Swobidu Health

Posts Tagged ‘dentists’

Dr. Joe Blaes

AirFloss by Philips SonicareThis is simply an easier way to clean between teeth. As hygienists and dentists, we have always recommended to our patients the strong one-two punch of fighting gum disease by brushing and flossing between their teeth where food particles can get caught. many of our patients do not use floss on a regular basis. This means they are not reaching the bacteria that can build up between teeth that cause plaque, bad breath, inflammation, and infection. since we are aware of the connection between periodontal inflammation and heart disease and stroke, we must find an alternative to flossing. Philips Sonicare has introduced a new, effortless alternative — Sonicare AirFloss. the revolutionary microburst technology delivers a quick burst of air and water to effectively yet gently clean between the teeth. Sonicare AirFloss is proven to remove up to 99% more plaque between teeth than brushing with a manual toothbrush alone. To use the charged unit, add water or mouthwash to the reservoir, place the tip in the interproximal area between the teeth, and apply gentle pressure. As the tip rests between the teeth, press the activation button. the innovative technology delivers a powerful burst of air and water that effectively yet gently cleans deep between the teeth. Then move the AirFloss to the next interproximal area and repeat the process. it takes only about a minute to clean between all of the teeth without the hassle of floss. In fact, 86% of patients who flossed inconsistently found it easier to use than floss. Sonicare AirFloss is tough on plaque, yet it is proven safe and gentle on gingival tissue, teeth, and enamel. Visit Sonicare.com for more information and to learn about other Sonicare products.

Cavitron® Plus™ and Cavitron® JET Plus™ by DENTSPLY ProfessionalThe Cavitron brand has become synonymous with ultrasonic scaling because DENTSPLY has been dedicated to advancing preventive care in the dental practice and the role of the hygienist in delivering patient care. We should all be concerned with the connection of periodontal disease to heart health, stroke, and diabetes. it is more important than ever to give our patients the best care possible. the Cavitron® Plus™ ultrasonic scaler and Cavitron® JET Plus™ combination ultrasonic scaler and air polishing unit give you the confidence that you are delivering the highest quality care to patients. these are the most comfortable, responsive, and clinically effective ultrasonic scalers and combination units that I have seen. But I don’t use these units, so what do I know? so, I gave the Cavitron® JET Plus™ to my hygienist, Karen Reiner, RDH, to evaluate. She came back with glowing reports when using both the scaling and air polishing functions of the Cavitron® JET Plus™. Karen was impressed with the size and portability of the units, and loved the wireless foot control. She mentioned many benefits, including the automatic tuning of the handpieces to deliver consistent tip stroke. This enables quick insert changes and saves time over manual tuning. Technology common to both of these units automatically adjusts system power to maintain tip stroke regardless of clinical load and conditions. It’s like “cruise control” with a new expanded range to deliver perfectly tuned performance every time. She showed me the easy-to-use system display, the handpiece-controlled water flow, and told me that the handpiece was autoclavable. Karen feels that this Cavitron is well designed and will make her job faster, better, and easier to provide the best care for patients. Order from your dealer or visit the company’s website at professional.dentsply.com/cavitron for more information.

ImplaMate™ Implant Scaling Instruments by NordentMy hygienist gets very frustrated trying to scale implants with plastic implant scalers. She is always looking for a safe and effective way to clean implants. This is because regular scaler tips made of metals that are dissimilar to titanium (such as stainless steel) can scratch the implant and possibly cause rejection. while walking through the California Dental Association meeting this spring, I stopped at the Nordent booth to talk with my friend, Tim Irwin. He was excited about his new ImplaMate™ implant scaling instruments, and asked if I would be interested in evaluating them. I said that I would be happy to have my hygienist evaluate them. Karen Reiner, RDH, works in another practice that does a lot of implants so she was able to give the ImplaMate™ instruments a good workout. She was very impressed, and said that I could not return them. Karen liked the solid titanium tips that remove the risk of dissimilar metal reactions with the implants. the purple tips and red color rings make it easy to identify the ImplaMate™ instrument. Nordent makes these instruments with large-diameter, lightweight stainless steel design DuraLite handles that provide maximum comfort and control. many of my instruments have Duralite® Color Rings™ handles, so I can tell you they are great. you can sterilize the ImplaMates by any method; no special handling is required. the instruments are specially heat treated and finished, so they are safe for implant surfaces. This is the solution to your implant scaling needs. ImplaMate™ scalers are available in a range of familiar patterns that are easy to adapt with no learning curve. with Nordent’s guarantee, there is no risk because the company offers your money back if you are not satisfied. Order from your favorite dealer or go to nordent.com for more information.

Enamel Pro® Varnish by Premier DentalFluoride therapy is a key preventative treatment that makes teeth more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride varnish has several advantages. it is easy to apply, does not require special equipment, and does not require a professional cleaning prior to application. Enamel Pro® Varnish with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) formula is the first advanced fluoride varnish to contain the added ingredients of calcium and phosphate. it is designed to create substantive forms of CaF2 and ACP. the ACP formulation has been shown to provide greater availability of calcium and phosphate ions, which are beneficial to enhancing fluoride uptake. Enamel Pro® Varnish provides four times more fluoride uptake into sound enamel than fluoride varnish with tri-calcium phosphate (TCP). all fluoride varnishes will travel across tooth surfaces and into hard-to-reach areas; however, Enamel Pro® Varnish has demonstrated two times more fluoride uptake in surrounding lesioned enamel. so even though it contains the same 5% sodium fluoride as other varnishes, with ACP technology, you get significantly more available fluoride release and increased uptake into the enamel. Enamel Pro® Varnish desensitizes dentin, and is proven to diminish hydraulic conductance by 73%. ACP and fluoride provide semipermanent occlusion with fluorapatite. the research article on this process is available in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry (J Clin Dent, 2011;22:51-54). Enamel Pro® Varnish comes in two great flavors, Bubblegum and Strawberries ’n Cream. it is packaged in easy-to-use, single-unit doses with an applicator brush and is gluten-free. give your patients the benefit of using Enamel Pro® Varnish, the fluoride varnish formulated to deliver ACP. Order from your dealer or visit premusa.com for more information.

The Clinical PRO-HEALTHTM SYSTEM by Crest® + Oral-B®The body of clinical research is making the connection between oral health and overall body health stronger and stronger. I am a founding member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH). I recently attended our inaugural meeting in Chicago. a group of more than 300 listened as physicians, allied health professionals, and dentists quoted articles and studies proving the relationship of oral inflammation to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Now is the time for dentistry to become focused on helping patients improve their oral health so they live longer and healthier. To me, this puts the importance of the Clinical Pro-Health™ system in focus. Patients must learn that bleeding in the mouth is not normal! Recommend this system for patients who have moderate gingivitis, and you will observe a reduction in bleeding sites and inflamed gingival tissues. the system includes use of the Oral-B® Professional Care SmartSeries 5000 Electric Toothbrush with SmartGuide™ and its oscillating-rotating technology that loosens and sweeps away plaque. an extra three-minute mode on the SmartGuide™ will encourage longer brushing for patients with gingivitis. Now comes the hard part. Patients must learn to use the advanced Oral-B® Glide® Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss in conjunction with the toothbrush. the use of Crest® Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste has been clinically proven to help reverse gingivitis in four weeks, and it protects against tooth sensitivity. Crest® Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse provides 12-hour protection against plaque and gingivitis. the rinse kills bacteria without the burn of alcohol. For more information on Crest® products and to order, visit dentalcare.com/en-us/home.aspx.

More DE ArticlesPast DE Issues

Have you ever used an electric toothbrush before? if not, you have no idea what you’re missing. You really have to try one out to see what they’re like, and to get an accurate idea of how well they work. Here are some things you might not have considered about these wonderful devices.

Some people have reduced motor control in their hands and arms, such as people whom have suffered an accident or stroke. Electric toothbrushes make up for this by eating much less motor control in the hands and arms, as well as much less energy needed. they are highly recommended for people whom have difficulty using the normal toothbrush.

Even if you don’t suffer from any disabilities, there are a lot of reasons why he might want to use an electric toothbrush. they are proven to be much more efficient at cleaning teeth when compared to a regular toothbrush, and many of them have functions that make it much easier to clean properly such as timers and pressure sensors. if you’ve decided to buy an electric toothbrush here are some things you should think about when it comes to choosing the one for you.

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for 2 min. at each time, and sometimes that can be hard to do the regular toothbrush. most electric toothbrushes have a quadrant timers that makes it easy to get this done. the brush will simply pulse or emit a sound that lets you know when you brush for the appropriate amount of time. Choosing a model that has a timer is a very good idea and I would highly recommend it.

They are also a good idea for children. It can be difficult to get a child to brush their teeth properly and for the right amount of time, but with things like timers and pressure sensors easy to keep your child to maintain a proper oral hygiene regimen. Some companies makes special toothbrushes for children and you may want to look into these.

You might also be glad to know that they are easier on teeth and gums for people with sensitivity issues. Some electric toothbrushes have special sensitive brushing options specifically designed for people with these issues. if you are someone that has sensitive teeth and gums, and electric toothbrush will be a definite help.

You will also want to look at purchasing an electric toothbrush that comes with a rechargeable battery and charger. Some cheap models don’t have a charger, but it makes up for the long run to buy one that does. if you travel, make sure to choose one that comes with a travel charger, as these are smaller and much more convenient to bring with you.

Another thing to take into consideration is the budget you have for the toothbrush. You can expect to spend around $150 for a good electric toothbrush, although you can get away with much less at the cost of some bells and whistles. It’s up to you. I would recommend spending as much is possible, as you can really put a price on good oral hygiene.

I hope this has opened your mind to the idea of buying an electric toothbrush, and giving you some good pointers in your search for the perfect one for you. once you buy electric toothbrush and use it for the first time you will never want to use regular toothbrush again.

There are many different branches of dentistry and some overlap in areas, but you wouldn’t visit a urologist if your tonsils are sore. Similarly, if you are having severe gum problems, you would probably visit a specialist called a periodontist rather than a general dentist. However, much of this also depends on the individual professional practice and the particular dentist’s specialties. Periodontists primarily treat problems associated with the gums. such as infections, gingivitis, and the later stages of gum disease. they also do highly specialized work such as cosmetic dentistry including denture and crown fittings, dental implants, and reconstructive bone and tissue work.

Most dentists are well-equipped to treat mild forms of gum disease. However, if you have a difficult case they may refer you to a periodontist who is more specialized. there are two main types of these diseases: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is in the early stages and can be quite common. if your gums bleed, swell, or become tender while brushing or flossing, you may want to seek the advice of a periodontist, but a visit to the dental hygienist or your dentist is usually enough to stop the spread of infection. Regular cleanings and proper home care will also ensure good oral health. if caught and treated early, this condition can be reversed with no severe damage.

A more severe form of these diseases is periodontitis, which happens if there is extreme plaque buildup over time. The plaque hardens into calculus, which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Eventually, this eats away at the tissues and bones, loosening the teeth and causing the gums to recede. if infection is severe enough, teeth will either fall out or need to be extracted and replaced by false teeth. Some people may have few noticeable signs of the diseases progression, which is why regular dental and if necessary, periodontist visits are necessary. Damage done by this disease is often permanent and will require cosmetic reconstructive techniques such as dental implants or false teeth.

Good health isn’t only important to keep your smile bright and complete, but poor oral health and has been linked to a variety of other, more serious health complications including diabetes, heart problems, and even some forms of cancer. In addition to destroying the appearance of smiles, gum disease in later stages can be painful, even causing abscesses in the mouth and jaw. Trench-mouth is another concern, which can cause severe and constant bad breath as well as the death of tissues.

If you think you might have disease or a similar problem, it is often best to consult with your general dentist first and ask for advice and a periodontist recommendation if necessary. The sooner you get an evaluation and treatment if required, the more likely you can prevent irreversible damage. Proper and consistent home oral care is another way to help stop gum diseases before it starts.

Oral B Triumph and Sonicare both do a decent job. Oral B uses oscillating rotary movements whereas Sonicare uses sonic technology. I have had experience with Oral B so I know that it is good. I can't say much about Sonicare. I guess it is down to personal preference.

Sonicare, just ask my dentist!

I have no plaque build up. I just got a cleaning this morning and the dental hygienist was praising about how well my teeth looked using that Sonicare. I was in and out so fast they should have given me a refund!

After you have started using one – just see how much whiter and cleaner they feel.

Oral B is def effective and less complicated to use.
It's been proven and dentists reccommened the brand

sonicare. it is more expensive but soooo worth it! it works so good it makes you want to brush your teeth 5 times

In the United States there are numerous dental implant companies who sell implants and tools for dentists to perform various procedures that provide you with implants and bone replacements. Each of these dental implant companies have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration so you can be assured the guidelines and standards set are being followed.

There are approximately 50 dental implant companies out there that manufacture all of the dental implant products and materials used in all the dentist offices around the United States. The majority of them have websites so you can educate yourself about their products and the dental implant companies themselves.

It is important to realize that while dental implant companies provide various products and tools they do not perform any types of dental procedures. These have to be done by a qualified dental office. this may be your own dentist or he may refer you to a specialist called a periodontist.

Since all of the products and tools made by dental implant companies have to meet FDA requirements you don’t have to worry about the quality of the materials your dentist or the periodontist is using. However you do need to be concerned about the reputation of the person putting these dental implants in for you.

The majority of dental implants companies make the type of implants that screw in to the jaw bone. some of them make plates that sit between the gums and the jaw bone. All of the parts are hidden and made by titanium. this is the same type of material used to make hip replacement parts. it works well in the mouth because it doesn’t cause a reaction when it interacts with the live tissues in the mouth. this was discovered in the 1960′s and nothing better has come along over the past four decades. The ceramic tooth looks so real no one will ever guess you have had an implant.

Dentists are generally loyal to the dental implant companies they buy products from. first of all they are aware of the quality of the products they use, the shipping time, and the cost in most cases dental implant companies will offer discounts and incentives to dentists to beat out the competition. If you want specific information about dental implant companies your dentist may be able to help you.

We all know that electric toothbrushes are proven to remove more plaque than manual brushes, but which electric toothbrushes are the best?

Oral B claims that their toothbrush is recommended by more dentists than any other. What are the real pros and cons of choosing an Oral B toothbrush?

For starters, even the least expensive Oral B brushes have been proven to reduce up to twice as much plaque than a manual brush. This means fewer trips to the dentist for cleanings, and an overall healthier smile!

They also make a wide variety of models to suit anyone’s needs. From timers to tell you how long to brush, to sensors that alert you if you’re brushing too hard and even sonic technology to remove stains, Oral B certainly manufactures the widest variety of toothbrushes.

In some of their higher end models, you can even customize your tooth brushing experience. you can set the brush to sensitive cleaning, whitening, daily care, or even a deep cleaning for that fresh from the dentist clean feeling!

All of their toothbrushes have ergonomic, rubberized, non-slip grips – so no more dropping your slippery brush in the sink!

The rechargeable models will last for up to 5 days on a single charge, meaning you can even take it travelling for the weekend without bringing a pesky charger or extra batteries, like some of their competitors’ brushes.

One of the biggest expenses involved in owning an electric toothbrush can be the replacement heads, which can run upwards of $20 each! but among leading electric toothbrush manufacturers, Oral B’s toothbrush heads are typically less expensive.

A huge advantage to an Oral B over other models is the brush head speed. The 9400 model, for example, pulsates 40,000 times per minute, and moves side to side 8,800 times per minute! that is over 48,000 bristle sweeps per minute. The closest competitor only reaches 31,000 sweeps per minute!

They also offer convenient carrying cases, a charger that is easy to transport for travel, different brush heads for different purposes, a brush head that is small enough to clean behind your teeth, and some models even include a tongue freshener!

On the other hand, there are some cons – the largest one being the cost of some Oral B models, ranging from $20 all the way up to well over $100. And the Oral B has been known to be louder than the competition, although they don’t produce as much vibration and can be rinsed under running water (which their competitors can’t!) When it comes down to it, while the Oral B electric toothbrush line may cost a bit more than others, they also offer the best quality, the best results, and the most value for money.

After all, like they say – you get what you pay for!