Zero Waste Toothpaste?

 Last night I was scrolling through Instagram when I came across a video explaining what toothpaste bites were so I decided to check out their website!

Bite toothpaste was founded in 2017 by Lindsay McCormick. She describes Bite toothpaste as a zero-waste toothpaste tablet that is vegan and cruelty-free. Another bonus is that they are sold in glass bottles with cardboard refill packets.

All you have to do is:

• Pop one in your mouth.
• Bite down and start brushing.

 This product will foam up just like a normal toothpaste but without all the harsh chemicals!

I thought this was a neat idea, what are your thoughts?

Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Floss?

Often times when patients complain of sensitivity when flossing they actually have proximal erosion. Buccal abfractions can extend into the mesial and distal surfaces of teeth, leaving sensitive areas of the teeth that are not decayed. Also, many patients have proximal areas that are denuded of their natural protective coating (either enamel or cementum)at the cervical (neck) of the tooth, probably exacerbated by frequent scalings(even good things have a downside).

Unfortunately there other reasons that it can hurt to floss. Teeth with large intraproximal caries lesions ( large cavities) can experience pain when flossing. Similarly, people with loose filling can also have pain when they floss, since the floss can cause micro-movement of the their filling.

Sometimes inflamed interproximal gingiva can hurt after flossing. This happens because the inflamed gingiva is swollen and edematous and gets sore when it is touched by anything. Fortunately, if this is the cause of pain it will self correct if flossing is continued over the next week since the gingiva will usually respond by becoming healthier.If the gums continue to hurt, even if flossing continues, it is possible that the person flossing is not using the proper technique and is "cutting" their gums. 

Obviously, if you are having pain when flossing, the safest bet is to arrange a visit with your dentist and let him or her know where you are having the pain. They should be able to pinpoint why and what to do about it. 

Direct copy from Dr. Spindel on September 16, 2020: http://www.lspindeldds.com/askdr/

Take Care of Your Toothbrush and it will Take Care of You!

 Following every flu season and this could include the current COVID pandemic, if you are anything like me, you do the normal routine: Wash blankets, pillow cases, sheets and basically disinfect the whole house. Especially if you or someone in your household has been ill.

However, one thing that often gets overlooked is your toothbrush! Even if you didn't have the flu, you want to make sure you replace it. Airborne viral bacteria can attach to basically anything, including your toothbrush and theoretically it can transfer to your body when you brush your teeth.

There is a common misconception that toothbrush bacteria is harmless. Afterall, you are the only one who uses it, right?  Well, consider this: The bristles on the toothbrush are tall and there are many areas for bacteria to hide. The toothpaste does not clean or disinfect the brush. Soaking it in mouthwash from time to time can be helpful, and a good rinsing every time you brush is a good practice.  Still, the ADA recommends that you replace your toothbrush after a viral or bacterial illness or every 3 months to prevent the spread of infection.

What Is Tingling Tongue?

 Have you ever experienced the sensation of "pins and needles" or a burning feeling on your tongue? If you have you could be suffering from tongue syndrome also know as psychogenic lingual paresthesia. 

Tingle tongue is often caused by either stroke, head injury, vitamin deficiency, neurological disease, or even anxiety. 

When a person is anxious, the body's blood vessels start to constrict. When this happens it reduces blood flow, which eventually leaves them with numbness or tingling on the tongue, hands, and feet. However, don't panic. This can be resolved by calming the nervous or by taking an antidepresent.  

If you notice the tingling sensation continues please contact your primary care physician for further treatment options. 

Trusted

Question From Member - I'm Considering Pulling Out My Own Teeth, What Do You Think?

 Questions From Our Members

T. Alderman of Queens, New York asks: 

“The pandemic has left me with very little money and a couple of really bad teeth.  I´m considering just getting drunk and pulling them myself.  What are your thoughts about this idea?”

Savon’s Answer

In answering this question we again, must state, we are not dentists and this is our opinion and not medical advice.

That being said, the idea is as stupid and setting your own broken leg.  Attempting to remove a tooth yourself can cause the tooth to break off before the root.  It can potentially damage the surrounding teeth.  Not only will this be detrimental to your smile, but it can cause significant (and expensive) problems.

Dental work can be expensive, but the alternatives may be much more costly.  Many dentists offer payment plans that allow you to get the work you need done immediately.  If you have an infection there are social service agencies that may be able to get you the help you need.

Our suggestion:  Ditch the idea of pulling your own teeth!

7 Most Common Dental Procedures

 People who go to the dentist regularly are probably familiar with the procedures on this list.  It differs now from what used to be the standard...say, 20 years ago.  But if you are one who hasn't been to the dentist in 20 years, well, you may be surprised by what you see listed here.  I have actually come across people who didn't know that some of these procedures existed!  (Let's not even mention the cost.)

Here goes:

1. Topping the list, which is as it should be, Cleanings. Children and adults visit the dentist more for cleanings and regular maintenance than any other reason.

2. Fillings and repairs to cracked or chipped teeth.  Everyone gets cavities -  well, eventually, so it stands to reason that this would be near the top of the list.

3. Root Canals.  This really is a common procedure but not one you would expect (unless you've let a cavity go for many years without a visit to the dentist)...I can't tell you how many people neglect their teeth and are shocked when they learn they need a root canal!

4. Crowns. Typically, these follow a root canal or in some instances, they will be used to strengthen a tooth that is weakened by fillings or chips.  Crowns have come a long way in the industry!  You can now have a crown made and placed in your mouth on the same day.  The process used to take weeks.!
There are also a variety of different types of crowns available these days as well.

4. Extractions.  Dentist's in today's world would much prefer to save a tooth than to extract it.  It is really a last resort type of thing.  They will make every effort (with all the technology we now have) to restore a tooth unless there is absolutely no hope for it.

5. Bridges.  These are done to fill gaps in your teeth where extractions or loss of teeth might have occured. They are anchored to existing teeth and can be done cosmetically to match color and size. When done right you cannot even tell that they aren't your own teeth!

6. Implants.  One of the newer items to the list of common procedures!  This is by far the best, but also most expensive way to replace a missing tooth.  Implants have been around for years but the procedure has been perfected over time and is now very widely used in the dental industry.  As with bridges and crowns, this type of restoration is also used in a cosmetic way, to do full mouth restorations.

7.  Bleaching/Whitening.  Many people are all about the look!  This is a procedure that can be done in the dental office with varying types of products, or it can be done at home.

Keep Smiling!