Mini Implants Stablize Loose Fitting Dentures

 

Nothing is more frustrating for a dental patient, than a loose fitting denture.  If there was a conservative option to secure your dentures in a day, would that be of interest to you?

Mini implants are a wonderful option to secure your existing denture.  Yes, we can use your existing denture.  Mini implants are smaller in diameter than regular implants.  They do not require surgery or healing time prior to being able to place the denture on the implants.  Usually, a minimum of four implants are placed in the bone.  They denture is modified by the dentist to house specialize attachments.  These attachments tightly fasten the denture to the mini implants.  Patients report little discomfort and a lot of satisfaction with their smile and functionality.

One appointment is all it takes to have a firmly secure denture, in one day!

 

Shopping for Toothbrushes

The first toothbrush with bristles was manufactured in China in 1498.  Bristles from hogs, horses and badgers were used.  The first commercial toothbrush was made in 1938.   When shopping for a toothbrush there are a few things to consider.  Electric toothbrushes are generally more efficient than a manual brush.  Electric toothbrushes can produce more brush strokes per minute and can remove more bacteria in a shorter period of time.

However, not everyone likes the “feel” of an electric toothbrush.  If you are fan of manual toothbrushes, please make sure they are soft or extra soft bristles.  It is much easier to replace your toothbrush than to repair the damage a medium or a hard bristle toothbrush can cause.  Be sure to visit your dentist and hygienist for the latest in toothbrushes.  Luckily, toothbrushes manufactures stopped using bristles from animals for the toothbrushes we use today.  

 

 

The Dangers of Artifical Sweeteners

Recently Dr. Mehmet Oz did a segment on his TV show “Dr. OZ”  highlighting the dangers of artificial sweeteners, which not to our surprise has increasingly become America nemesis to our waistline and oral health. He illustrates Metabolic Syndrome as one of the main effects of artificial sweeteners. Metabolic Syndrome occurs when the taste buds located in lower parts of the digestive track (in the pancreas) release insulin are send a pleasure responses to the addiction center of the brain telling our bodies that it has received something sweet and enjoyable. The addiction center then starts to crave another sugar fix sending those needs for the pleasure producing taste back to the rest of your body. All in all creating a vicious cycle of repetition and sugar addition, which in turn is producing weight gain from the increased production of insulin from the pancreas and eventually can lead to insulin resistance and obesity.

In a large study in the 1970’s “Saccharin” was linked to bladder cancer, this once caused the sweetener to come with a warning label. Now many studies done by the Food and Drug Administration cannot find a substantial link between artificial sweeteners and cancer, but only when consumed in limited amounts. Now that artificial sweeteners have been cleared  by the FDA for consumption,  applications are sky rocketing. Studies link just one diet cola a day to Metabolic Syndrome which comes with its laundry list of health concerns in addition the build up belly fat.

Regardless of health effects and linked controversy of said sweeteners many foods (and drink) that are harmful to your dental and overall health contain artificial sweeteners as a primary ingredient. Modern diets and eating habits  have increased your tooth enamels exposure to  foods high in acid resulting acid erosion of your teeth. Eating everyday foods high in acid, many of which include artificial sweeteners can eventually soften your enamel. This makes wearing away tooth enamel by brushing and eating easier and becomes thinner over time. Thinner enamel can also look visibly dingy and less brilliant that will also leave your teeth susceptible to heat and cold sensations over time.

When it comes to food and drinks there is no comparison between water, natural fruits and vegetables and foods that are highly processed and sweetened. Sticking to a diet consisting of natural unsweetened foods and beverages will most definitely reduce your risks of some cancers and enamel erosion. However, there is no replacement for the “occasional” indulgence to keep the heart happy. Dont deprive yourself of the things you love, simply love them in moderation – And always brush your teeth after life’s simple indulgences.

Banana peels whitening your teeth in the news

Is it possible? There have been a handful of articles in the news and on the internet lately claiming that whitening your teeth is as simple as rubbing old banana peels on your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Now we all know that bananas are a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals for our bodies that can reduce cramping after a long work out, reduce blood pressure and the potassium producing power fruit is also known as a good source of daily energy, but whitening your teeth may be a stretch.

The average banana contains over 400 mg of potassium, 3 grams of fiber, over 10 mg of vitamin C and weights in at right around 100 calories which would definitely plop this fruit smack dab in the center of the super fruit category, but teeth whitening benefits may be beyond the grasp of this natural wonder.

Articles suggest using a ripened banana peel (which contain to the highest levels of potassium) to rub on your teeth for about two minutes (twice a day) will allow the natural minerals to whiten your teeth naturally. Sounds to good to be true! We agree, there is no replacement for professional cleaning and whitening procedures to whiten your teeth to their highest natural level. Now we will never dispute the bananas natural ability to aid in whitening but it is definitely not a replacement for regular dental care.

Lets leave the super fruit up to curing ulcers, eyesight issues and claims of rebuilding bones.

Wednesday’s Weird Fact

Its been commonly known that our nations first president George Washington had false teeth, but what were they you ask? Possibly wood, maybe ivory, maybe even animal bone. In 2005 researchers in Baltimore cleared any rumors by laser scanning a set of the late George Washington’s false teeth. Their results were mind-blowing. George Washington’s dentures were in fact made of gold, lead, ivory, actual human teeth and animal teeth – likely donkey and horse teeth. The apparatus had springs and bolts that held it all together. Despite his grim appearance in most historic pictures George Washington was a dancer and a horseman. By the time he was sworn into office at 57 had spent over 30 years battling tooth loss which started in his mid 20’s. Just another reminder why brushing your teeth can save you a lifetime of poorly illustrated portraits and preserve your smile for in this case all of eternity.