What type of toothbrush is best?

By Caroline N. Thomas, DMD

At PDA, we often get asked the question, “With so many options, what type of toothbrush is best for me?”…There are hard brushes, medium, soft, electric, spin, self-timers, phone apps, and perhaps the most compelling of all, the new trendy electric toothbrushes seen on social media. It is easy to see how one would get confused!

Bottom Line

…It is more about the brushing technique than the actual brush. As long as you have the brush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line, cover all surfaces of the teeth, and use gentle pressure, you will be good to go. However, a good rule of thumb to remember ———> only buy a SOFT toothbrush. Medium and hard brushes should honestly not even be manufactured. Plaque is very soft and does not take much pressure to remove, and the more firm the brush, the more likely you will cause gum recession over time.

Electric toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are just fine to use, if used properly; though electric toothbrushes are truly beneficial for everyone. One major benefit is that, with an electric toothbrush, you no longer use a scrubbing motion. Instead, you slowly move the electric brush around your teeth and let the sonic motion of the toothbrush head do all the work. This is a wonderful way to prevent gum recession from getting worse. If you are someone who builds up heavy tartar, an electric toothbrush can also help decrease the tartar between your dental hygiene appointments. 

Recommended Brands

Sonicare and Oral-B are two widely supported electric toothbrush brands, both with the ADA seal of approval. The team at PDA has used and likes both brands. It really comes down to personal preference on brush head size, as both brands do an outstanding job cleaning. The Sonicare brush has a rectangular head, while the Oral-B brush has a circular head. Just like you should change your manual toothbrush every 6 months, you will also change the electric brush head every 6 months, or sooner if it appears worn. Both Sonicare and Oral-B toothbrush bodies can last for many, many years and are an investment that will pay you back 10-fold with healthy teeth and gums….and, of course, don’t forget to floss! ;) 

How can Xylitol help me?

Xylitol

By: Denise Rysz, RDH

What is xylitol and why do we recommend it? 

What are the benefits to the oral cavity and to allergy sufferers?

Xylitol Helps Fight Tooth Decay

Xylitol is a non-fermentable sugar alcohol from fruit and vegetable fibers that is often used in today’s world as a sweetener for manufactured products, such as medicines, vitamins, toothpaste, and chewing gum. A wonderful trait of xylitol is that it has a sweet taste, and yet has negligible effects on blood sugar or insulin levels. The oral health benefit of xylitol is that it stimulates a healthy supply of saliva that, in turn, neutralizes the PH of the oral cavity within a few minutes of consumption - this acts as a buffer against the harmful acidic environment created by the bacteria in dental plaque.

Xylitol Helps Fight Seasonal Allergies

Xylitol is beneficial for common allergies because it prevents allergens from adhering to nose hairs. You can find nasal sprays and saline neti pot solutions that contain xylitol. Xlear is a popular brand that carries both a nasal spray as well as a neti pot solution. www.xlear.com  or amazon.com 

Ok, So How Do I Consume Xylitol?

In order for xylitol to best prevent tooth decay, it is recommended that the oral cavity is exposed to it 5 times a day for 5 minutes a session, after every meal and snack. Remembering to pop-in a piece of xylitol-containing chewing gum or mint, after every time you eat, is a great way to keep your teeth their healthiest! 

What Are The Best Over-the-Counter Xylitol Products?

Ice Breakers Sugar-free Gum and Mints - Ice Cubes / Frost

Orbit Sugar-free Chewing Gum

Trident Sugar-free Chewing Gum 

Breath Savers Protect Sugar-free Mints

Mentos - Pure Chewing Gum and Mints

Xylimelts - Discs to apply to oral tissue for overnight. These are great if you struggle with a dry mouth!  www.oracoat.com or on amazon.com 

Spry Gum, Mints, and Toothpaste - can be found at health food stores, like 14 Carrot in Lexington or on amazon.com 

Dogs, beware: 

Do be mindful to keep xylitol away from pets. Dogs should not ingest it, as it can be life-threatening. Contact the vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested xylitol.

 

Is Easy and Faster Better?

By Dr. Caroline N. Thomas, Lexington, SC

We’ve noticed a quickly growing trend in dentistry toward products that are faster to use and require fewer steps... but at what cost?  Far too often, patients are also presented with information from the internet or from other offices that portray new technologies as inherently better. Some of these products include:

Same-day crowns

Laser/light teeth whitening

Charcoal and whitening toothpastes

Mini dental implants

The truth of the matter is that while technology and materials are indeed getting better, cutting steps to save time isn’t usually a great idea.  The steps are there for a reason.  You may be able to save time by combining or eliminating steps, but if the quality is compromised by doing so, what has anyone gained?  

Same-day crowns...

have come a long way in the past 5 years and definitely have their place in dentistry. These crowns can be wonderful - especially in an emergency situation - and have great patient appeal. Who wouldn’t rather get a crown in one visit and be done with it?  However, due to the fact that the skilled lab technician is removed from the process, the esthetics and fit of the crown are often not as ideal; With extensive team member training, in-office crowns can be beautiful - just be cautious and know that a crown is not "just a crown"...there is a wide range of quality. Stay tuned for how we will continue to incorporate this popular technology into our work flow at Palmetto Dental Associates. 

Laser/light teeth whitening...

can now be found in practically every mall in America. Dental research is inconclusive on whether the LED light is effective at all. “One hour whitening” may initially appear to make the teeth significantly whiter, but that is because the high percentage bleaching agent and the light dehydrate the teeth, giving them a falsely lighter appearance. The tried-and-true way to whiten teeth is via custom trays (made by your dentist) and bleaching gel worn daily over a 2-4 week period. Many patients prefer this custom tray method, because the bleaching gel does not burn or irritate the gum tissue. At Palmetto Dental Associates, we can makes these custom trays in one visit and you can keep them for years to touchup your whitening whenever desired!

Charcoal toothpastes and special whitening toothpastes... 

seen recently on social media - should be avoided. These pastes are very abrasive and thus may indeed remove mild surface stains, as would a dental cleaning, but they certainly do not lighten the tooth’s internal color. Be aware that, if used frequently and long-term, these toothpastes will strip away the white tooth enamel making teeth more yellow in appearance, more sensitive and more susceptible to cavities. According to the Journal of American Dental Association (JADA) and their analysis of 118 studies done on the topic, there is no evidence that supports these products do what they say, and furthermore, they discovered they can actually cause harm by wearing away the enamel. 

Mini dental implants...

are currently on primetime T.V. commercials which make lofty claims that patients can forego bone grafting surgeries and multiple appointments by using mini implants. Be very cautious of mini dental implants; they do not fuse with the bone and are thus not predictable long term. The only potential use of mini implants is in a very short term, temporary situation. Don’t be fooled by T.V. marketing and remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Give us a call if have a question about dental products seen in the media - one of our dentists is always happy to speak with you. 

The philosophy at Palmetto Dental Associates...

has always been to do things the correct way and not the quickest way.  While we never want to be the last ones on the block to adopt new dental technology, we certainly don’t ever want to cut corners at the expense of quality. You can rest assured that any dental technology we bring to you at Palmetto Dental Associates has been carefully considered and researched by our dentists beforehand. If you have any questions about our state-of-the-art technology offerings, we welcome your call at 803-808-0888. 

What Exactly Are Porcelain Veneers?

By Dr. Caroline Thomas, Lexington, SC

“Porcelain Veneers” tend to be buzz words among movie stars and the general population, alike. Dental veneers are custom made to patients’ specifications and can drastically improve the wow-factor of a smile!  I recently ran into a friend of mine with very nice, natural teeth and she said, “I need to get you to do porcelain veneers for me!” - - But does she really? Keep reading to learn more about this popular dental procedure...

View fullsize

View fullsize

* Before and after veneer case by Palmetto Dental Associates (Dr. Franklin Shull) and CMR Dental Lab; click on each image to see it in its entirety. 

Porcelain veneers can achieve beautiful, nearly flawless teeth; however, veneers are not necessary for everyone. Sometimes significant cosmetic improvements can be achieved by small tweaks of tooth shape or color. If you have nice enamel with minimal fillings, then teeth whitening, minor orthodontics, and edge shaping/contouring can go a long way.

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shell coverings that go on the front surface of your teeth. Even though they are very thin, because of the strength gained when bonding them, veneers are not fragile and predictably last for many years with proper oral hygiene. Protecting them by wearing a bite guard appliance is also important.

Porcelain veneers are now made from a strong, highly esthetic glass ceramic. This is similar to the material used years ago, but looks much more natural. Veneers have no metal substructure so you don’t have to worry about getting the dreaded “gray line” at your gumline. Dental veneers do not stain or dull, and seamlessly cover gaps, stains, cracks and chips.

Porcelain veneers do not look like "chiclets;" If done properly, they look just like ideal natural teeth. Achieving beautiful veneers is a direct correlation to having a properly trained dentist and top-notch lab technician working together. Just like any piece of art, dental veneers are only as good as the hands of those making them. At Palmetto Dental Associates, we work exclusively with CMR, one of the top dental labs in the country, to produce gorgeous, lasting restorations: http://teamaesthetic.com/

There are ways to see what you will look like with veneers prior to undergoing the procedure. Your dentist will begin with a comprehensive exam and smile analysis to determine what steps are necessary to achieve the smile you desire. A digital "mock-up" can be designed, producing a before and after visual of your teeth with veneers. In addition, a material called PMMA can be milled into a custom shim that will allow you to “try on” veneers to see if you like the final result.  

If you are interested in improving the esthetics of your smile, or just have more questions on the topic, give us a call at 803-808-0888 to schedule a consult with one of our four wonderful cosmetic dentists.  

Experience the difference of positive, comprehensive dentistry! 
#positivelyPDA

How Do I Know I Can Trust My Dentist?

By Dr. Caroline Thomas, Lexington, SC

Trust is a major factor...

Trust is a major factor in a positive dentist/patient relationship. With so many dental offices from which to choose these days, read below to determine how to find a trustworthy dentist who truly has your best interests at heart.

“How do I know I can trust my dentist?” This is a question we are frequently asked by friends or family members who live out of town and are unable to come to Palmetto Dental Associates in Lexington, SC. With the advent of corporately-owned dental offices popping up on what seems like every corner, it is important to know the characteristics of a trustworthy dentist.

Ask your friends which dentist they see and why they enjoy the practice.

Word-of-mouth referrals are still the absolute best, because who can you better trust than your friends and family. Also check out the practice’s online Google reviews. Many dental offices also have a Facebook page where patients can leave reviews as well.

Look for a practice with an up-to-date website, ideally with real-patient case photos and not stock photos.

You can easily tell the general quality of dentistry being performed at a practice with a quick glance at the before and after photos. It is also a plus if a practice website has a blog section that is updated frequently. A blog lets you know that the practice is actively seeking to remain relevant and on the cutting-edge of dentistry, all while educating their patients.

Look for an office with courteous front desk team members when you call to make your new patient appointment.

They should take time to tell you about the office and assist you with any questions you may have. Ideally, you want to choose an office that schedules you to first see the dentist for a comprehensive new patient exam vs. your first appointment being for a dental cleaning. There are several different types of dental cleanings, and there is no way to know which type of hygiene appointment you will need until the dentist examines you. 

The first time you meet the dentist and have a comprehensive exam, he or she should spend quality, unhurried time (usually 1.5 hours) getting to know you, your mouth, and your overall health history.

The dentist should collect intraoral photos and radiographs (xrays) of your teeth and place these on a screen to show you potential problems and explain options for correction. This brings us to our next point - options. No dentist should dictate to you what treatment you have to have. It is his or her job to point out everything that is not ideal with your teeth, and then you both should determine the correct treatment options for your personal and financial situation.

Overall, use your intuition and advice from close friends and family to help you determine if you should trust a specific dentist. Below are some qualities of a dentist you will want to stay with for years to come!…

• Involved in the community (local service organizations, church, etc.)

• Takes time for thorough explanations while making eye contact

• Does not rush through procedures

• Respects your input; listens to your dental concerns and takes them into consideration prior to making a treatment plan

• Displays a genuine interest in you and your family