Toothpastes containing Baking soda, Charcoal or artificial sweeteners all get my thumbs down. Baking Soda may have been used by our ancestors before the availability of commercial toothpastes but it has too much Sodium (Sodium Bicarbonate) and is too abrasive....
The term “cavity” is used to refer to a defect in your tooth that might be from decay or rot that is caused by a breakdown of the tooth structure from bacteria and/or acid, trauma, or excessive wear. It’s not really a scientific term, but it’s adequate to...
Silver fillings are called Amalgams. Nobody pours melted silver into your tooth, rather the silver is ground into a fine powder and mixed with Mercury a liquid metal. This concoction when violently mixed and turns from a liquid/putty into a solid in minutes. These...
Fluoride is a mineral that is very controversial in dentistry. Years ago, it was observed that communities with naturally high amounts of fluoride in the water supply had a lower incidence of dental cavities. It has been proven that this mineral can reduce dental...
While I was in dental school I helped one of my professors with his research project to see the tissue response in animals from implanting different materials. At that time, the idea of implanting something in the gum to replace a tooth root was science fiction....
Nobody is perfect. If you choose to smoke, drink carbonated beverages, suck on limes or lemons, drink high-sugar fluids, eat a diet of excess sugar and candy, chew gum, chew tobacco, pierce your tongue or lips and wear jewelry in these areas, and more… there are...
The TMJ (temporomandibular joints) or jaw joints are unique structures. Unlike your knee, hip or elbow this pair of joints will translate or slide back and forth in addition to rotation. Additionally, the chewing surfaces of the teeth and the position of the teeth...
Even with the incredible dental/medical technology, there are circumstances where a tooth should be removed. If a tooth is possibly “seeding” infection into your body get it fixed or out immediately. Tooth infection was a leading cause of death a few centuries ago....
What are my other choices? How long will it last? What can I do to help the situation myself? What was the cause of my problem(s) and how can I prevent re-occurrences? What are the risks of postponing treatment? Can portions of the treatment be staged or prioritized?...
