So you don’t have to worry about asking, here are the typical tools used and their basic function so next time you’re in the dental chair you’ll have a better idea exactly what’s going on inside your mouth!

Ultrasonic instrument – this is the tool used by dentists to initially move plaque and tartar from the teeth. To a patient, it feels just like water being sprayed, but it also sends out ultrasonic vibrations.

Hand tools – a dental hygienist will use fine instruments after using the ultrasonic instrument to remove any remaining plaque and tartar. Mirrors and scraping tools that fit different areas of the mouth and teeth smooth the surfaces of the teeth so that the next instrument can be used.

Saliva ejector – though this is not necessarily involved in the cleaning and is not the next tool referred to above, at this point it is most required. It helps suction saliva to provide better visibility and help the patient resist the urge to swallow while work is being done

Electric tooth polisher – a gritty toothpaste is used to smooth and polish the teeth with the electric tooth polisher. The toothpaste helps keep build up of anything from sticking to teeth between cleanings

Via: eHow

During 9-11 ToothSavers was called out to assist, and around the world, dentists have responded to tsunamis, hurricanes, and unnatural disasters as well. Understanding that dentists can do more than simply inspect your teeth for cavaties can create greater respect for the inudstry; so here are a few things that they do.

1. Help identify victims of fatalities - in emergency situations, dentists can be called in to identify victims (as seen on CSI). Pulling dental records to compare to those who have perished in an emergency is a more important role than you may think. Sure, it helps connect names to those who have lost their lives; but more than that it can help provide closure to families who are unsure of the fate of loved ones following such a situation.

2. Assess the scene - dentists do have some level of medical training and in many cases, they are first on scene in an emergency situation. Particularly when all hands are needed on deck, dentists can help assess living victims and triage them to determine where emergency care is required. Basic first aid can also be applied to those who do not need more serious medical care. The NATO system is what is most commonly used and dentists can help others on scene carry this out.

3. Airway management - dentists have training in airway management and basic CPR, so this can be applied to those who are struggling following an emergency. CPR and airway management can be commonly required and having those trained to deliver it can make a world of difference.

Of course, no one ever wishes that a natural disaster or other emergency on any scale will take place, but the dentists at ToothSavers are proud to be able to say that we can jump in and help when needed.

Image Via: Flickr Creative Commons, Via: DocStoc

We might not treat pets, but we know that they can have oral health issues that are very similar to humans and do also require care. Bones and other products are designed to remove plaque from teeth, but that’s not always enough. Animals also require teeth cleaning and there are specially shaped toothbrushes and even non-toxic, flavoured toothpaste that is safe for dogs to swallow after brushing.

Many veterinarians also offer dental care for dogs that require deeper cleaning or other types of treatment that can parallel procedures done in dental clinics on humans.

If you want more information on dental care for pets, you can visit Pet Dental for more information.

Image Via: Flickr CC

Sinusitis results in the overproduction of mucus in the sinuses, causing post nasal drip as the sinuses drain into the back of the throat and the tongue. Sinusitis doesn’t just occur when colds persist; it can also result from allergies and other environmental irritants.

One of the most important prevention methods of bad breath due to sinus drainage is to see a doctor regularly. A doctor can provide solutions to ongoing problems caused by allergies or recommendations to cope with post nasal drip from a cold. Sinus irrigation is another method to help all irritants and mucus from the system and this can be done at home.

Remember, your overall health and your oral health are closely linked – so if you ignore one you may have negative repercussions with the other; and bad breath is just not one issue that anyone wants to face!

Via: EZine Articles

Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons

Finding help for dental care is easier than you might think. Simply take a look at your state dental association, and see if there are any charity organizations that can help cover costs for those who can’t afford dental care. This ensures that oral health is always a priority, regardless of the financial costs.

Medicare in many states also helps cover the costs of oral care for families in lower income brackets, though it is necessary that individuals find a dental clinic that will accept Medicare.

For those in New York State, visit the New York State Dental Association website or contact us to discuss your circumstances and your budget.

(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)

You know how to care for the gums and teeth of your child, but if you’ve recently had your first baby, you might not know when to expect their teeth to appear. Here’s a general guideline to help you understand to ensure you put dental care first, and also understand whether or not teething might be a good excuse for your child’s recent mood swings!

• 6 months – around this time, babies should receive their first teeth. Typically they are the lower incisors around the bottom front of the mouth, and 2 appear
• 8 to 12 months – the upper central and lateral incisors appear within this time frame and are the four teeth on the top front
• 4 teeth everyone 6 months until age 3 – by age 3, children should have all of their baby teeth.  2 at a time typically appear, and are on opposite sides of teeth that are already erupted
• 6 to 12 years – primary (baby) teeth are lost in this period. Some children lose more closer to the younger age range, and others closer to the older; there is no rule, except that around age 12 all of the baby teeth should be shed and replaced by permanent, adult teeth

Via: Just The Facts, Baby!

The dental industry is often shrouded by distrust. Since many Americans pay out of pocket for their dental care, they watch every penny and often find themselves thinking that perhaps a dentist is only telling them they need a certain procedure because they want to get more money out of them. Unfortunately, as in all of healthcare, there are some dentists that do operate this way. This is why it truly is essential to do your research before you choose to visit a dentist. Ask family and friends about their personal experiences at local dentist offices. Learn where they found great value for their care along with superior quality of treatment and customer service. Don’t hesitate to ask a dental office about their payment policies either; if they are not upfront with you then they might be a dentist that’s focused strictly on financial gain, and the truth is these are not people you can trust. Of course, to be successful, any dental practice needs to see profit; but their focus should also be upon improving health and emotional well-being with their services.

At ToothSavers, we do everything that we can to ensure that all Americans have access to the dental care they require, so we work with our patients to come up with a payment structure that works for them. It’s just not fair for indidviduals to have to sacrifice their health because they don’t have the financial resources today.

Here’s a testimonial from one ToothSavers patient who we treated, making health the priority over finances.

“There’s no way that you could have known who I am or what I’ve been though over the past 4 years. When I came to you with my dental problems I knew they were extensive, but I saw hope, something that I was in danger of losing. When you were talking about a credit check I knew that I was in trouble seeing as how I had just fought cancer and lost my husband to a chronic illness. I sat in the chair hoping for a miracle and was so fortunate you provided one. Thank you seems so little for what you’ve given me. Hope that things will be okay. I do promise to pay you back within 2 years and will never be able to express how much I appreciate everything you and your staff have done for me.”

- Suzanne, New Jersey

(Image Via: Flickr Creative Commons)

(Image Courtesy Flickr Creative Commons)

It’s an age-old myth that chewing gum is bad for oral health and one that was perhaps created by moms who got tired of finding gum stuck to their hardwood floors, in their childs’ hair, or as a result of the simple irritation of watching a young one chew gum with their mouth open.

If you choose a sugar-free gum (or even one that’s not) there are benefits to your teeth, and they’re greater than just minty fresh breath if spearmint is your flavor of choice.

1. Chewing gum is the next best alternative to brushing – if you can’t brush and floss, chewing gum can help improve your oral health. Of course, it shouldn’t replace brushing or flossing, but if you do these things twice a day, chewing gum in between will keep your mouth in even better shape

2. Chewing for long periods cleans teeth – you receive the best benefit from chewing gum for longer periods of time; even after the flavor has run out. Doing this cleans plaque and food particles from the surface of your teeth

3. Chewing gum develops saliva - saliva can help prevent bacteria that causes decay and neutralizes acid in your mouth, even that from food or drink. The more your salivate, the better you’re protected!

Via: MyNewSmile

Originally Posted at ToothSavers.Wordpress.com