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Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener in many products, such as chewing gum, toothpaste and nasal spray. Xylitol kills bacteria by disrupting their ability to metabolize glucose, which is a necessary process for their...
In an online report I recently read in a journal that was forwarded to me by a patient, they listed 9 “healthy” habits that they claim are a waste of time. Three of them had to do with oral health. Let’s take a look. The first on the waste of time list was to see your...
Last week I introduced Part 1 of “Breathing is Important”. For this week’s column to make the most sense, I would encourage you to read that column first. It can be found at www.thetowncommon.com. In case you don’t have a chance to read it, here is a brief recap: I...
About ten years ago I took a weekend course at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine entitled “Sleep Dentistry”. This was not a course in putting patients to sleep for their dental work. This particular course was an introduction to treating people who had been...
Valentine’s Day Sobriety is Not Impossible - by Marie Garceau Valentine’s Day is known for chocolates, cards, confessions of love, and heartbreak. Some individuals feel there is an expectation in society that you should have someone special on this day. If you don’t,...
Last week I introduced you to a patient who has been struggling with dental decay (cavities), gum recession, and dental erosion (the chemical breakdown of tooth structure). I discussed how these dental problems are complex multifactorial diseases of epidemic levels...
Health Requires Accountability Dental hygienists love it when they make suggestions to patients about home care and their dreams are answered when the patient returns 6 months later with noticeable improvement. It might be as simple as adding a good electric...
Dental hygienists love it when they make suggestions to patients about home care and their dreams are answered when the patient returns 6 months later with noticeable improvement. It might be as simple as adding a good electric toothbrush or waterpik to the patient’s...
Last week I discussed the importance of communication in any relationship, specifically the healthcare provider/patient relationship. Trust is mutually built as this relationship develops over time. “There’s not enough time in the day.” Have you ever used this excuse?...
Patients and dentists sometimes see things. Often, what is important to dentists is not important to patients, and vice versa. While dentists may often have a blind spot when it comes to seeing things from a patient's viewpoint, it’s important for both patient and...
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