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
The number of adults wearing braces is growing, and Orthodontists say nearly half of all newly installed braces are for adults – not kids! Often adults want to improve their smile and the makers of braces – knowing this – are ramping up serious marketing to adults. Braces can definitely improve the look of a smile, …read more
Given that September is “Dental Infection Control Month”, I’d like to comment on a study that determined eye wear and masks are ineffective for protecting dentists from infection during treatment. Red dye showed how splatter travels from a patient’s mouth to a simulated face, positioned where a dentist or hygienist would sit in the dental office. …read more
This screen shot and title is from an early morning email that I opened today. It’s emails like this that make me sick to my stomach. Any patient would be disgusted to imagine such a thought could enter the mind of a health professional. Could teeth possibly be viewed as a source of revenue? Of …read more
A number of my friends are dental missionaries and visit countries where problems from dental disease are intense. They see adults with many lost teeth and visible tooth damage that can be overwhelming. These dentists provide emergency extractions and care, but wish they could offer long-term help. Some take toothbrushes while others teach nurses to …read more
When I was a child there were X-ray machines in shoe stores. As we were fitted for a pair of shoes it was customary to stand in a machine so the store clerk could take an X ray and check your toes had adequate room to grow. There was no protection from the X rays …read more
It is staggering how many root canals are performed in US dental offices – apparently close to 60 million per year! There is a renewed interest in what exactly this treatment is, and whether it’s a good option, or perhaps has the potential to negatively impact health. Although it may be hard to imagine that …read more
Every month Dr. Ellie Phillips will answer your oral health questions as part of the Ultimate Oral Health Guide. ———– Q: My dentist would like to apply a white sealant to my pre-molar because it has a very deep fissure which she said is causing staining/food to get caught. I do see a fine dark line in that …read more
Do you need a new dentist? Do you want one who believes in xylitol and is happier to prevent cavities than fill teeth? In some countries dentists get paid to prevent cavities, but in the US most insurance companies reimburse dentists for fixing (not preventing) dental problems. Of course there are plenty of dentists who …read more
You must have noticed whitening rinses on store shelves and maybe contemplated using them. These products are tempting, but don’t fall for those shiny, white bottles! Remember the bottle is made of plastic and nothing like your tooth enamel. These bottles are such an excellent marketing tool, because they make you subconsciously imagine this product …read more
Page [tcb_pagination_current_page] of [tcb_pagination_total_pages]