Dental health across the globe is an enormous problem. Despite the tireless work of dental professionals, almost every population in the world has overwhelming oral health concerns. Dentists help patients by extracting teeth and providing restorative care, but our current approach to prevention needs to be updated and become more effective. We have new knowledge …read more
QUESTION: I’m 40 and considering Invisalign braces. 15 months on all day. Then a lifetime of nighttime. Is this manageable, or will they block saliva’s access to the teeth? ANSWER: Invisalign, like braces, are appliances to move teeth, usually to improve a smile or straighten crooked teeth. Teeth are pushed into position by light forces, which cause …read more
Question: Is oil pulling safe?Answer: Oil Pulling is an Ayurvedic method for cleaning the mouth that is said to have originated in India over 2,000 years ago. A mouthful of oil, usually sesame or coconut oil, is swished for 15-20 minutes before spitting out. In 2008 a Naturopathic doctor, and the President of the Coconut Research Center, …read more
Question: Is it safe to use a water flosser? -JoAnn Hi JoAnn – Thank you so much for asking such a good question. First of all, I’d like to explain that I have never suggested anyone should floss or use a water-flossing device to improve their mouth health. Dentistry has promoted flossing in the US …read more
In the United States, 40% of adults between ages 20 and 50 report sensitive teeth. If you Google “tooth sensitivity” you will find a laundry list of top selling toothpastes to cover up your pain, but they won’t solve the underlying problem. In fact, Glaxo Smith Klein (GSK), the makers of Sensodyne toothpaste, state on …read more
Halloween can be a lot of fun for children as they dress up in costume and run from house to house. But responsible parents are often concerned about this candy-centered event, seeing it as an open invitation for cavities and toothache. Over my career I’ve witnessed dental professionals wagging witch-like fingers at kids who admit to …read more
This is the question that all conscientious, science-based dental patients should be asking. The problem is many people feel guilt about missing a scheduled visit or fear something bad will happen – just because they don’t show up! Let’s get past irrational emotions and if necessary blame Claude C. Hopkins (an advertising genius) who in the …read more
Are you feeling comfortable going back to your dentist? COVID-19 advice suggests masks limit the spread of droplet infection as we talk, sing or cough. In dental offices, droplets splatter in the air as teeth are drilled or cleaned with ultra sonic sprays. Bacteria and debris travel at speeds up to 50 mph from a patient’s …read more
It’s easy to think teeth are a row of pebbles stuck in our jawbone – but this is far from the truth! Teeth have a blood and lymph supply connected to our body’s main circulation. Liquids and cells travel through channels inside the tooth, keeping it hydrated and supplying minerals to repair dentin and defend teeth …read more
Whitening & sensitivity toothpastes are top profit-generators for the oral-care industry.Artificial whitening pulls minerals from tooth enamel. Whitening products cause sensitivity & although sensitivity pastes might seem like a solution, they only mask the symptoms. These pastes do not address the cause of the ongoing problem – they just cover it up.Regular use of xylitol …read more
Every year in the United States 52 MILLION school hours are lost because children have cavities. TWO out of THREE adults have dental disease and we know many of these oral health problems impact systemic body health by exacerbating chronic inflammatory health conditions that may lead to heart attacks, stroke, dementia and arthritis. …read more
In this first episode of the Oral Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Ellie explores what it means to have a healthy mouth and why oral health is important. You’ll learn: What habits are making your mouth unhealthy? How to be empowered when you go to the dentist. What the mouth “ecosystem” is and how to nurture …read more
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