Dental Gifts for the Holidays

Posted December 12, 2011 by Dr. Coon

Does your gift list include a few people who have everything? Shopping for your loved ones can be stressful, especially if you are out of ideas. Dental gifts can make a great functional addition to a person’s daily dental care routine. If someone on your list does not have these products yet, help him take oral health care to the next level with fun, 21^stCentury gadgets.

Electric Toothbrushes for Kids or Adults

If your loved one is devoted to dental health, how about a powered toothbrush? Modern electric toothbrushes have awesome cleaning power. Most come with a timer that tells you when to switch quadrants in your mouth, and they won’t let you get away with lazy scrubbing. Some of the more fancy electric brushes will stay charged for up to two-weeks, which is great for folks who travel. Electric toothbrushes are also ideal for elderly people because they feature a large, easy-to-hold handle and don’t require fine motor skills required to scrub teeth clean. Moving bristles do all the hard work!

Water Flosser

Already have an electric toothbrush? Consider a water flosser for efficient, effective, easy flossing. Research shows that water pressure flossing can be 90% more effective than traditional flossing. These devices have a dial that allows you to control the PSI. A water flosser can be a real treat for people with braces or gum disease.

Professional Whitening

A professional teeth whitening session makes a great gift. Grinnell Street Dental offers both in-office and at-home whitening solutions. Professional whitening can quickly erase years of built up stains to reveal a more youthful, vibrant smile. (more…)

Plotting Your Holiday Weight Loss

Posted December 5, 2011 by Dr. Coon

Holiday Weight Loss

During this time of year everyone starts thinking about their excess weight—and for good reason. Not only will you feel better, but your body will also function better without the extra weight. Studies have linked obesity as a factor in many systemic health issues such as heart disease, stroke, depression, hypertension, diabetes, and now gum disease. A recent study found that losing weight aids in nonsurgical periodontal treatments.
Although losing weight can help you prevent and make treatments more effective, losing weight is not the only way to prevent disease. In addition, visit Grinnell Street Dental for regular six-month cleanings and checkups to fight periodontitis, as well asdaily flossing and brushing practices.

Plot Your Weight Loss Goals

When trying to lose a significant amount of weight, make sure you check your progress periodically. Charting your progress will allow you to see if you’re losing enough weight, or if you’re losing too much weight. Starving yourself, fasting, or eating an extremely low calorie diet among other dangerous dieting practices will only make your overall health much worse. Several common dieting practices can lead to serious health consequences. Lose weight to be healthy, not to look good. (more…)

Professional Whitening

Posted November 28, 2011 by Dr. Coon

Safe Steps to Whiter Teeth

Your pearly whites inevitably lose luster over time. Using tobacco, as well as consuming dark foods and beverages, can discolor tooth enamel. Thanks to modern dental technology, our team at Grinnell Street Dental can renew your smile’s glow. We can consult with you on using over-the-counter products or in-office teeth whitening procedures.
Consult a Dentist at Grinnell Street Dental Offices First
At your visit, we can assess the level of whitening necessary for the results you’d like to achieve. Before determining your need for whitening products, a professional cleaning and checkup will allow us to identify any issues that might interfere. If you have inflammation or cavities, completing treatment on those problem areas is critical before starting any whitening treatment. Some ingredients in teeth whitening solutions may damage untreated cavities and diseased gum tissue. (more…)

How Did Pilgrims Brush Their Teeth?

Posted November 21, 2011 by Dr. Coon

Americans Thankful for Toothbrush

Americans have a lot to be thankful for, and you might be surprised to learn, oral healthcare is at the top of the list. In a recent poll, Americans chose the toothbrush above computers, cars, and even the microwave as a “cannot live without” invention. The toothbrush we know and love today didn’t even hit the U.S. market until 1885. And electronic toothbrushes weren’t widely distributed until the 1960s.

How Pilgrims Brushed Their Pearly Whites

Although the first Thanksgiving gathering happened in 1621, Thanksgiving Day wasn’t an official holiday until President Lincoln declared it in 1863. Today, Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday of November each year. Our early American ancestors were concerned about oral health, just as we are.
Before the invention of the toothbrush, people used bones, feathers, or anything that would get the plaque off their teeth. We think pilgrims used salt to remove grime from teeth. Salt may not sound like a very good cleanser, but it is actually pretty effective. Indians, on the other hand, most likely used herbs, like sage, to remove plaque. Some tribes actually used paste made from the cucacua plant to rub the grime off. (more…)

The Great American Smokeout

Posted November 14, 2011 by Dr. Coon

Where Did The Great American Smokeout Start?

The Great American Smokeout is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS) that takes place on November 17, 2011. It all started in Berkeley, California. In 1977 Berkeley became the first private facility to limit smoking in public areas. Tobacco smoke was socially accepted until recent decades. Just 20 years ago, people smoked on the clock at work, on airplanes, and even in hospitals. Things have changed for the better.
The Great American Smokeout is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and further limiting the acceptance of smoking in public areas.
The Smokeout is celebrated in many creative ways all over the United States. Participating smokers commit to quit for the 24-hour period on November 17^th and then make goals to completely quit in the future.

Tobacco’s Effect On Your Mouth

All forms of tobacco have the potential to cause cancer and gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease develops into periodontitis, which is the primary cause of adult tooth loss in the US. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gingivitis. Both gingivitis and periodontitis can be prevented if spotted early. The best way to prevent these diseases, whether you smoke or not, is to visit Grinnell Street Dental for regular checkups. We can find these diseases in their early stages and help you take care of the problem.
Your smile is not the only thing that suffers when you loose a tooth. Side effects of tooth loss include difficulty speaking, dietary restrictions, jawbone degeneration, and risk of further tooth loss.
We offer several treatment options right here in Sheridan to replace missing teeth:

Bridges
Partial Dentures
Dental Implants
Implant Dentures (more…)

What is Dental Plaque?

Posted November 8, 2011 by Dr. Coon

Plaque is a biofilm that forms on the surface of your teeth. It is usually a pale yellow color and can be easily removed with brushing and flossing. Even though plaque is initially simple to remove, the plaque that isn’t removed can adhere to the surface of your teeth for a long time. In about 48 hours, plaque hardens on your teeth, and in about 10 days, it calcifies into dental calculus (tartar).

Plaque, Good and Bad

There is one benefit of dental plaque, believe it or not. Plaque helps build your immune system. But plaque is more well known for its ability to cause bad breath, gum disease, and systemic health problems. The problem is, plaque grows and grows and grows, and you have to remove it or it will get out of control. Daily brushing and flossing remove a lot of plaque, but not all of it. Calculus is insoluble, which means it won’t dissolve in water. At your six-month cleanings, our hygienist will remove calculus from your teeth; it generally builds up at the gum line and between teeth, where brushing may be ineffective. (more…)

The History of Dental Implants

Posted November 2, 2011 by Dr. Coon

Did you know that dental implants date back to 600 A.D.? In 1931, archaeologists uprooted a piece of mandible (human jaw) that had three shards of shell in line with the jaw’s natural teeth. It is considered to be evidence of the first successful dental implant operation in the world. Because the jaw was found in Honduras, archaeologists suspect it may be Mayan.

Dental Implant Procedure

Today, prosthetic dentistry has refined the dental implants so that they’re stable, long lasting, and natural looking. Dental implants are prosthetic teeth secured to the jaw with a small, biocompatible post. The post replaces the roots of missing teeth. Because biocompatible material is used, bone tissue fuses with the post to create a solid anchor for a replacement tooth or denture.
Here’s what you can expect for your dental implant procedure:

Your jawbone density and oral health will be evaluated to determine whether underlying concerns must be addressed before placement of dental implants.
Once your mouth is in good shape for implants, you’ll be scheduled for placement.
At the placement appointment, Dr. Donald Coon will insert a small titanium anchor into your jawbone for each implant crown, or he’ll position a few implants to secure your denture, partial, or bridge. Over the course of a few months, the jawbone tissue fuses to the implant posts so that they become secure, like natural teeth roots.
You may wear a temporary crown or denture during the healing time.
You’ll visit us for follow-up appointments. Once your jaw has healed, Dr. Coon will remove the temporary prosthetics and secure your permanent crowns or denture.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Remember, dental implants do not make you impervious to gum disease or tooth decay. You must brush and floss regularly, as if you had natural teeth. Be sure to also visit Dr. Coon as scheduled for follow-ups, cleanings, and checkups. With proper maintenance, most patients enjoy their dental implants for life.
If you live in the Sheridan, WY area and are in search of an experienced cosmetic and implant dentist, call the Grinnell Street Dental at 307-672-7567 for an appointment. You can also visit our website to learn more about our services.

Fun Uses For Your Old Toothbrush

Posted October 26, 2011 by Dr. Coon

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Just because the brush is no longer effective in cleaning your teeth, doesn’t mean you have to throw it away. Try these thrifty tips to make your old toothbrushes useful.

Scrub grime from the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Toothbrushes can get into crevices that your sponge or rag cannot reach, much like dental floss can get in between the crevices in your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
Clean between the bristles of your hairbrush or between the tongs of your forks.
Use the long handle to help clean the inside of bottles or cups.
Wash mud off your shoes.
Scrub rough spots off of potatoes, pumpkins, and other vegetables.
Put an abrasive agent on the bristles to help polish your jewelry.
Spot-clean laundry and carpet by rubbing the area with a toothbrush and cleaning agent.
Use the brush to make interesting paint splatters on a piece of art.
Clean your pet’s teeth. Harmful human bacteria are different than dog germs, so reusing your brush won’t harm your pet.
Use the bristles to clean your blades, chainsaws, and other sharp tools that could injure your fingers.
Use a dry brush to remove dust around keys on your computer keyboard or remote control.
Boil the brush handle so you can bend it into a fun shape. One example is a round shape that fits around your wrist like a bracelet.

Before reusing your old brush for other purposes, make sure you disinfect it to prevent contaminating other areas. You should also label your brush so you won’t mix it up with your good toothbrush.
The best use for your toothbrush, however, is to clean your teeth. Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you don’t brush properly, you could damage your mouth. Visit Dr. Coon to restore any troubled areas in your smile. Contact Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at (307) 672-7567 to schedule your appointment.

The Risks of Excessive Tooth Bleaching

Posted October 12, 2011 by Dr. Coon

Most people want whiter teeth. Instead of waiting around for their at-home whitening products to work, they overuse the product to have a whiter smile faster. This may sound like a good idea in theory, but what are the risks of excessive bleaching?
People who are obsessed with whitening their teeth, sometimes called “bleachorexics,” are never satisfied with the color. They constantly use the bleach, becoming addicted to it and using it more than necessary. This behavior can harm your teeth.
Excessive use of whitener can damage the structure of your tooth enamel. The bleaching products contain a strong peroxide agent that can hurt the nerve endings inside your tooth. The chemicals can get into your nerves through weak enamel or cracks. When the nerves become exposed to the chemical, it can cause tooth sensitivity or pain.
Too much peroxide can make your teeth have an uneven color tone and different shades. Instead of getting whiter, after excessive use your enamel will begin to turn a light bluish color.
(more…)

Halloween Candy Craze

Posted October 5, 2011 by Dr. Coon

It’s October, and that means empty parking lots become pumpkin patches and crazy costumes become fashionable. This spooky holiday can be fun for everyone, but your smile may feel differently.
Why are your teeth afraid of Halloween? Because stores stock up on candy.

The average person eats about 24 pounds of candy each year.
Americans spend about $2 billion on Halloween candy each year.
The average household spends about $20 on candy each Halloween.
Americans eat about 20 million pounds of candy corn each year.
Candy corn is the preferred candy of the season, followed by Snickers, Reese’s, Kit Kat, and M&M’s.

The sugar from candy can stick to your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth live off the sugar to create acids that can harm your teeth. Without proper oral care, the acids contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
So how can you protect your mouth from the candy craze? Try giving out small bags of nut mixes, pretzels, animal crackers, or non-candy treats like stickers. In addition, there are other spooky snacks you can make that are healthy for your smile and your waistline.

Add an almond or piece of a fruit or vegetable to the end of a carrot or string cheese. This will create a fingernail to make healthy, freaky fingers.
Use nuts or raisins to build a face on a banana or hard-boiled egg, creating a ghost look-a-like.
Cut sandwiches into festive shapes using Halloween cookie cutters.
After carving your pumpkins, bake or roast the pumpkin seeds for a delicious snack.

Protect your teeth from decay all year long by limiting your candy consumption. Dr. Coon wants to encourage healthy eating habits this Halloween season. Contact Grinnell Street Dental at 307-672-7567 to schedule your dental appointment in Sheridan, WY.

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