Barbers in Dental History
While there is evidence of exploring dental issues as early as the Sumerians in 5000 BCE (or Before Common Era), the American Dental Association cites the Middle Ages as the start of the dental profession. The early history of the profession is quite interesting and the professionals who performed dental procedures might just surprise you.
At the start of the Middle Ages, monks were generally the most educated individuals at the time so they performed needed medical, dental, and surgical procedures. A series of Papal edicts from 1130-1163 CE (or Common Era) prohibited monks from performing certain tasks such as surgeries, blood letting (a common medical procedure at the time), or tooth pulling.
After the edicts, barbers began to assume the monks' duties. Barbers had already been visiting the monasteries on a regular basis to shave the monks' heads. The tools they used, sharp knives and razors, lended themselves well to surgical work and the barbers had more knowledge of the procedures as they assisted the monks previously.
In 1210 CE, The Guild of Barbers was established in France. This guild divided the barbers into two groups, the more educated/highly trained barbers that performed the more complex surgical procedures and the lay barbers (also called barber-surgeons) that performed routine services such as shaving, bleeding, and tooth extraction.
Source: http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/dental_history.pdf
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
News You Can Use
Vitamin D During Pregnancy Strengthens Babies' Teeth
According to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, women with lower levels of vitamin D during pregnancy have been linked to a higher risk of cavities and decay in the teeth of their children. While teeth may not erupt in an infant's mouth for several months, the teeth themselves start to develop in the womb. Vitamin D is an important element in the development of tooth enamel.
This study supported and elaborated upon previous studies that found inadequate levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may affect the calcification of their children's teeth leading to poor-quality enamel development. Poor-quality enamel has been correlated with higher caries risk.
The authors of this study concluded that prenatal vitamin D is important in the development of infant's teeth. Additionally, vitamin D helps prevent brain and spinal cord abnormalities in the infant and enhances brain development. Vitamin D has benefits for the woman as well, promoting better bone density during and after pregnancy.
Source: http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxsec=nws&sub=rad&pag=dis&ItemID=315593&wf=1844
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
According to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, women with lower levels of vitamin D during pregnancy have been linked to a higher risk of cavities and decay in the teeth of their children. While teeth may not erupt in an infant's mouth for several months, the teeth themselves start to develop in the womb. Vitamin D is an important element in the development of tooth enamel.
This study supported and elaborated upon previous studies that found inadequate levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may affect the calcification of their children's teeth leading to poor-quality enamel development. Poor-quality enamel has been correlated with higher caries risk.
The authors of this study concluded that prenatal vitamin D is important in the development of infant's teeth. Additionally, vitamin D helps prevent brain and spinal cord abnormalities in the infant and enhances brain development. Vitamin D has benefits for the woman as well, promoting better bone density during and after pregnancy.
Source: http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspxsec=nws&sub=rad&pag=dis&ItemID=315593&wf=1844
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014
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A Toast to Good Health with Green Tea
Civilizations around the world have used natural herbs and plants to treat sickness and pain. All tea comes from a plant, Camellia sinensis. Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented, so its active ingredients remain unaltered. Green tea's protection comes from a powerful antioxidant, a polyphenol called EGCG. [Graham HN. Green tea consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med 1992;21:334-50.]
There is evidence to show that green tea can be effective in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and impaired immune function.
Because our mouths are an oxygen-rich environment closely connected to our blood vessels, they provide an ideal habitat for the growth and rapid proliferation of cancer cells. Scientists have confirmed that green tea not only halts the growth of new oral cancer cells but it actually breaks down and kills existing oral cancer cells. A double-blind study of people with leukoplakia (a precancerous oral condition), showed that those in the green tea group compared to those in the placebo group had significant decreases in the pre-cancerous condition.[Li N, Sun Z, Han C, Chen J. The chemopreventive effects of tea on human oral precancerous mucosa lesions. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999;220:218-24.]
This is why we examine your mouth closely at each visit to determine any changes in texture or color that might indicate the presence of oral cancers. This early screening is just one more reason to make sure you don't miss your regular checkup.
Ingredients in green tea may reduce the risk of getting dental cavities. One study compared two groups. The one that rinsed each night with an alcohol extract of oolong tea leaves had significantly less plaque formation than the group that did not. [Otake S, Makimura M, Kuroki t, et al. Anticaries effects of polyphenolic compounds from Japanese green tea. Caries Res 1991;25:438-43.]
Another benefit of green tea is that it stunts the growth of odor causing bacteria, thus helping you maintain a fresh breath.
And just how much green tea should we be drinking? To fully obtain the benefits, we should have at least four to six cups a day. And if you don't want to drink it down, simply use it as a mouthwash. Decaffeinated tea is recommended to reduce the side effects associated with caffeine, including anxiety and insomnia. Supplements in the form of tablets are also available.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
News You Can Use
9 Reasons to Consider Dental Implants
Dental implants are relatively new in the dental community and combine dental technology, science, and restorative interventions. More and more dentists recommend dental implants for restoring missing teeth as there are several reasons implants may be more beneficial than other restorative options. Some of those reasons are listed below.
1. Dental implants work better than dentures: Implants are more comfortable than dentures, last longer, and may increase the quality of life for the wearer.
2. Dental implants are more cosmetically pleasing: Implants can improve your smile by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. They can also help prevent bone loss which in turn, may help keep lips looking healthy and beautiful.
3. Implants last longer: 90% of implants are 100% successful and can last longer than 20 years. Dental bridges (an alternative restoration to fill the gap left by a missing tooth) wear down due to normal chewing and last 5 to 10 years. Implants are also not as susceptible to decay because they are made out of titanium.
4. They preserve your jawbone: Teeth are set in the jawbone which provides constant stimulation to the bone, helping to maintain it's size and shape. When a tooth is lost, that stimulation is also lost and therefore the integrity of the jawbone may be compromised. Dental implants provide the necessary stimulation after a tooth is lost.
5. Dental implants help keep teeth from shifting: Teeth form an arch in the mouth. When one is removed, the other teeth shift to fill the gap which distorts the bite. Dental implants maintain the space that the lost tooth left and keep the teeth from moving.
6. Implants help you look younger: A healthy smile helps a person look young because teeth and the jawbone help keep facial structures in place. When a person looses a tooth, those facial structures begin to fall. Implants keep the facial structures in place, making you look younger.
7. Dental implants keep the tone and shape of your facial muscles: As with any muscle, when you stop exercising, the muscles get smaller. The same is true for facial muscles so when you lose a tooth, you also start to lose the facial muscles around the tooth.
8. They help you speak better: Dental prostheses (such as partials or dentures) may be bulky, are harder to keep in, and may be difficult to talk around. Dental implants take up no more room than the tooth they replace and fit securely, making speech less disrupted.
9. Implants help you understand what is going on in your mouth: Losing a tooth is, in some ways, like losing a limb. You cannot feel what is going on in your mouth as well because of the loss of stimulation to that tooth's area. Many patients with lost teeth tend to chew differently. Dental implants help maintain that stimulation and make it easier to chew normally.
Source: http://www.oviedopremierdental.com/admin/9-life-changing-reasons-to-get-dental-implants/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Dental implants are relatively new in the dental community and combine dental technology, science, and restorative interventions. More and more dentists recommend dental implants for restoring missing teeth as there are several reasons implants may be more beneficial than other restorative options. Some of those reasons are listed below.
1. Dental implants work better than dentures: Implants are more comfortable than dentures, last longer, and may increase the quality of life for the wearer.
2. Dental implants are more cosmetically pleasing: Implants can improve your smile by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. They can also help prevent bone loss which in turn, may help keep lips looking healthy and beautiful.
3. Implants last longer: 90% of implants are 100% successful and can last longer than 20 years. Dental bridges (an alternative restoration to fill the gap left by a missing tooth) wear down due to normal chewing and last 5 to 10 years. Implants are also not as susceptible to decay because they are made out of titanium.
4. They preserve your jawbone: Teeth are set in the jawbone which provides constant stimulation to the bone, helping to maintain it's size and shape. When a tooth is lost, that stimulation is also lost and therefore the integrity of the jawbone may be compromised. Dental implants provide the necessary stimulation after a tooth is lost.
5. Dental implants help keep teeth from shifting: Teeth form an arch in the mouth. When one is removed, the other teeth shift to fill the gap which distorts the bite. Dental implants maintain the space that the lost tooth left and keep the teeth from moving.
6. Implants help you look younger: A healthy smile helps a person look young because teeth and the jawbone help keep facial structures in place. When a person looses a tooth, those facial structures begin to fall. Implants keep the facial structures in place, making you look younger.
7. Dental implants keep the tone and shape of your facial muscles: As with any muscle, when you stop exercising, the muscles get smaller. The same is true for facial muscles so when you lose a tooth, you also start to lose the facial muscles around the tooth.
8. They help you speak better: Dental prostheses (such as partials or dentures) may be bulky, are harder to keep in, and may be difficult to talk around. Dental implants take up no more room than the tooth they replace and fit securely, making speech less disrupted.
9. Implants help you understand what is going on in your mouth: Losing a tooth is, in some ways, like losing a limb. You cannot feel what is going on in your mouth as well because of the loss of stimulation to that tooth's area. Many patients with lost teeth tend to chew differently. Dental implants help maintain that stimulation and make it easier to chew normally.
Source: http://www.oviedopremierdental.com/admin/9-life-changing-reasons-to-get-dental-implants/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, April 7, 2014
News You Can Use
April is National Autism Awareness Month
Beginning in the 1970's, The Autism Society has been celebrating Autism Awareness in April. Autism is a developmental disorder that is prevalent in about one in every 88 children and April affords the opportunity to educate the public on important issues within the Autism community.
The American Dental Association and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) discuss the importance of good oral health for everyone, including individuals with a developmental disability. The NIDCR has a link with tips and tricks on how to help someone who is unable to brush and floss their own teeth:
Beginning in the 1970's, The Autism Society has been celebrating Autism Awareness in April. Autism is a developmental disorder that is prevalent in about one in every 88 children and April affords the opportunity to educate the public on important issues within the Autism community.
The American Dental Association and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) discuss the importance of good oral health for everyone, including individuals with a developmental disability. The NIDCR has a link with tips and tricks on how to help someone who is unable to brush and floss their own teeth:
The tips from the NIDCR are useful for any caretaker that has to aid another in dental hygiene.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
314-805-3696
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