Charles Marvin D.D.S

Tooth sensitivity is when you feel pain when you consume hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. It mainly occurs due to thinned tooth enamel. Some other causes are receding gums, chipped or fractured teeth, and tooth grinding during sleep.

Are you unsure about the best toothbrush and flossing system for your teeth? We can recommend how to care for your teeth so they stay clean and plaque-free all year long.

When brushing your teeth, remember to brush your tongue as well. Neglecting tongue hygiene often leads to bad breath and other oral health issues because the tongue's rough surface makes it easy for bacteria to thrive.

Most toothbrushes need to be replaced every 3 to 4 months according to dentists. Invest in a new one or keep new ones on hand. If you use an electric toothbrush, replacement brushes are available. If the bristles become frayed before 4 months, replace it!

Who doesn't love an ice cube on a hot day? Did you know ice cubes can crack or even break teeth, or damage the enamel? If you must chew ice, try crushed - it's better for your teeth!

Working as a dental assistant may be a recommended step toward becoming a dentist so that you can obtain experience working in a dental office.

What are oral and maxillofacial surgeons? These are dentists who've trained and acquired the certification needed to perform mouth and jaw surgeries. Such specialists perform corrective work for oral issues and reconstructive procedures for patients who've experienced facial trauma.

If you haven't been diligent in taking care of your teeth, don't delude yourself into thinking a last minute brushing will hide your negligence. It won't. Always brush and floss at least twice a day.

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.

It's not just sugary drinks that can cause problems with your teeth. Even sugarless carbonated water can be a problem because the compounds that make the bubbles can erode tooth enamel.

Were you aware that if you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces? You should make sure to brush and floss twice a day, and don’t skip the back molars, they need love too!

George Washington had dentures made of gold, ivory, and other human teeth. Contrary to popular belief, he never had wooden teeth, though his dentures were still very uncomfortable and made him extremely self-conscious.

Flossing is very important because it removes debris from areas that a toothbrush is unable to reach. This dental care activity should be done once a day and just like brushing, should be performed properly. Ideally, the floss should form a c-shape against the teeth and around the gum line.

Myth: chewing gum causes Temporal Mandibular Joint disorders. Fact: Chewing gum may aggravate the condition, but is typically not the cause. Cartilage damage or injury, alignment, arthritis and chronic grinding are much higher risk factors for TMJ.

If you hate flossing, dental picks are better than not flossing. These don't get quite as deep as full flossing, but they are better than not flossing at all.

Are you interested in whiter teeth or other cosmetic procedures? We can handle many of those treatments in our office and can recommend an excellent specialist for procedures we don't handle.

How does diabetes affect your teeth? Because this disease affects a person's ability to respond to bacterial infections, it can manifest itself as abscesses, swollen gums, and other problems that aren't responding to normal dental care.

What is gingivitis? It is a gum disease that results from plaque and tartar not being properly removed from the teeth and manifests itself as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Daily brushing, flossing and regular cleanings are the best ways to prevent it.

Invented by George F. Green in 1868, the first pneumatic dental engine featured a drill driven by bellows connected to a foot pedal. Green also patented the first electric dental drill in 1871, but foot-powered models remained in widespread use until 1900.

Fortunately, in most cases, the pain associated with TMJ disorders can be alleviated with non-surgical treatments. However, severe TMJ disorders may require surgery.

Are mouthwashes effective? While not a replacement for brushing and flossing, mouthwashes have been proven to reduce bacteria that can lead to oral problems. In addition, they can be an effective alternative during times when brushing is not possible.

The tooth fairy is just as susceptible to inflation as the rest of the economy. American children now receive an average of $3.00 under their pillows for each tooth. This is up from $2.10 in 2011, and way up from the average nickel or dime in the 1950s.

Remove stains and whiten your teeth by brushing once a week with baking soda or baking powder. You may be surprised to know that these baking ingredients can be used just like toothpaste. Just be sure not to swallow any and to spit it out!

Take a few moments to look at your teeth in the mirror, checking for dark spots or discoloration. Why you ask? They are one of the early warning signs you're developing a cavity.

Did you know that, when it comes to filling cavities, unlike a drill, the laser will actually kill the bacteria that caused the tooth decay to begin with? Not only is this a more hygienic method of treatment, but it also results in a stronger bond between filling and tooth.

Are you suddenly experiencing localized hair loss? Whether its on your head or elsewhere on your body, you may want to visit the dentist. Its appearance could be an indication of a hitherto undetected tooth infection.

Gum disease is one condition that can be treated by using lasers, which work to reshape gums and remove bacteria.

The only time you should keep your toothbrush covered with a cap or container is when you are traveling. Otherwise, store them upright and let them air dry after each use. When you store them in containers or cap them, bacteria can grow on them.

Do you have jaw pain or headaches? The cause may be in your head. If your teeth are misaligned (known as malocculuson) or have cavities, they can trigger other health problems.

Remember that your kids watch what you do and pattern themselves after you. If you regularly go to the dentist, your kids are likely to adopt this as the proper course of action.

What are prosthodontists and what do they do? A prosthodontist is a dentist that makes oral prostheses. He or she specializes in replacing broken, decaying, or missing teeth with dentures, bridges, implants, veneers, and crowns.