Monthly Archives: September 2011

Dental Fluoride Safety

© Vital Press · Geir Bjørklund

In general, safety concerns about dental fluoride and fluoridation relate to a number of factors, including toxicity of fluoride, total fluoride intake, fluoride absorption, the impact on human health, the effect on the environment, water quality, and the engineering aspects.

Anti-fluoridation groups frequently and inappropriately exhibit photographs of children and/or adults having severe fluorosis in which pitting or mottling of the enamel and brown stains are evident and put the blame on  water fluoridation, often describing dental fluorosis as a major risk factor for people of all ages. In making dental-health decisions, the risk of developing very mild fluorosis versus the benefit of decreased tooth cavities and dental treatment costs should be considered. Continue reading →

How to Evaluate Electric-Toothbrush Brands

A majority of dental problems, such as tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and bad breath can be prevented by simple, home oral care. Unfortunately most of us don’t do a very good job of it. Using an electric toothbrush can alleviate many of the mistakes we make when brushing our teeth, from applying too much pressure, or just not brushing long enough. Electric toothbrushes are powered-tooth cleaners that are designed to give a deep cleaning to get rid of plaque and food debris within the mouth. Some electric toothbrushes can retail for less than $20 while other higher-end models run upwards of $100. Here are some things to look for to get the best electric toothbrush for yourself and your family. Continue reading →

Dangers of Amalgam Dental Fillings

Amalgam was first introduced in United States during 1833. It is then used widely as dental filling material over the years because of its strength, durability and low cost (especially for posterior teeth). It is now discontinued or banned in certain countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark because of its known biological effects on human body. Amalgam is made of metals such as Silver, Tin, Copper, Zinc and Mercury. 50% of amalgam is made of mercury and they are then mixed to form a hard material which has silvery grey appearance through a process which is known as amalgamation. Patients are exposed to high dose of mercury during the process of placing and removal of amalgam restoration. Continue reading →

How to Ease A Toothache By Acupressure

Picture 1: Position the tip of a finger in front of your ear hole

Acupressure uses gentle but firm hand pressure against meridian points in the body to release tension, enhance body circulation and promotes body relaxation and is an ideal treatment to relieve pain. Long before the invention of modern pain medication, people used pressure points to relieve toothache pain. Unlike acupuncture–which involves inserting thin needles into meridians and requires more training–a novice can generally perform acupressure anytime pain rears its head. And few pains are as frustrating as toothaches. Acupressure to relieve toothache pain is slowly becoming popular nowadays. As a number of over-the-counter medications become available to relieve toothache pain, the awareness to explore alternative relief also increases. All you have to do is press the points shown to you here. Continue reading →

What Is Dental Fluoride?

© greenuphealth.com

Fluoride is widely used to prevent cavities or tooth decay. The cavity reduction that has been achieved by the use of fluoride has been a major public health accomplishment. However the use of fluoride has been subjected to dissent by anti-fluoride organizations for its side effects. But before you join en-masse, you should know the importance and safety precautions of fluoride, then decide for yourself whether you could benefit from using fluoride. Continue reading →

How to Prevent Denture Salivation

Though dentures are often checked for fit and comfort during dentist appointments, they often wear out or cause sudden problems, such as mouth dryness, increased salivation and discomfort. According to Net Wellness, this is most often due to regular changes in the size and shape of your gums, causing your dentures to fit differently from how they once did. Increased salivation can be a daily hassle for many people, leading many to wonder how to return to their regular lives. Continue reading →

How Does Toothpaste Work?

© Health Now Medical

Dentifrices and mouthrinses are the major products for routinely administering effective cosmetic and therapeutic agents in the mouth. These products are the most widely used by consumers, generating the largest sales of all dental products. Besides attempting to prevent tooth decay, it is also becoming increasingly common for manufacturers to add therapeutic or preventive agents to reduce gum disease (gingivitis) and tartar (calculus) formation. A few toothpastes also contain desensitizing agents. Continue reading →

How to Prevent Gum Recession With a Tongue Piercing

If you have or want to get your tongue pierced, it is important to receive proper care to avoid infection and gum recession. Gum recession, or periodontitis, is a very common problem with tongue piercings due to the jewelry rubbing against the gums. This can eventually lead to exposed roots, which cause much pain and, eventually, loss of teeth.

When considering lip piercing, you should be aware of the risks that you may encounter while wearing lip ring. To avoid the most common risks of a lip ring piercing, book an appointment with a professional piercer to discuss your desire to get one. Ask about the healing process, and how you can avoid damage to your teeth and gums while wearing a lip ring. Continue reading →

Laser Dental Cleaning

Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems. But, despite FDA approval, no laser system has received the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. That seal assures dentists that the product or device meets ADA standards of safety and efficacy, among other things. The ADA, however, states that it is cautiously optimistic about the role of laser technology in the field of dentistry. These lasers are different from the cold lasers used in phototherapy for the relief of headaches, pain, and inflammation. Continue reading →

How to Minimize Cancellations in the Dental Office

Cancelled appointments lead to wasted time and money.

Dental appointment cancellations are a major concern of most dental offices today. Cancelled appointments lead to wasted time and money. According to Dental-tribune.com even when the economy is doing well revenue losses can range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year. This value doesn’t include the potential money that could be earned if the patient did come to the appointment, and further treatments and procedures were needed. Often practice teams place the blame of failed appointments on the patients—their lack of respect for the dentist’s time, their lack of urgency of getting the dentistry done, and just plain rudeness. Although some of the responsibility rests with patients, a significant contributor to the problem is the dental team and the lack of training on communications skills that prevent failed appointments and how to effectively handle and “turn around” cancellation calls.  Minimizing cancellations can be done in numerous ways. Continue reading →