You hear the lecture all of the time: “Brush and floss or you will get cavities and gum disease!” Although that’s great advice, there’s one really big part of your mouth that need some attention too. Find a mirror and stick your tongue out! See that coating? Yeah, that needs to come off. Like, right Read More
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What is Root Planing and Do I Really Need it?
You go to a dental office for X-rays and an examination. You know you haven’t been in a while and your gums aren’t in the best of shape. You walk out of the office with a treatment plan (cost estimate and course of action) for a couple fillings and four quadrants of root planing. You Read More
Broken Teeth Don’t Always Get On Your Nerves
Here’s a common conversation at the dental office: Me: Have you had any dental problems since the last time you were in? Patient: No, they are all still there in my mouth so nothing’s wrong that I know of. Me: Well, let’s get some X-rays and do an exam with the doctor just to make sure. Read More
Become a Flossing Ninja with GumChucks!
Become a Flossing Ninja with GumChucks Tired of boring string floss? Can’t seem to figure out how to make flossing easier for the kids? Have you used the excuse that your hands don’t fit in your mouth? I know I sound like a commercial, but I’m seriously impressed with gadgets that make taking care of your Read More
A Bloody Sink
(No, that’s not real blood) Do your gums bleed when you brush? How about only when you floss? No matter how much you try to rationalize that bit of blood in your sink , this is a symptom of a much bigger problem. Bleeding is NOT normal If the skin on your leg is healthy, it will Read More
My Thoughts on Coconut Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been around for over 3,000 years and it’s believed to have started as part of a traditional medicine practice in India called Ayurveda, which focuses on the balance between the mind, body and spirit. It has definitely gained some popularity in the past few years with consumers that are hoping to find Read More
That cold sore needs to stay home
Cold sore, fever blister, or herpes. Whatever name you want to give this common viral outbreak, it should be taken seriously… especially at the dental office. What is it? The herpes simplex 1 virus affects more than 3 million US people every year. It is considered a sexually transmitted disease. (Not to be confused with Read More
My take on activated charcoal.
A few days ago a patient asked me for my professional opinion on using activated charcoal as a toothpaste and I had to give the honest answer, “I don’t know enough about it yet.” We talked about what we’ve read and heard, he gave me his thoughts since he’s been using it as a paste AND Read More
Paperwork Again?!
Hate wasting your time doing a medical history? So do we. Your pet peeve = paperwork. Our pet peeve = asking people all day to do their paperwork (and getting attitude). I know it seems like you just did your medical history and maybe nothing has changed, but this crucial part of Read More
After Your Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal disease affects more of us than heart disease and diabetes! In fact, the CDC stated in a 2012 study that about half of American adults over age 30 have gum disease! Just like other medical conditions, the symptoms for them are hard to detect without the help of a trained eye. Here are Read More