14 July 2010
Q: I have read that it is important to use a toothbrush with
soft bristles. Wouldn't harder bristles remove more plaque?
A: Choosing the best toothbrush begins with choosing the
right bristles. Bristles are vital because they directly
contact the teeth. Choosing correct bristles is a valuable
"insurance policy" against gum disease and tooth decay.
Consider bristle type, shape, and arrangement before you
purchase any toothbrush.
Bristle Type:
Today, bristles are made of nylon and/or polyester. We have
certainly...
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Q: What are the stages of gum disease?
A: There are two basic stages of gum disease, gingivitis
and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is
caused by the accumulation of a sticky deposit of bacteria,
called plaque, in the pocket that separates the tooth and
gum. When this plaque builds up, it causes inflammation of
the gum tissue. They become red, soft, and swollen. The gums
may bleed easily, even when only brushed...
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Q: Can gum disease cause strokes?
A: Studies show that gum disease can increase your risk of
suffering a stroke; however, researchers do not know if gum
disease can directly cause a stroke.
A stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain become
blocked. This condition cuts off vital oxygen to brain cells
causing paralysis, speech impairment, depression and even
death.
Wu et al. (1999) compared dental records and stroke
histories of nearly 10,000 individuals over 20 years.
Periodontitis, an...
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Q: I have very bad breath even after I brush my teeth! What
can I do?
A: The diagnosis and treatment of bad breath (i.e.
halitosis) is a popular area in dentistry today. Some
research has been completed but we still have much to learn
about the causes and treatments of halitosis.
There are actually several different sources of oral
malodor. These include mouth and tongue sources, nasal and
sinus sources, lower respiratory tract and lung sources,
gastrointestinal diseases...
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Q: I have had several bad colds recently. My physician said
that I may be reinfecting myself when I use my toothbrush.
Is this possible?
A: Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other
disease-causing organisms. Toothbrushes can also become
contaminated with saliva and blood. In fact, the
parainfluenza virus can survive on toothbrush bristles for
over 24 hours!
Atmore et al. (1989) found that toothbrush sharing was a
risk factor for transmitting the hepatitis B virus between
children. The possibility...
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Q: I have almost worn the gums away from around my teeth. My
dentist now suggests that I gently brush only once a day.
Will an electric toothbrush make a difference? Is there
anything else I can do? Do gums grow back on their own?
A: Gingival (gum) recession is actually quite common for
several reasons. Years ago hard- and medium-bristled brushes
were popular because the general consensus was that the
harder the bristle of the toothbrush,...
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Denturists practice independently throughout Canada. In the
United States, only Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and
Washington state authorize denturist services. As of
February 1998, Maine, Wyoming and Texas are considering
statutes that would allow denturists to practice
independently (i.e. without the supervision of dentists).
In California, where I practice general dentistry,
denturists are essentially synonymous with dental laboratory
technicians. Dental laboratory technicians fabricate
dentures. They also prepare crowns, bridges, and other
dental appliances upon the request and supervision of a
dentist....
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Q: I know that dental procedures like bleaching, porcelain
veneers, bonding and caps help make a great smile. Are there
other ways to brighten my teeth?
A: Stains change tooth structure, which make teeth less
transparent. Contrary to many advertisements, it is
difficult to obtain flawless white teeth. Healthy human
teeth have extremely subtle yellow, brown or gray tones.
Pure white teeth are like purple hair -- they appear
synthetic and distracting! Light natural tooth shades
compliment everyone's facial...
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Q: My friend has an abscess and she's worried. What is an
abscess? What damage can it do if left undetected or
untreated?
A: An abscess is basically an inflammatory and infectious
process. There are several different types of abscesses. Two
of the most common abscesses that occur in the oral cavity
are related to either the tooth (due to necrosis of the
pulpal tissue) or the gum tissue (due to periodontal
disease.) In either case, it is...
Click here to read more
13 July 2010
Please review the different types of dental specialists.
Currently, there are nine recognized specialties within the
field of dentistry. These specialties include periodontics,
endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, pedodontics, oral
pathology/oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery,
oral and maxillofacial radiology, and dental public health.
A periodontist is responsible for treating periodontal
(i.e. gum) disease. This treatment may range from regular
maintenance visits with a hygienist to surgical procedures
designed to save teeth.
An endodontist's main responsibilities include diagnosing
tooth pain and performing root...
Click here to read more