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How To Clean Your Retainer, Nightguard, Mouthguard, or Dentures
My Retainer’s Journey I had braces as a teenager and following treatment got a shiny, new retainer that I was supposed to wear every night. After wearing it for a while, my shiny new retainer was no longer so nice or shiny. It was dull, stinky, crusty. Eventually I stopped wearing my retainer (don’t be […]
How to Stop Gagging!
About 1/3 of the population doesn’t have a gag reflex. For all the rest of us, especially those with an extremely sensitive gag reflex, gagging can make life miserable! It can make brushing your teeth, swallowing pills, going to the dentist, wearing dentures, or even looking at tongue depressors or other cringe inducing objects extremely uncomfortable. […]
What To Do About A Child Who Grinds Their Teeth and Snores?
Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth? In years past, it was thought that children who ground their teeth and snored would grow out of it eventually. And the conventional wisdom was in some small way right. After a certain age, a good number of these kids did seem to stop these behaviors (we’ll get to […]
What and When Can I Eat After Dental Work?
I work full time as a general dentist in addition to running this website. On a daily basis I do fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions. Without fail, when I sit my patients up and explain what we did that day and ask if they have any questions they’ll ask me “When can I eat […]
29 Essential Questions and Answers About Invisalign
Invisalign is a great way to get straighter teeth and is being utilized more and more each year instead of traditional braces. Align Technology (aka AlignTech / the company behind Invisalign) estimate that there will be over 200,000 people who start Invisalign in 2018. With the rise in the number of people being treated by […]
Can You Reverse A Cavity?
Yes, when cavities are small you absolutely can reverse them. I’ll show you when and how… First, let’s talk about what cavities can be reversed and which ones cannot. Cavities aren’t some yes or no state your tooth is in. Cavities start microscopically small with minerals being lost from your teeth, progress to larger […]
The Best Diets For Your Teeth
You can’t go a day without seeing a new article about which diet is the best for losing weight, staying healthy, building muscle, or being environmentally responsible. There always seems to be some new trend that everyone is trying out. It can be hard enough to sort out which one is right for you before […]
Email: Wisdom Teeth Question
I recently go this question from a friend about a wisdom tooth extraction… Question: I had a question for you about wisdom teeth extraction. My girlfriend now needs to have her bottom wisdom teeth removed (had the top ones out a few years ago). While they were numbing her on her right side, they hit […]
Email: Old Filling In A Crown… Replace or Do A New Crown?
Question: I went to my dentist for a cleaning, which I have every 6 months. I had a crown put on a tooth that developed an abcess. This was done approximately 12 years ago. On the visit today, 2/1/17, the dentist said the filling in the crown needed to be replaced because of age, but […]
Email: Pain After A Root Canal?
I get a good number of questions via email and do my very best to respond to all of them. Occasionally I’ll publish those questions on here along with my answer. Question: I had a root canal on my upper right premolar on 14 Feb 2017. This is my last appointment (third appointment). The […]
One Year Anniversary!
The Healthy Mouth Project is officially a year old! Thank you to everyone who has visited the site, left comments, signed up for the newsletter, or shared our articles. There has been a lot accomplished in the last year… 203 posts with over 147,000 total words (That’s equal to about a 600 page novel)! Many […]
Osteoporosis Medication Dangers
Did you know certain osteoporosis medications, particularly if delivered as an IV injection, can affect your dental health? I had a patient recently who came to my office complaining of an ulcer on the tongue side of his gums. It had been there for about a month and wasn’t going away. Most normal ulcers will go […]
Worst Case Scenario: Can My Dental Implant Fail?
Guest Post By Philip L. Fava, DMD, MDSc Estimates show that as many as 15 million dental implants are successfully placed worldwide each year. Patients benefit from one, two or even an entire mouth of replacement teeth that look and function as good as (or in some instances, even better than!) regular teeth. Today’s dental […]
Who Is A Good Candidate For Invisalign?
Many people come to me and ask the question, “Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?”. You may be wondering the same thing about yourself. I’ve found that many adults desperately want to straighten their teeth but aren’t interested in going through traditional braces. If this is you, you’re not alone. You may have even […]
The Best Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth
Prescription Strength Is Where It’s At… For as long as I can remember I’ve had sensitive teeth. There were always a couple of areas that I knew I couldn’t put ice cream or ice cold water. I’ve been a dentist for a quite a while and over the years I tried every solution out there […]
Change Invisalign Trays Every Week?
Article Updated April 16th, 2018 Invisalign is always innovating. New materials, new software algorithms, and support for many different digital impression systems are just a couple of the many changes they’ve made over the last couple of years. None of those changes were nearly as exciting to me as a dentist (and to many of […]
How to Get Used to Wearing A Night Guard (Or Any Other Dental Appliance)
I’ve made a lot of custom night guards, snoring appliances, and TMJ appliances for my patients over the years. More often than I’d like to admit, I see them back for their six month check-up and when asked they tell me that they haven’t been wearing their appliance. It is on a bedside table or drawer […]
Can Your Sinuses Cause Tooth Pain?
Yes, sinus pressure can cause tooth pain, typically in your upper back molars. Sinus pressure is the most common non-dental cause of pain that I see as a dentist. I probably see at least one patient every couple of weeks who has a toothache from sinus pressure. They are always relieved that it is a […]
How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces (And Other Tips and Tricks)
Keeping your teeth clean while you’re in braces is challenging, to say the least. Don’t worry though! It is possible to keep them clean and your teeth and gums healthy. I’m going to show you all the tips and tricks here. How To Brush Your Teeth While In Braces A lot of people brush their […]
What Is The Difference Between A Regular Cleaning and Periodontal Maintenance?
A really common question I get asked after a patient has had treatment for gum disease is “Why can’t I just have a regular cleaning?”. It’s a good question and the answer is a bit more complicated than you’d expect. In most cases this question comes down to cost. Regular cleanings are usually covered at […]
Why Does Food Get Stuck Between Your Teeth?
Imagine this scenario. It’s a beautiful summer day and you decided to grill some meat and corn cobs. You take that first mouthwatering bite and… the food is all of sudden stuck in between your teeth! This isn’t how your cookout was supposed to go! How can you enjoy it if your food gets stuck […]
Do I Floss Before Or After Brushing?
(And Other Questions You’ve Been Dying to Know About Flossing!) Should I Floss Before Or After Brushing My Teeth? The best practice is actually to floss before you brush your teeth. The reason for this is that flossing before your brush your teeth opens up the areas in between your tooth by getting the food […]
How To Prevent Cavities
Many people resign themselves to the fact that they will always develop cavities and that there is nothing they can do about it. Contrary to popular belief, cavities are almost entirely preventable. Even if you are genetically predisposed to cavities, your parents lost their teeth young, or you feel like you’re a lost cause already, […]
Using TENS For TMJ Pain
Updated 03/19/2018 If you or someone you know has struggled with TMJ pain, you know that finding a correct and effective treatment for you can be challenging. Everyone who has a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) has to find what works specifically for them. For some people this takes the help of a dentist or TMJ […]
Dry Mouth – Causes and Solutions
Does your mouth often feel like this picture? If so, you may be struggling with dry mouth (medically known as xerostomia). There are a lot of different reasons for dry mouth and an equal number of oral health problems that go along with it. I’m going to show you what causes dry mouth, what some of […]
Is Vaping Safer For Your Oral Health?
Did you know that one of the single most destructive habits for your oral health (and overall health) is using tobacco products? Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco have been linked to gum disease, oral cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and many other health problems. Quitting just this one habit (easier said than done of […]
How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?
I get asked in person or online almost every single day about how to know when someone will need a root canal. Most people are understandably concerned when they start to have sensitivity, biting discomfort, or other unusual symptoms. Quickly your mind can jump to the worst case scenario and all of a sudden you’re […]
Everything You Need to Know to Stop Snoring!
Are you ready to finally stop snoring? You’ve come to the right place. I’m a dentist by day, oral health blogger by night, and snorer anytime I manage to squeeze some sleep in. This gives me a unique perspective on the snoring problem as both health care provider and sufferer. I never realized how much […]
The Ultimate Teething Guide
“So deadly has teething become, that one third of the Human family die before the twenty deciduous teeth have fully appeared.” – Dr. M Thrasher, 1894, Dental Cosmos For as long as we’re able to trace back in human history, teething has been thought to be the cause of a variety of illnesses. Fever, diarrhea, […]
In Network vs Out of Network Dentists
There is a lot of confusion about how in network dentists work vs out of network dentists. What are the pro’s of and con’s of using one vs the other? Do you get better service at out of network? I’m going to try answer all of your questions here. In Network Vs Out of Network […]
Can I Just Use Mouthwash?
A lot of people wonder if they can get away with just using mouthwash instead of the whole routine of brushing and flossing every night. Mouthwash is antibacterial, many have fluoride, and it sure makes your breath smell better. It sure would be a lot easier too. The short answer to this question… No, mouthwash […]
Coffee: Good Or Bad For Your Teeth?
If you’re a typical adult, you probably drink coffee at least occasionally and more likely than not, drink it on a regular basis. I’ve seen various statistics that more than half of adults today drink coffee daily! These coffee drinkers average over three full cups of a day. When you’re drinking your coffee do you […]
How Drugs Affect Your Mouth
Most people have been told that they shouldn’t do drugs because it could ruin their health, their relationships, their job, school, or even kill them. We’re going to add one more problem to that list. You could lose your teeth too. A variety of drugs can impact the health of your teeth, gums, and the […]
Dental Anxiety Success Story
I see patients on a daily basis who struggle with dental anxiety and phobias related to dentistry. Most relate a story about a bad experience they had earlier in life and how it has colored how they see and react to dentistry ever since. For some people this anxiety is minor and can be easily […]
Glo Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device Review
Article Updated: 04/15/2018. Is all this worth it?? Let’s find out! The Glo Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening System makes some pretty spectacular claims about at home teeth whitening. As a dentist I’ve gotten a lot of marketing materials from this company pushing their products pretty heavily. I even had a couple of my staff members […]
Migraines Linked to Bacteria in Your Mouth
A recently released study by researchers at the University of California San Diego has discovered an interesting link between migraine headaches and higher levels of certain types of bacteria in the mouth. Recurring migraine headaches are a very common disorder that can be very debilitating and painful for people who suffer from them. The reasons […]
The Good and Bad Of Corporate Dental Offices
The United States has seen a massive explosion in the number of corporate owned dental offices over the last 10-15 years. A lot of people go to these offices thinking that they are privately run, because they are in network with their insurance, or because they saw some great marketing piece about them. The big […]
Is Homemade Toothpaste A Good Idea?
You can find just about any food or consumer product in a natural or organic version nowadays. If you’re willing to put in some more work, you can even find homemade DIY recipes for all of these things too. I’ve seen everything from soap, to lip balm, to natural laundry detergents. Many of these are […]
What Is A Dental Abscess?
One of the most common causes of dental pain is a condition known as a dental abscess. An abscess is collection of pus in an enclosed space in the body. Pus forms in response to a bacterial or fungal infection. It is primarily a collection of dead cells and bacteria that have built up as […]
Why You Get Food Stuck Between Your Teeth (And How to Get It Out)
I think everyone has had that moment where they get a piece of food stuck between their teeth and just can’t seem to get it out. Whether it is popcorn, meat, or a piece of fruit, it can be super frustrating! Even more so than being frustrating, if it stays stuck too long it can […]
When Can You Repair A Denture?
There a lot of considerations that go into whether your denture can be repaired after it has been damaged. The most important things to keep in mind are what type of denture you have as well as the type of damage or wear it has. The information below will give some rules of thumb as […]
Why Does My Tooth Hurt After Getting A Filling?
You thought you did the right thing. You got your filling done like the dentist recommended. Now your tooth hurts when it didn’t hurt before. What gives? There are a couple of reasons why your tooth might hurt after getting a filling done. The good news is that most of them will get better with […]
Are Mini Implants Any Good?
Have you seen dentists advertising the use of mini implants to stabilize your denture? If you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering what makes mini implants different than regular implants… and are they a good solution for stabilizing your denture? Dental implants are the best solution for the replacement of teeth today. Your dentist or […]
Invisalign
What is Invisalign? Invisalign uses a system of clear aligners that snap down over your teeth. These aligners are changed periodically and slowly move your teeth into position without having to wear unsightly braces. Most people won’t be able to tell you are wearing anything. What kind of impressions, x-rays, or pictures are needed? At […]
Do You Need A High Fluoride Toothpaste?
Did you know that brushing with a fluoride toothpaste consistently is one of the single easiest ways to reduce the number of cavities you develop? A 1000 ppm fluoride toothpaste reduces cavities by approximately 23% while a toothpaste in the range of 2400-2800 ppm reduces cavities by about 36%. A 5000 ppm high fluoride toothpaste […]
Loose Adult Teeth
Most kids are so excited when they loose their last baby tooth. They think they’ll never have to deal with a loose tooth again. Unfortunately there are some situations where you’ll find that one of your adult teeth is actually loose too. Gum Disease Gum disease is the most common reason for loose teeth. Over […]
Your Dentist’s Philosophy
One of the hardest things to get to know about your dentist is their philosophy of dental treatment. Did you know that most dentists can’t agree when a cavity first needs to be filled, when a tooth needs a crown, or the best way to get your mouth healthy again? The calculations that go into […]
Does Ozone Work For Dental Treatment?
If you go to a holistic dentist you may have heard them recommend using ozone for the treatment of various dental conditions. I’ve seen it recommended for almost every scenario in dentistry including reversing cavities, treating gum disease, whitening teeth, disinfecting root canals, and treating sensitive teeth. Now anytime someone says they’ve got a product […]
Seven Things Your Dentist Wants You To Know
1. Avoiding cavities is primarily about limiting HOW OFTEN you get sugar. Cavities are directly related to how often you consume sugar or acidic drinks. Everytime you eat or drink something with sugar or acid, it bathes your teeth in it. The pH in your mouth drops and the bacteria get to work breaking down […]
Mouth Sores
Canker Sores Canker sores (also known as ulcers) are the most common type of mouth sore for someone to get. They can be related to a variety of different triggers including… Trauma (such as biting your cheek or tongue) Crohn’s Disease Vitamin deficiency Allergies to chemicals in your toothpaste or mouthwash Foods especially citrus and […]
Can You Get A Cavity Under A Crown Or Filling?
Back a couple of years ago I was talking to my sister in law and she told me that she had recently been to her dentist and he found about 7 or 8 cavities under her old fillings. She asked me how she could possibly have cavities under her fillings. She thought that since the […]
Fun Questions About Teeth
What Are Those Bumps On Teeth That Have Just Come In? Did you ever notice that when front teeth first come in, they have these nice ridged areas on the very top surface? Some parents see teeth come in like this and automatically assume that something went wrong during tooth development. Good news! Nothing […]
Don’t Believe the Sugar and Soda Industries!
In 2015 an interesting article came out in the PLOS Medicine journal that documents how the sugar industry manipulated research as far back as the 1960’s about how best to prevent cavities. Some interesting finds… Even in the 1950’s the sugar industry knew that sugar caused damage to teeth and that there was consideration being […]
The Best and Worst Candy For Your Teeth
With Halloween coming up, it’s time for the annual roundup of the best and worst candy options for your teeth! Even though I’m a dentist, I really like candy too! The key with candy is being smart about it. By that I mean you should choose healthier candy options and eat them in moderation. Cavities […]
Nerve Damage in Dentistry
One of the rare complications of dental treatment is nerve damage. Clinically this is known as a paresthesia or dysesthesia. If you’re one of the people that this happens to, it can be pretty upsetting and you probably aren’t sure what to even expect long term. In most cases, the nerve damage isn’t your dentist […]
Is Xylitol Safe?
Xylitol is a newly popular sweetener that has been steadily gaining traction as a sugar substitute. Most dentists like to discuss how good xylitol is for your teeth (it’s really good!) when consumed regularly. On the other side of things are people who urge caution with xylitol because they have concerns about it is processed […]
Ineffective Whitening Products
There are a lot of different products out there that claim to whiten your teeth with almost no effort whatsoever. Do any of them actually work and if so, how well? Do Whitening Pens Work? – No Whitening pens contain a peroxide solution that you apply to your teeth. A lot them claim that they […]
Instruments Used To Clean Your Teeth
Dental hygienists use a variety of instruments to clean your teeth. What they use depends quite a bit on your specific teeth, how much build-up you have, sensitivity, what they prefer, or what you prefer. Scalers Scalers are the classic instrument that hygienists have used for as long as they have been around. Scalers are […]
Do Children’s Medications Cause Cavities?
The last thing you’re thinking about when you need to give your child medication is what effect it will have on their teeth. Understandably so! It’s just not something you’d normally think about. Unfortunately, children’s medications especially those that are taken regularly can cause cause some significant damage to teeth if you don’t take certain […]
Why Smoking Is Bad For Your Mouth (And The Rest of Your Body)
When most people think about the damage done by smoking they first think of lung cancer and other lung diseases. Did you know that smoking can cause a huge number of other problems too? The mouth, being the first place the smoke hits, is one of the areas most damaged by smoking. Let’s find out […]
Can Assistants Place Fillings In A Dentist’s Office?
The answer to this question depends on which state you are in. Each state has different regulations as to what dental assistants can do. Most states allow every dental assistant to do some basic things. These include… Assisting the dentist with suction and instruments Taking impressions of your teeth Making temporary crowns Taking x-rays (if […]
That Dental Office Smell
One of the earliest memories I have of dental offices isn’t of getting my teeth cleaned or the noises but rather that pungent smell! You know what I’m talking about. You open the door to the dental office and it hits you. It smells like some terrible combination of heavy duty cleaners, mint, and a […]
Should I Take My Child To A Pediatric Dentist?
Once you decide to take your child to the dentist the first decision you’ve got to make is whether you should go to a general dentist or a pediatric dentist. I’m here to give you some more information so you can make a good decision. So first of all, what is a pediatric dentist? A […]
Why You Should Buy A Waterpik
When you go to the dentist do you always dread the question, “So have you been flossing?”? You can lie and tell them you have been (but they’ll know you haven’t) or you can tell the truth and you’ll get “the speech” for the 100th time. Or do you floss but but still feel like […]
When Should Children Start Using Fluoride Toothpaste?
Ever wondered when exactly you should start using fluoride toothpaste while brushing your kids teeth? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many parents have no idea when they should start. The answer to this question will be different for each child and family. I’ll help you figure out what works best for you. Before we get […]
Dark Spaces In Between Your Teeth
One common question I get, especially from some of my older patients, is why they have dark spaces in between their teeth. Dentists usually call these “black triangles” and they tend to appear as you get older but can appear at any age. Black triangles can appear for several reasons. Bone loss around your teeth. […]
Common Problems When You First Start Wearing A Dental Appliance
Whether you’ve just started wearing a nightguard, snoring appliance, or TMJ appliance, you’ll likely run into a couple of problems that may make it difficult to get used to wearing the appliance. The main reason why most of these appliances aren’t effective is that people don’t take the time to get used to wearing them. […]
Tips To Reduce Gagging
Gagging can cause people to have a lot of anxiety about dental treatment, especially impressions of your teeth. It is still an unfortunate part of dentistry that we have to take trays filled with goop and put them in your mouth for several minutes. This can be challenging even for people without a bad gag […]
Reasons To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out
It’s very common today that wisdom teeth are taken out before they have come in or caused any problems. Ever wondered why this is? Most people don’t have room in their mouth for them. Contrary to popular belief they don’t cause any crowding of your other teeth but they do have a tendency to come […]
Don’t Do These Things For Dental Pain!
You’ve got terrible tooth, TMJ, or gum pain! You’ll do anything to make it go away right? I’ve seen people try some really crazy, dangerous, and wildly ineffective things to deal with it. In no particular order, here are some things that you really shouldn’t try for dealing with your dental pain. Put aspirin next […]
Needle Free Dentistry
I get asked all the time if there is ANY possible way that dentistry can be done without giving shots! The shot is usually the most feared part of the whole procedure and I think most people would dread the dentist far less if that part could be done away with. So, is there any […]
What Kind of Pain Is Normal After A Root Canal?
Root canals are probably the most dreaded procedure in all of dentistry. Your tooth usually hurts prior to the root canal, the procedure is long and uncomfortable, and then afterwards you often have discomfort for several weeks or months. It’s this last part that most people aren’t aware of. Most people expect that once the […]
The Different Names For Sugar
Finding out where the sugar in your diet is coming from can be challenging! One of the big reasons why is that sugar in many products hides under different names. Here are some of the most common names you’ll see as part of the ingredients. Sugar High Fructose Corn Syrup Corn Syrup Honey Agave Nectar Pure […]
Why Is Dentistry So Expensive?
Dentistry along with medicine has seen explosive growth in the cost to provide those services. For many people, the cost is more than they can reasonably afford. Why is this so? Does dentistry really have to be so expensive? Is it because dentists are greedy? How is dental care in other countries so much cheaper? […]
Missing Permanent Teeth
Did you know that it is actually very common for people to be missing permanent adult teeth? Estimates are that about 20 % of people are missing at least one tooth. The majority of these are wisdom teeth but there are also some other teeth that are commonly missing as well. I’ll go over what […]
Why You Should Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Did you know that it is recommended you replace your toothbrush every three months? Most people don’t. I’ve found that most of my patients only replace theirs when they come in for their 6 month check-up and get another free toothbrush from me. Hopefully after reading this I can convince you to spring for that […]
Six Reasons Why You Can’t Get Numb At The Dentist
Genetics Did you know that simply being redheaded makes it so that you require more anesthetic for dental procedures? The same gene that helps produce your red hair also has some effects on the pain receptors in your body. Your pain tolerance is usually lower than other people and you are more resistant to anesthetics […]
Dental Isolation Systems
One of the most critical parts of placing fillings or doing a root canal correctly is keeping the tooth entirely isolated from any saliva or blood in the mouth. How does your dentist do this effectively? What can you do to help? Rubber Dam The rubber dam was invented in the 1800’s and is still […]
Local Anesthetics Used In Dentistry
Ever wondered what is in the anesthetics that your dentist gives you? I’ve got all the information you need here. Topical Anesthetic (Pre-numbing gel) Most dentists will place a topical anesthetic on the tissue where the needle will be inserted. This helps reduce and in some cases remove entirely the initial “prick” you get […]
Pericoronitis
One of the big reasons why a lot of dentists recommend getting wisdom teeth out routinely is a condition known as pericoronitis. Wisdom teeth, especially in your bottom jaw, typically don’t have quite enough space to come in all the way. If they do come in all the way, they still have quite a bit […]
How Does Your Dentist Detect Cavities?
For most people who go to the dentist, they have to take it on faith that when their dentist tells them they have a cavity that they do actually have a cavity. Ever wondered how exactly your dentist knows when you have a cavity? Let’s take a look at all the ways this can happen… […]
The Corners of My Mouth Are Cracked, Red, and Sore!
Most people at one point or another will develop cracked, red and sore areas in the corners of their mouth. This condition is technically known as “angular cheilitis”. These areas will oftentimes bleed when you open your mouth wide, scab over, and then crack again. It can be painful to open your mouth, eat, chew, […]
Five Common Questions About Braces
Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose? Absolutely. Constant light pressure applied to teeth (as with braces) causes changes in the tissues and bone around your teeth that allow them to move. A side effect of this process is that the teeth become quite loose. You’ll be able to notice and possibly see […]
Painkillers For Dentistry
If you’ve ever dealt with severe dental pain you know how important it is to be able to use a painkiller to help deal with the pain until you see your dentist. I’m going to go over all the different types of painkillers that are typically used for dental pain and which ones are best […]
Gaps in Baby Teeth
Many parents come to me worried because their child has gaps in between all of their baby teeth. They are worried because they think that gaps in baby teeth mean that they’ll have gaps in their permanent teeth. Is this actually the case? What do gaps in baby teeth actually mean? Good news for all […]
Snap On Smile Review
Snap On Smile is a really interesting new appliance in dentistry. It is a relatively inexpensive solution for a large number of cosmetic problems. I’ll go over everything you need to know about Snap On Smile so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not Snap on Smile is right for you. […]
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
There are a lot of different things that can cause your teeth to become sensitive. If you can figure out why your teeth are sensitive, you’ll know better how to treat the sensitivity. Receding Gums – Your gums can recede from aggressive tooth brushing, periodontal disease, or with age. This exposes the root surface of […]
What To Do After A Tooth Extraction
The First 24 Hours After Your Tooth Extraction Be careful while you’re numb as a lot of people have a tendency to bite their lips, cheek, or tongue without knowing it. This is especially common when you’ve had a bottom tooth pulled as your entire bottom lip and side of your tongue are usually numb. […]
The Best Way to Clean Dentures
Anything that stays in your mouth for long periods of time without being cleaned will get dirty, REALLY quickly Bacteria, fungi, and mineral deposits can build-up on any surface. Occasionally I see patients who have infections under their denture because they haven’t been cleaned. Other times I see denture patients who have so much hard […]
Triclosan
In the ongoing quest of toothpaste companies to come up with the most effective toothpaste, every company seems to have some special formulation or chemical they add that they say makes their toothpaste “the best”. In the case of Colgate Total, they may actually be able to say their toothpaste is the “most effective” in […]
Why Do I Have A Black Line Under My Crown?
Black lines around the edge of older crowns are a common problem that I see. They are almost never a problem initially with a crown but can show up after several years. Black lines are almost always preceded by some slight amount of gum recession. Your gums usually recede slightly over the course of your […]
Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Your Teeth To Crowd?
There is a pretty common misconception out there that when your wisdom teeth start to come in they push your other teeth forward leading to crowding of your front teeth. Many dentists and oral surgeons believed this for years and recommended removing your wisdom teeth to protect against this. Quite a few long term studies […]
Everything You Need To Know About Fluoride
Ready to learn the truth about fluoride? Your dentist, doctor (medical or homeopathic), or next door neighbor likely don’t know as much about it as they claim to. I’m going to cut through all the misinformation out there and give you the real story, based on the most current scientific evidence. Why Is The Truth […]
Can You Cure A Cavity Without A Filling?
Many people wonder if it is possible to fix a cavity without doing a filling. As with many things in dentistry, the answer is a big “It depends”. The good news is that there are some situations where a cavity is somewhat reversible. The bad news is that the solution isn’t so simple as just […]
My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt… Do I Really Need A Filling?
I get asked some version of this question all the time! It usually goes, “Hey Doc, my tooth doesn’t hurt. Why would I get a filling if I’m not having a problem?” Let’s compare it to another type of health problem. Let’s say your physician tells you that you have early stage heart disease. How […]
Can Osteoporosis Medications Cause Dental Problems?
There is a certain class of osteoporosis medications known as bisphosphonates that have been linked with a rare but very serious side effect known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. To understand why this happens, you first need to know a little about how bones work and what these medications do. How Bones Work Most people […]
Gummy Smiles
Do you or someone you know have a gummy smile? Wondering what causes it or whether there can be anything done to fix it? We’re going to cover everything you need to know! First, a “gummy smile” isn’t really a technical term and doesn’t have any one specific definition. Most dentists consider a smile “gummy” […]
Why Do I Have A Metallic Taste In My Mouth?
A relatively common complaint I hear from some of my patients is that they have a developed a metallic taste in their mouth. This taste can best be described as the same taste you’d get by sucking on some coins. Most come to me wondering if there is something badly wrong. They’ve heard all the […]
Brush Your Teeth… For Your Kids?
Most parents want to give their kids the best possible start in life. Did you know that one way you can do this, is to keep your own mouth healthy? You might think, what does the health of my mouth have to do with my child’s health? When your mouth is unhealthy, whether from cavities […]
Sinus Toothaches
During certain times of the year, I start seeing a lot of patients who are having a vague toothache around their upper back teeth. Sometimes, they do have an actual toothache but in many other cases they have what is known as a “sinus toothache”. To understand why this happens you first have to understand […]
Why Are My Teeth Getting More Crowded?
The natural position that your teeth want to move towards is a result of the complex interaction between your tongue, cheeks, muscles, ligaments around your teeth, and forces from other teeth. Light, constant forces on your teeth will tend to cause them to move toward the position where all the forces are equal. Many people […]
Am I Too Old To Straighten My Teeth?
A common question I get asked by adult patients is whether they’re too old for braces or Invisalign. There is an idea out there that your bone changes as you get older and moving your teeth no longer becomes possible. Good news, this isn’t true! I still remember when I was younger, my grandfather turned […]
Six Month Smiles Review
Have you seen your dentist advertising something called “Six Month Braces”, Six Month Smiles”, or something similar? Sounds too good to be true right? Let’s take a look at what you can expect with this type of treatment. Six Month Smiles and similar systems are a set of orthodontic treatment systems designed specifically for use […]
Crowns In A Day
Many dentists now advertise that they can do your crown in a single visit. They’ve probably got a poster or banner that looks like this one. CEREC is the brand name of the first system that allowed dentists to do this. CEREC is still the leader in the industry but there are a lot more […]
Tooth Killers
Want your teeth to last your entire life? Then avoid these foods, drinks, and bad habits that kill your teeth! Habits: If you remember one single thing from all of this, it’s that teeth are for eating and nothing else. Don’t use them as a tool to accomplish other tasks. Chewing ice – Your teeth […]
Why Do Dental Crowns Come Off?
So you had a bunch of dental work done 15 years ago and everything has been going great. Then one day you’re eating a nice soft slice of bread and “pop”, you feel something loose in your mouth and when you take a closer look it is your dental crown that has come off. First […]
Can Pacifiers Cause Permanent Damage?
Ever seen a four or five year old child still using a pacifier? Unfortunately, I have and not just one or two children either! It seems like pacifier use is becoming extremely common these days, which for the most part is fine. I’ve got four kids of my own, and I definitely understand why! Those early […]
Chew Gum For A Healthy Mouth!
I get asked quite often whether gum chewing is good for your mouth. Real simple answer… Yes and Yes! Chewing gum has been proven over and over to have many benefits for your oral health. Here are 6 of the major ways that gum helps keep your mouth healthy! #1 Chewing gum increases your saliva […]
Common Toothpaste Ingredients
There are so many different types of toothpaste out there, all with different ingredients. Which ones are important? Which ones sometimes cause allergic reactions? Can any cause harm? Let’s find out! Toothpaste has a pretty wide range of components. The standard formula includes the following categories in these amounts… Abrasives to aid in removing plaque […]
Putting Off Dental Treatment
I saw a patient today who I’d recommended a crown on about 6 months ago. She came in to the office and said, “OK, I’m ready to get it done!”. When I took a look at the tooth, the tooth had a crack that went all the way through it. There was no way to […]
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide (N2O), more commonly known as laughing gas, is the most common sedative used in dental offices to help patients deal with anxiety and make treatment more comfortable. It was first discovered by a dentist named Horace Wells in 1844 and slowly came into more common usage over the years. What Effect Does Laughing […]
Why Do Dentists Recommend Different Things?
Dentists joke that if you were to show ten dentists the same tooth, you’d get ten different answers on the best way to treat it. When most people hear that they have a cavity, they think it is one of these black and white things, where you either have a cavity or you don’t. The […]
What Is A Cavity?
While most people know that they don’t want their dentist to find any “cavities” during their check-ups, they oftentimes don’t know what a cavity actually is. The word “cavity” literally means “a hole”. A cavity in the dental world, also known as dental decay or caries, is when the structure of a tooth starts breaking […]
DMD vs DDS
In the United States, dentists are either awarded a DMD or DDS degree at the end of their training. DMD stands for Doctor of Medicine In Dentistry while DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. DDS was the original dental degree established by the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. This was the only degree for […]
Do Straws Reduce Cavities?
A lot of people drink sugary drinks through straws because they believe that this will help them avoid cavities. Is this actually the case? Researchers have studied this very topic and came to the conclusion that drinking through a straw can slightly reduce the number of cavities of a person gets depending on where the straw […]
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
So you’re happily eating dinner when all of a sudden you bite down and feel a sharp pain in your tooth. You think surely it’s broken but when you look at it in the mirror, it all seems to be there. Over the next several days the tooth randomly hurts, is sensitive, and you can’t […]
Should You Bother With Tongue Scraping?
Did you know that your tongue is estimated to be responsible for 50% of all cases of bad breath? Keeping your tongue clean is one of the best and easiest things you can do to reduce bad breath. Let’s take a look at your tongue, why it causes bad breath, and the most effective ways […]
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks have really taken off in the last five years. They are marketed heavily and are consumed by many people to get a quick pick me up during the day. Some of the most common brands include Red Bull, Rockstar, 5 Hour Energy, and Monster. What a lot of people don’t know about them […]
Should You Floss?
The Associated Press came out with a story a couple of days ago with the headline, “Medical benefits of dental floss unproven”. Because flossing and dentist visits are such hated past-times, many media outlets seized on this story and claimed that you can stop flossing! Headlines like “Tell your dentist to suck it” abounded. Hey, […]
My Thoughts On Homeopathic Dentistry
I’m going to give you my honest thoughts on homepathic dentistry. I stand to gain or lose nothing from telling you this. I simply feel strongly that people seeing a homepathic dentist should be aware of the issues. I’m very much against people being misled and taken advantage of. Homepathic dentistry, also known as “holistic […]
Headaches and TMJ Pain
It is estimated that nearly 20 million people in the United States have TMJ related headaches. This is a huge number of people! Many of these people don’t even know their headaches are TMJ related. Medical doctors generally don’t know much about the TMJ and even many dentists struggle to effectively treat TMJ pain because […]
Oral Hygiene and Respiratory Illness
I talk a lot on here about how your oral health is closely related to your overall health. In elderly patients, one of the most important related illnesses is pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a big problem in nursing homes and a lot of these cases can be prevented with improved oral hygiene. Your mouth is […]
The Facts About Dental Insurance
I’ve personally worked with most of the major dental insurance companies over my career. I’ve been an in network provider for many as well as being an out of network provider for others. In this time, I’ve come to really dislike these companies for many different reasons, the primary being that they interfere with your […]
Veneers
Veneers are a type of dental restoration in which porcelain is bonded to the front surface of teeth in order to change their color or shape. When most people think of veneers, they think of celebrities who have changed relatively good looking teeth into bright white perfect teeth. While some cases of veneers do absolutely that, […]
Abfraction
Abfraction is a dental term for wedge shaped areas that sometimes form along the gumline of teeth over time, not related to cavities. It’s an extremely common occurence, especially in older patients, although I have seen it in young adults as well. Abfractions range from very minimal loss of tooth structure to very significant wedges […]
Oral Cancer
How common is oral cancer? Oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancers make up approximately 2% of all the cancers diagnosed in the United States. As of 2014, that was about 50,000 new cases each year. The most common type of oral cancer is known as squamous cell carcinoma with about 90% of the total cases. What […]
My Tongue Is Stained!
There are a lot of different things than can stain your tongue or change it’s color. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons and what you can do to help. Smoking Smoking is the most common reason for a stained tongue. The heat and chemicals in tobacco cause the papilla (little projections) on […]
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
There are a lot of different reasons for tooth discoloration. Let’s take a look at the major ones… Fluorosis (Brown) When children are exposed to higher level of fluoride than recommended, the developing permanent teeth tend to take on a mottled brown appearance. This can range from very mild staining to very heavy depending on […]
How Long Does Dental Work Last?
When most people have dental work done, they usually aren’t thinking ahead to what will happen when that filling, crown, or denture needs to be replaced or how they can extend it’s lifespan. They just want to get it over and get out of the dentist’s office! It is definitely something very important that you […]
Periodontal Disease and Pancreatic Cancer
It seems like every day that a new study comes out with another link between dental health and overall health. There is still a pretty big disconnect between dental and medical providers but hopefully that will continue to change as more and more evidence comes out. The latest study to come out is from the […]
Who Should Premedicate with Antibiotics Before A Dental Appointment?
One of the most confusing topics for dentist’s over the last 10 or so years has been the practice of premedication with antibiotics prior to dental visits. For a while there it seemed like the guidelines changed every year or two. The basic idea behind premedication with antibiotics is that when certain dental procedures are […]
Should I Get My Amalgam Fillings Replaced?
For almost as long as dental amalgam fillings have been used, there has been some controversy about their health consequences. On one side you have people who state that they are unequivocally safe while on the other side you have people who say that they lead to a whole host of health problems that will […]
How Often to Go to the Dentist
Most dentists recommend that you automatically schedule an appointment to see them every 6 months. They do this for a couple of main reasons. Your dental insurance usually covers a visit at this frequency and the majority of people today should be seen every 6 months. What they generally don’t tell you is that some […]
Burning Mouth and Tongue
Burning mouth syndrome literally causes a burning sensation or scalded feeling in your mouth, usually on the tongue, but can also be anywhere else. Oftentimes this is accompanied with a metallic taste or sometimes a loss of taste. This sensation varies from a constant problem to one that comes and goes. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) has […]
How to Treat Thrush
This is not a topic most people like to talk about and understandably so. That’s probably why you’re here and not asking someone else what to do! Before we get to how to effectively treat thrush, let’s take a look at exactly what thrush is. What is Thrush? Thrush is an overgrowth of a yeast […]
Tongue Ring Dangers
I’ve seen a lot of patients over the years who have had tongue rings. Without fail, they all had one thing in common… chipped and broken teeth. Let that sink in for a moment. Chipped and broken teeth on pretty much all of them. The second thing they all had in common… They wish they […]
How to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Getting your kids to brush their teeth can be a very challenging process! Here are some tips on making it easier on you. Ages 0-2 From the time they get their first teeth in until they turn three, you will have to do all the brushing. They just don’t have the coordination at these ages […]
Why Teeth Break
In my dental practice I probably see at least one or two people every single day who come in with a broken tooth. Many times they’ll tell me that they were chewing on something soft and then all of sudden it just broke. They’re often confused about how it even happened. We’ll take a look […]
The Effects of Acid Reflux On Teeth
Acid reflux (also known as GERD or heartburn) occurs when acid from your stomach moves upward through your esophagus. This causes a burning pain in your chest that can spread all the way up into your throat. Some of this acid can make its way all the way up in your mouth where over time […]
Dental Sealants
Updated 04/16/2018 What are dental sealants? Many of your back teeth come in with deep grooves. Bacteria can get down in these grooves and cause cavities. Sealants work by sealing over these grooves and making the biting surface of the tooth more of a smooth surface. This is much easier to clean and doesn’t allow […]
Wisdom Teeth Recovery
I get a lot of questions from my patients about what to expect after having their wisdom teeth removed and what they can do to make the recovery as easy as possible. It’s important to understand that the answers to these questions can be a big, “It Depends”, based on your age, if your wisdom […]
Pulling Loose Baby Teeth
There comes a point in most parent’s lives when they are faced with a child who has a loose baby tooth but won’t pull it out! It usually hurts and is a big to do! So what do you do? The way I see it you’ve got about three main options. Don’t do anything – […]
Orthofill Gap Bands Review
I’m big into DIY dentistry when you can do it safely and effectively. I’ve made it my mission to teach as many people as possible to manage their own oral health when possible! I’ve got a ton of other articles on DIY dentistry all throughout my website! I tell you all this so you’ll listen […]
Dental Specialists
Occasionally a general dentist will come upon a situation in which they don’t feel qualified to provide adequate treatment. In these situations they’ll refer you to a dental specialist. Dental specialists are people who graduated from dental school and went on to further training that ranges anywhere from 2-6 additional years. There are nine specific […]
Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety and straight up fear of the dentist is an extremely common phenomenon in the dental office. In fact, finding a person who isn’t afraid of dental treatment is quite rare. Not a day goes by that I don’t hear, “No offense, you seem like a really nice guy, but I hate coming to […]
Lasers in Dentistry
When I hear the word lasers, the first thing that comes to mind is Star Wars. If only dentistry was as exciting as Star Wars! So now that we all agree on that, let’s see how lasers are changing dentistry and what we have to look forward to in the future. It’s actually some pretty cool […]
I Can’t Afford Dentistry
So what do you do when need dental work but you just can’t afford to get it done? I see this with a lot patients and it can be pretty challenging. There are a couple of ways to approach this. #1: Prioritize the most important treatment. Ask your dentist which ones are the most likely […]
Why Does My New Filling Feel Weird?
There can be a couple of different reasons why a new filling will feel weird to you… You’re not used to it… When get a new filling (or crown, denture, bridge, etc) a lot of times your tongue will go right to it and you get that feeling that something doesn’t feel quite right! Why […]
The Cost of A Cavity
While most people see the cost of a single filling and think, “That’s a lot of money!”, they don’t realize that the lifetime cost of that cavity is going to end up costing them many multiples of that amount. The Data and Analysis Center associated with the Delta Dental Insurance Company studied the lifetime cost […]
Surprisingly Acidic Foods and Drinks
As a follow up to my last post on foods with a surprising amount of added sugar, we’re now going to look at foods and drinks that have a lot of acid in them. Sugar isn’t the only cause of cavities today. There are so many products that are highly acidic which provide the exact type […]
Surprising Sources of Sugar
Most people know about the common sources of sugar in their diet but don’t realize that a huge number of products have additional added sugar that can complicate their plans to reduce sugar intake. It’s not just those sugar donuts (as good as they taste!). Common Sources of Sugar: Soda Sports Drinks Energy Drinks Fruit […]
My Tooth Is Gray!
What Causes Gray Teeth? There are several different reasons why teeth may show up as gray. An accident with the tooth. This is most common with kids where they are running around and bump one of their front teeth. This trauma causes some bleeding within the tooth which stains the tooth from the inside out. […]
Dental Calculus Build-Up Linked To Heart Disease
Many previous studies have found a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. The exact link between the two still isn’t entirely clear but it is thought that the constant low level inflammation in the gum tissue raises the level of certain inflammatory chemicals throughout your body. This can be a significant contributor in the […]
Why Are My Gums Receding?
This is a patient of mine. He’s about 30 years old and as you can see has severely receded gums. This is probably one of the worst cases I’ve seen in several years. His receded gums are a result of brushing too hard. The root surfaces of all of his teeth have some level of […]
Why Do I Have Sensitivity After Fillings?
One of the common questions I get asked is why do some people get sensitivity after having fillings. Sensitivity after fillings can be very frustrating and challenging. Many times you didn’t have any problems with the tooth before the fillings and now the dentist went and messed with it and it hurts! He or she […]
DIY Dry Socket
One of the most common complications of having a tooth taken out is developing a dry socket. A dry socket is when the blood clot that is supposed to be in the extraction site either doesn’t form or is displaced. This exposes the bone in the area causing a severe toothache type pain. Many of my […]
Oil Pulling In Dentistry
Oil pulling is the concept of placing a small amount of oil in your mouth (generally sesame oil but many others have been tried as well) and swishing, “pulling” it through your teeth, and holding it in place for some time. This oil is then spit out. Oil pulling isn’t necessarily a new concept but […]
Implants
Updated March 11th, 2017 A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed in the bone to replace missing teeth and are the best option for most people for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are probably one of the most exciting developments in dentistry over the last several decades. Success rates with dental implants […]
Dentures
Dentures are likely the most difficult part of dentistry for both patients and dentists. The reason why most dentists don’t like them is that they are a compromise in every single way and despite doing everything right, many times patient’s struggle to adjust to dentures. They oftentimes blame the dentist for the problems, not realizing […]
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the field in dentistry that deals with straightening teeth. Orthodontics has come a long way in the last several decades and there are more options than ever to do this. Early Orthodontics For children with certain types of dental features, they should be seen by an orthodontist early on (around age 7 or […]
The Tooth Extraction Survival Guide!
There is reason why the phrase “like pulling teeth” is so popular. Getting a tooth taken out is one of those dental experiences you don’t forget. Whether it’s the pain / discomfort of the procedure, the noises, or having a missing tooth afterwards, there is no part of this that is fun. Having a tooth pulled […]
Root Canals
Root canal. The most dreaded phrase in all of dentistry. While I think root canals get a little bit of bad rap. they definitely aren’t how anyone would like to spend a day. Root canals themselves aren’t generally painful once you’re numb but the pain that comes before you need one is what everyone associates […]
Crowns
When a tooth is broken or decay is pretty large, the next option after a filling is a crown (or occasionally an onlay which is similar). The picture to the right is a classic example of a tooth that needs a crown. It has a very large filling which is broken. So what actually happens […]
Fillings
“You’ve got cavities”… The words no one wants to hear at the dentist! When cavities are relatively small to moderate in size they are usually fixed with fillings. So what options do you have for fillings? The dentist will numb your tooth and use a dental drill to remove the area of the tooth that […]
Routine Cleanings
Most people believe that the important part of the dental cleaning is when the dental hygienist uses the minty paste and polishes their teeth. Believe it or not, that is actually the least important part of the whole process! Lets run through all the different things that your dental hygienist does during your cleaning visit. […]
Scaling and Root Planing (“Deep Cleaning”)
Article Updated February 24th, 2017. So it’s been a couple of years since your last dental cleaning and you go into the dental office. They take a bunch of x-rays and stick a sharp little probe all around your gums all the while calling out random numbers. Then they sit you up and explain to […]
Why Fix Baby Teeth?
I get a lot of questions from parents when I recommend treatment on baby teeth. They usually wonder why we want to fix the baby teeth when they are just going to fall out eventually anyway. As it stands, there are actually a lot of good reasons to want to fix baby teeth. #1: Baby […]
Accidents
If you’ve got kids, it’s very likely you’re eventually going to see some sort of dental trauma! I’d estimate that at least a third of kids have had some sort of dental accident. This can range from minor bruises / cuts to completely breaking a tooth or knocking it out. The key thing is to […]
Thumb and Finger Sucking
Breaking a child of a thumb / finger sucking habit can be very challenging and can cause some significant dental issues if continued too long. Use of a pacifier for too long can cause the same problems. The problem is that the finger / pacifier put pressure on the front teeth and roof of the […]
When Do Teeth Come In / Fall Out?
Kids seem to be constantly getting teeth in or losing them for about the first twelve years of life! For first time parents this can be a really confusing and stressful process. In my experience, parents who have already been through it with an older child tend to worry quite a bit less! The important […]
The Mouth-Body Connection
It has been said that if the eyes are the window to the soul then the mouth is the window to your body. For a long time there has been a big disconnect between dentistry and medicine. The new paradigm, which is starting to be recognized by most professionals, is that there is very significant […]
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Here’s what you need to know about your dental health while being pregnant… X-Rays It isn’t unusual for a dentist to limit x-rays during pregnancy but don’t fear if x-rays are needed. Studies have shown that with the use of a lead apron, there is no exposure to the baby at all. Check out our […]
How Safe Are Dental X-Rays?
Before we can talk about how safe dental x-rays are, we need to know what types of x-rays dentists take. I’ve included the average radiation dose with each one (this varies based on the type of equipment used). Check at the bottom of this page for what these dosages actually mean in comparison to other sources […]
The 5 Major Causes of Bad Breath (And Solutions For It)
Updated 03/19/2018 Nothing ruins a nice date faster than bad breath (also known by it’s fancy name, “halitosis”)! We’re going to go over the most common causes of bad breath and what you can do to fix it. Cause #1: Poor Oral Hygiene I can’t stress this one enough. Food and bacteria on your teeth […]
The Dental Prepper Guide
When you’re thinking about prepping for a true SHTF scenario, being prepared to deal with dental issues and emergencies is probably low down on your list of priorities and can be easily overlooked. I also believe that it is a very important part of anyone’s preparedness plan as a bad toothache, dental abscess, or broken […]
Denture Care Products
Denture Adhesives The number one question I get asked about dentures is what type of adhesive should be used. There are a couple of types that are good. I personally have had good experience with my patients using either Fixodent powder or cream. The cream is a little easier to use but I’ve found that […]
Dental Self Impression Guide and Tips
If you decide to use an online dental lab to create a dental appliance for you, the first thing you are going to need to do is take a self impression of your teeth. Dentists have a saying about impressions that goes “Garbage in, Garbage out.” Basically the quality and fit of your dental appliance […]
Brushing, Flossing, and Mouthwash Tips
Brushing: Brushing seems like such an easy thing to do right? Then why do so many people do it so infrequently or ineffectively? I’ve had teenager (and occasionally adults) who even admit that they haven’t brushed their teeth in a week! Please don’t be this person! I’m going to go through some easy tips to […]
Dental Health Guide
Reduce your risk of cavities I get told at least once a day by one of my patients that they have “soft teeth” and that is why they keep getting cavities. “Soft teeth” are for the most part a myth (with a couple of very rare exceptions). While your genetics are one small factor in […]
The Three BIG Rules of DIY Dentistry
I have seen some pretty gnarly examples of DIY Dentistry. While I’m a big fan of equipping you to take control of your oral heath and reducing your need to see the dentist, there are a lot of things you most definitely should not do. There are also some things that I’ll teach you to […]
Dental Pain
Dental pain is an especially difficult situation to handle on your own. True dental pain usually doesn’t respond to common over the counter pain control options. Let’s go over the different types of dental pain, what you can expect with each, and what you can do temporarily in each case. Toothache (Severe Constant Throbbing, Hot […]
Clean Your Own Teeth In Between Dental Visits
**Before we get started, I want to be clear that I am not recommending that you never see your dentist for cleaning visits. There are some areas of your mouth that you can’t clean yourself and you also need the dentist to check for cavities, infections, and oral cancer. Please use this guide as a […]
Mouthwash Reviews
Recommendations Updated April 16th, 2018. Before I get into the recommendations I want to explain a couple of things about mouthwash. Mouthwash can be a good companion for strengthening your teeth or helping bad breath but brushing and flossing always need to come first. You need the mechanical removal of bacteria that both provide. You […]
Picking the Right Dentist
Picking the right dentist can be a really challenging thing to do! Unlike many other service based businesses, you have very little way of knowing the competency of a specific dentist. There are, however, some steps you can take to increase your odds of finding a good one. I’ve listed them in order of importance. […]
Toothpaste Reviews
(Before you read through my toothpaste picks, you may want to read my article on the different ingredients in toothpaste. It will explain about all the different common ingredients as well as provide a chart on how abrasive many different brands of toothpaste are.) My Top Pick: Colgate Total Care is the best toothpaste I’ve found. […]
Toothbrush Reviews
Reviews Updated February 25th, 2017 Electric Toothbrushes As a dentist I really like electric toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes have been scientifically proven to reduce more plaque than a manual toothbrush and they also have a lot of different features to make your brushing more effective. I’ve personally tried out just about every brand and use one […]
Sugar Substitutes
Looking for dentist recommended candy and gum? There is a sweetener known as Xylitol that actually fights cavities. Studies have shown that chewing gum with enough Xylitol can reduce your risk of cavities significantly. The same holds true for mints or other candies with xylitol. Xylitol sweetened candy and gum is also diabetic friendly. Xylitol has a […]
Products for Dental Pain
If you’ve ever stood in the dental aisle at a drugstore, you’ve likely been severely confused by all the different product choices. Let’s first take a look at the most common ingredients in these products so that you can make an educated decision on which product to get, no matter the brand. (Quick rundown on […]
Floss and Interproximal Brush Reviews
I have only one overriding criteria when trying new types of floss and flossing products. Does it make flossing easy? You can get really technical with all the different types of floss and products but in the end it really comes down to whether you’ll use it or not. If a product is difficult to […]
Temporary Fillings
Many drugstores sell temporary dental filling material. This material is very similar to what dentists use as a temporary filling material. It contains an ingredient known as “eugenol” that helps soothe the nerve of the tooth until you can have a permanent filling or crown completed. Now this material can be very difficult to get to […]
What To Do When A Crown Comes Off
As we all know, crowns only come off when your dentist is closed or out of town! I’m going to show you what you should do and the best possible ways to recement your crown until you are able to get back into your dentist. First things first… Don’t just stick that crown back on […]
Smile Direct Club
(Article updated Februrary 23rd, 2017) Wondering if Smile Direct Club is a good option for straightening your teeth? You’ve come to the right place. A little about me and why I’m qualified to give you the scoop on Smile Direct Club… First, I’m a general dentist. I’ve used a variety of orthodontic treatment options in […]
Retainers
Replacement retainers (initial retainers right after braces should be done by the orthodontist) are one of the major things thing that you can save money on by skipping the dentist or orthodontist. Several companies will sell you a self-impression kit and can make you a retainer at discount over what you would be charged at […]
Temporary Partial Dentures
The only situation that I would recommend using a self-impression kit and direct dental lab for dentures would be when you need a cheap temporary partial denture to replace a front tooth/teeth for cosmetic reasons. There are simply too many variables in making full and partial permanent dentures. For the most predictable results with a […]
Denture Repairs
OK, so what do you do when a tooth falls out of your denture or it breaks in half. Teeth that have fallen off can actually be put back in place with superglue in a pinch. The compound in super glue is very similar to the materials that are used to make the denture. First […]
Denture Relines
Updated 04/16/2018 A denture reline is when material is added to the surface of the denture that touches your gum tissue. Usually this is done when the gum tissue underneath the denture has shrunk significantly and the denture no longer fits well. This is very common for people who have had their dentures for a […]
Denture Adjustments
One of the biggest challenges with dentures is creating even pressure everywhere so that you don’t get sore spots. Even with the best techniques, sore spots and adjustments are an inevitable part of the process in getting dentures to a place where they are relatively comfortable to wear. When at all possible, you should have […]
The Healthy Mouth Project Launch
We’re fully up and running! Check out all of our content including helpful information on your dental health, dental appliances, dental product reviews, dental procedures, DIY dentistry guides, and more!
Dentures
Dentures are a very challenging type of dental appliance. Many dentists spend years doing them and still struggle to get them just right. In most cases I don’t recommend you ever trying to take your own impressions for dentures or partial dentures. The one exception to this is if you need a temporary partial denture to […]
Orthodontic Appliances
You may have heard the story about the kid who designed and 3D printed aligners for straightening his teeth. While very impressive that a high school student came up with this, it is not something I would recommend anyone doing. There can be some very serious consequences to trying any sort of active orthodontic treatment […]