Artificial Intelligence Advances in Dentistry

2024-02-26T15:54:54+00:00February 26th, 2024|Adam Brown, Adam Brown DDS, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Dentist Office Monroe NC, Preventative Dentistry|

Advances and New Technology – Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

The integration of artificial intelligence is happening all around us: it’s in, and has been for some time, the automotive industry; it can be seen–and at times relied on a bit too much–in the education system; we are even beginning to see more of its presence within the dental industry, as individual practices, dental schools, oral health researchers, and policymakers are preparing for the next step in evolution. Despite our many feelings on the growing presence of AI, it is here and many industries and methods of procedure will change forever. This leaves many wondering how the dental industry will change as our relationship with AI grows.

Artificial Intelligence Advances in Dentistry

To give an idea of how important the topic of AI in dentistry is, over three hundred workers within the industry from 30 countries joined together in a symposium to present and discuss different AI prototypes, smartphone apps, and other new technologies currently being created and perfected and soon to be incorporated into the field of dentistry.

 

Clearly, the potential for AI applications is plenty and is continually growing. Here are some of the ways artificial intelligence is already being used to improve oral healthcare:

 

  • Automated Communication: dental offices can presently provide 24/7 communication through the use of chatbots and voice assistants to access patient information, provide treatment options, schedule appointments, and reduce waiting times.
  • Dental Robotics: these robots can handle simple, laborious jobs such as cleaning and polishing teeth so that dentists and the crew can focus on the more complex procedures.
  • Virtual Reality Simulations: AI-powered virtual reality can be used to simulate immersive and interactive experiences so that patients can better understand various dental practices and their potential side effects. This process can drastically reduce patient anxiety, and it improves general education.
  • Predictive Analytics for Disease Prevention: we can now use AI to analyze patient records to predict the possibility of specific oral health diseases, which can promote effective intervention and prevention.
  • Image Analysis and Interpretation: even images themselves can be analyzed and interpreted by AI. These are x-rays, CT scans, etc. where abnormalities can be identified so that dentists can make precise treatment decisions.
  • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: particular algorithms used by AI can analyze patient records to directly communicate with the dentist so she can help make accurate diagnoses and create personalized treatment plans.

The Future of AI in Dentistry

Even without the incorporation of artificial intelligence within dentistry, the oral health industry has come a long way. In our lifetime, we have seen processes go from primitive dental drills to advanced dental implants and more. As dentistry continues to evolve at such a rapid pace, AI has clearly become a driving force in its advancement.

More and more we see in reality what was only a few short years ago considered to be straight out of a science fiction movie. AI is already revolutionizing many industries, including dentistry, and it is only gaining in momentum. As we can see, presently AI allows for increased accuracy and efficiency in diagnostic treatments, as it can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, which then allows dentists to make informed and timely treatment decisions. AI is already improving patient outcomes and levels of satisfaction by providing personalized treatment plans that are specifically tailored to the individual. We can thank AI for saving us money as well. For both patients and practitioners, artificial intelligence can streamline diagnosis and treatment processes, which saves time and effort–and therefore plenty of money.

But what does the future of artificial intelligence look like? As AI is constantly growing, it is hard to say exactly what the future of dentistry will look like, but we do have a pretty good idea. Here are just a few of the impacts on dentistry expected in the near future:

  1. Improved Diagnostic Accuracy. As AI algorithms become more accurate in detecting dental diseases and conditions, we will begin to get the most accurate diagnoses we ever have.
  2. Predictive Analytics. As mentioned earlier, we currently use AI to analyze patient data and predict the likelihood of certain dental diseases, which allows for earlier intervention and more effective treatments. This will only advance and become more personalized so that individual information is not only addressed but it is remembered and analyzed on deeper levels.
  3. Dental Robotics. With more sophisticated robotics on the way, the presence of dental robots is predicted to increase. This will provide greater accuracy and efficiency when it comes to various dental procedures by slowly eliminating the potential for human error.
  4. Augmented Reality. We expect to see more use of augmented reality within the dental field, as it allows dentists to visualize and plan treatments in 3D. Having this capability will improve precision and accuracy during procedures.
  5. Digital Impression Scanning. Advancements in this area are expected and are predicted to allow for more accurate and efficient impressions of patients’ teeth so that there will be less of a need for the uncomfortable and time-consuming process of creating traditional impressions.
  6. Improved Patient Communication. AI chatbots and voice assistants are already in use, but they are expected to become even more prevalent so patients can be provided with 24/7 access to information and support on a higher, more personal level. This includes treatment options and appointment scheduling even when a dental office is closed.

AI is already a big part of the dental field, and we will only see it grow over time. But you do not have to wait for the advancement of artificial intelligence before taking your oral health seriously. The time to prevent possible oral health issues is now.

The most important aspect of preventative dentistry is that one, simple visit could identify life-threatening diseases. Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria, most of it harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Not only that, but certain medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease. So be sure to keep up on your oral maintenance, as well as your regular checkups–and if you feel you are in need of a cleaning or if you are experiencing any pain or pressure coming from the gums or teeth, schedule an appointment with us right away.

 

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Why Do Americans Spend So Much Money On Their Smiles?

2023-08-30T12:56:09+00:00August 30th, 2023|Adam Brown, Adam Brown DDS, Adam Brown DDS, Dentist Office Monroe NC, Teeth Cleaning, Teeth Whitening, Veneers|

All There Is to a Smile: Why Do Americans Spend So Much Money and Energy on Their Smiles?

 The average American spends nearly $1,000 every year on dental care without insurance, signaling a scale of investment nationally to ensure good smiles.

According to Dental Health Statistics, “National dental expenditures in the United States are around $130 billion a year and growing.” This is a crystal-clear outlook on the growth of the dental industry, but what is behind a smile that makes so many spend thousands of dollars to improve their looks?

It’s common knowledge that smiling is good for you and often comes with many benefits. But having a smile you’re proud of is an important way to ensure you’re smiling as frequently as you’d like to. After all, nearly 33 percent of Americans are unhappy with their smiles, keeping them from having a confident smile.

If you’re among the many people unhappy with your smile, consider scheduling an appointment with a dentist to discuss your options and boost your confidence. Adam Brown, DDS has robust experience serving Monroe and the surrounding areas; our office sets a new standard for family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry! Read on to see how crucial a smile is and why cosmetic and restorative dentistry is growing at such a staggering rate.

The History of the Smile

Smiling has been around as long as humans, but how we smile has changed drastically. Some researchers indicate that the “modern smile” is actually relatively new.

The open-mouth “white-tooth” smile is argued to have emerged in 18th-century Paris alongside the creation of modern dentistry. Paris may have marked the emergence of dentistry, but the United States quickly became a world leader in effective dentistry, bringing the white-tooth smile across the Atlantic.

“An open mouth used to mean the person was insane or their reason was totally out of control.” – Colin Jones, author of The Smile Revolution In Eighteenth-Century Paris

 Think back to the many statues, portraits, and depictions you’ve seen of humans from long ago. You’d be hard-pressed to imagine one depicting a toothy smile! Many of these pieces feature a soft, closed-lip smirk if any distinction at all.

Though few and far between, the depictions of any open-mouthed smiles often depicted negative qualities rather than those associated with a brilliant smile today. Still, the modern smile became more popular as dentistry improved, as did the connection of cultures in need with a stand-out way to make impressions. 

Time has marched forward, and the open smile has been embraced and spread rapidly. Only during COVID-19 (Feel free to read Adam Brown DDS’s COVID-19 Policy here!), with the prevalence of masks, did we see the importance of a genuine, comprehensive, and bright smile taking a back seat. But as we return to normalcy, its importance is more pronounced than ever.

The Health Benefits of Smiling

A better-looking smile means you’ll smile more, but what health benefits can you expect from increased smiling? While it seems like a smile is only relegated to your face, it’s intimately tied to the rest of your body and overall health.

It reduces stress.

One of the best-known benefits of smiling is its remarkable ability to reduce stress levels. When you smile, your brain releases neuropeptides that begin to fight off stress. You can benefit from this even when your smile isn’t genuine. Next time you’re feeling stressed, try smiling — you might be surprised how much it helps!

It strengthens your immune system.

Smiling’s ability to release several chemicals throughout your brain, like the neuropeptides we touched on, also impacts your immune system. The more dopamine and the less stress a person feels, the higher the likelihood they’ll be happy. That happiness will increase your number of antibodies and natural white-blood cells, providing a significant boost to your immune system.

It reduces your blood pressure.

Smiling requires 43 different muscles in your face to work together. When functioning correctly, these muscles can increase blood flow to your brain to enhance cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. If someone told you that you could exercise 43 different muscles while sitting at your desk, you’d likely employ that exercise into your routine; smiling is just that!

It’s tied to a longer lifespan.

This health benefit may be the most surprising of all: several studies have linked smiling to a longer life span. A team of researchers at Wayne State University looked at photos of 230 Baseball players before 1950 and measured the intensity of the players’ smiles. Those smiles were compared to information the researchers had on the lifespan of the indivudals studied, unveiling a remarkable piece of data:

“For those players who had died, the researchers found longevity ranged from an average of 72.9 years for players with no smiles (63 players) to 75 years for players with partial smiles (64 players) to 79.9 years for players with big smiles (23 players).” – Los Angeles Times

Considering that seven-year difference might tempt you to wear your smile more often!

The Social Benefits Of Smiling

The health benefits are one of many reasons to smile as often as possible. A strong, attractive, and frequently employed smile has been linked to several social benefits. But you have to feel better about your smile to reap those rewards. Adam Brown, DDS has helped countless people achieve that comfort with their smiles, as this review demonstrates:

People Spend $1,000 on Dentistry a Year

 

 

 

Smiling is a universal language.

Everyone understands a smile, and it’s often one of the key ways we communicate culturally. Here in America, where so many cultures come together, it’s even more important to have a solid smile to communicate with. After all, Americans smile more than any other country, a topic Adam Brown DDS has touched on before!

A genuine smile is a sure way to stand out.

When you smile authentically, with both your eyes and mouth, you signal many things to those around you. Confidence, competence, friendliness, and approachability are some traits individuals typically associate with a smile.

A strong smile also increases the likelihood that someone will trust you, an invaluable relationship-building quality. Additional studies have even linked the chances of being hired in an interview to the frequency with which the candidate smiles! Whatever the case, benefits like this will help you in both the workplace and your social circles.

A beautiful smile makes you more attractive.

While this piece may seem like common sense, it goes beyond having straight teeth. The symmetry, color, and shape of your smile can all impact how others perceive you.

According to a Harris Interactive study, 82% of adults surveyed noticed a person’s smile first. With pressure like that, you want the best smile possible when making that first impression! Folks with a fantastic smile report increased rates of confidence, more security in their relationships, and overall higher rates of happiness.

How a Better Smile Helps Maximize These Benefits

If you’re thinking, “I would smile more if I liked the way my smile looked,” then you’re reading the right article. Countless Americans find themselves passing on the perks of smiling because of a lack of confidence in their smile. A quarter of those who say they don’t like smiling dislike it because of the appearance of their teeth.

Conversely, those with smiles they’ve invested in report feeling a sense of pride and confidence when showing their pearly whites, meaning they can take advantage of these benefits often.

Adam Brown, DDS believes everyone deserves to have a smile they’re proud of — one they can show off and enjoy some of the many benefits of smiling authentically. The very practice of cosmetic dentistry has that very mission. Also, Adam Brown DDS helps you achieve the smile you want while being as kind and professional as possible. This is a theme echoed in countless reviews, like the one below.

People Spend $1,000 on Dentistry a Year

 

 

Our dental practice offers a wide range of practices and treatments to bring your smile and teeth to the next level, including:

  • Whitening
  • Crowns
  • Veneers
  • Implants
  • Fixed Bridges
  • Dentures
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Dental Bonding
  • Invisalign

With more options than ever at a single location, backed by qualified practitioners who can bring your smile to its full potential, why wait? Call and schedule a consultation with Adam Brown, DDS today, and start the next chapter of your life with a smile you can be proud of!

 

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Coffee: Good for Your Social Life, Bad for Your Teeth

2023-05-22T21:33:30+00:00May 22nd, 2023|Adam Brown DDS, Dentist Office Monroe NC, Teeth Cleaning, Teeth Whitening|

For many, a life without coffee is a life difficult to imagine. Heck, a single morning without coffee is enough to induce stress, irritability, and a nasty little headache; but have you thought about what such a heavy, potent drink is doing to your teeth?

 

Here’s a hurtful hint: it ain’t good. The famous pick-me-up we’ve relied on for so many years is doing a number on our oral health, leading modern coffee drinkers worldwide to wonder, “Is there a way to maintain shiny, clean teeth AND still be able to sip on my morning/afternoon cup of joe?”

Remedies for Coffee Stain Teeth

It’s honestly not a shock that coffee is bad for the teeth, but the fact remains that it’s one of the most trendy drinks available. According to News Direct, a popular news and content distribution service, coffee is the second most popular drink for Americans — first place is bottled water. A survey of over 7,500 adults was taken and here are the results:

 

  • The number-one drink of choice, as mentioned, is bottled water with 63% of the vote. Number two is coffee.
  • Coming in next is soft drinks at 56%, juices at 50%, and tea at 48%.
  • Looking at alcohol, 25% of people surveyed prefer beer while 24% opt for wine.

 

But let’s get back to the coffee drinkers: News Direct reveals that 79% of Americans drink at least two cups of coffee every single day, while 44% of these drinkers are stopping for quick to-go coffees a few times a week.

 

The survey included questions about how Americans like their coffee made as well. Surprisingly, despite the plethora of ways to make and mix up a perfect coffee concoction, most Americans prefer a plain old cup of joe. Here’s the exact breakdown from the survey:

 

  • 36% said they prefer drip coffee
  • 11% are for cappuccino
  • 10% prefer iced coffee
  • 9% said they would rather have instant coffee (who in the world are these people?)

Coffee Drinkers by Age Group

Interestingly enough, Americans actually drink less coffee, as a whole, than we did in the 1960s when it was most culturally popular and significant. But overall, coffee is still one of America’s favorite drinks, which leads to the question of what age groups are drinking it the most?

 

According to The Food Institute, more younger people are drinking coffee than ever before: 65% percent of Millennials (ages 25 to 39) drink coffee daily. Coincidentally, 46% of Gen Zers (ages 18-24) said the same thing.

 

What has caused this spike in coffee drinking amongst youngsters? Well, multiple things. For one, gourmet coffee has had quite the boom lately, much like craft beer. Breweries and independent coffee shops are popping up all over the country!

 

Other contributing factors are innovative product placements in places frequented by younger crowds (social media sites, commercials on popular television stations, etc.). And we can’t forget about Covid (how could we?!) when people were kept indoors and consuming more in general — including coffee. There are also so many ways to make coffee. Iced, blended, straight-up; single-shot, double-shot, pourover, French press, Aeropress, siphon…and newer methods seem to be coming along more and more.

 

As mentioned above, social media has played a major role in coffee’s popularity with younger drinkers. Coffee shops — both independent and chain brands — have more of a welcoming atmosphere than the pop-in shops of old. Now coffee drinkers can sit outside, sit at the bar, or create their own little workspace and sit for hours. These shops are meant for people to hang out and relax or work, and people all over the country are taking advantage of this.

Coffee and Your Teeth: The Facts

Drinks like tea, wine, and coffee tend to stain the teeth because they have tannins. Tannins are rather difficult to deal with, as this sticky, brown substance can do serious damage to the teeth. Our teeth have a hard covering of enamel over them to protect against bacteria and other harmful substances, but because tannins are so small, they’re able to seep into the enamel and make way to the tooth. Hence the yellowish, brown color of the teeth after drinking coffee.

If you’re a regular coffee drinker, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. It only takes one cup of coffee a day to stain your teeth.
  2. Over time, your teeth can become severely discolored from the dark pigment.
  3. The acid tannins in coffee can impact and erode your tooth enamel.
  4. Consuming excess amounts will dry out your mouth and lower saliva production, which can negatively impact your oral health.

Remedies for Coffee-Stained Teeth

No matter the problems tannins cause to the teeth, coffee drinkers are most likely not going to give up the drink. Coffee wakes us up, it keeps us going; coffee is life!

Thankfully, there are ways to keep your teeth white — though not all of these methods work equally well, and some can damage your teeth. Here are some of the most common ways people keep their teeth from staining:

Swishing Water/Mouthwash

One of the safest and most preemptive ways of keeping your teeth from gaining stains is to immediately gargle with water or mouthwash after imbibing your favorite coffee mixture. This works because the tannins have not yet had a chance to fully adhere to the teeth yet, so the liquid being forced against and between your teeth does well to remove it. Now, this won’t necessarily whiten your teeth, but it will help reduce the addition of stains.

Whitening Trays and Gels

This whitening system has been around for a long time and the process involves heating a tray, filling it with whitening gel, and inserting it into the mouth to form a bond. The problem with this method is that it can take weeks for results to show. Additionally, most people who use the tray and gels report having teeth sensitivity afterward, which is a possible set of new problems for you to deal with.  

Whitening Strips

Use caution with this method as well. The famous whitening strips have been around for twelve or so years, and they have had a lot of success. Results can show in about a week, and the process is simple: fold the strips over your top and bottom rows of teeth and keep them in your mouth for a short period of time.

 

It’s important to be cautious, however, not to overlap the strips onto your gums, as this can cause irritation. Also, if you use the strips too often, your teeth can become sensitive due to the erosion of enamel from the chemicals in the strips.

Paint-On Whitening

When you have the time to wait, use this method. The paint-on method solves the problem of the whitening agent interacting with and causing damage to interior soft tissues, such as the gums and inner cheek because there is no overlap or spillage of chemicals.

 

Simply brush the whitening gel on each tooth and let it sit for a short period of time. The only down side to this method is it can take months before results are noticeable, and you have to be diligent in getting the gel precisely on each tooth every day.

Whitening Devices

Though they may be a little more expensive than the others mentioned, whitening devices produce the best results. These devices use high-intensity lights to break down hydrogen peroxides to create more whitening oxygens on the teeth. The best part of using this method is your teeth will be much whiter in only a matter of two days!

 

Like almost anything else out there we enjoy, if you’re not careful it can do some damage to your health. So the next time you decide to enjoy a cup of coffee — iced, latte, with cream, or otherwise — make sure you have a pl

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Are You Prepared For A Dental 911 on Vacation?

2023-04-19T16:20:21+00:00April 19th, 2023|Adam Brown DDS, Dental Crowns, Dentist Office Monroe NC, Tooth Infection|

What To Do if You Have a Dental Emergency While on Vacation

As unpredictable as life can be, it’s worth preparing for certain emergencies, especially when traveling away from home. Obviously, with the hope no emergency comes about. Keeping a first-aid kit in your car; setting a security alarm on your home; even bringing an extra set of clothes are examples of our preparedness, but there’s another situation that is often forgotten: a dental emergency. Do you know what to do if you or a loved one has a dental mishap while traveling or on vacation?

Dental Emergency on Vacation - What To Do

Picture yourself on a beach. You can hear the waves moving out and coming back in — that soft, loud rush of sound that works as a charging station for the mind, body, and soul. Now see yourself reaching to the side of your chair to grab your favorite beachy drink, and as you go for a sip…you clink the edge of the class to your tooth and your tooth chips! It can be that easy, and it can be that quick. And without a plan, this sort of emergency can only get worse.

No matter where you are or what you’re doing, an unexpected toothache, broken teeth, and general mouth pain can happen, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Most likely, unless you are truly off the grid, you should be able to find care nearby.

Worst case, you end up in the emergency room and leave with a prescription for pain medication that can get you in the clear until you’re back home. But this can be expensive, and it doesn’t diagnose or solve the issue. It alleviates it and pushes it down the road for later. Adam Brown, DDS explains some of the most common dental emergencies and how to respond to them:

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

If you can imagine the emergency, it can most likely happen. With that in mind, the following are the most typical dental emergencies:

  • A tooth or multiple teeth fall out due to chewing something hard or taking a blow to the mouth.
  • You lose a crown or filling from chewing ice, hard candy, etc.
  • You injure your gums, palate, or mouth by taking some sort of impact to the face.
  • A tooth becomes loose.
  • You chip or fracture a tooth. (Maybe from misjudging the distance between your mouth and your favorite beachy drink.)
  • You feel sudden, unusual, excruciating pain inside the mouth. This could be the roots of the teeth, the gums themselves, etc.
  • Your gums or mouth starts to swell and change color (deep red or grey/white).

How does one respond to any of these tragedies? In a number of ways. It depends on your exact situation: how threatening the injury is, who is with you, where you are in proximity to getting help.

But one thing to keep in mind is that if you do lose a tooth: immediate action needs to be taken, as the amount of time a tooth is absent from the gums and root system determines the likelihood of a dentist being able to successfully replace it.

How to Respond When a Dental Emergency Happens

Whether or not the dental emergency is yours or not, it’s good to be prepared to handle what could be thrown your way. Here are a couple of those common emergencies along with some commentary on how to respond:

A Toothache and/or Mouth Pain

Such a severe, sharp pain as what’s experienced in this situation can constitute an emergency. What can be tricky about oral pain is that, a lot of times, it begins with a dull pain that seems insignificant. That is until it begins to throb.

Here is what to do: First, examine your mouth to make sure there is no visible source of the pain. If there isn’t, look for discoloration or swelling. If you see either, it’s a good idea to find a doctor or dentist to give it a look. Otherwise, if it’s only a dull pain, take over-the-counter pain medicine until you can reach a dentist.

A Broken, Cracked, or Dislodged Tooth

This can happen due to sport, play, or a freak accident. And, no matter the reason for a broken or chipped tooth, an immediate trip to an emergency dentist or the emergency room will be necessary.

It’s a good idea to research a local (to where you will be) dentist and find the contact information and hours of operation. If you know you’ll be active on your trip — and that a dental emergency is possible — consider contacting the dentist to see if she (or anyone she knows) can be of assistance in case of an emergency.

This might seem like a bit much. But due to the commonality of dental emergencies while traveling, and the fact that you like your teeth and would like to keep them intact, it’s smart to plan for the worst.

*Note: If you do lose a tooth, rinse your mouth with cold water and apply a cold compress to the area where the tooth is missing. This will help control inflammation until you can get proper aid.

Prepping for Your Trip

The following are a few quick tips for when you’re preparing for a trip:

  • Locate your dental and medical insurance documents and give them a thorough reading, as to see what sort of coverage you have while traveling.
  • For any and every place you plan to visit, locate their medical facilities so you know where to go if something were to happen — dental emergency or otherwise. Be sure to record the pertinent information so you have it readily available.
  • If you’re having any sort of pain or oral issues prior to leaving for your trip, schedule a thorough checkup before leaving. Also, mention your plans to your dentist to confirm he recommends travel while in your specific condition.
  • Always pack pain medicine and oral hygiene products so you can do as much as possible for your oral care yourself while out and about.
  • Be cognizant of your oral condition while traveling. Consider keeping from hard chewing that could potentially damage your teeth and/or gums (e.g., hard candies, ice, etc.).
  • If you’re going to play a sport, or you plan to become physically active while on vacation, bring a protective mouth guard to keep your teeth and gums safe.

Finding a Dentist While Traveling

Remember that you’re planning for something that hopefully won’t happen, so you don’t want to expend too much time and energy on this. But you do want to be thorough enough so you’re prepared if anything does happen.

Take 30 minutes to research a local dentist; then, send an email or give them a call. Even if they don’t offer services when you need them, they might be able to point you to someone who does. Worst case scenario, go to the emergency room.

No matter how things pan out while on your trip, if you do have an emergency and you receive emergency care, make it a priority to visit your home dentist as soon as you return. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

 

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Electric Toothbrushes: Are They Worth the Hype?

2020-06-11T13:22:25+00:00August 8th, 2019|Carolina's Dental Choice, Dentist Office Monroe NC, Teeth Cleaning|

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we think the most important thing is to brush and floss regularly. Beyond that, we do believe there are some excellent advantages to owning an electric toothbrush.

 

Before you rush out to buy one, let’s review some of the details.

What the Studies Show

A review of studies done by the Cochrane Library in 2014 showed that “Powered toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushing in the short and long term.” Below you will find key results of the controlled studies where manual and electric toothbrushes were compared.

·    At one to three months of use, there was an 11% reduction in plaque when using the electric brush.

·    After using an electric toothbrush for over three months, there was a 21% reduction in plaque.

·    At one to three months, there was a 6% reduction in gingivitis (with the electric).

·    After three months, there was an 11% reduction (also with the electric).

Though the old-fashion toothbrush has done the job of keeping our teeth and gums clean for years, the electric toothbrush is the future of oral care. There is no denying an electric toothbrush is better at removing plaque and gingivitis. And, there are even more benefits to the electric toothbrush than these.

 

Under Pressure

When we brush, it’s natural to feel the need to apply extra pressure in order to scrub our teeth clean. Unfortunately, we tend to use too much force, which may result in pushing our gums back (in addition to scraping the enamel off our teeth). This little bit of extra pressure exposes the pink membrane that covers the roots of the teeth. Eventually, once the roots of the teeth become exposed due to heavy brushing, they become susceptible to decay and disease. Even worse, once the gums have receded, it is difficult to get them back, often requiring painful surgery with long recovery time. The better solution is to use a brush that knows when you are applying too much pressure so your gums can remain healthy and intact.

Recent studies show that when we use an electric toothbrush, we become more focused on the process of brushing, and therefore apply less pressure.

A side benefit of electric brushing is the unfamiliarity of the appliance requires more attention from our brain; therefore, we pay closer attention to the process of dental care.

Ease of Use May Be Better for Seniors, Impaired and Children

Should children use electric toothbrushes?Another benefit to using an electric toothbrush is that it works much better for those with limited mobility.

With over three million cases cited each year, carpal tunnel—a painful syndrome that restricts mobility in the wrist—can make brushing painful. But with an electric toothbrush, you use your wrists much less. Just turn it on and let the bristles do the work.

Seniors with arthritis in their hands or limited shoulder mobility find electric brushes more comfortable to use.

An electric brush is also beneficial for youngsters. Once they reach the age where they begin to brush themselves, parents often find themselves re-brushing to hit all the missed spots. Children that use electric toothbrushes tend to brush more teeth and do a better job cleaning them, which leaves less work for mom and dad.

It’s a great training tool for kids because most electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor that lets you know when you are, indeed, pressing too hard. Beginners hear the beep and are better able to find the right level of pressure to apply.

The Cost

One of the biggest (if not the biggest) deterrents people offer for not switching to an electric toothbrush is the perceived high price they often carry. The truth is that issues with gums due to manual brushing and trips to the dentist are way more costly in the end. We definitely believe they are worth investment, but to be thorough, we have broken down the cost factors to that our clients may make an educated choice.

We considered the cost of buying new heads and batteries in our research.

Let’s start by looking at the initial cost according to the level of toothbrush:

·    A basic battery-operated, vibrating toothbrush costs between $5-$25. Now, this price might not seem very high, but to be honest, there’s not much of a difference between electric brushes at this base level and a standard toothbrush. These cheap electrics vibrate only, no oscillating. When it comes to electric toothbrushes, there is some truth to the notion, “you get what you pay for.”

·    The next level up gets you a much more effective toothbrush, but it will cost you anywhere from $75 to $200. Yep, there’s that high price. But, at this level of brush, you will reap the benefits. Plus, depending on the brand of brush you buy, there are additional benefits, such as a timer included in the handle letting you know when to begin and stop brushing; pressure sensors that indicate when you are pressing too hard; a digital reminder letting you know when to replace the brush head; varying brushing modes, and more. This is the level most of us find ourselves shopping. Anything less seems pointless.

·    The third level of brush may cost anywhere from $400-$1,000. These brushes include more capabilities, better construction, and materials used.

Now let’s have a look at the additional costs:

·    Typically, an electric brush head needs to be replaced every 2-3 months. These heads can cost anywhere from $5-$25, depending on the brand and style you have. Most heads can be ordered (in bulk for a discount) or may be found at your local grocery store.

·    If you have a brush that uses batteries, they will need to be replaced every 4 to 6 weeks. This, of course, adds up—but if you find yourself about to purchase a battery-operated toothbrush, chances are it falls into the first level of brush mentioned above, and therefore not any better than your old standard brush.

·    Plug-in brushes don’t require batteries, but they do depend on the power running through your house. The overall cost to charge your toothbrush is small.

When it comes to cost, it’s best to find the brand and style you feel most comfortable with first. Then look into each aspect of the price.

Vibrating or Oscillating? Vibrating or oscillating, which works better?

Vibrating or Oscillating Toothbrush

In a study done by the US Library of Medicine, where a 12-week comparison was done between the two types of brushes, the oscillating brush came out on top. The study specifically states, “The oscillating-rotating power brush provided statistically significantly superior reductions compared to the sonic brush…” and goes on to show the oscillating brush causes less bleeding and does a better job at reducing gingivitis and plaque.

Best Electric Toothbrushes for the Cost

In June of this year, The Strategist came out with a list of the “Best Electric Toothbrushes, According to Dentists,” and here are a few of the ones we liked the best:

Oral-B White Pro 1000 Power Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush ($50)

One of the biggest benefits to this brush is its ability to oscillate and vibrate. It also comes with a timer and pressure sensor and does not require batteries. This is a great way to break into the world of electric toothbrushes.

Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries Rechargeable Power Electric Toothbrush ($128)

This brush has all the capabilities as the Pro 1000, but it has an additional six cleaning modes—including one for your tongue. There is even Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor and track your brushing habits with your phone. Another benefit to this brush is it uses smaller heads. This can help those who have smaller mouths and/or a sensitive gag reflex.

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 Plaque Control ($50)

Even though this brush does not have the circular, oscillating components it does still oscillate—it just does so as one solid piece, rather than multiple cylinders. It comes with a timer, pressure sensor, and naturally soft bristles. Users of this brush note how good the vibration feels, and that the toothbrush does an excellent job at breaking up tartar and plaque.

Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Classic Electric Toothbrush ($178)

Much like the Oral-B 7000 Series, this brush is the higher-end version of the Philips 4100 Plaque Control. This brush comes with everything the 4100 has, with the addition of five different brushing modes such as “sensitive” and “gum care.” Users say this brush lasts longer, as it is made of high-quality materials, and that it provides that just-back-from-the-dentist level of teeth cleaning.

Overall, we find electric toothbrushes worth the switch. The cost is a bit more, but if you shop around you can often find them on sale. And, after trying different brushes, doing some research on the best brand for you, we think you will find that the most significant expense is the initial cost.

If you are considering changing to an electric toothbrush, feel free to come to talk with us at Carolina’s Dental Choice so we can help you get the best product possible.

 

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The Hidden Dangers of Mouthwash: What You Need to Know

2021-02-05T18:11:46+00:00June 5th, 2019|Carolina's Dental Choice, Dental Trends, Dentist Office Monroe NC, Oral Health, Teeth Cleaning, Teeth Whitening|

Mouthwash is often touted as a safe and effective method for curing bad breath and improving overall oral health. But recent studies show that not all mouthwashes are created equal. Before you add a mouthwash to your daily dental regimen, take a minute to understand some of the potential dangers that might be hiding in that morning and evening routine.

 

The Problems with Conventional Mouthwash

While advertising may state that conventional mouthwash kills 99.9% of all bacteria, that’s not always the full dental story. Many conventional types of mouthwash contain up to a 26% alcohol content in addition to other dangerous ingredients. When you swish mouthwash twice a day in your mouth for an extended period of time, a number of things occur.

  1. Alcohol destroys the friendly bacteria your body needs to maintain normal blood pressure and positive oral health. Think of it like an antibiotic for your mouth. It doesn’t distinguish between good and bad oral bacteria, it simply kills it all.
  2. Conventional mouthwash dries out your mouth and affects saliva production. This can actually result in worsened breath over time in addition to increased cavity production because saliva acts as a natural barrier for both of these dental conditions.
  3. Recent studies have shown that using conventional mouthwash may potentially lead to high blood pressure issues because of disruption with the body’s production of NO (Nitric Oxide), a molecule inside the body that helps to regulate blood pressure.

A sample of ingredients that are the biggest culprits for these dental issues include alcohol (associated with drying your mouth and killing bacteria), Chlorine Dioxide (used as a bleaching agent to whiten teeth), Chlorhexidine (an antiseptic that is also an allergen), and formaldehyde (dangers include cancer risk and respiratory problems).

 

Discovering Natural Mouthwash Alternatives

There are several natural mouthwash alternatives available over the counter that provide a safer option for those that want to maintain their daily swishing regimen. A few choices are listed below.

  1. The Natural Dentist
    This mouthwash can be found at most major retailers and is tailored towards those with sensitive teeth and gums. The ingredients are all natural and contain 20% Aloe Vera which is a natural antiseptic that replaces conventional use of Chlorhexidine without the side effects.
  2. Therabreath
    This mouthwash is also available at most major retailers and helps increase saliva production instead of drying out your mouth. It also uses natural ingredients including aloe vera and tea tree oil which is another natural antiseptic used to aid in overall oral health.
  3. Oral Essentials
    Created by dentists and thoroughly tested, this mouthwash contains sea salt to help maintain the healthy mineral balance in your mouth. In addition, you’ll find such natural ingredients as aloe vera, coconut oil (a natural teeth whitener), and essential oils (aids in freshening breath). This mouthwash can be found on Amazon in addition to other online retailers.

  

Do-It-Yourself Mouthwash? Why not!

A quick search on the internet for do-it-yourself mouthwash will yield plenty of recipes for you to experiment with. When wading through the never-ending list of oral options, keep a few essential ingredients in mind. 

  1. Aloe Vera
    As mentioned above, Aloe Vera is a top-notch replacement for the conventional mouthwash ingredient, Chlorhexidine. Studies have shown that it is equally as effective as an antiseptic but without all the harmful side effects.
  2. Essential Oils
    Essential Oils are a natural way to freshen breath without the drying effect of alcohol. They also contain antibacterial properties and oils such as lemon contain whitening properties to help keep your teeth shiny and bright.
  3. Sea Salt and Baking Soda
    Both these ingredients have strong benefits for oral health. Used as mouthwash ingredients, sea salt will help to restore the mineral balance of your mouth while baking soda will help to ease gingivitis and whiten teeth.

 

Final Thoughts on Mouthwash

Studies show that conventional mouthwashes are not as effective or as safe as typically advertised. They can contribute to dry mouth, mess with the balance of bacteria in your mouth and even cause increased gingivitis and cavity formation. The best way to keep your dental health in tip-top shape is to work on the problem from the inside out. Keep a balanced diet and stay away from processed foods and sugars. If you still want to make mouthwash a regular part of your dental routine, stick with all natural brands or create your own recipe so that you are in control of the ingredients going into your mouth and body.  For more information, please contact Carolina’s Dental Choice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?

2020-07-16T16:55:40+00:00May 20th, 2019|Carolina's Dental Choice, Dentist Office Monroe NC, General, Oral Health|

There has been a lot of buzz lately about sparkling water, with many people touting it as an alternative to regular or diet sodas. Also, with the many flavorings out there now, sparkling and seltzer waters have become far more attractive as a choice for a soft drink. In fact, sales of sparkling water have doubled since 2011. That said, some have questioned whether sparkling water is bad for your teeth and, if so, how?

It is important to understand the impact of the trend in sparkling water consumption and its impact on your teeth. We want to delve into this controversy, clear up some misconceptions, and give you a few pointers so you can continue to take care of your oral health.

Firstly, it is important to understand that carbonated water has CO2 in it, which gives the bubbly effervescence to carbonated water. But when you drink the fizzy carbonated water, a chemical reaction transpires in your mouth, which turns the Co2 into carbonic acid. But know this: this is a relatively weak acid on its own, so unless you choose sparkling or seltzer waters flavored with citrus (and thus a more acidic sparkling water), the acidic levels are quite low.

In 2016 the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) released a study of the acidity of various beverages. As a baseline, spring water was used (it has a neutral acidity level of pH 7.4) to assess the acidity of sparkling waters. Sparkling water was found to have an average of pH 5 or 5.5 (for example, Perrier is 5.5), making them definitely acidic in nature. The ADA concluded that, on the whole, sparkling water exceeds the acidity of regular tap or spring water. Thus, our attitudes toward sparkling water need to be adjusted slightly, for sparkling water is not the same as any old, regular water.

However, the ADA has not found conclusive evidence of any kind that suggests drinking sparkling water is harmful to your tooth enamel. In fact, the acidity level of coffee is far higher, and thus worse, for your teeth than is sparkling water. Compare coffee’s pH level of up to 6 (depending on the coffee), in contrast to sparkling water’s pH 5 level, and you can see that coffee is a bigger culprit in tooth enamel’s loss.

 

Helpful Strategies

  1. Don’t sip sparkling waters throughout the day, like you would spring or tap water. Rather, drink them in one sitting (in a short span of time), in order to decrease the length of exposure of your tooth enamel to the acidity levels.
  2. If you have dry mouth, which is decreased salivation production due to other illnesses like diabetes, it is best to avoid acidic drinks of any kind.
  3. Brush your teeth after consuming these drinks (and coffee, too, for that matter!). So many of us tend to think we should only brush after eating, forgetting that sugary or acidic elements in drinks we imbibe can be just as harmful to our oral health. So, carry a small toothbrush and toothpaste tube with you to take on the go, and brush after both eating and drinking anything (other than plain water).
  4. Use a mouthwash twice a day, morning and evening. If you are a real enthusiast, you can certainly take a swish-and-spit moment after lunch, following a good tooth brushing. Mouthwash can clear away bacteria and harmful sugars from your teeth. Remember, acidity breaks down tooth enamel and then it is the bacteria, feeding on sugar in your mouth, that creates the problem. Mouthwash can eliminate the bacteria and wash away the sugar—this will preserve your tooth enamel as well.

On the whole, choosing seltzers and sparkling waters is a far better choice for your teeth than drinking regular or diet sodas. The pH levels of most seltzers and sparkling waters are better for your teeth than the average soda. However, from a basic health standpoint (which will always be the best choice for your teeth), drink eight glasses of tap or spring water a day. Plain, pH neutral water is the best choice for your health at every level. And, if you are apt to drink seltzers or sparkling waters, a single swig of plain water after you finish the can, with a bit of a swish of that plain water about your mouth, can help to wash away some of the acidic build-up.

 

Have more questions? Talk to your oral hygienist or one of our dentists at Carolinas Dental Choice.

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