Who doesn’t want minty fresh breath, after all nothing says “kiss me” quite like good oral hygiene. 

But, before you pucker up those lips, you’ll have to decide which mouthwash to use.  Read on for a review of the most popular mouthwashes on the market today.

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Lose a Tooth, Lose a Month?

Really?  Teeth are that important?  If I lose a tooth, my life gets shorter?  Yep, that’s the conclusion researchers at Göteborg University, in Göteborg, Sweden reached when they compared dental records to mortality rates of people over 70 years old.

The results showed that each remaining tooth at age 70 decreased the mortality risk by 4 percent over 7 years, and 2 – 3 percent over 18 years.

What about other stuff that can cause both early death and tooth loss?  For example, smoking, poverty, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, salivary gland disorders to name a few.  The researchers claim that from their studies, no cause and effect exists here.

They removed the effects of income, marriage, smoking, education, physical activity, diseases, social activity, drug consumption, and weight issues from the equation.  They found that losing teeth seemed to affect how long people lived independently of any of these factors.

The reason is a little unclear, but previous research shows that people with more teeth eat better, and they presume that replacing teeth with implants can help lengthen lives.

More reasons to brush and floss!

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(Information taken from DrBicuspid.com)

Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that collect around the teeth and gums in a sticky, clear film called plaque.  Without good daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits, teeth become more vulnerable to cavities. 

Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss can help remove plaque.  Regular dental examinations and cleanings are also important in keeping teeth healthy.

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Bonding is actually just a tooth-colored filling, but it’s the cosmetic portion that people are the most confused and the most interested. 

Are you a candidate for cosmetic dental bonding?

If you have had a tooth-colored filling, then technically, you have had dental bonding.  Cosmetic bonding is where we use this tooth-colored material to remodel a patient’s smile. 

We, as dentists, always say that porcelain veneers (thin pieces of porcelain that fit over a minimally prepared tooth) are the absolute best treatment to improve a patient’s smile.  The reason is because we have so much control over the final outcome.  We are able to change the color, contour, shape, length, and alignment of teeth with these restorations.  Normally, 8-10 veneers are used to achieve the desired result.  Another advantage of porcelain veneers is that a highly qualified lab makes the restorations.  Your dentist will take an extremely accurate impression of your teeth, and the lab uses this to make a model to fabricate your veneers.

But, what if you can’t afford porcelain veneers?  Or, what if you only have a few simple areas that you want addressed?  Then, cosmetic bonding may be the treatment for you!

Dental Bonding Indications:

• To repair chipped teeth
• To improve the appearance of discolored teeth.  If you are happy with the shape and contour of your teeth, but dislike the color, Deep Bleaching may be your answer!
• To close spaces between teeth
• To make teeth look longer
• To change the shape of teeth

Advantages of Dental Bonding:

• Can usually be completed in one office visit
• Requires minimal tooth preparation
• Can create a huge improvement in your smile
• Less expensive than porcelain veneers or crowns

Disadvantages of Dental Bonding:

• Does not resist stains as well as porcelain
• Not as strong as porcelain, so may fracture over time
• Usually reserved for small cosmetic changes.  For total smile makeovers, porcelain veneers are always the best option.

Watch this video for more information on dental bonding.  To learn more and to see if you are a candidate, visit us at Greystone Smile Design today for a FREE consultation.

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A recent study of the most popular body parts for piercings had the tongue ranked 4th, behind the ear, naval, and nose.  And, we all know tongue piercings are on the rise.  It is one of today’s hottest fads, and its popularity is sweeping across the United States.  

Early on, teenagers dominated the tongue jewelry market.  However, today many adults have jumped on the bandwagon, and both men and women of all ages can be seen showing off their slippery “barbell.” 

One aspect that often goes overlooked is the possible oral health hazards that tongue piercings can induce.  Read on for the 6 most common complications associated with tongue piercings.

Read more…

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Buchanan, visit Greystone Smile Design or call 205-981-7775.

A popular question nowadays is not just which toothbrush is best, but which POWER  toothbrush is best.  Power toothbrushes are gaining popularity because of staggering advancements in technology.  These have become somewhat of the iPhone of oral hygiene.  But, which is best? – This post will compare and contrast the top 2 power toothbrushes:  Sonicare vs. Oral B.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Athletes lose approximately 5 million teeth every year making mouthpieces an essential piece of equipment for any sport. Mouthpieces may not only protect teeth and prevent concussions, but recent research shows some types may actually increase athletic performance. Read on for a review of mouthpieces and the science (or myth) behind performance enhancing mouthwear.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Silent Nite Anti-Snoring Device

Is your snoring keeping the neighbors awake?  We have the answer for you!  With a success rate of over 80%, the Silent Nite Anti-Snoring device is the most popular on the market.  It can not only help with the noise, but also make you feel more refreshed in the morning.

Studies estimate that 45% of men and 30% of women snore on a regular basis.  Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly a nuisance for the bed partner of the person who snores. However, the habitual snorer not only disrupts the sleep patterns of those close to him, he also disturbs his own. Habitual snorers snore whenever they sleep and are often tired after a night of what seems like quality rest.

The Silent Nite works by moving the lower jaw forward, thus, opening the airway for unimpeded air flow.  Some patients are unable to move their lower jaw forward, at which case a Silent Nite is not suitable. 

The Silent Nite should be fully seated with finger pressure.  Never bite the Silent Nite into place as this may cause damage.  The device should stay firmly in position without causing undo pressure or discomfort.  If it’s too tight, remove it and place in warm tap water, then re-seat.  When removing the Silent Nite, carefully pull from the area where the connectors connect to the device.  Your dentist may need to make minor adjustments as needed.  The Silent Nite may be cleaned with soap and water or brushed with toothpaste.

Making the Silent Nite is easy and pain-free!  Your dentist only has to take an upper and lower impression.  If snoring persists, more adjustments may be needed by your dentist.  This device is not indicated for severe sleep apnea.

Greystone Smile Design is proud to offer the Silent Nite Anti-Snoring device!

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As dentists, we seem to always focus on the negatives.  Don’t eat candy or you’ll get a cavity; don’t brush too hard or your gums will recede; don’t eat ice or you could chip a tooth.  We could talk about the risky business of kissing, like the sharing of harmful bacteria or the transmission of different illnesses.  But not today.  We’ll only explore the positives of the “make out” and discuss ways to “kiss a little longer.”

To read the rest of this article, click here.