The Truth About Bleaching Lights and Lasers

Many people believe that for in office tooth whitening to be effective, you must use a light or laser. In actuality, this is the main reason patients complain of sensitivity after a bleaching session. 

Dr. Rod Kurthy, D.M.D. was tired of his patients complaining about poor results and the pain associated with it. He decided to perform his own study to find out why this was happening to his patients. 

"In a 2005 clinical study by Rod Kurthy, D.M.D., subjects were treated with:

1. Various bleaching lights and lasers with no whitening gel applied to the teeth
2. Whitening gel applied to the teeth without the use of bleaching lights or lasers
3. The same whitening gels combined with use of these bleaching lights and lasers

What Dr. Kurthy found was zero sensitivity caused by bleaching lights or lasers alone. This finding refutes the cause of sensitivity due simply to the heat and/or dehydration caused by bleaching lights and lasers. He also found that use of only the whitening gel resulted in moderate to no sensitivity. However, the combination of bleaching lights or lasers and whitening gel resulted in several cases of severe sensitivity, as well as notably more cases of moderate sensitivity. "

These same findings were confirmed in 2009 and published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 

"In a clinical study published in JOE (Journal of Endodontics) in 2008, the actual cause of this increased sensitivity was revealed. It was found that the combination of high concentration hydrogen peroxide with photon energy from bleaching lights and lasers causes pulpal neurons to produce significant levels of Substance P."

Substance P is a neuropeptide. The sole function of Substance P is to cause pain and inflammation. 

Here at Davis Dental, we don't want to cause our patients pain, so we use the KoR Whitening System. It offers amazing results and patients do not complain of sensitivity! KoR Whitening uses the latest in whitening technology and products, but does not use a light or laser because it does not enhance results. We want to offer our patients the best whitening experience possible!

For more information on KoR Whitening visit, www.korwhitening.com. If you're interested in a whiter smile, call our office for more information. We would love to give you the smile you've always dreamed of! 

Davis Dental- (801)292-5812 or www.davisdentalutah.com

Information gathered from www.korwhitening.com

 7 Healthy Foods For Your Teeth

The foods that you consume play a major role in your overall dental health. People who eat foods with a high sugar content are more prone to dental caries/cavities. Here is a list of the top 7 foods that are good for your teeth. 

• Cheese- Not processed cheese, but block cheese or string cheese are great options. The enzymes in cheese can help to balance the pH levels in the mouth and increase saliva production. This helps to lower your risk for tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium and protein which strengthens tooth enamel. 

• Yogurt- Yogurt also has protein and calcium to strengthen enamel. It has probiotics, or good bacteria that can rid your gums of caries causing bacteria. The best yogurt choice is a plain yogurt because the flavored varieties have added sugar. 

• Carrots- Carrots are crunchy and full of fiber. Eating carrots increases saliva production which helps to "rinse" the teeth and prevent cavities.

• Leafy Greens- They are full of calcium which helps tooth enamel, but also contain folic acid which can possibly improve gum disease in pregnant women. If you don't enjoy leafy greens by themselves or in a salad, you could try sneaking them into other foods you do enjoy. Such as smoothies, or on a pizza. 

• Apples- Apples produce saliva in the mouth which helps clear away food debris, but the texture of an apple is similar to that of brushing your teeth. It definitely doesn't replace brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, but is a good way to clean your teeth until you can brush them. 

• Celery- Celery is similar to apples and carrots. It is great for increasing saliva production and helping to rid your mouth of that pesky food debris. If you don't love plain celery, try it with some peanut butter to change it up. 

• Almonds- They are high in fiber and protein but very low in sugar. This helps to strengthen tooth enamel and serves as a great and filling snack. Almonds are great on their own or tossed into a salad. 

Here at Davis Dental, we want to help you find easy ways to improve your oral health. We hope these simple and healthy foods will get you headed in the right direction! 

For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at: (801)292-5812 or visit our website at davisdentalutah.com

Information for this post was gathered from colgate.com pictures were obtained from google.

Oral Health Impacts of Smoking and The Use of Other Tobacco Products

Many people do not realize the effects that tobacco use can have on their overall oral health. In dentistry, we see many of these issues arise when we have a patient who uses tobacco products. Here are 7 reasons you may want to quit. 

* Bad Breath

* Stained Teeth and Tongue

* Dulled Sense of Taste and Smell

*Slow Healing After a Tooth Extraction or Other Surgery

* Difficulty in Correcting Cosmetic Issues

* Gum Disease

*Oral Cancer

Quitting all-together is the only way to decrease your risk of oral and other health related problems. Here at Davis Dental, we are committed to giving our patients the best care possible. We want to give you all the tools, instruction, and advice we can to help you achieve optimal oral health. We look forward to seeing you! 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Jordan Davis, call us at (801)292-5812 or visit our website, davisdentalutah.com. 

Information gathered from mouthhealthy.com. Images taken from google.com

Importance of a Mouth Guard

Many kids and teenagers don't realize the importance of using a mouth guard while participating in sports. In their minds, "mouth guards are stupid", right? Mouth guards aren't only important for young children or teens, they are just as important for adults. Here are some reasons mouth guards are essential. 

• It protects your teeth, cheeks, mouth, tongue, and jaw from injury. Although a mouth guard is made of plastic or laminate materials, it can prevent over 200,000 oral injuries every year. 

• Injuries to the mouth or jaw can be expensive and very painful. Possible injuries include; broken or chipped teeth, biting the cheeks or lips, root damage, fractured jaw, and concussions. Many of these can be prevented by the use of a mouth guard. 

• Mouth guards don't have to empty the bank account. There are essentially three options when it comes to mouth guards. 

1.  Stock Mouth Guards. These are a "one size fits all". The biggest issue we find with this type of guard is that it doesn't fit well for everyone, and is not made to be adjusted to fit. Patients have complained that the stock guards are extremely bulky and tend to make hard or heavy breathing during game time difficult. They are very inexpensive, and can be picked up at any sporting goods store. 
2.  Boil and Bite Mouth Guards. These are a step up from the stock guards we talked about. With this type of guard, it requires you to boil the plastic material for a certain amount of time, then bite into it to give it a more customized fit. They are also inexpensive and can be molded in the comfort of your own home. The down side to this type of guard, is it also doesn't fit every person correctly. It tends to be bulky in the mouth, but is more comfortable to wear than a stock mouth guard.        
3.  Custom Fit Mouth Guards. This is a guard that we make in our office for you. We take dental impressions of your teeth, pour up this impression in dental stone, and then mold the plastic material to it. This type of mouth guard is much more comfortable to wear and will also protect your overall mouth better because it is molded specifically for you. 

Here at Davis Dental, we want to help you protect your smile for many years to come! Come in and see us for a custom mouth guard or for any of your other dental needs. We would love to give you the best dental experience you've ever had. We look forward to meeting you! 

Contact us at: (801)292-5812 or visit our website at: www.davisdentalutah.com

Information gathered from colgate.com

Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Many people complain that their gums bleed when they brush or floss. The majority of these people think that bleeding gums is a normal occurrence and ignore it. Did you know that bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease? Here are 5 things you can try at home to stop bleeding gums. 

• Change your oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. When oral hygiene is lacking, plaque can build up along the gumline and cause irritation if not removed promptly. Plaque causes tarter (which becomes hard and can't be removed at home). Tarter is a rough surface which allows plaque to form in these areas easier. 

• Change what you are using. You may think that using a medium or hard bristle toothbrush will give you the pearly whites you've always wanted, but they can actually cause more harm than good. You should use a soft or very soft bristle toothbrush. Also, if you make sure you are flossing at least once a day, you should begin to see improvement in your gum health. 

• Consume a healthy diet. Foods that are high in sugar can create more plaque. It is important to eat healthy foods such as, vegetables, low sugar fruits, and protein. You don't need to rid your life of sweet entirely, just make sure you eat them in moderation. 

• Medication. According to Colgate, "Certain medicines also increase the likelihood that your gums will bleed. Some over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin, thin the blood and can therefore increase bleeding. It's also possible for prescription medication to cause gum bleeding. If that is the case, your doctor might prescribe a different dose or a different medication altogether. Always talk to your doctor if you think a medication is causing side effects, even if they seem mild."

• Visit your dentist. If you are having any bleeding, even if it is mild, it is important to see your dentist for proper diagnosis. You could have an underlying issue that needs professional attention. You dentist can advise the best treatment for you personally. 

Keeping up to date on regular checkups and professional cleanings is the best way to maintain a healthy smile. 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Jordan D. Davis visit our website at www.davisdentalutah.com or call us at (801)292-5812

Information for this post was gathered from colgate.com picture taken from shapingthefutureofdentistry.org

What Our Patients Are Saying About Davis Dental

"I am always extremely pleased with my visits to Dr. Davis. He has a wonderful team; I am always warmly greeted by the front desk staff and immediately feel “at home” in a very comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Davis is always very thorough and professional; He and his outstanding staff is patient and take all the time needed to discuss the dental issues and what are the options for treatment. I feel that my care is in very capable hands and the office utilizes the highest technology. Everything a patient is looking for is present in Dr. Davis office. A super dental office where I feel I receive the best of care." - Christiane F. 

"My experience with Dr. Jordan Davis, DDS and staff was authentically compassionate, and professional. The lovely receptionist (Janet) and the hygienist (Tandem) were enjoyable and efficient making me feel completely comfortable as they explained and educated me in the working process. I felt Dr. Jordan Davis was extremely competent and dedicated to providing the latest technology for my dental health and personal needs. I was completely satisfied with the whole experience and felt like I walked away with peace of mind, an uncommon experience in my dental history." - Colleen W. 

"Dr. Davis and his team were so kind to me! I had to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth taken out and due to being pregnant they could not sedate me. I was very nervous and they were very patient and kept me calm. They continually monitored my heart rate and blood pressure, and made sure that I was as comfortable as possible. They were extremely reasonable with my payment options and helped me in all ways possible. I would recommend Dr. Davis to any and all who are looking for a fantastic experience at the dentist." - Maddison D. 

"Dr. Davis and his team really know their "stuff!" Their professionalism and knowing how to do their job is equal to (or maybe even surpassed by) their friendly and caring attitude. They want everything right for you. They may have one or two other patients being seen while I am there, but I have always felt like I was their primary concern. That's how they run the office - and that's good business." - Lamar H. 

"I have had quite a few procedures with Dr. Davis from simple cleaning and x-Rays to pretty complex procedures with sedation. Every time, he and his staff go above and beyond to make sure my questions are answered and I'm comfortable with the process. To say everyone is great in this office is an understatement. They really truly care! There are very few appointments that I would drive 40 miles roundtrip to but for Dr.Davis and his wonderful staff...I do and will continue to do...as long as I have my teeth :)" - Kande S. 

We love our patients and take pride in giving them the best dental treatment possible. We look forward to doing the same for you! 

To learn more about Davis Dental you can visit our website at: www.davisdentalutah.com

For questions or to make an appointment you can reach us at: (801)292-5812

George Washington's Dental History

Have you heard the stories of George Washington's wooden teeth? Did you know that this story is actually a myth? We thought it would be fun to celebrate Independence Day by sharing some interesting facts about George Washington's dental work. 

"Washington had a long history of illness. In 1751 he wrote of having smallpox and the following year complained that he had a bout of "violent plurise." As a young lieutenant colonel in 1755 serving with General Braddock in the French and Indian War, he suffered "pain in the head" and dysentery. In 1761 when he was twenty-nine and back at Mt. Vernon, he got "breakbone fever," now known as dengue fever, characterized by headache, fever, and severe muscles and joint pain. Over the ensuing years there were attacks of malaria, flu, and rheumatic complaints. Adding to the stress as commander of the continental Army were constant unrelieved toothaches. In some instances, one cannot help but wonder if his teeth might have been the source of the chronic infections he suffered"

"According to his accounts, he received the standard medical treatments of the day, which included heavy doses of the infamous calomel (mercurous chloride) that can lead to destruction of the teeth. This, combined with what may have been naturally poor teeth, led to dental problems beginning when Washington was twenty-two. Over the next thirty-five years, he would lose all his teeth."

During this time, tooth powders (since they didn't have toothpaste) were made from pumice, borax, roots and herbs, even burnt bread and tobacco were sometimes used. It was likely that people used a mouth rinse solution that contained herbs or resins of balsam or myrrh, salt, wine, or even vinegar may have been used. 

Tooth extractions became a yearly occurrence for our founding father. "There were frequent episodes of infected and abscessed teeth, inflamed gums, and finally ill-fitting dentures." George Washington didn't have wooden teeth, but he did have several sets of dentures throughout his life. His first set came shortly after he was inaugurated for his first term as president in 1789. It was made of hippopotamus ivory carved to fit the gums, ivory teeth, and also human teeth. In 1791 he received his second set of dentures and then a third set in 1795. Another large set of dentures was made for him in 1796. "His final set was made in 1798, the year before he died. This set was a swagged gold plate with individual backing for each tooth which was fastened by rivets. The lower denture of this set, along with others, are on display in the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore."

Here at Davis Dental we are grateful for modern dentistry and to be able to share that with our outstanding patients. Happy Independence Day! 

To learn more about Davis Dental visit davisdentalutah.com or call us at (801)292-5812

Information gathered from americanrevolution.org