Stain vs. Decay
Sometimes patients come to us and notice dark spots on their teeth with no sensitivity and they are concerned. With the two photos here can you tell the difference on close-up photos? You probably can. However, when looking in the mouth from a mirror a little distance away it may be hard to discern the […]
Oral Cancer
Unfortunately, we have been seeing an increased number of cases of oral cancer recently. We always check the soft tissues of the lips and mouth during routine examinations and also on emergency examinations when patients may complain about a painful sore inside their mouth that has been bothering them for a while and just won’t […]
Manual Toothbrushes We Purchase for Our Patients
I was recently asked about the manual toothbrushes that we purchase and give to our patients as a courtesy. As some of you know we switched a few years back to one that is made by Colgate as we found the ends of the bristles to have slight, thin, miniature extensions on them, thus allowing […]
What is BRONJ?
No, it is not a nickname for some famous athlete. It is a medical acronym that stands for Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. It is a situation that can develop after oral surgery in some patients that have been treated with a class of drugs called Bisphosphonates. These drugs are sometimes used to treat diseases […]
Marijuana and Its Effect on Dental Health
Various studies though the years have shown that marijuana use could affect hormone levels in varying degrees in both males and females. The most significant of which being that it causes a decrease in male fertility. Studies of smoking marijuana have also demonstrated an increase in lung pathology due to the damaging effects of the […]
Manual Versus Electric (Powered) Toothbrushes
I have been asked recently by a few patients whether an electric (powered) toothbrush or manual toothbrush is better. Both can be equally effective if used properly and I will explain some advantages and disadvantages of each. Electric or powered toothbrushes are usually more efficient in removing plaque from the surfaces of teeth and therefore […]
What are Night Guards?
Night Guards are removable appliances that people can wear if they have a habit of grinding or clenching their teeth during sleep. Grinding or clenching of one’s teeth during sleep is called nocturnal bruxism, thus the official term we use for these appliances is a “nocturnal bruxism appliance”. If people clench or grind their teeth […]
Truth About Charcoal Toothpaste
I have been asked many times about charcoal toothpaste so I have decided to give my take on this. Charcoal is a substance that has adsorption qualities in that it pulls substances into it. This is the reason it is used by emergency rooms to treat poisoning or drug overdose victims. In dentistry, companies have […]
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient Indian (not the American Indian) practice that utilizes natural remedies over proven scientific ones. It involves the use of various types of oils such as sesame, coconut, and sunflower by having individuals gargle and swish in their mouth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and then spitting it […]
I get canker sores in my mouth two or three times a year. You recommended that I get a certain type of toothpaste that might help. Can you tell me which one and why?
Years ago, in the early 1990s a company called Den-Mat came out with a toothpaste called Rembrandt that was specifically used for whitening or bleaching teeth. One of the things that we saw was a decrease in the number of canker sore attacks in patients that were using it. After much research as to why […]