Here’s a Twig … Now Brush Your Teeth
January 31st 2012
Parents have been telling their children to brush their teeth for at least 6,000 years. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of ancient tooth cleaning implements, including twigs, feathers, bones, and quills. In fact, tooth brushing tools have been found as early as 3500 BCE in the Babylonian and Egyptian cultures, when people used frayed ends of twigs to scrub off bacteria and food particles.
Several early cultures used chewing sticks with aromatic or antiseptic properties, such as neem or miswak. The sticks not only cleaned teeth, but also freshened breath.
In 1498 in China, an enterprising soul plucked stiff hairs from a pig’s neck and attached the bristles to a bone or bamboo handle. When this toothbrush was adopted by the Europeans, they opted for softer bristles—using horsehairs or feathers.
The toothbrush was modernized around 1780 by Englishman William Addis when he tied boar bristles into tufts and glued them into drilled holes of a bone handle. In fact, he’s responsible for the first mass-produced toothbrush. The company that Addis started more than 230 years ago, Wisdom Toothbrushes, still exists today.
In 1857, H.N. Wadsworth was the first American to be granted a toothbrush patent. However, mass production on toothbrushes in the United States didn’t begin until 1885, and animal bristles were still used as the brushing components. Fast forward to 1938 when DuPont created a new material called nylon. These synthetic fibers soon replaced natural bristles in toothbrushes.
These days, you have a variety of toothbrush options, including electric and disposable. If you’re not sure which type of toothbrush is best for your dental care needs, ask your dentist at your next checkup. And skip the twigs.
Have You Considered a Smile Makeover for January?
January 13th 2012
January is a time when many people are thinking about fresh starts and life improvements. If that sounds like something you’re doing, have you considered a smile makeover from your dentist?
A smile makeover can help you add an extra sparkle to your smile, which, in turn, can help you improve the different relationships in your life, whether romantic, social, or on a professional. What’s more, studies have shown that patients with whiter, straighter smiles are perceived by others as more confident, attractive, and successful.
So with all this in mind, why not talk to your dentist about a smile makeover for January?
What Is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover can be one service or multiple services combined. One of the most common popular smile makeover services is teeth whitening. And just as there are different smile makeover services out there, there are also different companies that produce teeth whitening materials. Regardless of which your dentist offers, you can enjoy professional results that over-the-counter products can’t deliver, and typically in either in-office or at-home varieties.
But Teeth Whitening Isn’t the Only Option to Consider
Teeth whitening may be one of the most popular cosmetic options out there, but it’s not the only one. Many offices also offer porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, and orthodontic solutions like Invisalign and Clear Correct.
If you want to give your smile a makeover for 2012, call your local dentist to find out what he or she would recommend for you personally.
Transform your smile this January with a confident, dazzling smile makeover. You never know what opportunities a change like that might unlock.
Vegetarianism may be good for your heart, but is it good for your teeth?
December 30th 2011
Many people make losing weight and getting healthy their new year’s resolution. If this is your goal for 2012, you might decide to try vegetarianism. While vegetarianism can help reduce your intake of fat and cholesterol while in
creasing your intake of those healthy fruits and vegetables, are there any dental care issues associated with becoming a vegetarian?
How Vegetarianism Can Affect Your Oral Health
When designing your vegetarian diet, it’s essential to make sure you’re still getting certain nutrients. Some vegetarians might not get enough calcium, riboflavin, vitamins D or B12, or protein, and this can have a negative effect on the oral health of vegetarians.
A diet low on vitamin D and calcium can increase your risk of periodontal disease (gum disease), a very serious oral health problem. But take heart! You can counteract this problem with dietary supplements. It’s also recommended that you get guidance from a nutritionist before pursuing a vegetarian lifestyle to make sure you’re on the right track.
If giving vegetarianism a go is your new year’s resolution, there’s no need to be afraid for your oral health. Just make sure you’re getting all the important nutrients by eating a balanced diet. And don’t forget to make brushing and flossing a part of your oral health routine, too!
