Carroll D. Brown, DDS

It is said that, eventually, dental lasers could make it possible for dentists to access absolutely any part of a tooth, replacing the need for the traditional dental drill. This may help to relieve the fear and anxiety many people experience when going to the dentist.

Did you know that the nickel used in the wires of orthodontic braces was actually developed by NASA? Turns out you really do have "space" between your teeth!

Have you heard about "kavala" or "gundusha”? Well, it is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique where oil (usually coconut) is swished or held in the mouth for around 20 minutes. This act is known for improving oral health.

Brushing once a day, while good, isn't good enough. It's really important to brush in the morning after getting out of bed to wash away what's accumulated in your mouth overnight, and then again at night to brush away all that's built up during the day.

If you have a little one, he or she needs to see the dentist by his or her first birthday or when the first tooth erupts. Other than the obvious benefit of dental care, this also helps build a healthy, non-threatening relationship with the dentist and staff.

It sounds cheesy, but: did you know some research suggests that eating more dairy may lower your chances of developing gum disease? Good for Gouda! Cheers for Cheddar!

Brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth removes odor-causing bacteria and will give you fresher, cleaner breath. Remember—don’t brush your teeth too hard; longer and gentler will ensure you don’t cause gum recession, which can be painful and can impact your oral health.

Did you know that dental lasers can be used during teeth whitening processes? The lasers in these processes are very low intensity soft tissue dental lasers and they are used to boost results and speed bleaching processes that whiten teeth.

Did you know that more women than men are susceptible to TMJ? In fact, more than twice as many women (often during their childbearing years) as men are affected by a TMD such as TMJ. TMJ is also the most common non-dental-related face and jaw pain disorder.

While major dental work is typically performed under some form of sedation, there may be other reasons to use it for less invasive or minor procedures. If you or your child have difficulty sitting still or have unusually sensitive teeth, mild sedation may help the procedure go better.

It’s not common, but people diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis sometimes develop ankylosis. This condition is characterized by abnormal stiffening or fusion of the jaw joint along with the popping and grating sounds associated with TMJ.

In most cases, following a dentist appointment where you have been sedated, you will need to arrange for a ride home from your appointment. The only exception here is if you receive nitrous oxide, or laughing gas.

There are medications that can affect your dental health. For instance, the US Food and Drug Administration lists more than 400 medicines that can cause dry mouth. Unfortunately, this dryness can result in tooth decay, so ask your dentist how to address this side effect if you have to take these drugs.

Sedatives don't all function at the same intensity. Sedatives can ranging from a slight mild sedation on one end of the spectrum to full unconsciousness on the other end. Dentists usually use mild to moderate sedatives.

Dental lasers are said to be able to reshape gum tissue and bone to expose healthier tooth structure. Referred to as "crown lengthening," such reshaping provides a stronger foundation for the placement of restorations.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. The ADA also recommends brushing your teeth with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and to gently move the toothbrush in short back and forth strokes.

Rinsing your mouth after you have finished brushing your teeth helps to remove any food that was loosened from your teeth during brushing as well as any toothpaste that remained in your mouth.

If left in place, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause a variety of problems later on. A cyst, for instance, can form around the tooth and cause damage to the jawbone, other teeth, and the nerves within its vicinity. To prevent this, the problem must be identified early and dealt with as soon as possible.

Why are high levels of acidity harmful to the mouth? Acids weaken tooth enamel and this isn't something that the body can reverse. What's more is, eroded enamel is not just unsightly, it also leads to much more serious problems like tooth sensitivity and decay.

You may be surprised to find that laser dentistry can actually help with sleep apnea! In cases where the sleep apnea is a result of a tissue overgrowth in areas of the throat, a laser assisted uvuloplasty or laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty procedure can be performed to reshape the throat and relieve the correlating breathing problems associated with sleep apnea.

When did brushing one’s teeth everyday become a regular habit in the United States? Not until after World War II. While mass-produced toothbrushes were available before that time, everyday tooth brushing was not the norm until soldiers in World War II were instructed on daily brushing habits.

If you want to use a tooth whitening toothpaste, check the ingredients and avoid products that contain bleach (yes, some do). Better yet, just ask us if what you want to use is safe.

Root canals aren't all that bad. In fact, according to a recent study, almost two-thirds of those surveyed said they would rather have one than sit next to a person talking on a mobile phone.

Are you nervous about visits to the dentist? Remember this before your appointment: Eating a banana, or other foods that are high in magnesium is a natural way to manage dental anxiety. But be sure to brush your teeth.

By contacting the dental board for the state, you can find out if the dentists you are considering choosing have had any claims filed against them.

Hyperdontia is a medical condition in which an individual has super-numerary (extra) teeth. Sometimes these additionals can erupt and overfill the mouth or, in some instances, they may grow in to replace permanent teeth that were lost.

It is believed that the Chinese were the first people to have invented an object that was quite similar to the modern-day toothbrush. The handle of that toothbrush was made using bamboo and boar hair was used for making bristles.

How can most tooth problems be prevented? The best way to ensure excellent oral health is to maintain your oral care routine twice a day, follow a balanced diet, and visit the dentist regularly.

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that focuses not just on the teeth, but on the whole oral cavity including the tongue, salivary glands, jaw, and neck. Dentists also work hand-in-hand with other medical professionals as some oral issues are linked to more serious disorders.

Do you ever worry that years of drinking soda, coffee and fruit juices have damaged your teeth’s enamel? Using enamel-restoring mouthwashes in conjunction with fluoride toothpaste can help.