the simple blog

We have found an alarming rise in the use of dihydrogen monoxide in dental offices in the Orange County area.  This tasteless, odorless solvent, commonly used by the military, runs through the coolant plumbing most nuclear reactors.  If ingested rapidly, it can lead to hypoxia and death.  At sufficiently high temperatures, it can cause severe burns all the way through the skin.  Our undercover investigation has shown that dentists are using it to prepare teeth for fillings and crowns, usually with no warning to their patients.  Please report the abuse of dihydrogen monoxide to this number: 1-877-APRIL-FOOLS.  (dihydrogen monoxide is H2O, more commonly known as WATER)

We've noticed over the years that almost everyone with healthy gums had a power toothbrush.   While it's no substitute for flossing, anything that gives you better results with less effort is worth it.  Our office is now carrying the Sonicare Elite and Xtreme power toothbrush models.

Gum disease, like diabetes, is incurable, but very treatable.  Most of our patients get better after treatment, but a few don't.  Here's the three most common reasons people can't beat gum disease...

Some people have concerns about new power toothbrushes wearing away enamel excessively.   Most of our high-end powerbrush users have excellent gingival health, so we highly recommend the faster, more powerful brushes.  The slower power toothbrushes (the $30 and under crowd) simply don't have the RPM to make a big difference above brushing by hand.   For OralB and Sonicare, the high speed motors start around $60.  You can find excellent family packs for these two brands at your big warehouse store for $120 or less.  We would easily recommend either one.

We do not notice a higher rate of enamel wear with power toothbrushes, nor did Consumer Reports in their recent article on whitening toothpastes.  The best way to use any toothbrush is with very light hand pressure and small circular strokes.  If you're using a power toothbrush, check your manual to see if there is a reduced power setting that will help you get used to it.

Many of our patients wear down the sides of their teeth with a combination of excessive force, abrasive toothpastes, and stiff bristled toothbrushes.  A recent Scandinavian study simulated toothbrush abrasion on extracted teeth.  They found that the abrasiveness of the toothpaste had the most significant effect on how fast teeth erode.  Stiffer bristled toothbrushes had a lesser effect.  Our advice still remains the same...

 

 

Garlic extract in toothpaste or mouthwash may stop the initiation of cavities, reports researchers from Iran.  Would you use it?

OralB is offering a great deal on the 8000 series powerbrush.  You get 2 for the price of 1 at our office.  Or mail in for one free brush, no strings attached.  Combine the two offers, and you'll get 3 for 1.  Here's the details.

No pain, no gain.  That classic slogan for bodybuilders may apply to brushing your gums, as well.  A recently published study in the Journal of Dental Research shows that using barbells and brushes may have something in common on the cellular level.

What's in your medicine cabinet?  We've reviewed and revised our recommended dental products list.  All of these products should be available at your local drugstore or discounter.  This guide will highlight our favorites, as well as some great alternatives.

June 1st - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China, and issued an import alert to prevent toothpaste containing the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) from entering the United States. 

DEG is used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

Consumers should examine toothpaste products for labeling that says the product is made in China. Out of an abundance of caution, FDA suggests that consumers throw away toothpaste with that labeling. FDA is concerned that these products may contain "diethylene glycol," also known as "diglycol."