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We always hear that four out of five dentists recommend chewing a particular brand of gum or using a certain toothpaste. Yet there's always one dentist who doesn't buy into the group-think. Why is there never unanimity? And if one in five don't recommend a particular brand of mouth wash... well that means there are thousands of dental professionals who wouldn't recommend it! Well, the truth is that these polls don't actually represent what they want you think they represent. It's actually a time-honored obfuscation of truth in American marketing, and it has been used since at least the 1950s (at one point four out of five doctors preferred Camels).

Advertisement is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission but is subject to some legal grey areas that exist where government regulation of commerce meets common law and the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause. The federal Truth in Advertising Act imposes restrictions designed to ensure that scientific statements are backed by at least some kind of study. However, the law also recognizes certain statements as 'puffery,' assertions no sane person would believe to be fact. If you hear words like 'clinical study' or 'national survey' you have a reasonable belief that some kind of work was done (though that's no assurance that the work was reliable). The 'four out of five' trope is broadly phrased ad-speak that aims to create the illusion of statistical analysis without over-promising much in the way of evidence.

It is often important to pay attention to what exactly is being said in the commercials. For example, if the ad states that four out of five professionals recommend a certain product, they could have only asked five select people, chosen in advance or cherry picked. The ad could also claim that four out of these five dentists recommend flossing with picks, and there are five men in white lab coats on the screen. That could mean four of the dentists pictured recommend it. Or maybe the commercial tells you that nine out of ten recommend brushing your teeth with brand X. That may be true, but they could also recommend brand Y or Z. You have to imagine any dentist would recommend brushing your teeth with most brands of toothpaste.

So if these are all, in one way or another, misleading, why not make everyone agree? Probably because it's more believable to bluff small, and a majority is good enough. While these claims sound like factual statements, the devil is usually in the details. The words are vague enough or obtusely true in a way that As Mark Twain said, there are lies, damn lies, and statistics. They can often be manipulated to reflect any number of partial truths.

No matter how often we brush, floss, and gargle, all of us have bad breath every now and then. For most of us, unpleasant odors emanate from our mouths in the early morning hours before we've had a chance to complete our oral hygiene routine. This morning breath is caused by food particles that get trapped in our teeth and then combine with bacteria, which results in malodor. While there is no surefire way to prevent bad breath all the time, here are five tips from your dentist that will help control it.

1. Brush your teeth after each meal and before bed. This will help remove most of the food particles that get stuck in your teeth. It is also important to use your toothbrush for at least two minutes each session. Longer brushing times can significantly reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.

2. Brush or scrape your tongue. It might sound and feel a bit strange, but your tongue is covered with tiny hairs (papillae) that cling to bacteria. If enough of them accumulate, they can cause malodorous exhalations. Sold in most drugstores, a tool called a tongue scraper is your best defense against an olfactory nightmare. You can also use your toothbrush to remove most of the residue that clings to your tongue.

3. Get regular checkups. Because gum disease is the most common cause of bad breath or halitosis, it is important to make regular appointments with your dentist. Not only will he or she check your mouth for dental problems, but these professionals can also recommend products and techniques that may help you manage or even solve the issue on your own. It is also important to add that bad breath is a common symptom of serious oral infections. If you experience a sudden, unexplained bout of halitosis, contact a dental professional as soon as possible.

4. Drink plenty of water. Dry mouths are even more susceptible to plaque than wet ones, since food particles stay in place and combine with bacteria. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day should wash away most of the residue that causes bad breath. People who have chronic dry mouth should speak to their dentist before the problem causes serious dental issues. He or she may be able to recommend a safe, effective saliva substitute that increases oral moisture.

5. Stop smoking. As if you needed another reason to quit, here is a no-brainer. Smoking causes halitosis. Not only does the harmful habit dry out your mouth, resulting in accelerated bacteria accumulation and growth, but cigarettes and cigars also smell on their own. In fact, a whiff of tobacco is often enough to make non-smokers run for the hills. Moreover, there's really no way to mask the odor. Because it has a pungent, acrid scent, no mouthwash in the world can overcome the smell of smoke.

These simple tips from your dentist can help you control, even eliminate bad breath in no time.

Fear is often associated with the dental chair. Many people are afraid to visit the dentist and their anxiety grows more when asked to sit down for the required treatment. These days however, dental technology has solutions so patients can undergo any procedure without thinking about the pain. From cleaning to root canal you can relax in the dental chair with the help of sedation dentistry.

Sedation is the ideal solution for any discomfort when undergoing any dental procedure. Not all dentists however can employ this solution. Only trained and certified ones should carry out sedation dentistry. Your sedation dentist will use medication to soothe away your anxieties and fear. Depending on the level of sedation, you may be awake but relaxed.

If you want to try this dental solution, here are key questions you might want to ask your dentist when visiting for a consultation. Brief answers are provided but your dentist will be able to explain well.

Will the procedure make me sleep?

Know that there are levels of sedation and you will be fully unconscious only if you opt for general anesthesia. This is only administered for those who have extreme dental fears. Your doctors may be required to monitor your vital signs as well.

For added information, the other levels of this solution are:

• Minimal sedation or inhaled - this is when you breathe nitrous oxide
• Oral sedation - here you take a pill to calm your nerves
• IV moderate sedation - your dentist will administer the sedative through your vein

Will I feel pain?

Your dentist can adjust your sedation level depending on your needs. He makes sure that the appropriate amount of medication is provided so that your comfort is assured. You can relax throughout the treatment as you will not feel the pain.

Are all types of dental procedure covered in sedation dentistry?

From routine cleaning to complex procedures, sedation dentistry can be used. Whether you are in need of dental implants, root canals, or even tooth extraction, this branch of dentistry can be administered by your dentist.

Is sedation dentistry for everybody?

Some dental treatments are not possible for everyone but sedation dentistry is a choice for patients. This is highly recommended for anyone who suffers from dental phobia or anxieties. If you have low pain threshold, you can request for this dental solution. Those who have poor gag reflex, physical limitations in their jaw, neck, or back as well as those who are completing several treatments in one visit can benefit from sedation dentistry. Ask your sedation dentist for more information.

A cosmetic dentistcan make your smile look just perfect. Your teeth are very important. They are the first thing visible when you talk, eat, laugh, and smile. So make sure they are in tip-top shape. You probably cringe when you encounter someone with bad oral hygiene. Well, you may have the same effect on others if your smile is not in the best possible shape. So take that extra step of personal development by making sure you look your best. Having dental corrections can give you that boost of self-esteem that you really need.

A cosmetic dentist offers that best oral health care and so much more. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are good habits to practice. But every now and then you need a professional cleaning to remove any unseen plaque and to get your teeth looking shiny and healthy. This is why regular visits are important. However, there are certain oral issues that are more serious and need to be handled as soon as possible. The right professional will know exactly what to do. Perhaps you have lost some teeth. Having missing teeth is unattractive. Fortunately there are teeth implants available. These implants are very natural looking and will be the perfect fit for your individual mouth.

Cavities are also quite common. If left untreated, cavities can present even more serious oral health issues. There are fillings and crowns that will correct the teeth and make them as good as new. Eating is a necessity and also a pleasure. If you don't have comfortable use of your teeth, the whole experience can be dreadful and embarrassing. So make sure you keep your teeth healthy at all costs. Let the cosmetic dentist restore your mouth back to health. Oral diseases such as gingivitis and bad breath problems can be solved by the hands of a knowledgeable professional as well.

Imagine having the most radiant smile you have ever had. It's very possible. You can toss away those mouthwashes and toothpastes that claim to brighten the teeth. There is a more effective way, and a cosmetic dentist can provide it to you. You can have whitening services performed in the dental office. Or you can be provided with a powerful solution to take home with you. Both options work just the same. The results are amazing. You can flash a dazzling smile that will be sure to amaze and attract all those around you.

The act of taking good care of your teeth extends far past your bathroom sink. So many oral issues can be solved by the hands of a great cosmetic dentist. You should be able to laugh and smile without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. You should be able to chew without experiencing pain or discomfort. And you can. Just schedule an appointment with a dental professional today. An initial consultation can put you on the road to having healthier, shinier teeth in no time. So make that phone call today. You deserve to feel good about yourself.

No matter if you've visited the dentist a thousand (though we certainly hope not!) times or only a handful, there are certain things you need to remember when visiting a dentist. Though these may not be directly connected with your mouth, these things are the characteristics that set a good dentist apart from the rest. These things can make or break a deal with a client and can help put him at ease as well. Here's a list of the four things that every good dentist does that can help a client tell them apart from the rest of the sea:

1) They're Interested in What You Want To Say:

A good dentist will always be interested in what you're feeling. They might have their hand in your mouth but they know that you know how that feels so they will always be interested in how you would like your teeth and how you're feeling about them.

2) They Will Put You At Ease:

Going to the dentist is a scary ordeal and often one associated with pain. A dentist will make sure that you don't have to suffer unnecessarily. They will guide you through the procedure and explain exactly what they will be doing. A dentist will also listen to your suggestion and discuss it with you because at the end of the day, you're the one who will go home with your mouth.

3) They're up-to-date With The Latest Technology:

Perhaps no field of medicine is progressing as quickly as that of orthodontics. This is why a dentist keeps up to date with the latest changes so they can treat you more efficiently than ever, meaning that you will heal quickly, more efficiently and with less time taken.

4) They're Passionate About What They Do and How They Do It:

A good dentist is not only passionate about dentistry; they're good at what they do. Their passion not only shows in their work or their testimonials but also in their office's environment. A dentist will employ friendly staff who will be glad to help you. Additionally, a dentist will keep care that his surroundings, his person and especially his tools and the equipment he will be using are clean and sterile at all time. Remember that though the office or your dentist might not be too glamorous, they might be clean and well-maintained and that is what matters the most.

We all face some kind of oral issue or the other in our life. If you have a big family, then the chance of visiting a dentist increases with the size of the family. In such a case it would be better if you can find a dentist who can take care of oral health of each and every member of your family. A family dentist would be suitable for this task.

You should consider some important points before you select a family dentist. The first and foremost point of importance is that you are comfortable with the dentist. When you meet him or talk to him on phone, you might get an idea if you are tuning with him properly. If you would like to develop a long-term relationship with a dentist, then it is essential that you are comfortable with him.

Another point of consideration should be the type of treatment that you are looking to avail from the dentist. Although a family dentist would be competent enough to deal with all kinds of oral issues, yet there is a different between general oral health care and cosmetic dental care. A family dentist may not be an expert cosmetic dentist as well and in case you are likely to require his service for the later, then you should confirm that he is going to be as good in the cosmetic dentistry as he is with the regular dental care.

The next point to consider is the location. It is practical to have a family dentist who is located near to your place of residence. You will surely not be in no mood for a long drive when you are dealing with an oral issue and therefore it would be wise to consider a dentist whose clinic is situated nearby your residence.

Another important point that you have to consider is the timings of the clinic. Different dentists have different timings; some of them are available from morning to evening, while others may only operate in the evening or at some fixed days. It is important that their clinic timings match your schedule so that you do not have to make any adjustments every time you fix an appointment with the dentist.

Finally, you should also check the rates and payment terms of the dentist. It would be better to avail service of a family dentist who has reasonable rates and flexible payment terms. You can select a suitable dentist for you and your family after considering all these points.

Dental lasers are designed specially for the purpose of dentistry, including oral surgery. These lasers should not be confused with cold lasers, that have different medical applications, such as phototherapy (For pain relief), headaches also inflammation. In the United States, the use of lasers on teeth was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1996.

Some of the uses of lasers in dentistry are given below:

Tooth Decay - With the help of lasers, decay inside the tooth is removed and surrounding enamel is prepared. Lasers also help in making the filing harder.

Gum Disease - During root canal procedure, lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria.

Lesion or Biopsy Removal - In case of canker sores, lasers are used to remove lesions from the mouth. Biopsy or a small piece of tissue for cancer treatment is also taken with the help of lasers.

Tooth Whitening - During the tooth whitening procedure, a hydrogen peroxide solution is applied on tooth-surface which is activated by laser energy. This helps in speeding-up the whitening process.

Along with the wide application of lasers in dentistry, there are several advantages and disadvantages of the use of lasers that I want to share with you. Advantages of the use of lasers as compared to the traditional dental drill method are as follows:

1. Need for anesthesia is reduced as pain caused is less in the case of dental lasers.

2. The feelings of anxiety and discomfort are reduced in patients. Let's be honest, patients are scared of dental drills!

3. During the treatment of soft tissues, lasers help in minimizing bleeding and swelling.

Use of lasers also has certain disadvantages, such as:-

1. Lasers cannot be used to fill cavities which are in between teeth, near old fillings or in the case of large cavities which have to be prepared for crowns/ caps.

2. Lasers cannot be used to prepare teeth for bridges.

3. Lasers are not used to remove crowns or silver fillings that are defective.

4. The need for anesthesia is not completely eliminated by lasers.

5. Laser treatments are more expensive.

Though there are certain disadvantages, the application of lasers in dentistry is rather widespread. They work by passing energy in the form of light and have several different functions for different treatments. Lasers vaporize the tissues that come in contact with them in case of surgical procedures, whereas in teeth-whitening procedures, lasers simply act as a heat source to enhance the effect of the bleaching agents. In the case of fillings, lasers helps in strengthening the bond between the filling and the tooth.

Hence, have bright teeth and keep smiling!

One of the biggest trends in the dental industry is the continued growth of cosmetic dentistry. Considered a fad when it began, cosmetic procedures now generate billions of dollars for dentists in America. Revenues are expected to rise even faster in the foreseeable future thanks to the aging population. With that in mind, here are the five most popular procedures your cosmetic dentist performs.

Teeth Whitening

A bright white smile has always been a sign of beauty and health. Most of us have one at some point, but our smiles often fade with age. The reason? Certain foods and drinks stain our teeth over time, making them several shades darker. While regular brushing might lighten them a bit, it will never give you a gleaming white grin. To remove stubborn stains for a movie-star smile, you might need to have your teeth professionally whitened. A simple, relatively inexpensive procedure, whitening or bleaching can lighten your smile several shades in a single visit. Many patients receive treatments on their lunch hour and return to work with a stunning set of pearly whites.

Dental Veneers

The most versatile cosmetic procedure, dental veneers can be used to change the color, size, shape, or length of teeth. Made of porcelain or composite resin, these custom-made shells are permanently bonded to the front of teeth for an instant smile upgrade. Because they can also be used to strengthen chipped, fractured, or otherwise damaged teeth, veneers offer both aesthetic and functional improvement. It is no wonder that they are a favorite of older patients who want to address both issues at once.

Dental Bonding

A viable alternative to replacement, dental bonding can be used to repair chipped, cracked, decayed, or misshapen teeth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin material that is used can be quickly and safely applied to a damaged tooth. It is then hardened, shaped, and polished to a high shine. When completed by an experienced cosmetic dentist, even extensive repairs are nearly undetectable.

Dental Implants

Arguably the most effective tooth replacement option, implants are screwed directly into the jawbone for a safer, stronger, more comfortable fit. Unlike dentures and some bridges, they are not removable. Made of tough and durable titanium, implants should last a lifetime if properly maintained. Although more popular than ever, implants are not nearly as accessible as dentures because of their high price tag. In fact, a full set of them can cost tens of thousands of dollars. That said, they are clearly superior to any other replacement device on the market today.

Dental Crowns

Another treatment that offers both functional and aesthetic benefits, a crown can be used to replace a damaged or decayed tooth. Made of metal, ceramic, resin, or porcelain, crowns are less expensive than implants. The one drawback is that they cannot be used to replaced a completely missing tooth. Crowns can, however, prevent a weak or damaged one from fracturing and falling out.

An experienced cosmetic dentist may use any of the aforementioned procedures to improve the look of your smile.

Proper dental care is very important for general health of your teeth. Healthy teeth give you the confidence to smile and to communicate freely. You can always take care of teeth at home. However, it is highly recommendable to visit a dentist regularly to ensure your teeth are in perfect condition.

Quality training

When looking for a dentist, it is imperative to look for a medic with quality training and excellent skills in the field. Research shows that there are many dentists in the field today. However, a few medics enjoy quality reputation for delivering exemplary services. For this reason, carry out your homework well to look for a professional with the best training in the field. Whether you are looking for a general dentistry or a medic for your beauty needs, it is essential to ask around to learn of his or her educational background. A medic with quality training is in a better position to deliver the best dental care services to patients, and keeps up to date with latest dentistry advancements to ensure patients benefit from services that enable them to lead a healthy life.

Area of specialty and Quality customer service

Many professionals in the field practice general dentistry. However, to get the best dental care, it is imperative to look for a medic who is specialized in the field. Dental care is a broad field and a specialized medic is in a better position to offer services that meet and surpass your expectations. This is a key factor to consider especially if you are looking for a family dentist and a medic for your beauty needs. Therefore, schedule a meeting with a doctor for proper consultations so as to learn of his or her area of specialty. Note that with the right medic, you can rest assured of exemplary services. Through consultations, you will also learn of the quality of services that a medic offers. Ensure your doctor offers excellent customer services. Good relationship with your doc offers room for good communication and you can always ask him or her any question so as to make the most of dental care services.

Dedication and commitment

It is imperative to look for a dentist who is committed and dedicated in his or her job. You will always feel comfortable in the hands of a medic who is highly professional and committed in the job. It offers a good experience working with such a professional. Moreover, such as medic guarantees excellent pre and post dental care services whether it is general cleaning of your teeth or dental surgery. Therefore do your homework well and settle for the best medic.

With many dentists in the market today, getting a Nashua dentist is not a problem. However, you ought to make wise choices when choosing your Nashua dentist for quality dental care services.

Although everyone is not always happy about going to the dentist, it cannot be denied that it provides great health benefits. Everyone loves that fresh feeling after a routine cleaning, and having cavities filled or cosmetic work done always brings a sense of relief. Your dentist can certainly provide all of these services, but he or she may be able to provide you with an even more valuable service - saving your life.

Not many people know that a routine oral exam could make the difference in detecting early warning signs of cancer. That definitely makes you think twice about skipping an appointment, doesn't it? Approximately 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States. The American Cancer Society states that oral cancer occurs almost as frequently as leukemia and takes as many lives as melanoma cancer. Yet many people don't know that these simple, painless, oral exams can be a safeguard against this disease.

You may be wondering how this works. Skilled dental professionals are able to spot the signs of oral cancer, and they can detect suspicious lesions before they become cancerous. They also have several diagnostic tests at their disposal to help with more advanced diagnoses. The key to having these oral exams benefit you is to actually go to them. You need to make sure to see your dentist regularly as symptoms can develop suddenly and advance quickly. The stage at which oral cancer is developed is critical to how the disease is treated. When detected early, the survival rate is much higher.

Make sure to be open and honest with your dental professional about any sort of pain you may be experiencing. There are several symptoms that can indicate a pre-cancerous or cancerous oral lesion. It can be as simple as a consistently sore throat or mouth, or the feeling that something is caught in your throat. You may also notice a red or white spot in your mouth. The areas where these lesions are most commonly found are on the tongue and floor of the mouth. Speak up if you notice something strange. Your dentist will be able to take a closer look and see if it is something to be concerned about.

Still not convinced that you need to keep your oral exam appointments? Keep in mind that these exams are simply not being done in other areas of the medical field. Your general physician does general screenings, but unless you say something is wrong, he or she will not go into further examinations of your mouth. If an infection is not visible to the naked eye, they probably won't check it out because they assume that you are already visiting an oral health professional. A dental professional will be able to feel for and see the physical abnormalities that would otherwise be overlooked.

The bottom line is to always keep your dental appointments, even if they are not something that you look forward to attending. They are necessary for good hygiene, but more importantly, they just might save your life!

Going to the dentist used to be just for fixing bad teeth, getting fillings, and the yearly dental cleaning. These days, you'll find a longer list in the dental menu. This is because dentists have expanded their skills a little bit and have included beautifying the teeth to their arsenal. Cosmetic dentistry is now widely available for those who want to have a better smile.

There are different cosmetic procedures available today. The most basic is teeth whitening or bleaching. This is useful if you want to have the really white teeth similar to what you see in toothpaste commercials. A variant of this procedure is popular with smokers, who undergo bleaching to remove cigarette stains on their teeth.

Getting dentures is one of the older ways of getting a better smile. It wasn't seen as a cosmetic procedure at first, as dentures were primarily made for assistance in chewing food. However, dentures are have become a little more beautified. Invest in one if implants are too expensive.

Speaking of implants, it's another of the older procedures that can be cosmetic in nature. This is especially true if the implant is needed in the frontal areas of the teeth. If a tooth has fallen off, it's most likely due to no longer being attached to its roots. Implants replace both roots and tooth.

For chipped and misshapen teeth that don't require implants, there's the contouring procedure. This procedure involves either reshaping your teeth or aligning overlapping ones. Either way, you will get a straighter and better smile after this. This procedure leans more towards the aesthetics, as most that undergo it don't have any unhealthy teeth.

If you wish to straighten multiple teeth, you have a few options. The first is the dental metal braces, which forces your teeth into the desired position to give you a straighter smile. This process takes a long time, and the braces may need multiple readjustments throughout the course of the year-or-two of wearing them. Protruding wires from these braces can also cause a good amount of discomfort.

A more recently-developed alternative to metal braces would be the "invisible braces". These function the same way as metal braces, but it's as if you're not wearing anything. While it's more comfortable than metal braces, it will only be as effective as its user's capability to follow the dentist's instructions.

Finally, there's the veneers, which are pretty much porcelain jackets to chipped or discolored teeth. Veneers can be permanent through bonding.

There you have it. The next time you go to the dentist for a routine cleaning, remember that you have the option to make your smile even better.