Blogs

Bleaching vs. Whitening

In Office Tooth Whitening

Professionally Dispensed Take Home Whitening Kits

Over The Counter Whitening

• Tooth Whitening Strips: Out of the other effective teeth whitening procedures available, tooth whitening strips may be the most economical. Most of these strips are available commercially, over the counter. The effectiveness of the result achieved depends on the brand used. These strips contain peroxide of a low concentration 6-15%, and should be worn for about an hour once or twice a day for a particular number of days. It is said to achieve a shade three times lighter than that of the teeth originally present. The strips are generally comfortable when worn and may produce only mild difficulty while talking.

• Tooth Whitening Toothpastes: Tooth whitening toothpastes seem to be one of the easiest dental tooth whitening types and are available over the counter. They are used just like normal toothpastes and may cost a little higher than the regular toothpaste. However they are not very effective and do not cause any obvious whitening effect on the teeth; though they function as well as any other toothpaste. The disadvantage may lie in the case of overeager individuals who may brush vigorously and many times a day hoping to achieve a productive result, which may do more harm than good to their teeth.

• Tooth Whitening Chewing Gum: Most commonly advertised are tooth whitening chewing gums which contain bicarb soda, also used in the tooth whitening toothpastes. May be considered the best teeth whitening products available since they are easy to use. They do not contain any bleaching agent as that used in normal bleaching systems which are more effective. The gum should be chewed for around 20mins each, four times a day. Any difference in shade would take up to four weeks to appear.

Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide

Teeth Whitening Risks

• Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. This is likeliest to occur during in-office whitening, where higher-concentration bleach is used. Some individuals experience spontaneous shooting pains down the middle of their front teeth. Individuals at greatest risk for whitening sensitivity are those with gum recession, significant cracks in their teeth or leakage resulting from faulty restorations. It has also been reported that redheads, including those with no other risk factors, are at particular risk for tooth sensitivity and zingers. Whitening sensitivity lasts no longer than a day or two, but in some cases may persist up to a month. Some dentists recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth.
• Gum irritation: Over half of those who use peroxide whiteners experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the bleach concentration or from contact with the whitening trays. Such irritation typically lasts up to several days, dissipating after bleaching has stopped or the peroxide concentration lowered.
• Technicolor teeth:Restorations such as bonding, dental crowns or porcelain veneers are not affected by bleach and therefore maintain their default color while the surrounding teeth are whitened. This results in what is frequently called "technicolor teeth."

In Closing

• No amount of bleaching will yield "unnaturally" white teeth.
• Whitening results are not fully seen until approximately two weeks after bleaching. This is an important consideration if you are about to have ceramic restorations and want to be sure the color matches that of your newly bleached teeth.
• If cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or other restorations are part of your treatment plan, they should not be placed until a minimum of two weeks following bleaching to ensure proper adhesive bonding, function and shade matching.
• To avoid the technicolor effect, tooth-colored restorations will likely need replacement after bleaching.
• Recessed gums often reveal their yellowish root surfaces at the gum line. That yellow color has proven difficult to bleach.
• Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid teeth whitening. The potential impact of swallowed bleach on the fetus or baby is not yet known.

• “Technology Developed For Predicting Shade Color After Teeth Bleaching“
• “The History of Teeth Whitening“
• “Whiten Your Teeth With Strawberries“
• “Improve Your Life With Tooth Whitening“

Unfortunately, the translators did not know what Suzuki had in mind, and they may have chosen the wrong meaning – that the Suzuki cabinet had decided to “ignore” the request for surrender. The Japanese cabinet was understandably furious – but it was too late; Tokyo radio flashed it to America. The atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima August 6 by the allies who believed that the Japanese government had refused to accept surrender. Folks are still uncertain how accurate these accounts are, but it’s an amazing story of consequence and the delicate nature of how we communicate with each other and what communication gets changed along the way.

Facts get changed, twisted, tweaked, and corrupted the more they travel from person to person. I shared a great article from my friend, Larry Guzzardo, last week about dental office communication and how important the “little things” are – verbal or non-verbal – reminding me of the story about Hiroshima.  Articles, phone conversations, and emails can get tainted and changed, influenced by the experiences and colorations of different personalities and perspectives. In the dental office, “patient experience” is a powerful thing to share, as long as the message is clear.  Remember the “telephone game” you played when you were a kid? You tell the little girl next to you a story, then she tells the little boy next to her the same story, but it changes a little bit.  That story goes around the circle till it comes out the other side altogether different, with little bits of each courier still clinging to it. The true story was lost in translation.

A patient trying to share a positive dental experience is challenged in much the same way.  This is the era of  “YouTube/Facebook/Ipad/Iphone”, incredible internet bandwidth, and heavy video content on the web. If you aren’t considering trying to capture your patient experiences and share them in a simple – yet unfiltered – way, you might be missing out on the most genuine way to share who you really are and what your patients think about your dental experience.  Particularly when your dentistry offers profound quality-of-life improvements that patients might like to share with others.

I speak with dentists every day that have challenges with translating a profitable business into lasting wealth in retirement.  I always struggle to share the intricacies of how other dentists, with the same financial obstacles, overcame those challenges. Everyone’s financial goals are unique and, therefore, the solution becomes highly customized. Sharing these success strategies, to put their unique experience in my own words, always fails me. It’s no different for the dentist. “If only this patient could tell that patient what a positive experience they had with my dental team”, they might say. Some of the very best dental marketing firms that I partner with are effectively using video in their on-line marketing strategies with dentists.

Written testimonials have long been effective but they fail to directly translate the emotion, tone, and sincerity that video can. They allow the voice inflection, body language, and joy of a happy patient to translate purely without getting diluted in translation. Technology has allowed us to get out of our own way, so to speak, letting a happy patient express themselves. Try to capture some of those great patient experiences and communicate them effectively to achieve an authentic reflection of that dental office you’re so proud of.

Reversing cavities

Uses in dentistry

Most minimally invasive

Allowing repair

Differences of delivery

• “Why Some People Are More Prone To Dental Cavities Than Others“
• “New Inventions To Take The Pain Out Of Dentistry"
• “Tooth Regeneration Could Replace Dental Fillings“

Feb. 15, 2011 -- Many cases of mysterious nerve damage turn out to be caused by overuse of popular denture products, an increasing number of reports suggests.

The culprit: zinc in Fixodent, from Procter & Gamble, and -- until it became zinc-free last May -- Poligrip from GlaxoSmithKline.

The body needs zinc. But because the body balances zinc and copper, people who get way too much zinc have dangerously low levels of copper. Moreover, zinc overdose itself may be toxic.

The result is bone marrow suppression and degeneration of the spinal cord, usually resulting in crippling nerve damage. It's been called "human swayback disease."

This may be a good reason for edentulous patients to explore implant therapy to retain dentures more securely or for implant supported restorations.

Read full article: http://webmd.com/oral-health/news/20110215/zinc-poisoning-linked-to-popular-denture-creams

Postmenopausal women have a new health message to hear. Two annual dental checkups aren't enough. Older women need more, according to research findings from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic.  That message comes from a comparison study of women on and off bone-strengthening bisphosphonate therapies for osteoporosis.  Leena Palomo, assistant professor of periodontics from the dental school, and Maria Clarinda Beunocamino-Francisco from the Center for Specialized Women's Health at the clinic, set out to study the long-term effects of bisphosphonate therapies on the jawbone, but came up with this new finding that impacts all women after undergoing menopause. 

Twenty-eight postmenopausal women with normal bones were compared with 28 women on bisphosphonate therapies for at least two years or more. The participants (all between the ages of 51 and 80) received conebeam CT scans of their jaws and a complete periodontal check for dental plaque, bleeding, and loss of bone attachment and of the alveolar bone socket.  Both groups of women had followed the recommended American Dental Association oral health standards to brush twice daily, floss and have at least two dental checkups a year.

The findings for bone strength and other markers for osteoporosis were similar for both groups. But the researchers found both groups had abnormally increased dental plaque levels, which could endanger the jawbone of normal postmenopausal women and reverse any benefits gained in bone mass.  Bacterial dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease and associated bone loss in the jaw.  The findings suggest that post-menopausal women may have an increased risk for periodontal disease.  If that bone loss isn't stopped, Palomo said, a woman could potentially lose her teeth.  "Women also have to realize that bone disease and gum disease are two separate diseases," Palomo said. The bisphosphonate therapy isn't enough to keep jawbones strong and healthy, she added.  That means it is very important to eliminate or reduce the dental plaque.   Dr. Palomo advised that women may need to see the dentist as many as four times a year to control dental plaque by deep periodontal cleanings.

The research findings were announced in the article, "Is long-term bisphosphonate therapy associated with benefits to the periodontium in postmenopausal women?" that was published in the February issue of Menopause.

Source:  Science Daily

Case Western Reserve University (2011, March 21). Message to postmenopausal women: 'Increase yearly dental checkups,' researcher urges. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 24, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2011/03/110310173210.htm

Journal Reference:

1. Leena Palomo, Maria Clarinda A. Buencamino-Francisco, John J. Carey, Mala Sivanandy, Holly Thacker. Is long-term bisphosphonate therapy associated with benefits to the periodontium in postmenopausal women? Menopause, 2011; 18 (2): 164-170 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181e8e2a2

Photo:  sodahead.com

Using a bone-creating protein to augment the maxillary sinus could improve dental implant success, according to Georgia Health Sciences University researchers.  Dental implants, screws that anchor permanent prosthetic teeth, won't work if the bone in which they are anchored is too thin. Bone-thinning is a common cause and consequence following tooth loss. The current favored solution is to supplement the area with bone grafts to stabilize the implant base. But that technique is problematic "primarily because it involves additional surgeries to harvest the bone," said Dr. Ulf M.E. Wikesjö, Interim Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise in the GHSU College of Dental Medicine.  In animal studies, he and his team at the GHSU Laboratory for Applied Periodontal & Craniofacial Regeneration found that implanting bone morphogenetic protein in the sinus more new bone will form within four weeks than using conventional bone grafting at the same site.  "We found that BMP induced superior bone quality over that following bone grafts, which improves the chances for successful implants," Wikesjö said. "BMP is phenomenal, because it's a true, off-the-shelf product with ease of use that can produce real results, and it could be the new gold standard for this procedure." 

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69 percent of adults ages 35-44 have lost at least one tooth due to decay, disease or trauma, and 26 percent of adults have lost all permanent teeth by age 74. Before dental implants were available, the only options for replacing these missing teeth were dentures and dental bridges, both of which could lead to further bone loss. Implants provide patients with numerous benefits, including improved oral health, appearance, speech, convenience, durability and ability to eat.

The findings of his team's pilot study were presented March 4 at the Academy of Osseointegration annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Wikesjö's GHSU co-investigators include Drs. Jaebum Lee, Cristiano Susin, Nancy Rodriguez and Jamie de Stefano.

Kudos to the these researchers who continue to look for ways to improve our surgical outcomes and improve the quality of life for our patients!  Your comments are appreciated.

Source:  Science Daily

Georgia Health Sciences University (2011, March 6). Bone-creating protein could improve dental implant success. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 24, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2011/03/110304151018.htm

From Grills to Tooth Jewels

Are Tooth Jewels Safer Than Dental Grills

The Best Bling: Regular Care From A Dental Hygienist

• “Kanye West's Dredded Diamond Studded Teeth“
• "Iced Out Gold Teeth Grillz"
• “Ancient Gem Studded Teeth“

• Severe gum pain
• Bleeding from gums when they're pressed even slightly
• Red or swollen gums
• Pain when eating or swallowing
• A gray film on your gums
• Crater-like sores (ulcers) between your teeth and on your gums
• A foul taste in mouth
• Bad breath
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes around your head, neck or jaw

Trench Mouth Disease Treatment (ANUG)

• “Gum Disease In a Nutshell“
• “Whoopi Goldberg's View On Gum Disease“
• “Gum Disease Is The Leading Cause Of Tooth Loss“

The finding that the effects of Gatorade on teeth are worse than Coke and Red Bull doesn't mean that Gatorade and other sports drinks are necessarily harder on your teeth than are Coke and other soft drinks. But it may be a surprise that they aren't any better.

I don't think everybody realizes how erosive these things are, especially Gatorade and Red Bull.  People need to be aware that all sorts of beverages can be causing dental erosion.  More and more dentists now think sugary drinks are the major culprit in tooth decay, says Brian Burt, PhD, professor emeritus of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

"There is pretty good evidence now that this is not just sports drinks, but soft drinks and juices in general," said Burt.  "They have become the main source of sugars in the diet. It comes down to the more sugar in the drink, the more risk of [cavities] to the person drinking it."

Effects Of Gatorade On Teeth

The University of Iowa researchers covered extracted teeth with nail polish. They left bare two patches on each tooth, one on the enamel and one on the root. Then they dunked the teeth in test tubes filled with regular Coke, Diet Coke, Gatorade, Red Bull, or 100 percent apple juice.

Every five hours, the researchers refreshed the beverages. After 25 hours, they examined the teeth with a microscope. All of the beverages eroded the bare spots on the teeth. But different beverages had significantly different effects.  On the enamel, Gatorade was significantly more corrosive than Red Bull and Coke. Red Bull and Coke, in turn, were significantly more corrosive than Diet Coke and apple juice.

Sports Drinks and Cavities

Because of their acidity and sugar content, researchers have studied the role of sports drinks in the development of cavities. Most of the studies, however, exonerate the sports drinks.

Craig Horswill, PhD, senior research fellow at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, in 2005 reported a study of saliva flow in endurance athletes who drank Gatorade, diluted orange juice, a homemade sports drink, or water. The study showed that if the sports drinks had any effect, it was to decrease dehydration and increase saliva flow, which reduces cavity formation.

More to the point, a 2002 Ohio State University study of 304 athletes found no link between sports-drink use and dental erosion. The study was sponsored by Quaker Oats, which makes Gatorade.  "Dental erosion among users of sports drinks in the Ohio State study was the same as it was in nonusers," said Hoswill. "And they averaged 10 years of sports drink use."  Ignelzi says that what matters most isn't which beverage people drink. It's how and when they drink it.

"A lot of things can cause cavities, including sugared drinks. It is the way they are taken that is most important," he says. "The frequency of exposure is key. If you sip a Pepsi all day, that is very harmful. But if you are taking any sweet or carb -- cheese puffs, bread, raisins -- if you take it during meals, it is a good thing. Because the saliva stimulated by your chewing buffers the acid. But if you are constantly snacking on sweets or sipping a sweet beverage, your teeth are exposed to acid all day long."

If you enjoyed this article on how Gatorade erodes teeth, there is a good chance you will like these articles from my blog as well:

• “How A Mouthguard Can Change The Game“
• “Mouthguards And Concussion Prevention"
• "Dental Trauma In College Athletics"

Thanks for Reading !!

Cosmetic dentistry is the growing trend in our modern society and more helpful for those which are always worried about their bad impressing teeth and faded teeth. In San Francisco, Dr. Bruce Hartley is an expert in providing quality look, and long lasting standing to your  teeth that would never be discolored over time, and you can smile without any hesitation . Many people sought some traditional way to sort out their teeth related problems, but traditional dentist treat simple oral care disorders like cavities, tooth decays, gum diseases, chip while cosmetic dentistry is a kind of dental work that provide the permanent solutions to uneven teeth, gaps between the teeth, bad colored teeth that improves the function and appearance of an individual teeth. Peninsula center of cosmetic dentistry is an excellent teeth care center that provides an efficient and effective treatment to your teeth that makes you able to able to smile freely in the society or group of people.

Sedation dentistry is the procedure by which anyone can treated to their without feeling any anxiety. Sedation dentistry in San Francisco covers all the four level of sedation and effectively treats it. The four levels of sedation include:

1. Deeper sedation - IV Sedation
2. Moderate sedation -  Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedative in combination
3. Light sedation - An oral sedative (a pill)
4. Light sedation - Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas).

Intravenous sedation/conscious sedation is more deeper, more reliable and can be easily adjusted to an individual patient. In Sedation dentistry San Francisco, Dr. Hartley makes this procedure free from all the anxiety, and even you feel no pain at all after all the dental procedure, by using the different level of sedation and by drowsing your teeth vein. While dental procedure, you will be breathing on your own and you will have no memory of your procedure when you wake.

If you are having curly or irregular teeth and feel shameful to smile in front of a public or audience, then here is the permanent solution for this problem and Invisalign dentistry San Francisco will make your irregular teeth to straighten teeth by using aligners and you can freely smile without any hesitation.  Dr. Hartley efficiently treats almost every cases of Invisalign in about half time in comparison to traditional braces. It's definitely the great option for adult and teens as well, to get rid of their curly teeth by taking a little bit of patience and money. Dental implants is the easiest way to replace the missing teeth or to setup a whole set of your mouth teeth. Dental implants are the proven, long lasting alternative, to bridges and dentures and are the most suitable substitute to fill the missing teeth gaps. Also dental implants are permanent, as strong as your natural teeth, never be discolored over time, and work well as your natural teeth.

1. Tongue and floor of the mouth

• Look in a mirror and stick out your tongue.

• Examine the upper surface of the tongue for any unusual lumps or obvious changes in color. Dark blotches, for example, on the upper surface of the tongue should be examined.

• Pull the tongue forward and examine the sides for lumps, bumps, masses and, again, obvious changes in skin color or texture. If you discover any obvious swelling, see a doctor. Oral cancers are often painless, making them difficult to diagnosis based on pain. But you can see oral cancer, in many instances, early enough to solve the problem as an out patient. How cool is that?!

• Examine the underside of your tongue by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Same procedure. See any unusual bumps, lumps, swelling or changes in skin color.

• Your tongue should have a uniform texture and uniform color. Glide you finger along the underside of your tongue to feel for unseen bumps. Any deviation should be examined by your family doctor first to see if a visit to an oncologist is step #2.

2. Examine the roof of your mouth

3. Check your cheeks

4. Head and Neck

5. Lips

6. Neck Area

7. A Persistent Cough

Veneers Hands On Course

11 May 2011 The Address Hotel Dubai Marina, Dubai UAE

Estimated CME 8 Hours

Tutor – Dr. Munir Silwadi, UAE

Learn more: http://www.cappmea.com/courses/veneers_course_agenda.php

Registration link: http://www.cappmea.com/courses/veneers_course_registration.php

Contact CAPP:
Tel: +971 4 3616174
Fax: +971 4 3686883
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Email: events@cappmea.com

As a periodontist, I am asked on a daily basis what toothpaste, floss and mouth rinse I recommend. My patients are typically surprised when I recommend Tom's of Maine organic oral health products.

Tom's of Maine was founded in 1970 by Tom Chappell and his wife, Kate, on their farm near Kennebunk, Maine. Tom, a 1966 graduate of Trinity College in Connecticut, and Kate, an artist and poet, had moved to Maine from Philadelphia in 1968 after Tom quit his job as a benefits counselor at Aetna. Both were intent on living closer to the land and raising their children in a more natural environment. Tom's of Maine was one of the first green companies on the scene to develop commercial organic toothpaste. Today they have a variety of organic mouth care products on the market.

Tom Chappell, whose deep concern for the environment and his employees' well-being have been key factors in determining the company's path. Tom's products contain no artificial ingredients, are not tested on animals, and are packaged in recycled materials. One unusual byproduct of Tom's of Maine was the decision to "tithe" 5 percent of Tom's of Maine's profits and donate the money to environmental, arts, and human needs causes. This figure soon became 7 percent, and then 10. In addition to public giving, the company also looked after the welfare of its employees, offering them retirement savings and profit-sharing programs, childcare benefits, and parental leave, and even free fruit to eat on the job. Factory workers rotated stations every hour to avoid fatigue and boredom, and all were encouraged to perform volunteer work in the Kennebunk community on company time

In 1995, after a seven-year effort, Tom's became the first natural toothpaste to win the approval of the American Dental Association (ADA), allowing it to put that organization's seal on its products. This was a crucial endorsement, as all of the company's major competitors had long sported the ADA seal, which served to assure consumers that their products were effective. The process had taken far longer than usual because the ADA had no standards for natural products, and also because Tom's did not allow testing on animals, which meant new methods of testing had to be devised and certified. The three most popular flavors, spearmint, cinnamon and fennel, were approved first, and the company continued to seek ADA certification for the rest of its fluoride line. Tom's products contain no artificial ingredients, are not tested on animals, and are packaged in recycled materials. Another very important point to mention is that Tom’s of Maine tests their products for safety without the use of animals.

Organic Mouth Care: Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is one of the better known established organic and environmentally friendly companies on the green scene today. The company first began developing organic mouth care in 1975. Tom's of Maine single natural toothpaste was the spark that lead to the organic creation of several types of natural toothpastes, mouth washes and dental flosses. Today they have developed a total of seventeen organic mouth care products, all which now have expanded distribution through a joint venture with Colgate-Palmolive.

Toothpaste

The Tom's of Maine line of organic toothpaste products contains thirteen different types of pastes. While a few of the pastes focus on general mouth health, there are other pastes that have been created for specific mouth related issues . One Tom's of Maine toothpaste is the Anti-plaque Propolis and Myrrh paste created without fluoride to promote healthy teeth and gums while fighting plaque. They also have developed a paste for sensitive teeth and gums called Sensitive CareSLS-free. The Sensitive Care paste uses a purified form of licorice root as an alternative SLS, which is an ingredient in non organic pastes that can sometimes cause more sensitivity when used over an extended period of time. They also have an organic, all natural toothpaste that does contain fluoride.

Mouthwash

The natural mouthwash line from Tom's of Maine only contains two forms of wash for organic mouth care. The first one is the Natural Cleansing mouthwash that uses witch hazel as an astringent and is alcohol and saccharin free. The second one is the Natural Anti-Cavity mouthwash made from Green Tea, Chamomile, Aloe Vera leaf juice and naturally sourced fluoride.

Dental Floss

The organic dental floss that Tom's of Maine offers is made from nylon filaments that are woven together, making a stronger floss. Currently, they have only two products of the same type but where one floss is rounded the other is straight. Both flosses are coated in a combination of natural waxes to help the nylon slid through the teeth easier and be less abrasive to the gums.



I have always believed that it's what's inside that counts. Tom's hopes you'll apply that same rule to their products. They strive to use naturally sourced, wholesome ingredients that just make you feel right when you choose them.

They are proud of their ingredients and they feel like you deserve to be informed, so they post every ingredient on their website. Every ingredient in their products is posted along with their reason for using it and where it's sourced. Here is the link to a list of their incredients: Click Here

• “Making a Dental Practice Eco-Friendly“
• “Dentists Going Green: Eco-Friendly Dental Offices“
• “4 Simple Ways Dentistry Can Help The Environment“
• “The Environment Impacts Of Dentistry“
• "4 Ways Green Dentistry Can Save Green For A Dental Practice"

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Mac Over A PC

Operating System:

Operating System Flexiblity:

Design:

Security:

Compatiblility With Other Mac Products:

MacPractice DDS:

Here is a list of the software abilities:

• Electronic Dental Records

• Digital Radiography

• Periodontal Charting

• Restorative Charting

• Attachments: Insurance, patient intake forms, etc..

• Scheduling

• eClaims

• RX

• ePrescrbe

• Notes

• iPhone and iPad interface. Both remotely and in office.

• Patient Web Interface

• Reports

• Reminders

• Managers

• References

• Help. This is a nice touch. You simply touch the question mark on the software, type in a question you may have and you will get a phone call withing an hour to resolve the problem or answer your question. And this service is not an additional cost.

• “3D Digital Scanning Of Teeth May Soon Replace Plaster Models“
• “New Inventions To Take The Pain Out Of Dentistry“
• “Chip Implanted In Tooth Stores Your Medical History“

The average dentist in the United States, over 40 yrs. old, saved about $28,205 per year for retirement in 2010. True or False?  Keep your answer to yourself, no looking at your neighbor’s paper, and keep your eyes up front. We’ll come back to the quiz in a minute.

The retirement planners of the previous generation often used the analogy of the reliable “three legged stool” when speaking about retirement savings.  A couple days ago in the news there was an article about how retirement planning is a whole new world when compared with the reliable three-legged stool that propped up the World War II generation.  The author suggested that many older Americans “relied on Social Security, pension plans, and personal savings – like three legs to a stool. These folks would stop working and have guaranteed income.” I think of my Dad. He had the same job for 35 years with one of those “big, all-American” car companies that was used to taking good care of their own. Pension plans could be counted on then. Times have changed and it’s even tougher for the dentist to build a great retirement in many ways.

The risk to save more has shifted to individuals at a time when we are living longer. Dentists that find they have not saved enough each year must deal with a complicated new strategy that combines catching up on savings and crafting a transition that fits into the financial plan seamlessly. Let’s look at each leg of this fabled stool individually to understand why it can’t support the weight of an America that is bulging at the waist – woefully un-prepared for a healthy dental retirement.

1. Social security will mean less each year. In 2016, the Social Security Administration will begin paying more in benefits than they collect in taxes. Were you aware that without changes, the Social Security Trust Fund will be exhausted by 2037 and there will be enough money to pay only about 76 cents for each dollar of scheduled benefits? Even more shocking recent news reports state that the Social Security Administration has already started the bleeding. They will pay more in benefits than they collected in taxes in 2010 – six years ahead of the government’s 2016 prediction.

2. Pension Plans will be extinct. A hard-scrabble, blue-collar America could always rely on a private or government backed classic Pension Plan to give them ease after decades of hard labor. We all know private plans have failed left and right, and many more companies have just discontinued their plans without much warning – or drastically cut the plans they promised. To add insult to injury, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation – the government backup for failed plans – is massively underfunded by billions and billions of dollars. Now, even state and local government plans are at risk of collapse. In fact, a recent study conducted by Joshua Rauh of Northwestern University basically said 45 out of 50 state pension plans were at risk of failing in the next 10 to 20 years. So much for that safety net.

3. Savings rates are terrible – but improving. My previous blog about the Financial Revolution in Dentistry spoke of how Americans are – and will continue – to save more money each year.  The ADA 2010 Survey on Retirement and Investments in dentistry reveals some interesting data that supports my opinion that savings is weak. Members can judge for themselves at http://www.ada.org/goto/surveyresearch. The survey claims:

• dentists 35-44 save 16.3% of net income (about 9.8% of gross income at a 40% tax rate)

• dentists 45-54 save 20.8% of net income (about 12.5% of gross income at a 40% tax rate)

There are two significant problems with this.  First, the ADA sent the survey to 11,998 dentists in April 2010. By the end of the month 704 responded – a 6.6% response rate. Why didn’t the other 11,294 dentists comment? Because they are too busy trying to figure out how to save more for retirement and don’t have time for surveys or were too embarrassed to respond. It’s my opinion that respondents are likely those that are saving a respectable amount for retirement and are proud to share it. Second, many dentists believe they save more than they actually do. There is a little bit of having one’s “head in the sand” here.

It’s my opinion that the survey doesn’t accurately reflect the realistic dental landscape – income needed at retirement is understated and the large majority of dentists save far less than 17.3% of net income, as the survey suggests is typical.

Average gross income for the general practitioner dentist in 2010 was $258,520 –  $271,730 for those over 40.  The survey data on this demographic suggests we should see savings of 17.3% of net, or $28,205 per year, when you back out 40% for taxes, etc.  If you answered “True” to the pop quiz, you win an endless supply of this blog. Don’t get too excited, you’ll wake the neighbors.

Regardless of whether you are saving a little more or a little less, the ADA data suggests that all dentists are in the same boat. The average income expected by the dentist at retirement is 49% of current income – or $127,000 expected per year – according to those surveyed.  What a shame a dentist has to cut income at retirement in half and think that is normal or it has to be that way.

Why is it that a dentist thinks they have to accept “average”retirement savings when they haven’t been average their entire life: the best grades, the highest achievers, the most education, the higher-than average income and lifestyle . . . then settle for half their current income in retirement. Really?  In order to meet income requirements in retirement that we believe our clients deserve, a dentist should save 30 to 34% of what goes home – 1/3 of net income each year.  If you think that is unrealistic, don’t take my word for it, listen to those dentists in this Video Library saving that much on a regular basis.

Laura Carstensen studies the longevity of people’s lives at Stanford University and says:,

“As humans, we decide how we are supposed to act by watching the crowd. For retirement, many look at what their parents have done and don’t realize that everything has changed. People need a new infrastructure that helps them know what to do and makes it automatic and invisible and a little bit at a time”.

The recession has shaken dentists up and made the reality of retirement planning even more difficult. The “three-legged stool” doesn’t exist any more.  Dentists will flock back into the market in an effort to make up for losses incurred in recent years and will likely  take unnecessary risk – with high expense – as a result. This approach needs to be balanced with a greater emphasis on increasing savings. Like a line of falling dominoes, that savings will result from better business profit, improved cash-flow, and a more cautious approach to managing assets. As Laura Carstensen put it, the savings should be “. . . automatic and invisible” but doesn’t have to be impossible.

If you are a dentist that is ready to get serious about your retirement, put us to the test and take our Three Week Wealth Workup to find your own potential.

Charlie Sheen appears to have had his porcelain crowns replaced with gold crowns.  The Two And Half Men star was recently released from rehab after going on a 36 hour drug binge with porn stars.  But his continued drug use has meant that it appears his porcelain crowns and/or veneers have had to be replaced with gold crowns.

How Drugs Can Cause Dental Problems

• Cracked teeth: One of the signs of drug induced dental decay is cracked teeth. This happens when drug users grind and clench their teeth. This can happen both while under the influence of the drug and in the aftermath while experience withdrawal symptoms.
• Dry mouth: Xerostomia, which is known more commonly as dry mouth, results when there is a reduction in the saliva that is formed. Saliva provides natural protection for teeth and gums. The use of drugs reduces the production of saliva, and that means that there is lower protection. This condition can be exacerbated by the fact that many drug users sometimes sleep for more than 24 hours at time - often with the mouth open.
• Indifference to oral hygiene: One of the hallmarks of an addiction is an increasing indifference to matters of hygiene. This includes oral hygiene. Many drug users do not bother to brush or floss their teeth, or eat foods that can help strengthen and protect them. This leads to a situation in which the mouth is vulnerable to weak teeth, gum disease and other problems.

It is important to note that the problem of drug induced dental decay can be enhanced by tobacco use, consuming sugary drinks, and the fact that drug users rarely eat (many drugs are appetite suppressants), meaning that there is less of a change for saliva to be produced and used in the mouth.

You should also realize that drug induced dental decay can result from the use of many different drugs.  Even though it is called typically know as "meth mouth", those who are addicted to other substances, including cocaine and even alcohol, may experience a similar oral condition. Additionally, those with problems related to saliva production - even if drug abuse is not an issue - can exhibit the signs of drug induced dental decay. Children, teenagers and adults who do not properly care for their teeth can also, over time, develop what appears to be meth mouth, even without going anywhere near drugs. However, in drug abusers, the characteristic signs of drug induced dental decay generally develop much fast.

If drug induced dental decay is not addressed, and the situation is allowed to continue, it can lead to a number of serious problems. It is possible for gum disease to develop, and for teeth to begin falling out. Additionally, oral cancer is a possibility. Another concern is that disease in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body. Also, poor oral hygiene can weaken the immune system, leaving someone with cavities more vulnerable to colds and the flu, and other attacks on the respiratory system.

I truly hope Charlie Sheen gets his life back on track. The point of this blog was not to bash Charlie Sheen, it was to educate the public of what drug use can do to your oral health.

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Pictures of grinning kids may reveal more than a happy childhood: a study from DePauw University shows that how intensely people smile in childhood photographs, as indicated by crow’s feet around the eyes, predicts their adult marriage success.

According to the research, people whose smiles were weakest in snapshots from childhood through young adulthood were most likely to report being divorced in middle and old age. Among the weakest smilers in college photographs, one in four ended up divorcing, compared with one in 20 of the widest smilers. The same pattern held among even those pictured at an average age of 10.

The paper builds on a 2001 study by psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, that tracked the well-being and marital satisfaction of women from college through their early 50s. That work found that coeds whose smiles were brightest in their senior yearbook photographs were most likely to be married by their late 20s, least likely to remain single into middle age, and happiest in their marriage; they also scored highest on measures of overall well-being (including psychological and physical difficulties, relationships with others and general self-satisfaction).

The scientists speculate that one’s tendency to grin—an example of what psychologists call “thin slices” of behavior that can belie personal traits—reflects his or her underlying emotional disposition. Positive emotionality influences how others respond to a person, perhaps making that individual more open and likely to seek out situations conducive to a lasting, happy marriage.

But there could be a more cynical explanation, according to Matthew Hertenstein, a psychologist at DePauw who led the new study. “Maybe people who look happier in photos show a social face to others,” he says. “Those may be the same people who are likely to put up with partners because they don’t want to appear unhappy.”

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• “6 Things Your Teeth Say About Your Health“
• “Tooth Loss Linked To Memory Loss“
• “Healthy Gums Healthy Heart“

Researchers have found that elderly people who lose their teeth may be at increased risk for dementia.

The new study included more than 4,000 Japanese participants, 65 and older, who underwent a dental examination and a psychiatric assessment. Compared with participants who still had many of their natural teeth, those with fewer or no teeth were much more likely to have experienced some memory loss or have early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

The findings were published online Dec. 31 in Behavioral and Brain Functions.

Participants with symptoms of memory loss tended to report that they had visited the dentist rarely, if at all. Dr. Nozomi Okamoto, the study’s principal investigator, said that this may be one explanation for the study’s findings but suggested that there may be other links between tooth loss and memory problems.

“Infections in the gums that can lead to tooth loss may release inflammatory substances, which in turn will enhance the brain inflammation that cause neuronal death and hasten memory loss,” she said in a news release from the journal’s publisher. “The loss of sensory receptors around the teeth is linked to some of the dying neurons.”

Gum Disease Can Lead To Tooth Loss

This may lead to a vicious cycle, Okamoto explained. The loss of these brain connections can cause more teeth to fall out, further contributing to cognitive decline.

I found this research extremely interesting and it is the first study that I am aware of that has linked periodontal disease to memory loss.

If you enjoyed this post there is a good chance you will like these posts from my blog as well:

• “6 Things Your Teeth Say About Your Health“
• “Healthy Gums Healthy Heart“
• “Diabetes And Oral Health“

Thanks for reading !!