Retainer Care
Retainers are often utilized after removing orthodontic braces to help in reducing teeth movement after treatment. They typically are a clear plastic material or the traditional acrylic and wire Hawley retainer. Both retainers are effective if worn according to directions but, because they are removable, they may be easy to misplace. Here are some tips for keeping them clean and safe from misplacement.
1. Keep the retainer case near for easy storage when the retainers are not
being used. If you wear retainers only at night, try keeping the case in
the bathroom or near your bed. If you wear retainers all the time except
for when eating or brushing your teeth, carry your retainer case for easy
storage of the retainers.
2. Do not wrap the retainers in a tissue or napkin. They may be thrown
away if wrapped up as such.
3. Do not put them in your pocket as they could be easily broken
4. Keep retainers from direct sunlight as the heat may warp the retainer
5. To clean retainers, brush with a toothbrush (a separate one than the one
used on your teeth) and a small amount of toothpaste. Denture cleaners
or cleaners specifically designed for retainers can also be used. Do not
put in boiling water as the high heat may warp the retainer as well.
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Popular-Topics/Orthodontics/article/Wearing-and-Caring-for-Your-Retainer.cvsp
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, June 25, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
News You Can Use
Endurance Sports and Tooth Decay
Runners and other endurance athletes tend to be in excellent shape... with the exception of their mouths. Those who participate in endurance sports are more likely to suffer from tooth decay than the rest of the population.
I previously blogged on the phenomenon studied during the last Olympics, namely the higher instances of tooth decay in Olympic athletes, but recent research has suggested that long distance runners are also at risk but the elevated risk is mainly due to side effects of the sport itself.
Distance runners and other endurance athletes have two aspects working against them in regards to their oral health... sports drinks and dry mouth.
Sports Drinks
Many endurance athletes drink sports drinks such as Gatorade and PowerAde help replace electrolytes that are depleted during training. Those drinks also full of sugar, which is an excellent source of energy for tired muscles but is hard on teeth.
To make oral health matters worse, the sports drinks also include phosphoric or citric acid which erode tooth enamel. The combination of acid and sugar greatly increase chances of tooth decay, gingivitis, plaque, and other dental issues.
Dry Mouth
Runners are heavy breathers and have a tendency to breath primarily with their mouth open. The open mouth allows runners to take in more oxygen but also dries out the mouth, reducing saliva flow and enabling bacteria to thrive. If you add in the sugary, acidic sports drink to a dry mouth, conditions are ideal for bacteria to flourish and create tooth decay.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Runners and other endurance athletes can utilize several tips to aid in the reduction of dental decay:
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-saltmarsh/health-and-fitness_b_5412685.html
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!
Runners and other endurance athletes tend to be in excellent shape... with the exception of their mouths. Those who participate in endurance sports are more likely to suffer from tooth decay than the rest of the population.
I previously blogged on the phenomenon studied during the last Olympics, namely the higher instances of tooth decay in Olympic athletes, but recent research has suggested that long distance runners are also at risk but the elevated risk is mainly due to side effects of the sport itself.
Distance runners and other endurance athletes have two aspects working against them in regards to their oral health... sports drinks and dry mouth.
Sports Drinks
Many endurance athletes drink sports drinks such as Gatorade and PowerAde help replace electrolytes that are depleted during training. Those drinks also full of sugar, which is an excellent source of energy for tired muscles but is hard on teeth.
To make oral health matters worse, the sports drinks also include phosphoric or citric acid which erode tooth enamel. The combination of acid and sugar greatly increase chances of tooth decay, gingivitis, plaque, and other dental issues.
Dry Mouth
Runners are heavy breathers and have a tendency to breath primarily with their mouth open. The open mouth allows runners to take in more oxygen but also dries out the mouth, reducing saliva flow and enabling bacteria to thrive. If you add in the sugary, acidic sports drink to a dry mouth, conditions are ideal for bacteria to flourish and create tooth decay.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Runners and other endurance athletes can utilize several tips to aid in the reduction of dental decay:
- Brush and floss regularly while consuming a healthy diet.
- Chew gum to neutralize the bacteria and increase saliva flow, specifically gum with xylitol.
- Swish with water after drinking sports drinks, energy bars, or gels. This will help reduce the sugar and acid left on the teeth.
- Ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride treatments, even if you are over the age of 18. Preventative aids such as these may help reduce the effects of dry mouth and sports drinks.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-saltmarsh/health-and-fitness_b_5412685.html
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, June 23, 2014
News You Can Use
The Practice of Oil Pulling
Recently, the practice of oil pulling has gained a lot of media support as a reducing plaque, whitening teeth, and improving oral and overall health. While the technique has been around for years, it may not yield the results promised.
Oil pulling comes from an ancient folk remedy practiced in India as a holistic Ayurvedic technique. It involves putting a tablespoon of oil (traditionally sesame but others claim to use olive, sunflower, or coconut) in the mouth and swishing it for anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes. The name comes from the act of pulling the oil through the spaces in the teeth.
As with most folk remedies, oil pulling has not been empirically studied for its oral health benefits. Of the few studies conducted, there are clear limitations such as a small sample size, lack of controls, and confounding variables. The American Dental Association released an article in May with an overview of the available studies, coming to the conclusion that there is no current empirical support that oil pulling is beneficial.
In fact, oil pulling may have negative side effects due to having to keep the oil in the mouth for an extended period of time. Swishing the oil may result in the fats from the oil being asphyxiated into the lungs, causing lipoid pneumonia. Cases of upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea have been reported as well.
While the practice has been around for many years, there are no peer-reviewed studies that support the benefits of oil pulling. Many dental professionals do not recommend oil pulling as a supplementary oral health practice and certainly not as a replacement practice. Brushing twice a day and flossing once is still recommended as the best, most supported practice to help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.
Source:http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/the-practice-of-oil-pulling
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Recently, the practice of oil pulling has gained a lot of media support as a reducing plaque, whitening teeth, and improving oral and overall health. While the technique has been around for years, it may not yield the results promised.
Oil pulling comes from an ancient folk remedy practiced in India as a holistic Ayurvedic technique. It involves putting a tablespoon of oil (traditionally sesame but others claim to use olive, sunflower, or coconut) in the mouth and swishing it for anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes. The name comes from the act of pulling the oil through the spaces in the teeth.
As with most folk remedies, oil pulling has not been empirically studied for its oral health benefits. Of the few studies conducted, there are clear limitations such as a small sample size, lack of controls, and confounding variables. The American Dental Association released an article in May with an overview of the available studies, coming to the conclusion that there is no current empirical support that oil pulling is beneficial.
In fact, oil pulling may have negative side effects due to having to keep the oil in the mouth for an extended period of time. Swishing the oil may result in the fats from the oil being asphyxiated into the lungs, causing lipoid pneumonia. Cases of upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea have been reported as well.
While the practice has been around for many years, there are no peer-reviewed studies that support the benefits of oil pulling. Many dental professionals do not recommend oil pulling as a supplementary oral health practice and certainly not as a replacement practice. Brushing twice a day and flossing once is still recommended as the best, most supported practice to help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.
Source:http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/the-practice-of-oil-pulling
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Notes From The Dentist
Happy Father's Day!
Happy (belated) Father's Day to all dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures out there! This father's day, I received quite a gift when the Kirkwood-Webster Times did a special feature on my daughter and myself.
It is just shy of a year since my daughter Morgan joined my practice. It has not only been a delight but has afforded me the special opportunity to share my passion for dentistry with my daughter while improving our patient care.
To read the article, follow the link below:
Happy (belated) Father's Day to all dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures out there! This father's day, I received quite a gift when the Kirkwood-Webster Times did a special feature on my daughter and myself.
It is just shy of a year since my daughter Morgan joined my practice. It has not only been a delight but has afforded me the special opportunity to share my passion for dentistry with my daughter while improving our patient care.
To read the article, follow the link below:
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
News You Can Use
Remains of Ancient Dental Implant Found in France
In 2009, archaeologists found what is believed to be the earliest dental implant, dating back to third century France. They excavated a grave site in Le Chene and found an iron pin in the place of an upper incisor of a young woman.
While the skeleton was poorly preserved, the teeth were in anatomical order and the iron pin was of the same dimensions as the surrounding teeth. The researchers believe this pin to be an implant but have not ruled out the possibility that it was placed after the woman's death as a way of improving the corpse's appearance before burial.
The idea for the iron pin may have come to the Celtic people from Etruscan mercenaries. The Etruscans are renowned for their early expertise in dentistry although this specific technique has not been found in Etruscan history.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
smilestationdental.com
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Thursday, June 5, 2014
Dental Did You Know
Famous Dentists - John Greenwood
I have previously posted on historical figures who were also dentists as well as the history of dentures. There is one man who deserves recognition for both topics... John Greenwood.
John Greenwood, born in 1760, was the first native-born American dentist. He was more than that, though, as he was also George Washington's personal dentist. John Greenwood personally designed and created George Washington's famous dentures out of a mixture of animal teeth and hippopotamus tusk (they were not made out of wood as many people believe). A letter dated in 1799 that John Greenwood sent to George Washington in regards to payment for the denture is on display at the A.D. Black History of Dentistry Collection at Northwestern University.
Source:http://dentaldegree.org/2012/20-intriguing-facts-about-the-history-of-dental-health/
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!
I have previously posted on historical figures who were also dentists as well as the history of dentures. There is one man who deserves recognition for both topics... John Greenwood.
John Greenwood, born in 1760, was the first native-born American dentist. He was more than that, though, as he was also George Washington's personal dentist. John Greenwood personally designed and created George Washington's famous dentures out of a mixture of animal teeth and hippopotamus tusk (they were not made out of wood as many people believe). A letter dated in 1799 that John Greenwood sent to George Washington in regards to payment for the denture is on display at the A.D. Black History of Dentistry Collection at Northwestern University.
Source:http://dentaldegree.org/2012/20-intriguing-facts-about-the-history-of-dental-health/
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, June 2, 2014
News You Can Use
Red Wine May Function as a Cavity Fighter
Studies have illustrated the benefits of a glass of red wine for overall health but a recent article published in American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that a glass of red wine may also function as a cavity fighter. Red wine contains antioxidants and polyphenols which reduce the biofilm, or the layer of bacteria that forms over teeth, in the mouth.
The researchers exposed biofilm bacteria to red wine with and without alcohol as well as to water. The red wine decreased the formation of the biofilm regardless of whether or not it contained alcohol while the water did nothing. While the effect of red wine on biofilm may need more research, the results from the current study illustrate the oral health effects of a glass of red wine.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140521133617.htm
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!
Studies have illustrated the benefits of a glass of red wine for overall health but a recent article published in American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that a glass of red wine may also function as a cavity fighter. Red wine contains antioxidants and polyphenols which reduce the biofilm, or the layer of bacteria that forms over teeth, in the mouth.
The researchers exposed biofilm bacteria to red wine with and without alcohol as well as to water. The red wine decreased the formation of the biofilm regardless of whether or not it contained alcohol while the water did nothing. While the effect of red wine on biofilm may need more research, the results from the current study illustrate the oral health effects of a glass of red wine.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140521133617.htm
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!
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