Dental Association recommends these patients take a “pre-med” prior to dental work. Here’s why: Bacteria which normally inhabit a mouth can get into your bloodstream during the simplest dental procedure. When that bacteria [...]

Heart Disease and Dental Care2023-12-22T15:11:58-08:00

Is Snoring an Issue at Your House?

Do the walls of your house vibrate at night? Does your dog or cat sleep with his paws over his ears? If so, you may find some benefit in this article. In some men or women, snoring can be reduced or eliminated simply by wearing an oral appliance at night. The appliance enlarges the airway by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward. The appliance fits snugly onto the teeth of [...]

Is Snoring an Issue at Your House?2023-12-22T15:11:41-08:00

Tooth Decay: A Preventable Disease

What is tooth decay, and what causes it? Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities. It is not life threatening and is although it is highly preventable, it will affect most people to some degree during their lifetime. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes, and even fruits, vegetables and [...]

Tooth Decay: A Preventable Disease2023-05-09T12:16:25-07:00

Custom Made Prevention

Above average? Me? You may be five-foot-four, a C student, never starred at sports. And yet you may be ABOVE average—in your need for dental check-ups. While two visits a year is average, more appointments should be scheduled when either the mouth builds up tartar fast, cavities multiply like bunnies, or teeth or gums experience growing pains. Fluoride has helped to improve the dental health of its users for generations, and [...]

Custom Made Prevention2023-05-09T12:14:54-07:00
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