Dental Talk

1. Teeth Care at the Dentist
   1. Rationale - to maintain the teeth and gums in 'a healthy state'. To identify the good things patients are doing as well as problems or pathology.
   2. Timing - in general every six (6) months for adults and children. This is to be able to see cavities, periodontal disease or other problems early, rather than progressing over a year or more.
      1. Sometimes, depending on conditions, recommend more frequently (3 or 4 times a year) Ex. - periodontal disease, dry mouth, cavity history, cancer treatments, pregnancy.
   3. What is done:
      1. Blood pressure
      2. Oral Cancer Screening
      3. X-rays as needed
      4. Examination of teeth, gums
      5. Scaling, polishing teeth to remove bacteria, debris and stain. It is therapeutic and preventive.
      6. Discuss oral hygiene recommendations, habits, etc. "It's not just a cleaning, scraping or polishing".
2. TEETH WHITENING
   1. History
      1. Has been done for ~ 20 years
      2. Started as a brush-on teeth. Didn't work very well.
      3. ~ 15 years ago developed tray method, to hold gel on teeth better. Improved results greatly.
      4. In last 10 years or so, "In-office", "Laser" Whitening has evolved with the demand for quicker, better results. Gels have been much more concentrated, the light/laser "superactivates" the gel.
      5. OTC bleaching - works in some cases, but less than dentist-prescribed.
   2. What is it? A concentration of peroxides that soak into teeth. Remove the color/stain from teeth.
   3. Positives/Negatives
      1. "Pearly White Teeth" - sign of youth, health, attractiveness.
      2. Does not damage teeth.
      3. Can cause sensitivity temporarily (less now than years ago) if have receded gums, worn enamel.
      4. Abuse of bleaching gives an opalescent "bluish" look.
   4. Candidates
      1. Have natural, good tooth structure.
      2. Best if yellow/orange color (age, tea, coffee); grayish color (flourosis, antibiotics, smoking) less predictable.
   5. How long last?
   6. Expectations