Category Archives: BlogSpot Archive

DIY Orthodontics on the rise

BlogSpot Archive, OrthodonticsBy Brown & Gettings, DDS March 6, 2017

If something breaks around the house, many of us will go to YouTube to see if there is a video that explains how to fix it. For many things this can be very helpful, but for others it can lead to bigger and more expensive problems. There has also been a recent trend where people have been trying to straighten their teeth with DIY orthodontics. In theory it may seem like a great idea, but the repercussions of incorrect use can be very damaging.

Is Activated Charcoal Safe to Use to Whiten Your Teeth?

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS February 20, 2017

As a society, we are always looking for easier or better ways to accomplish the same thing. This has lead to countless innovations and improvements that have greatly improved our lives. Whitening our teeth and improving our smile is no different. We want the best, and we want it now. While it is okay to always be searching for progress, we must be careful not to get ourselves into a short sighted mindset. I have the same concerns for the use of activated charcoal to whiten your teeth.

Is flossing related to a longer life span?

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS February 15, 2017

Over the past decade there has been some discussion on how oral health relates to your overall health. Before this, many people just assumed that oral health was independent of total health. Even more recently there has been media coverage related to a father who lost his life due to a dental infection. So what do we really know about how dental health affects your life span?

Can dental infections be deadly?

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS February 2, 2017

There was a recent story about a truck driver who died from complications of a dental infection. When most people think of a tooth infection, they assume the worst that can happen is pain and loss of the tooth. However, the bacteria that collect and form an abscess can spread throughout the body and lead to serious problems: even death. So how does this happen?

Does your toothbrush need to be replaced?

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS January 26, 2017

The Today Show recently discussed six common household items that likely need to be replaced more regularly than we usually do. They discuss more frequent replacement of mattresses, running shoes, kitchen sponges, bath towels, eye makeup, and your toothbrush. For our purposes today, we will discuss when to replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head for electric brushes) and why it is important.

How does stress affect your teeth?

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS January 16, 2017

We all deal with stress. The causes may vary, but perception is reality and we will always deal with some form of stress throughout our lives. So we need to find healthy ways to deal with or manage our stressors. If not, it could lead to health problems like irritable bowel syndrome, excessive sweating, hair loss, insomnia, fatigue, and teeth grinding.

5 More Things to Know About Your Toothbrush

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS January 11, 2017

Toothbrushes should be left out in the open. It is not difficult to clean your toothbrush. Rinse it after brushing with tap water and then remove any remaining toothpaste or debris. Store the brush standing upright to allow it to air dry. If you store near other tooth brushes, do your best to make sure they are separated to prevent contamination between them. Unless you are traveling, try not to store them in closed containers. A moist environment is more favorable to bacterial growth.

5 Things To Know About Your Toothbrush

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS January 5, 2017

Be sure to look for the ADA seal of approval when selecting your toothbrush. The ADA stands for the American Dental Association and is the gold standard in toothbrush quality. It is the most predictable way to know if your toothbrush will hold up to normal wear and tear, and if it will work effectively when brushing with proper technique.

Trendy Diets May Negatively Affect Oral Health

BlogSpot Archive, Oral Health, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS December 6, 2016

Trendy Diets May Negatively Affect Oral Health Over the years we have heard about all of the different types of crash diets to help lose weight. There has been the Atkin’s diet, a juice cleanse, and now the Paleo diet. I am not here to tell you what diet you should or should not try.…

ADA, Federal Agencies, and Dentists Still Encourage Flossing

BlogSpot Archive, Oral Health, Patient EducationBy Brown & Gettings, DDS December 1, 2016

ADA, Federal Agencies, and Dentists Still Encourage Flossing A few months ago a study was released questioning the efficacy of flossing your teeth. Because of this, many people began to think that ‘science’ doesn’t support flossing. However, the Department of Health and Human services, the American Dental Association, and others have “reaffirmed the importance of…