DIY Braces?

Yesterday while browsing the web I came across a article on do it yourself ( DIY) braces, of course I had to see what it was all about because I have worn braces in the past.

This article was about a woman who closed her front gap in 44 days using those small clear elastic  rubber hair ties, costing her just $5.00

My first reaction was that cannot be good for your teeth. Reading further into the article I came across what dentist had to say.

Dentist are saying that DYI braces is a bad idea because:

• If your teeth move to quickly, the roots can start to dissolve. Orthodonture is just more than straight teeth.
• People making their own braces don't know enough about how the mouth functions, which can lead to problems with jaw joints, muscle spasms, clenching problems and shooting pain.
• If the rubber bands slides into the soft tissues, it is difficult if not impossible to retrieve it, which can destroy the periodontal attachment and produce inflammation.

If you are unhappy with your smile please do not try and fix it yourself, leave it to the dentistry experts!

Bad Breath Busters For Pets

Four tips for fresher pet kisses!

1. Assess The Stench: Slight smelly breath is a given for most pets (due to the food they eat) But if your animal's breath is noticeably worse than usual, you should schedule an oral exam at the vet right away. Halitosis often indicates periodontal disease, which can cause infection of the heart valves, liver problems and other organ issues.
2. Find The Right Flavor: Brushing is the best way to freshen breath, but the trick is to use a brush and paste your pet will tolerate. If they love chicken flavored treats, try chicken flavored toothpaste.
3. Give Them A Squirt A Day: Brushing can sometimes be impossible, so use a water additive or spray that contains chlorhexidine. The compound softens tartar and plaque, making it easier to remove with a brush later.
4. Let Them Chew: Certain toys and edible products can help scrape off tartar and plaque while stimulating your pets gums.

*Woman's Day Magazine March 2015 Copy by Gillian Aldrich*

A Healthier Smile

Protect your teeth and gums with three tips from top experts.

The Dentist Says:
Stick to straws - Teas, coffees, juice and soda can leave teeth discolored and weak. One easy fix: use a straw. Direct the straw to the roof of your mouth so teeth aren't exposed. If you do not have a straw, swish your mouth with water when your are done drinking!

(Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty,DMD, San Antonio, TX )

The Nutritionist says:
End your meal with cheese - When you consume carbs the bacteria in your mouth produces enamel -eating acids. But calcium-rich foods offset this damage by boosting levels of tooth-protecting minerals. Try eating cheese after meals to neutralize what you have ate earlier.

(Sarah Krieger,RDN, Spokesperson,Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)

The Doctor Says: 
Discuss meds with your dentist - Drugs such as antidepressants and blood pressure medications can interfere with your ability to produce saliva. This can lead to dry mouth and a higher risk for oral diseases. Keep your dentist in the loop about any pills you're taking.

(Reid Blackwelder,MD, board chair,American Academy of Family Physicians)


*Women's Day Magazine March 2015 Copy.

Don't Just Mask Bad Breath

Someone you know complaining about their bad breath?

You should fire off these simple questions:

1.  Are you brushing (including tongue) flossing, and using mouth rinse daily?
2. Are you eating foods like onions and garlic?
3. Do you get food stuck in your teeth?
4. Do you have gum disease?
5. Do you have untreated decay?
6. Do you have dry mouth?

If they answer yes to any of those, tell them they need to visit their dentist.

If that don't work they need to visit their primary physician because bad breath could stem from conditions somewhere else like sinus infections or gastrointestinal issues.

Spending hundreds on gum,sprays and mints inst always enough to mask bad breath - you have to get to the root of the problem.


Tawana Lee-Ware,DDS,MSD,Spokesperson for the American Association of Women Dentists. (Redbook Magazine - February 2015 Copy - What dentist tell their friends)

Let Your Kids Wiggle Their Baby Teeth

Many kids today don't lose their teeth until the age of ten. They're being taught in school not to fiddle with their mouths, so they wont spread germs.

But if a baby tooth doesn't come out, the permanent tooth underneath will still try to push through. It might come in partially, making it difficult to brush either tooth's whole surface and leading to cavities and infection.

So teach your kids to do the 'wiggle-wiggle-twist-twist' (wiggle twice then twist twice) over and over and over again.

Remember to have them wash their hands before and after!

If you are ever concerned that your kiddo's baby teeth are taking too long to fall out, make an appointment with your dentist.


Katherine Graber,DDS,MS,Spokesperson for the American Association of Orthodontics. (Redbook Magazine - February 2015 Copy- What dentist tell their friends)

What is Dental Plaque?

Plaque is a complex biological soil that can lead to dental problems like tartar, gum trouble and tooth decay. It's a soft, sticky bacterial coating that is constantly forming on your teeth-every day. When plaque comes into contact with the sugars and starches in the foods you eat, it produces acids that can cause cavities.
The best way to avoid problems often associated with plaque is by making regular visits to your dentist. See your dentist at least once every 6 months for a complete checkup and a thorough cleaning.
Brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque at home. It is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal, and especially before you go to bed at night. Also try and replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months -using an old or worn toothbrush is less effective. It is also recommended that you use dental floss to remove additional plaque below the gum line and between teeth areas where a brush cannot reach. A pre-brushing rinse might help to loosen and detach plaque for easier removal during brushing.
Most dentists offer free oral hygiene instruction. Keep in mind there is a right way and a wrong way to brush your teeth!  Don't be embarrassed to ask your dentist to teach you the right way!. It can save you a lot of potential problems in the future. 

Keep Smiling! 

Original post by btflbutterfly, edited and reposted. 

We Know You're Lying

Hygienists and dentists can tell if someone hasn't been flossing, even outside of an exam.

You can't hide the inflammation that can be caused by skipping brushing or flossing- the margins of the gums will look red, and bleed when touched.

Put simply: You should floss at least once a day. If your gums still look inflamed, your dentist will want to determine the cause.

Mark S. Wolff,DDS,Ph.D.,Professor and chair of cariology and comprehensive care at New York University College of Dentistry in New York City. (Redbook Magazine - February 2015 Copy- What dentists tell their friends)

Interesting Dental Trivia

Did you know?

• The World's first Dental School opened in 1840 in Baltimore, Md.
• The ADA (American Dental Association) began in 1859 with a group of 26 dentists who met at Niagara Falls to exchange information.
• George Washington had only one of his own teeth at the time of his inauguration in 1790! He wore dentures made of ivory.
• Paul Revere (known for his famous "midnight ride" and the words "the British are coming!") was a dentist, as well as a blacksmith! He placed an ad in a Boston newspaper offering dental services. He actually became the first person known to use Dental Forensics when he identified the body of a Colonial Colonel who was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill.
• James Dean wore a bridge to gap his missing front teeth!
• Mick Jagger had a diamond chip implanted in his upper right incisor! Before the diamond, he wore an emerald.
• Unwaxed dental floss will remove more plaque than waxed floss.
• 3 million miles of dental floss are purchased every year in North America!

This was fun to research. For anyone who is interested, there are lots of places on the Web to find Dental Trivia. Enjoy!

Your Dentist's Office Should Be Spotless

Want to know how to evaluate a new dentist?

Above all else, the office needs to be CLEAN. Dentist can pass serious infections along to their patients. Unfortunately, some practices aren't as hygienic as they should be, so you need to be on the look out on your first appointment.

Check out the waiting room. Are the magazines out of date? Are the flowers wilted in the vase and filled with dirty water? These small details can speak volumes about overall cleanliness of the practice.

Once in the operatory room make sure the dentist's instruments are either disposable or sterilized, and that the napkin (that fastens around your neck) is disposable too.

Finally your dentist should wash his/her hands and put on a new set of gloves, a mask and eye protection before treating you.

Speak up if you have concern, and if you don't like the answer you get, pick another dentist!



Sheri B. Doniger,DDS,President of the American Association of Women Dentists and a practicing dentist in Linclonwood, IL (Redbook Magazine - February 2015 Copy - What dentist tell their friends)

One Tooth Can Lead To Big Trouble

Have a broken or chipped tooth? Think its not a big deal?

Truth is, neglecting any dental problem can have serious consequences for your health.

Lets say you have a broken tooth.Had the fracture been left untreated the nerve of the tooth, which in some cases can spread infection throughout the body by way of the sinuses. It's uncommon but the risk is very real, so never an opportunity for infection to invade your body - including cavities.

Get in to see your dentist ASAP!





Alice Boghosian,DDS,consumer adviser for the American Dental Association (Redbook Magazine - February 2015 Copy - What dentist tell their friends)