DDS/DMD: What is the difference?

When looking for a dentist you might notice that behind their name is either a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine)

Many people wonder what the difference is between the two. The only difference is the name.

These abbreviations represent different degrees from different dental schools. D.D.S and D.M.D have exactly the same education and have to pass all the same tests which include:

• National Board Dental Examinations... Part 1 and 2
• Regional or state dental board examination
• State ethics exam

Overcome Dental Phobia

Millions of people are afraid of the dentist, why? They may of had a bad experience as a child, afraid of needles/drills etc., have sensitive teeth or even the smell/ noise of the office.

There is no medical remedy to fix this fear. Recognizing your fear and decide how you can overcome it. This is the greatest hurdle you face if you fear the dentist.

Here are some tips that can help you overcome your fear of the dentist:

• Find the right dentist for you: Ask around, get feedback from your family and friends about their dentist. Call and make an appointment to meet the dentist before you start any work, this way you can get a feel of that office and dentist.
• Sedation Options: Most dentist provide a number of sedation options.  This can range taking a pill before you come to your appointment to general anesthesia (laughing gas).
• Treatment Plans: You don't have to everything at once. The dentist will give you a treatment plan of what needs to be done. Do one thing at a time for low stress appointments.
• Bring a friend: Having someone with you will help distract your mind especially while you are in the waiting room. Some dentist may allow them to come back with you while you are getting your procedure.

Remember visit the dentist regularly to prevent problems. The more you go to the dentist for a routine check up, the more likely you are to avoid major problems!

Want to protect yourself from cavities? Eat Cheese!

Have you ever read the book "Who Moved My Cheese"? (If you haven't it is a great book, I definitely recommend.) Well, for those of you who want to protect from cavities, that phrase could become common in your household.

A study that was published in the June 2013 issue of Journal of General Dentistry reveals that cheese increases the dental plaque pH level of someones mouth above 5.5 which in essence reduced the chances of that person getting a cavity. This does not apply to all dairy products. Milk and sugar free yogurt were also used in the study. The results showed no change in the dental plaque pH level. Which doesn't hurt your mouth or put you at risk, but it doesn't help it either. 

So why the cheese? Let me explain! The study suggests that it has to do with the saliva. Saliva creates and maintains the acidity level in your mouth. The increased chewing motion of eating the cheese creates more saliva. Combine that with the vitamins, nutrients and other compounds in cheese that can stick to the tooth enamel and the result you get is better protection against cavities.

As always, the BEST way to protect from cavities and other dental related problems is to maintain good oral health practices and visit your dentist on a regular basis.

Enjoy your cheese!

Sources: Journal of General Dentistry, May/June 2013 Issue

              Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130605130118.htm

Natural Remedies For Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

For years people have gone the all-natural route instead of pharmaceutical medicines. Today many people turn to herbal remedies for many reasons. A couple being it is cheaper then the alternatives and you are not getting the chemicals found in traditional medicines.

For those of you that drink green tea, did you know it is good for fighting dental cavities by getting rid of bacteria? Apples also help keep bacteria away too. To ease that toothache you may have you can use clove oil, vinegar and also you can place an ice bag on your face wherever the pain is. Those things will help ease your pain until you can get into the dentist. Most people push aside the little parsley that comes on your dinner plate, but if you have somewhere to be after dinner and don’t have time to brush your teeth or any gum on hand eat the parsley and it will do the trick.
To whiten your teeth rub the white inside of an orange rind against your teeth and rinse after a few minutes or you can make a paste using a few strawberries, let it sit for a few minutes then rise with a little baking soda.
Those are just a few examples on how you can use herbal remedies that are all natural and healthy for you.

Keep Smiling! 

Original post by btflbutterfly

What Is A Dental Flipper?

Replacing a tooth that has been damaged isn't an overnight process. The underlying bone needs time to heal before you can get a long term fix such as a implant or dentures. This is where dental flippers come in. Dental flippers are a temporary solution for replacing missing teeth/tooth. Basically, they keep you from having to walk around with a gap in your teeth. Flippers are lightweight, removable and may allow you to bite and chew your food.

Their are two different types of flippers:

Dental Flipper: is made with mostly acrylic. The dentist will first take your mouth's impression. Then they will pour it with plaster cast, which will be sent to a lab with along with a prescription of your tooth color. For your upper teeth a pink plate with be molded to fit your mouth and stays put with suction. Bottom Flippers stay put with the help of two steel wire clips that wrap around two of your natural teeth.

Valplast Flipper: If you don't want the traditional acrylic flipper. This type of flipper is more flexible, kind of like a clear retainer. This has to be removed to be able to eat.


Remember flippers are only used for a temporary fix!

Teething Syndrome

Do you have a baby that is getting ready to teeth? Well they will be going through a process called teething syndrome. (Teething is the growth of teeth through the gums in the mouth of infants and young children.)

Swollen gums are a good indicator your child is starting to teeth. Also if your child has a fever over 101 degrees teething is most likely the cause of this. If you child has lower persistent fevers you may want to contact you physician.

Some things to help relieve the pain of a teething child are a light gum massage, chilled or frozen toys to gnaw on, also chilled food and/or drinks!

Teething pain cannot be completely prevented, but you can help comfort them and this will help the baby get through it with less distress.