Dentists think it’s a great idea, children are cheering, and teachers are somewhat disgruntled. Dentists now say that chewing gum every day is a good thing. Schools, on the other hand, find it to be rude, messy, and extremely expensive to clean. Regardless of which side you’re on in this debate, you can’t deny the many benefits.

Gum And Spit

Chewing gum stimulates your saliva glands to increase the amount of spit in your mouth. This dilutes and helps to get rid of the little bits of food that might be sitting in your mouth. It also helps to maintain the calcium and phosphate in your mouth to protect against cavities. Finally, gum helps to prevent enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity.

So long as the gum is sugarless, these are significant benefits. The results are even more effective when you chew right after eating or drinking anything. The components in your saliva also remineralize and improve the quality of your tooth enamel, effectively reversing the effects of acid erosion.

Plaque Reduction

Because of the way gum moves against your tooth’s enamel and gets into all of the little nooks and crannies, chewing gum is effective at helping to remove plaque. This helps to prevent tooth decay, particularly between your teeth and along the gum line. The delicious flavor is an added bonus and helpful for fighting against bad breath.

Because it keeps plaque from building on your teeth, you’ll find it will also do a pretty good job and helping you keep your teeth white. New forms of gum such as Trident whitening further improve these results to give you a beautiful smile. You’ll also find that other brands will have added nutrients and herbs such as chlorophyll for added health benefits.

Total Body Health

It sounds silly, but chewing gum regularly can actually improve your overall health in a few different ways. First of all, good oral health means your entire body stays healthier because there are fewer germs. Also, because your antibodies and immune system don’t have to fight decay and ‘wounds’, your body is better able to fight other illnesses and injuries while preventing serious diseases.

Secondly, Dr Kenneth Allen used Wrigley’s in a study on the relationship between gum and education. The leading chewing gum company wanted to find more about the correlation between learning and using their product. So, Dr Allen took up the challenge and found that the gum actually improved focus. Why this happens, however, is still unclear.

The reasons behind this effect are relatively unknown. It could be because the constant movement increases the amount of oxygen to your brain by slightly elevating your heart rate. It is also unknown as to whether chewing on other products could produce the same effects.

Well, as it turns out, teachers may not have to worry about a room full of gummy desks or chewing children; there’s not enough proof or enough of a link between education and the sweet, sticky product to encourage schools to change the rules. In the meantime, however, it seems to make an excellent essay topic for seventh grade students.

The auto industry is doing it. The housing market is starting to do it and consumers are focusing on it. Now, dentistry professionals are going green in an attempt to keep your teeth and the environment healthy. In fact, the Eco Dentistry Association has launched a campaign to help dentists go green. It is also offering patients the information they need to make an informed decision about choosing green dental care and tips to increase their level of green living as well.

The Benefits ‘Eco-Friendly’ Dental Care Offers Professionals

The association offers full services to professionals in order to make sure they get the most out of the experience and are able to make the change as easy as possible. There are also resources such as consultants, articles, and a collective resource of materials and services. However, green dental services also provide professionals with additional benefits on their own.

Dentists and oral care professionals who adopt green practices have the unique ability to reach a new client base that values these practices. In addition, green materials are said to be far more cost-effective and staff members find these practices faster and more efficient.

Benefits Of Green Dentistry For The Patients

For patients, the ability to select a dental care provider who shares their values and worldviews is a significant benefit. Then there’s the fact that they are preventing harmful chemicals such as bisphenol-A from entering their bodies. Radiation exposure is eliminated by using digital x-rays and mercury is kept out of the water table through responsible disposal methods.

Patients of green dentists will also find their care providers are an excellent source of green tips, hints, and ideas. Many of these, such as turning off the water while brushing, can add up to a significant water savings overall. There is also information on toothpastes and mouthwashes, which contain harmful chemicals and harm your body as well as the environment.

Is Going Green A Wise Idea For Oral Care Professionals?

There’s nothing wrong with adopting environmentally friendly practices. Every little bit helps, and when we all do something, it leads to a world of change. Patients are able to live a healthier lifestyle and still maintain a healthy smile. But, is there a downside to this whole concept?

If there were a real downside to changing your business model, it would have to be the investment made by the professionals as well as the staff. Of course, it will take money to make the initial switch. Then, there’s the process of selecting all of the replacement technology and materials. Staff and professionals need to learn how to use them and this takes time to accomplish.

Two dentists in Scotland have found a new way to deliver their services and offer superior comfort to their patients. In fact, they have taken dentistry out of the traditional office and moved it into a five-star hotel. Literally. They not only want to give their patients the best dental care. These two professionals want to make sure their patients have every luxury possible while maintaining a state-of-the-art facility.

A Look At A New Level Of Luxury Dental Surgery

Dr Lubino do Rego and Biju Krishnan teamed up and invested 750K British Pounds to open the new Lubiju dental surgery facility in addition to their existing business, the Scottish Dental Implant Centre in the Drake Dental Practice.

The new facility has a set of cameras in the ceiling to transmit live video of the procedure for educational purposes. It also has all of the technology needed to perform in-depth or more serious treatments such as teeth whitening and dental implants.

In terms of treatments, Dr Krishnan and Dr. do Rego want to have the latest and most advanced treatments possible. To ensure they treat the entire patient, they have included complimentary therapy space and a massage area. The idea is that this facility will be a leading center for alternative medicine as well. For the latest dental treatments, they want to include needle-free techniques, advanced surgery implants, cosmetic treatments, and painless treatments.

As with their treatments, this pair of dentists hasn’t spared any cost when it comes to luxuries either. Quality televisions are installed in the ceilings, luxury comfort suites, and the ultimate in relaxation. Every element is designed and created specifically for their private, high-end patients.

Going Too Far Or Are They On To Something?

The entire thing seems rather frivolous. Everything seems to go way over the top, but is it?

Dentists around the world have struggled since the dawn of time with the image that they are ‘torture specialists’. If anything in the world could dispel this myth, you’d think this would certainly be it. It is essentially a hybrid between a new age spa and a dental office for society’s rich and famous.

In terms of the industry of dentistry, this new office will be on the leading edge. They will not only have the latest techniques and technologies, but will also focus on the education of other professionals. In a profession that outwardly appears to evolve rather slowly, this will be vital in bringing the brightest minds together.

The alternative medicine focuses on healing the soul and the mind of the patient. While many patients may be skeptical, several studies have shown these practices to have a full range of benefits. At the very least, it will be a relaxing and pleasant experience.

The other thing to consider is the niche this new type of office is satisfying. In fact, it may be one solution dentists in the US should consider. It is definitely a unique selling point. The profits margin should also be significant so long as it has the right business model to go with it.

It’s unsure whether this pair of Scottish dentists will be able to make this a profitable venture, but dental patients and dentists will find it interesting regardless of how it turns out.

If you would like to get your children more interested in their oral health or if you just want to do something different for an afternoon, take a trip to the National Museum of Dentistry. Once you see what they have to offer, it just may become a favorite destination.

Education

The entire purpose of the National Museum of Dentistry is to educate and encourage the general public to have a good oral health regimen, which leads to a beautiful smile. But, it’s how they do it that makes it so unique. They let you delve into the history and innovation that has made dentistry what it is today. They also give you a hint as to what the future of this profession might hold.

While you are here (either online or offline), you can find out about caring for your teeth and mouth. Even professional dentists and oral care professionals find the National Museum to be of great value and entertainment because of its extensive archives of history, collections, research, and information.

Fun At The National Museum Of Dentistry

Did you know that George Washington’s teeth were not made of wood? Have you seen some of the world’s earliest toothbrushes? Can you name the patron saint of dentistry? The museum explores these questions and more.

You can reminisce with toothpaste commercials from the early days of television and radio, look at how dentistry tools have changed over the years, and even learn how the dental education has changed. If it has anything to do with dentistry, you’ll find it here.

A Style Of Exhibit For Everyone

For the littlest visitors, there are all kinds of interactive displays and educational exhibits to explore. It transforms the world of dentistry into a fun and interesting place. For adults, there are all kinds of displays to see. You can see how the profession has evolved and are sure to learn many fascinating things. For art lovers, there are all different kinds of dentistry posters and songs. You can even see what Queen Victoria used to keep her smile looking great.

So where can you find this amazing place? Well, you can visit the National Museum of Dentistry online. If you would like to wander around the museum in person, you’ll need to plan a trip to downtown Baltimore. Located a short distance from the Inner Harbor, the museum is near the University of Maryland Baltimore. If you live too far away to visit in person, the museum offers exhibits that travel all over the country to ensure everyone has a chance to learn and enjoy dentistry. Regardless of how you experience this wonderful place, it’s an experience to remember.

Like the look of ‘teeth jewelry’ or ‘tooth gems’? Have you improved your smile with dentures recently? Had cosmetic dentistry procedures that reshaped your teeth? Maybe you’re a dentist who has drilled a patient’s tooth lately. If you have, you’re not alone. In fact, archeologists have discovered these procedures have been popular for as long as 9,000 years in some instances. Surprised? So were many experts in and out of the dental profession.

The Reshaping Of Teeth By Vikings

Somewhere between 750 and 100 AD, the Vikings discovered the aesthetic value of shaping their teeth. Yes, these big nasty brutes known for raiding, murdering, and other heinous acts, saw their teeth as being important to their overall appearance. To look their best, they would file the enamel on their teeth down to create certain patterns.

This wasn’t the first time this idea was found in history, but it was the first time a practice of this type was noticed in European history. Experts believe the Vikings might have picked up the idea from ancient African cultures that filed their teeth to fine points. We don’t generally file tooth enamel for appearance now, but we do undergo procedures such as bonding to achieve a pleasing, unified look.

Ancient Mesoamerican Tooth Gems

Some people choose to have precious or semi-precious stones implanted into their teeth for a unique look, but they weren’t the first to come up with this idea either. As reported in the National Geographic, ancient Mesoamerican cultures added stones to their front teeth.

However, this practice has the experts confused. Archeologists aren’t sure why these ancient people had an archaic dentist perform this work. It didn’t signify class and doesn’t appear to signify a specific position within the community. The only real thing researchers have noticed is that it seems to be predominantly a male trait.

Dentures From A Mesoamerican Dentist

From the same time period, archeologists discovered this ancient culture also used to file their teeth flat in order to fit them with a rustic type of denture. This may have worked for a short time, but it also proved dangerous. Because this would have exposed the pulp inside the tooth, it likely caused terrible infections that might have caused the death of the patient. Not a pleasant way to go by any means, but certainly an interesting concept when you consider today’s methods of replacing smiles we can no longer repair.

Dental Repair The 9,000-Year-Old Way

Believe it or not, even without all of the new technology, dentists drilled and fixed teeth as early as 9,000 years ago in Pakistan. Again, researchers aren’t entirely sure why the teeth were expertly drilled out, but they believe with some decay present in some of the holes that it was meant as a treatment for toothaches. Again, experts believe this drilling technique would have caused infection and even death. However, the dental tools and precision of the dentist’s technique are nothing short of amazing.

The next time you have to go to the dentist, you will have something to talk about while you have your mouth gaping open and full of tools.

They’ve become popular for their convenience and ability to lengthen the life of in-office treatments, but those inexpensive teeth whitening kits you find in the drugstore might not be the best idea. This doesn’t mean that they are bad all the time, but you definitely need to be aware of the downsides before heading out to buy the next whitening kit.

Whether you buy them in a paste, trays, strips, or mouthwash, make sure you know exactly what you need and what to watch out for before you buy.

Not All Stains Are The Same

Tooth enamel stains can come from just about anything. Foods such as blueberries and coffee can stain quickly. Poor hygiene and even good hygiene can cause stains when you miss small areas with your toothbrush. Age can discolor your teeth severely and still some are naturally a different color from the moment they appear.

Rather than heading to the drugstore to deal with the issue, you should make an appointment with the dentist. He or she will be able to examine the staining first to identify the source of the problem. The dentist will also be able to help you find a solution that works to prevent you from wasting your money.

Tooth Whitening Products And Dental Work

While most whitening products are completely safe to use, it can harm dental work, if you don’t use them properly. Treatments such as bridges, crowns, veneers, implants, and bonding will not change color regardless of the method you use. The best plan of action in this case is to have them redone or coated. If you choose to use harsh bleaching kits and leave them on too long, there is a possibility of weakening the material and softening the special coating. Your gums are also at extreme risk.

Available Treatment Options

At the bottom end of the scale (the weakest option) are over the counter strips, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. These only lighten teeth slightly, but are a great option to use with in-office treatments. Just be sure to check with your dentist; some are dangerous to use right before and after a professional whitening treatment.

Over the counter tray whitening may be stronger than the other methods, but you need to be careful here as well. Since the trays are not fit to your specific bite, they won’t get into all the hard to reach areas. If you really want a quality job, talk to your dentist about take-home kits that have custom-made trays. Your last option, and the most aggressive, is Zoom Whitening, which lasts up to three years with proper care.

Teeth whitening and at home kits are an excellent way to keep your smile looking its best, but like anything, you need to shop wisely. Your best course of action? Talk to your dentist to find out what they recommend for your particular situation. This ensures you’ll get the best value for your money with the least amount of risk, every time.

If you need to replace a number of teeth, you no longer have to dread the idea of dentures or fight with an ill-fitting bridge. With the new advancements in dental implants, you can have replacements that look and work just like the real thing. Imagine no fighting with moving dental work, no icky pastes, or wafers. All you need is a good dental hygiene plan and regular visits to your dentist.

Dental implants were great before, but advancements in the materials used and the techniques for implantation have made them even better. Once everything has healed, there should be no worries about anything coming loose, sores, discomfort, or the embarrassment that comes with other orthodontic treatments.

The Implant Process

A specialized titanium post is added in along the jaw where the bone will eventually grow around it and fuse onto the metal. This hygienic metal leaves a screw-like appendage above the gums. After approximately six months of healing time, the dentist will screw a crown-like top made of porcelain that resembles a natural tooth.

While it can take a year or more to do an entire mouth, they are long lasting, look natural, and don’t stop you from eating your favorite foods. The porcelain not only looks great, but also is resilient when it comes to pressure and chipping while resisting staining better than many traditional materials.

New Materials, Better Implants

Older dental implants used stainless steel. However, after some experimentation, doctors turned to titanium because it has the same hypoallergenic qualities and fuses to the bone faster. (This discovery goes to Per-Ingvar Branemark and a rabbit’s broken leg.)

Several other benefits to dental implants make them a superior choice as well. As we grow older, our jawbones begin to wear away. However, researchers have found titanium implantations actually prevent the bone from wearing away.

Staying Healthy

A degradation of nutrition is also common in people as they age because of the restrictions and difficulties they have with other treatments such as bridges and dentures. With the improvements to implantation technique and materials, there are no restrictions. This keeps patients eating more variety and maintaining a balanced diet. Also, because they are not attached to adjacent teeth, there is no wearing way of the enamel on healthy teeth, and therefore, less risk of decay.

Even with all of the advancements in this area, they still require good quality care. Without the proper cleaning and checkups, you leave your gums open to gingivitis and disease.

If you are interested in getting dental implants, you must meet a few requirements. First, you cannot smoke. This restricts the blood vessels and inhibits healing making it impossible for the bone to fuse to the metal. You need to have a healthy bite pattern to prevent an excessive amount of force from being placed on a single tooth. Finally, you need to have good oral health with enough bone to support the titanium.

With all of the advantages over traditional treatments, dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred treatment for replacing missing teeth and maintaining that healthy smile.

Each year, one debate goes on across the country: Should we continue to add fluorine to drinking water? Dentists and oral care professionals argue that fluorination is an important tool in the fight against tooth decay. Some religious, environmental, and political groups state that this violates human rights and is actually detrimental to the oral health of many.

Dental Associations And Health Organizations Fight To Keep Fluoride In Water

Water authorities have added fluoride to public water since the 1940s in an effort to combat tooth decay, which occurs in 60-90% of the population. By adding fluorosilicic acid, sodium fluorosilicate, or sodium fluoride, governments can reduce the occurrence of cavities by up to 40%. It is completely odorless, tasteless, and invisible to the naked eye.

When you drink fluorinated water, the fluoride mixes with the saliva in your mouth to create a protective barrier. This slows down the demineralization of tooth enamel and promotes the repair of early cavities. It is possible to get too much fluoride leading to a condition known as dental fluorosis. However, this only extremely mild and does not cause and health problems or aesthetic malformations.

Opposing Groups

Organizations such as political, human rights, environmental, and religious groups such as Christian Scientists are greatly opposed to the fluoridation of water. Some see it as a violation of human rights because it is forced on the individual.

Others say it is unnecessary and has no benefits. And others argue that it is part of a large conspiracy. Those focused on natural living or who believe traditional medicines are evil, see fluoride as being a direct violation of their beliefs and rights. One final argument is cost — however, this argument is clearly unfounded. A yearly fluoride treatment from the dentist costs an average of $83. For one person to get the same amount of fluoride from toothpaste, it would cost $8-$16 per person for a year. Fluoridated water cost only $0.93 per person per year.

To avoid the fluoride, many members of these groups live on natural or bottled water. However, both of these water sources contain natural fluoride, and in some instances, in higher doses than found in public water systems.

Alternatives To Fluorinated Water

Dental sealants and fluoride treatments, toothpaste, and gel are all suitable alternatives to fluorinated water. Education on things such as proper oral hygiene and proper diets can also help significantly. Salt and milk have both been fortified with fluoride in some instances. Extensive tests and studies have shown that the best option is still water because most people from all walks of life have access to it.

Dentist and oral care professionals have noticed a significant drop in the occurrence of cavities in both children and adults. For children and adults who do not have access to a dentist, and live below the poverty line, milk, toothpaste and other items are often inaccessible. And, with no real negative effects of any kind, there is no reason to keep fluoride out of the water.

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It’s something that many parents fear, the dentist telling you that your son or daughter may need braces. We’ve all heard that they’re expensive, but we also know that they’re necessary for some kids so that when they’re older, they have nice, straight teeth.

Braces are an orthodontic cure for what’s commonly called a “bad bite”. This means that the teeth are crowded, crooked, or don’t align properly to allow a person a natural, healthy bite. Sometimes the upper and lower jaws don’t come together the right way when an individual bites down, due to misalignment, and even though the teeth are straight, the bite is not. Read the rest of this entry »

The tongue is the red headed stepchild of dental care. We spend a good deal of time and attention on our teeth, brushing, flossing, whitening, straightening, capping, filling, and replacing. But what about the tongue? Did you know your tongue is the leading culprit for bad breath?

Bacteria from the food we eat sticks to the tongue, especially the back, or anterior, portion. These bacteria produce foul odors that produce bad breath. By cleaning the tongue regularly, we can clear away the bacteria and solve what for some is a serious problem. Read the rest of this entry »