14 July 2010
Q: I have read that it is important to use a toothbrush with
soft bristles. Wouldn't harder bristles remove more plaque?
A: Choosing the best toothbrush begins with choosing the
right bristles. Bristles are vital because they directly
contact the teeth. Choosing correct bristles is a valuable
"insurance policy" against gum disease and tooth decay.
Consider bristle type, shape, and arrangement before you
purchase any toothbrush.
Bristle Type:
Today, bristles are made of nylon and/or polyester. We have
certainly...
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13 July 2010
Q: Are there any oral health problems associated with crash
dieting or diet pills?
A: Diet pills do not cause cavities directly; however, they
may cause dry mouth. This condition is called xerostomia.
Without ample saliva to constantly rinse your teeth, you are
more likely to get cavities, gum disease and even oral yeast
infections.
Generally, it is not a good idea to take diet pills. If you
must take these pills, drink plenty of water and practice
excellent...
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13 July 2010
Lumineers(R) are dental veneers made of a unique porcelain
known as Cerinate that allows them to be easily removed.
Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, Lumineers don't
usually required modification of the tooth. While the
procedure can be less invasive that other veneers,
consultation with a dental professional experienced with
veneers is important.
Lumineers (styled LUMINEERS) are dental veneers made of a
unique porcelain known as Cerinate by Den-Mat Holdings, LLC
that allows the patient to easily remove the veneers due to
the...
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13 July 2010
A veneer[http://www.drloos.com/content/view/118/39/] is a
thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth,
either to improve the appearance of worn, discolored or
misaligned teeth, cover cracks or chips, or to protect a
damaged tooth surface, giving a patient a new, long-lasting,
bright and straight smile.
An advantage of using veneers is that the teeth can change
in appearance with minimal drilling. Many veneer procedures
can be done with the use of little or no local anesthetic.
Veneers are chosen...
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13 July 2010
Invisalign is a set of clear, removable teeth aligners that
both orthodontists and dentists use as a beneficial
alternative to traditional metal braces.
There are numerous benefits to opting for Invisalign over
metal braces. The most popular and obvious advantage is
cosmetic: the aligners are completely transparent, so they
are far less noticeable than traditional metal
braces[[sitetree_link id=31]]. It allows users the
opportunity to straighten their teeth without the look of
metal braces. In addition, the aligners are marketed...
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13 July 2010
Q: How are Lumineers different form traditional
veneers[[sitetree_link id=34]] ?
A: Lumineers[[sitetree_link id=29]] are porcelain
veneers[[sitetree_link id=34]] and helped to pave the way
for more conservative veneers. They advertise they are as
thin as contact lenses. This allows for little to no
preparation of the natural tooth structure, which is more
appealing to dentists and patients alike who do not wish to
remove healthy enamel on teeth.
Q. Are there any other Lumineers?
A. Lumineers is actually a trademark and...
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13 July 2010
Q: Is implantology a specialty area of dentistry?
A: No, implantology is not an official specialty in the
field of dentistry; however, some dentists do create a niche
for themselves in this area. Some general dentists will
perform both the surgical and restorative aspects of an
implant, while other general dentists will team up with an
oral surgeon or a periodontist to provide a favorable
outcome for their patients.
Q: Why have dental implants become so popular?
A: Dental...
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13 July 2010
Q: What are the stages of gum disease?
A: There are two basic stages of gum disease, gingivitis
and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is
caused by the accumulation of a sticky deposit of bacteria,
called plaque, in the pocket that separates the tooth and
gum. When this plaque builds up, it causes inflammation of
the gum tissue. They become red, soft, and swollen. The gums
may bleed easily, even when only brushed...
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13 July 2010
Q: I have very bad breath even after I brush my teeth! What
can I do?
A: The diagnosis and treatment of bad breath (i.e.
halitosis) is a popular area in dentistry today. Some
research has been completed but we still have much to learn
about the causes and treatments of halitosis.
There are actually several different sources of oral
malodor. These include mouth and tongue sources, nasal and
sinus sources, lower respiratory tract and lung sources,
gastrointestinal diseases...
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13 July 2010
Q: I have had several bad colds recently. My physician said
that I may be reinfecting myself when I use my toothbrush.
Is this possible?
A: Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other
disease-causing organisms. Toothbrushes can also become
contaminated with saliva and blood. In fact, the
parainfluenza virus can survive on toothbrush bristles for
over 24 hours!
Atmore et al. (1989) found that toothbrush sharing was a
risk factor for transmitting the hepatitis B virus between
children. The possibility...
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