Dental Tips & News

Many patients ask us, “What is better? A manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush?” Here is the information we have on best toothbrushes. The important thing to remember is that a toothbrush’s main purpose is to remove dental plaque. Dental plaque causes gingivitis or gum inflammation. The toothpaste you use should include fluoride as one of its main…

While the modern toothbrush may have been introduced in 1938,  how you actually go about brushing hasn’t changed much since that time. But the toothbrush itself has evolved quite a bit. Now, you can buy ergonomic toothbrushes in many different styles. Ergonomics is the science behind making products more efficient.  So when you have so…

Probably one of the most common diseases among us is diabetes. Diabetes affects nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. With diabetes being such a prevalent disease, I thought it would be beneficial to address how diabetes affects the mouth – diabetes oral health Diabetic patients are at a higher risk for gum problems (gingivitis,…

I had the opportunity to sit down with a patient who is very unhappy with her existing lower denture. She has had it for a year and has had to have it realigned multiple times throughout the year. Nothing we could do or what the previous dentist could do could help her out. Our patient…

I have been working with the San Antonio Public Health Department for awhile. One of my assignments is to go to some of the public elementary schools in the area and provide dental sealants for kids. This has been a wonderful opportunity for them as they are able to receive a great dental service and…

It’s pretty much common knowledge that sugar causes tooth decay. Given this, it would then follow that if you want to avoid tooth decay you should avoid sugar. Sounds simple, right?  But really, it just isn’t very practical. Sugar is everywhere in the American diet thereby making it difficult to avoid completely. So, what is the…

One of the most common concerns I hear from my patients is “Doctor, my teeth are very sensitive.” However, an exam often reveals a healthy mouth with no obvious reasons for the complaint.  Tooth sensitivity is a problem. So what is going on here? The answer may be surprising. It’s your toothpaste! The chemicals in…

Awhile ago I posted a little entry on Canker Sores and canker sore treatment.  My information was based on things I had studied and/or seen, but I had never had one before.  Then I got one.  My canker sore was under my tongue and it hurt! So, I decided I would try what Dr. Henslee…

While talking with a patient we started talking about canker sores and she was interested in learning more about it. As this is an ailment most, if not all, of us will experience once or several times in our lives, I am passing the information on to you as well. Canker sore is the generic name…

A common unpleasant thing most of us experience between one another is bad breath or halitosis. What are some of the causes? What can be done to correct the situation?  I have come up with four of the more common causes for bad bad breath we have come across while practicing. 1. Food When food…