Exceptional Dentistry and Other Ponderings

These days, there are more functions for teeth than just chewing food. We use them to smile, a universal symbol of acceptance, and to some extent, these days teeth are valued as a status symbol. Here are 6 of the Biggest Trends in Dentistry of 2013 (one of which we offer, can you guess which one?)

1. Teeth Jewelry:
Small glass crystals made of white gold or gold jewels bonded to the enamel of the tooth are trending across North America. The jewels are harmless on the tooth if applied properly by a dentist, and celebrities like P!nk have sported her teeth jewelry on the red carpet.

2. Grills
Grills are often worn by hip-hop artists and other genres of celebrities to symbolize status. Grills are typically mae of platinum, gold, or silver, and can be adorned with flashy gems. They have been popular in certain cultures since the 1980′s.

3. Snaggletooth
Across Japan, the “snaggletooth” is a current fad. It’s popularity has been attributed to the recent trend of Japanese women wanting to look more plain and accessible for potential suitors. While Americans will shell out money for perfectly straight teeth, Japanese women will do the opposite for an imperfect smile.

4. Tooth Regeneration
Dental offices across America have started incorporating machines that can make crowns on site using CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing. These machines allow dentists to install the crown the same day instead of waiting 2-3 weeks to have a crown made at the lab.

5. Teeth Tattoos
Teeth Tattoos, also known as “dental art”, are custom decals designed for dental crowns or other artificial teeth. They won’t work on natural teeth because the drilling process would be very painful.

6. Face Lift Dentures
The trend we offer! Featured as one of the latest anti-aging treatments, Face Lift Dentures do not involve harmful facial injections or risky surgery! We’ve designed dentures that re-align your jaw and facial muscles to give the appearance of a wrinkle-free face.

Studies show that there is a way to “Eat for your Teeth”. The following is an excellent way to promote oral health and munch on yummy foods:

1.Cheese: It is low in sugar and acid and high in calcium. Cheese also contains the protein “casein” that fortifies the tooth’s surface.
2.Sugar Free Gum: The sugar replacement, “xylitol” prevents harmful bacteria from degrading enamel. When you’re in our office, be sure to pick up a handful of our Spry sugar-free gum!
3.Celery: Celery contains a lot of fiber which helps whisk away plaque!
4.Pears: Also another food that is rich in fiber to help combat plaque
5.Tap Water: Tap water can contain fluoride which helps remineralize teeth and prevent decay!
6.Yogurt: Yogurt is another food that contains “casein” to fortify the tooth’s surface
7.Sesame Oil: Studies show that sesame oil helps remineralize tooth enamel. Washing with sesame oil can actually be as effective as Chlorhexidine in reducing plaque!

Keep these foods in mind the next time you’re making your grocery list!

According to recent research, studies show that eating lemons and strawberries can help whiten teeth naturally! On the contrary, dark colored foods like blueberries and dark beverages such as red wine or soda can stain your teeth. Further, fiber filled foods such as celery, apples, and cucumbers help combat plaque!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this time of year always prompts me to think of what I am thankful for. This year I am thankful for my wonderful wife and family, good health, for the continued passion I have for practicing as a cosmetic and restorative dentist and for my one of a kind team.  We never take success for granted and want to thank everyone involved.

This past month, my father in law, Howard, passed away peacefully. My family and I are thankful for his life and celebrate the impact he made in the community as well as in our lives. From serving as a deacon to serving as a veterinarian in Bryan, he truly did impact the lives of so many people.

This Thanksgiving season, what are you thankful for?

Amalgam Filling

Amalgam is a metal mixture that was commonly used for dental fillings until very recently. The controversy in amalgam use is due to its concentration of mercury, which is concerning from both a health and environmental standpoint. For one, patients allergic to the mercury may experience hypersensitivity. Dentists must also consider alternatives to amalgam use in certain patients such as children, pregnant women, and those with renal complications. Many have argued that the disposal of amalgam can lead to pollution due to the mercury. For these reasons, NYU has decided to place a higher emphasis on alternative filling materials that are deemed safer for both the patient and the environment.

According to the American Dental Association, it is considered unethical to remove an amalgam and substitute it for another material if it does not pose a health hazard to the patient. Essentially, their standpoint is “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”.  However, dental amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 160 years, and there have been very little changes in that time. Today, in the 21st century, we have much better materials to use to restore teeth. We have not used that “antiquated” material for over 25 years.

Filling with alternative material

If you have any concerns about amalgam fillings or want to know more about it, please feel free to contact our office at (979) 846-6515.

Whether you are heading to the beach or simply walking from your office to your car this summer, you ought to take care of your skin. This article offers some great advice.

Don’t skimp on the sunscreen.
Use at least 15 SPF (stands for Sun Protection Factor)
Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply often.
If you can’t wear sunscreen, stay in the shade.
Wear clothing to cover unprotected skin.
Wear sunglasses.

Just like you need to take care of your skin, you also should take care of your teeth. For some good tips on improving your oral hygiene, check out this blog post from January.

Your smile is just as important as your skin, and keeping both of them healthy is a great way to prevent a host of problems. Call us today at (979) 846-6515 if you would like to set up an appointment.