Sonicare electric toothbrush vs. Soft-bristled toothbrush

We can all agree that brushing our teeth is critical for achieving/maintaining good oral health. Understanding the correct way to brush your teeth, and choosing the right toothbrush is just as important. 

Practices and products developed to keep our mouths healthy have come a long way. Interestingly enough, Pierre Fauchard a french doctor from the 1700s who is also considered the father of modern dentistry encouraged people not to brush their teeth! Excuse me? Fauchard instead, recommended patients clean their teeth with a toothpick or sponge soaked in water or brandy. 

How the times have changed. 

Today we will be comparing the Sonicare electric toothbrush with a soft-bristled manual toothbrush to determine which product works best for keeping your teeth and gums in good health. 

The ADA (American Dental Association) lists a number of approved manual toothbrushes to choose from. In addition, they have concluded that you can indeed achieve a thorough cleaning using a soft-bristled manual brush. However, as abled-bodied and committed as we can be, all of us are capable of falling short in certain areas of our oral care routine. 

This is where an electric toothbrush such as the Sonicare comes out on top. 

Let’s unpack some things. 

What a Sonicare toothbrush can do that a manual toothbrush can’t

We’ve now established that thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums can be achieved with a manual toothbrush. But, where do we fall short and how can an electric toothbrush do a better job? Let’s have a look. 

Pros of a Sonicare electric toothbrush  

Technique - electric toothbrushes like the Sonicare are often equipped with pressure sensors that offer an alert when you may be using a heavy hand.

App friendly - electric toothbrushes can be linked to an app on your smartphone to help ensure regularity and proper techniques are being maintained and notify you where you may need some improvement. 

Better plaque removal -  equipped with a built-in timer, using the Sonicare toothbrush will guarantee that you are brushing for the recommended two minutes. Say farewell to plaque making sure you are brushing for the proper length of time, as well as more efficiently reaching those hard-to-reach areas. 

A Cochrane study found that after three months of using an electric toothbrush, participants reduced plaque by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. 

The cons of a Sonicare electric toothbrush

Cost - electric toothbrushes are typically more expensive than manual alternatives. It should be noted, however, that unless diligent, users may benefit from investing some money in their oral care routine.

Power - electric toothbrushes are powered either by a permanent battery charged on a dock or by batteries purchased from the store. We recommend purchasing products with a permanent battery to reduce waste.

The cons of a soft-bristled manual toothbrush

A heavy hand - studies have shown that when using a manual toothbrush, it’s more likely that too much pressure on the teeth and gums will be applied, causing damage and irritation. 

The two-minute rule - as mentioned above, manual toothbrushes aren’t equipped with the built-in timers that an electric toothbrush may have. As a result, it can become difficult to ensure you’ve spent enough time cleaning. 

Human error - while manual toothbrushes can be an effective option for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, there is a caveat, the user.  The technology products such as the Sonicare electric toothbrush are built with, allow those using them to achieve/maintain great oral health much more easily. 

The pros of a soft-bristled manual toothbrush 

Cost - manual toothbrushes are generally quite inexpensive, with plenty of options to choose from. However, these products typically need to be replaced more frequently than the heads fitted to an electric toothbrush. 

Batteries - given that these products are operated manually, they do not require any power, either by permanent or disposable batteries. 

The best toothbrush

Today we’ve addressed the pros and cons of the Sonicare electric toothbrush vs. a soft-bristled manual toothbrush. 

At M Street Dental, our experts recommend electric toothbrushes for optimizing the health of your teeth and gums - specifically, the Sonicare, or, Crests Oral B electric toothbrush(s). We maintain this opinion because almost all of our patients who made the switch from manual to electric experienced dramatic improvements in their oral health. 

If for whatever reason you choose to stick with your manual toothbrush, we recommend setting a timer to ensure you are brushing for long enough, and of course, that you are brushing twice a day. 

We’d be delighted to hear from you and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Book your appointment today. Your teeth and gums deserve the love. 

From all of us at M Street Dental,

Brush, floss, rinse, smile!

Why charcoal toothpaste is actually damaging your teeth.

You have a beautiful smile. A smile worth a proper, well-informed care routine. 

The “age of online information” has made for a profusion of options/opinions to care for our teeth, all at our fingertips. At M Street Dental, we take pride in eliminating the fluff, helping you to create an educated routine backed by science and first-hand experience.   

Today we’ll be discussing charcoal toothpaste and why it may be actually damaging your teeth. 

Products such as charcoal toothpaste are often picked up by online influencers/ bloggers who lobby the public with reckless abandon and a lack of industry-relevant experience. 

While there are surely safe and effective natural products worth exploring, we strongly recommend building your oral care routine around practices and opinions that are backed up by the support of trained dental professionals. 

And that of course, is where we step in.

Let’s explore.

Charcoal Toothpaste: The suggested benefits

The charcoal in toothpaste is typically derived from either bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, olive pits, or sawdust. The theory is that this hotly debated ingredient will work to absorb and remove stains caused by foods like red wine, coffee, and tea. 

Charcoal is safely used in water filtration systems, treatment of drug and alcohol overdoses, and food poisoning. It can be used under these circumstances because it has been thoroughly vetted by the scientific community and is shown to effectively aid in such situations without causing any damage in the process. 

Can the same be said for charcoal toothpaste? We spoke with our team at M Street, and here’s what they had to say.

The TRUTH about charcoal toothpaste

What do our dentists have to say?

M Street Dental experts all agree that the abrasiveness of charcoal toothpaste is far more detrimental than the supposed benefits. We recommend to our patients to use Colgate Total toothpaste without whitening agents. 

It is our opinion that the charcoal toothpaste industry is trying to fill the gap for people looking for natural alternatives to regular toothpaste. While looking for natural toothpaste options may seem intriguing, the unfortunate truth is that they rarely achieve the results they claim to be able to. Not to mention, they can cause irreversible damage to your teeth in the process.

Charcoal Toothpaste: The damage

By using charcoal toothpaste incorrectly or too often, you run the risk of:

Eroding Enamel - enamel does not come back.

Short Term Gain - your teeth may look whiter at first, but can eventually appear worse than before due to the thinning of enamel, thus, exposing more of the inner dentin which is darker. 

Tooth Sensitivity/ Succeptibilty to tooth decay - loss of enamel from the abrasive nature of charcoal toothpaste can leave your teeth more sensitive with an increased risk of tooth decay.

Wasting your time and money - charcoal toothpaste may temporarily remove some surface stains; however, it doesn’t remove intrinsic stains below the enamel.   

What does the ADA (American Dental Association) have to say?

As it stands, the American Dental Association has yet to sign off on charcoal toothpaste as a safe and effective natural alternative. Due to a lack of clinical and laboratory data, this trendy alternative has remained on the fringe as the stats just don’t substantiate the claims. The ADA maintains that charcoal toothpaste should be avoided until further studies have concluded otherwise. 

How can I whiten my teeth without charcoal toothpaste?

If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, we recommend:

Custom gel-filled whitening trays: to be used at home along with supervision from your dentist.

Whitening strips: a great option while on a budget. 

In-office whitening: works wonders and is administered by our experts who know all the ins and outs of achieving that perfect smile. 

Make an effort to limit or reduce the consumption of foods known to stain teeth (coffee, black tea, red wine, etc.). 

Shop for your teeth safely

We all want what’s best for the health of our body and mind. At times, it can feel like the options are endless. When shopping for products for your teeth, we recommend searching for those with the ADA seal of approval (ADA approved shopping list).  

As always, M Street is here to help you achieve and maintain a smile that makes you feel your best. Book an appointment with us today to have any of your questions answered. We can’t wait to hear from you.

From all of us at M Street Dental,

Stay smiling!

I'm a dentist and this is my morning routine.

Buy an alarm clock and keep your phone away from your pillow. Avoid social media for at least one hour after rising. Let water be the first thing you consume after waking up. With morning routines and the science that supports the optimization of our total health in a constant state of flux and refinement, it can feel overwhelming when building and maintaining the right routine. What is the right routine, for you?

Today we’ll be discussing the routine that one of our dentists uses so that you can take or leave what you’d like and begin to build a morning ritual that works best for you. Before we get started, it’s important to note that no one morning is the same, so go easy on yourself! Change is inevitable.

The Routine:

Start with a green juice

The typical SAD (Standard American Diet) diet is generally made up of something savoury like bacon, eggs, and toast, or foods high in sugar and empty carbohydrates such as sugar laden cereals or pancakes. These can still be enjoyed; however, they are best enjoyed through balanced moderation.

For many, vegetables and all things green are often under-utilized during breakfast time as they seem to have fallen into the category of lunch and dinner items. In places such as South East Asia, vegetables for breakfast is quite common, and often, encouraged.

To get your day started right, we recommend including some vegetables in your morning routine. Whether thats some spinach in a tofu or egg scramble, or perhaps a powdered greens drink, your body will thank you for a surge of vitamins ( A,C,K,B) as well as antioxidants. 

If you have a juicer and would like to make yours from scratch, check out this link for an amazing morning greens recipe - https://www.thepetitecook.com/morning-green-juice/

Additional benefits of consuming greens in the morning include:

Chlorophyll soothes inflammation and pain

Helps regulate blood sugar

Inhibits bacterial growth

Helps create an oxygen rich environment in our blood

Make time for stillness

For most of us, the busyness of life is a must, rather than a choice. Whether that’s it’s the noise of ads and social media pandering to our insecurities, or a job that’s all-consuming, making time to slow down can be incredibly beneficial.

Mindfulness meditation has become quite popular, and the science supporting a regular practice has followed suit.

By making some time to be still and meditate in the morning, you’ll be starting your day right and may see benefits such as:

-Increased resilience to stress: Who knows what the day will bring.

-Sharpened attention, unclouded thoughts: More available to others/ heightened focus.

-Increased compassion: Most of us could use this in our lives.

-Reduced cortisol (stress hormone)/ Increased dopamine (pleasure neurotransmitter).

These benefits make up only a fraction of the scientific discoveries surrounding the benefits of regular meditation.

If you’re interested, we recommend checking out this study out of Harvard University discussing the links between mindfulness and mental health.

A dentist never forgets to brush or floss

A good oral care routine for your morning does not have to be complicated, it just needs to be consistent. If you can, we recommend using an electric toothbrush as they are best equipped to achieve a proper clean while addressing problem areas, such as your back molars. Try to brush gently allowing the brush to do its job which will allow you to avoid damaging the gums and the enamel of your teeth. Lastly, make sure to floss followed by a fluoride mouth wash to combat cavities while leaving you with that wonderful fresh mouth feeling.

A gesture of SELF-LOVE

There are few things you can do for yourself that signal self-love in a greater way than personal development. Researching, building, and introducing a morning routine into your life is a lot like giving your well-being a great big hug at the start of each day; sending that I’m worth it energy from head to toe. Not to mention, by investing in yourself this way, you’ll be more available and capable of being of service to others.

Consistency is king/queen

A good mantra for achieving consistency in your morning your morning routine is, “get better at getting better”. As you build your routine, this can/should be tackled in bite size commitments. A good rule of thumb when setting goals around consistency is to follow the SMART criteria for simple and achievable results.

Goals around consistency should be clear and reachable. Each one should be:

Specific (simple, sensible, significant)

Measurable (meaningful, motivating)

Achievable (agreed, attainable)

Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based)

Time bound (time based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive)

Developing/maintaining a morning routine can feel intimidating at times. We recommended incorporating bite sized goals that can be carried out with regularity and enjoyment. By ticking the box of even just one new activity a week, you’ll be in great shape before you know it. Try utilizing the SMART goal setting strategies above to help introduce achievable changes into your routine with ease.

From all of us at M Street Dental,

May your mornings be as bright as your smile!

COVID-19 At-Home Oral Hygiene Tips

For nearly 17 months, most Americans have been learning a great deal about the routines we had built (and perhaps taken for granted) during pre-Covid-19 times. Many of us have had to find ways to pivot our daily routines due to business closures, personal budgets, or health risks. Are you one of those people?

Whether it’s your gym closing or a routine check-up going virtual, these changes can take a toll on overall wellness. In particular, those regular visits to your dentist for cleanings are part of an important routine in the maintenance of oral health!

Today’s post will be dedicated to sharing M Street Dental’s tips and tricks for tackling the most commonly neglected spots of at-home cleaning routines. These five spots are especially important to address when visits to the dentist are less frequent!

Let’s dive in:

The top 5 missed spots when cleaning your teeth at home:

The Lower Front Teeth 

The area covering our lower front teeth tends to be difficult to achieve a proper cleaning, especially if flossing habits aren’t practiced daily. There are several saliva glands under and around our tongue, and due to gravity, our saliva and the minerals in such will often pool right behind the lower front teeth. As a result, this tends to accelerate plaque and calculus accumulation. In the case of patients who have been fitted with a permanent retainer, flossing is often neglected as the task of incorporating a floss threader to allow the floss to get behind the retainer, can be seen as a nuisance. Although it is not ideal, if you or someone you know remains steadfast about avoiding flossing this area, we recommend using a proxabrush - a small bristled accessory allowing you to clean behind your retainer.

On The Back Side of Molars 

Another area of your teeth that is often neglected is the back side of your last molars. Depending on your anatomy, this area may be properly cleaned; however, this will be best achieved using an electric toothbrush. If you happen to be using a manual toothbrush, this may prove to be more difficult. Flossing this area can make a tremendous difference in your cleaning routine, and is easily achieved by wrapping the floss around your last tooth, and sliding gently up and down. Another tip that may seem counterintuitive is that when you are trying to reach this area, allow the opening of’ your mouth to be less wide as this will allow your cheeks to relax moving away from the brush more easily, and in turn, offering easier access to this problem area.

The Cheek Side of Your Upper Molars 

In this area, you’ll find your parotid duct. This makes for the release of more minerals and saliva than other areas of your mouth. In some cases, your cheeks may prevent your brush from working effectively because of little space to move. We recommend that when brushing the cheek side of your upper molars, slide your jaw to the left. This will allow the body of your mandible to move out of the way of your brush, leaving more space for proper cleaning.

Implant-Supported Restoration 

If you have an implant-supported restoration, be sure to push your floss in until you feel resistance. Since there is no presence of a ligament around your implant, you will often need a deeper cleaning under the gums than you would with a natural tooth.

Show your Back Teeth the Same Love 

Although they may not be as visible, your back teeth are just as important as your front teeth. The back teeth are the foundation for which you can show off a beautiful smile. Floss them and take care of them just as you would those wonderful white teeth in the front. Do what works best for you to keep them clean.

We’re all in this together.

Here at M Street Dental, your oral health is of top priority to us. No matter what your question or concern, we are always delighted to hear from you. Our mission is always to help you achieve and maintain the smile that makes you feel just right! Book your appointment today, and let our experts answer any questions you might have. We look forward to hearing from you.

From all of us at M Street,

Stay smiling!

Sensitive Teeth: Causes and treatments

Blonde hair, black hair, red hair. Big feet, small feet, wide feet, narrow feet. 

You might be asking yourself, 'what does this have to do with teeth?' Well, just like our hair and our feet, teeth come in all different shapes and sizes, shades, and tones. Hair can become grey over time, and our feet may begin to ache as we get older. Similarly, our teeth can change over time, and for some, that may include our teeth becoming more sensitive. 

Whether you’ve dealt with sensitive teeth for some time, or you have noticed your teeth becoming more sensitive recently, today’s article will offer some helpful information about the causes/treatments of tooth sensitivity.

Causes

When the majority of someone’s teeth are sensitive, oftentimes the cause can be linked to a level of gum recession within their mouth. Gum recession is a term used by dentists to describe teeth where the gum line of the tooth has moved from its natural position toward the root of the tooth, or away from the biting surfaces of the teeth. When the gums recede, the root surfaces of teeth become exposed to the oral environment. 

During their initial exposure, root surfaces usually sensitive; however, over time, our bodies adapt to regular stimuli, becoming less so. 

In addition to the sensitivity of a tooth/teeth and the recession of gums as the origin, the condition of your enamel may also be the cause. Enamel acts as a protective barrier, acting as one of your teeth’ first lines of defense from all they are exposed to. 

From the food you eat to the beverages you consume, enamel plays a big part in warding off feelings of sensitivity. When the enamel of a tooth becomes compromised, either from decay or instances such as a chipped tooth, nerve endings that cause pain are exposed.

For recommendations pertaining to the loss/maintenance of enamel, please see the treatments section below.  

Types/signs of sensitivity

Teeth with isolated sensitivity are usually a sign of an underlying problem. The most common types of sensitivity patients experience are:

Cold sensitivity

Heat sensitivity 

Biting pressure/chewing sensitivity

Palpation/pressure sensitivity

Why am I experiencing sensitivity? Cont.  

There is almost an infinite number of reasons a patient may be experiencing sensitivity. The most common reasons are:

-Improper occlusion of biting pressure on a tooth that has shifted or received past dental care 

-Sinus inflammation/allergies

-Recession

-A fractured tooth 

-Bruxism - nighttime clenching and/or grinding 

-Inflammation of the nerve or blood vessels within the tooth 

-Infection of the tooth, surrounding gum, or bone

Treatments/recommendations

First, it’s crucial to establish that if you have been experiencing sensitivity for two weeks or more, an evaluation from a dental expert should be performed in order to achieve a proper diagnosis. By correctly diagnosing the cause of the tooth’s sensitivity, developing a successful treatment plan can be streamlined, and of course, alleviate symptoms.  

For someone who is experiencing sensitivity to heat or cold due to recession, we recommend using Sensodyne toothpaste. Sensodyne contains an ingredient called Potassium Nitrate. This ingredient penetrates the dentin tubules located on the root surfaces of teeth to insulate the tooth from those painful stimuli. 

Sometimes recession is severe enough that Sensodyne is not enough to decrease a patient's symptoms. In which case, scheduling an appointment for a proper diagnosis/course of treatment is recommended. 

Enamel 

To avoid/ mitigate damage to the enamel of your teeth, it is recommended that you avoid food/drinks that have a high pH such as soda and candy. In addition, you may be brushing your teeth with a heavier hand than what’s necessary for your teeth to be properly cleaned. Try using a soft-bristled brush working at a 45-degree angle to your gum to keep maintain the strength/longevity of your enamel. 

Today we explored tooth sensitivity, some of its causes, as well as our recommendations when addressing this issue. Whether we experience any pain or sensitivity of our teeth is all a part of having the smile you deserve. Our experts at M Street Dental are here to help you with whatever your tooth-related inquires/concerns might be. If you’re experiencing sensitive teeth, or have any questions, we’d love to hear from you. Book your appointment today!

From all of us at M Street Dental,

Keep smiling!

How can I improve the whiteness of my teeth?

Everyone deserves a smile they can feel confident about. Everyone deserves a set of teeth they feel proud to bare. Throughout the evolution of dental practices and procedures, there has been a swath of advances that make achieving your dream smile that much easier and enjoyable. This is especially the case with the guidance and support of industry experts like ours at M Street Dental. 

One of the areas that has comes leaps and bounds in the practice of dentistry is the whitening of teeth. Not only have whitening treatments been refined, but our understanding of the practices and general rules of thumb for maintaining the whiteness of our teeth has improved a great deal.   

So, how can you improve/maintain the whiteness of your teeth? Let’s take a look.

What to avoid for whiter teeth

Whitening toothpastes - We do not recommended the regular use of whitening toothpastes for a number of reasons. Let’s explore. 

Abrasive particles - Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive particles that can accelerate the wear of your teeth over time. In actuality, whitening toothpaste will be less aggressive than if you were to scrub your teeth with fine grit sandpaper everyday; however, the concepts are the same. 

Trace amounts of peroxide - Whitening toothpastes only contain trace amounts of peroxide. Since the concentration of such is so low, it’s unlikely to produce noticeable whitening results. 

What we encourage for whiter teeth

Regular cleaning - For anyone with naturally white teeth, surface stains can develop over time from the particles in the food/drinks they consume. Regular cleanings can reduce/minimize the amount of staining present on your teeth.

Professional GLO whitening treatment -  GLO treatment produces significant whitening of the tooths enamel and dentin when used in a controlled setting under the guidance of your dentist. 

Microabrasian - When there are developmental stains that have not responded well to professional whitening treatment(s), microabrasian may be explored as an additional option. Microabrasian is an in office treatment including the removal of a minor amount of enamel (0.1mm of enamel per treatment), to bring the deeper developmental stains to the surface of the tooth. This will then be followed by the tooth being treated with fluoride, in office whitening, along with at home fluoride treatments to target the areas of that were previously resistant to whitening treatment. 

Restorative treatment - In the event that a patients teeth have not responded to the more conservative whitening treatments mentioned above, veneers and crowns can be developed to immediately obtain the desired result. In addition to the whitening benefits of veneers and crowns, shape, size, angulation, and the symmetry between your teeth can also be effectively addressed.  

What decreases teeth whiteness?

-Tea: Although tea is healthy to drink, brewed tea (especially the black variety) can stain teeth more than coffee. Try and be moderate.

-Sports/energy drinks: These drinks can be quite acidic which can erode enamel making your teeth more prone to developmental stains. 

-Red wine: We’ve all seen what a spilt glass of red wine can do to a nice new white shirt. Although our teeth are certainly different than fabric, the concept is the same. Both red and white wine are quite acidic which over time can lead to erosion and the build up of stains. Again, all in moderation. 

-Soda/carbonated drinks: There are many acids/dyes in sodas such as cola, which of course, can lead to significant staining of the teeth. In addition, chemicals that contribute to a beverages flavor can also erode enamel over time. 

Rinse...then brush after eating

All of the drinks mentioned above are enjoyed by many, and although limiting them certainly has its benefits, you can still enjoy them in moderation without worrying too much about staining. The trick is to be mindful what you are consuming and then take the necessary action to avoid/limit the stains that could follow. If you can, rinse your mouth out with water after consuming food/drinks known to cause stains. If you have consumed acidic food/drinks, wait 30 minutes to one hour before brushing. 

Today we covered the topic of teeth whitening treatments, practices to maintain the whiteness of your teeth, and some products to be mindful of that can be prone to causing stains. Improving the health of our teeth, and building a routine to maintain them can seem intimidating at times, but it doesn’t have to be. At M Street Dental, we love supporting our patients on their journey to obtaining/maintaining the smile of their dreams. We’d love to hear from you! Book your appointment with us today and let us do the thinking while you kick back and relax. 

From all of us at M Street,

Stay Smiling 😉

Mamelons: What are they and why do they disappear over time?

Throughout the span of one’s lifetime, our tissues, bones, and organs change shape and composition, as well as grow and/or shrink. Just like the rest of our bodies, our teeth experience many changes over time. Believe it or not, the basic substance of a tooth is formed in the fetus at about 6 weeks of age. From the time teeth begin to develop, to a time where perhaps you’re reading this blog post, your smile has gone through many changes- some small, while others, like losing baby teeth, are much more of a milestone. 

So, what are mamelons and why do they disappear over time, and in some cases why they don’t?

To understand what mamelons are, how they develop, and the gradual disappearance of them, it’s important to discuss how teeth develop, to begin with. 

How teeth are formed

During the development of our teeth, sections are formed that are called lobes, of which each tooth develops 4 or more. On the teeth in the back of your mouth, the lobes form the cusps, or mountains of your molars. As the lobes next to one another grow, they form grooves or valleys on the surfaces of your molars. Your front teeth or incisors develop this same way. You may have even noticed bumps present on your front teeth. As your front teeth come into function, they will naturally wear on average 0.1mm every 10 years. Mamelons present on a childs tooth can be fairly obvious. In most cases, these bumps will wear away over time. 

Why are mamelons sometimes present on adult teeth?

Mamelons that are present 10+ years after erupting, likely remain because those teeth are not in function, either on account of their eruption pattern, or alignment. Conditions such as an anterior open bite can effect the presence of mamelons in adult teeth. An anterior open bite occurs when the incisors (front teeth) in the upper and lower jaw do not overlap. As a result, when the jaws are in a fully closed position, the front teeth will never be under function, and therefore the mamelons will take much longer to clear away.  

Why do some mamelons wear faster than others?

As the expression goes, “no two people are alike”. Although we can observe many similarities in our respective physical development, each of our bodies will grow and change differently over time. For some, mamelons will wear at a much more significant rate than 0.1mm per year. 

Heavy wear can be caused by:

Grinding of teeth at night (Bruxism)

Parafunctional habits - chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, ice, etc. 

Acid erosion - acidic diets/ acid reflux can cause accelerated wear of teeth. Enamel will begin to decalcify at an acid/base pH of ~5.5

Should I have mamelons removed? How are they removed?

First, it’s important to note that the presence of mamelons alone does not suggest any threat to your oral health. However, it should be noted that in the case of mamelons in adult teeth, a condition such as an anterior open bite may be the cause. As a result, you may be advised to pursue options such as orthodontic treatment.

When addressing the removal of mamelons, it is best to seek out the advice/guidance of experts, which of course, we’d be thrilled to provide. Treatment is usually painless, does not require anesthesia, and generally does not include any recovery time. The procedure may include the shaving of the edges of the teeth to align their surfaces. 

Mamelons are harmless and do not interfere with chewing at all; however, should you be interested in making your smile more the way you’d like, treatment of such is simple, and most certainly one of the services we provide here at M Street Dental. 

A parting message…

Today we covered the development of our teeth, the presence of mamelons and there cause(s), and lastly the treatments available should you wish to have them removed. We are all born with different smiles. Your smile is unique, and so, your treatment should be the same. At M Street, we stand by “no two smiles” being the same. We take pride in providing unique, customized care for each patient who steps through our doors. If you have any questions, concerns, or interest in treatment for things such as mamelons, we’d love to hear from you! Book your appointment today.

From all of us at M Street Dental,

Keep smiling!

Why some crowns look fake, and others blend in with your natural teeth

When it comes to caring for your teeth and having dental work such as crowns, accessing the best possible care available can make the difference between a smile that fits you just right, and a smile that doesn’t blend well with your natural teeth. The result of such is teeth that appear noticeably fake, or at the very least, teeth that look like they’ve had work done on them. 

At M Street Dental, our experts take pride in helping you achieve a smile that you can be proud of a smile that looks just as though it was yours all along. 

So, why do some crowns look fake, while others blend seamlessly into your natural teeth? Let’s dive in and discuss some of the reasons. But first, let’s explore what a crown is.

What is a crown?

A dental crown is a cap/covering customized to fit over an existing tooth. Generally, crowns aid in the restoration of both the shape and size of a tooth. Additionally, when executed properly, crowns will add to the strength and performance of a tooth. 

So what separates a good crown from a bad crown? Here are some examples.

Color

When it comes to veneers or crowns, if the wrong color is chosen, your smile can end up looking either unnatural or even fake. Although many of us would like our smile to be as bright and white as possible, there comes a point in the selection of color where crowns no longer resemble the likeness of natural teeth. If it’s a nice, natural-looking smile you’re after, our experts recommend the shade A2. In cases where you’d prefer a lighter shade than A2, we encourage our patients to choose B1.

Bleach shades such as 0M3/0M2 are where the color of your crowns or veneers no longer toe the line of natural-looking, and may appear fake. 

You may have noticed that under certain lighting, natural teeth show a level of translucence. If a crown is too opaque, the result can end up looking counterfeit, especially next to your natural teeth.

Thankfully, our dental experts are more than equipped to help you avoid ending up with a color/shade of crown or veneer that doesn’t look natural.  

Shape

Just like color, the shape of your crowns can significantly impact the appearance of an authentic, natural-looking set of teeth. Symmetry is paramount, and this is especially so in the case of the front two teeth. Even the most subtle differences in the shape of these two teeth can make for a substantially noticeable difference. In addition, the symmetry of the gum tissue can be just as important. Thankfully, our experts are equipped with top-tier knowledge, crafting individual care and proper planning for each patient.

Size

During the process of determining the shape of a crown, there a number of different data points that we collect to guarantee the right size for each specific tooth. For the best possible result(s), variables such as a patient’s resting lip position, and the lip position when smiling are observed and incorporated into each individual care plan. M Street Dental also utilizes a range of photos, and in some cases video in order to determine what shape and size will look best for each patient. 

Lastly, you might be wondering under what circumstances someone might decide to get a crown(s) in the first place. 

Here are some examples of dental crowns and there possible uses:

-Large cavities that are unable to be filled

-Restorative care after a root canal

-Poorly shaped or discolored teeth

-Coverage for dental implants 

-Damaged or worn down teeth

Achieving the smile you’ve always wanted, along with developing an effective and complete dental care plan can seem overwhelming. 

You deserve to be proud of your teeth. You deserve to feel confident about how each of those pearly whites are cared for. At M Street Dental, we take pride in passing along the highest caliber of expertise to our patients. We feel confident there's no smile we can’t help you achieve, and would love nothing more than to be of service for whatever your dental related needs are. Get in touch and book your appointment today. We’re excited to hear from you. 

From all of us at M Street,

Stay smiling. You’re wonderful!

How do I get my kids to brush their teeth?

A self-care routine and the ways in which we develop healthy habits are generally learned, refined, and hopefully maintained over time. As adults, we have the added luxury of leaning into an oral health care regime that albeit frustrating at times, is one that has been built over the span of our lives, complimented by regularity, and hopefully, consistency. 

Teaching your children how to care for their teeth can at times feel like re-learning how to brush your own teeth, all over again. The major difference, however, is that now you are looking to harness the interest of a wild little mind that would likely prefer that their toothbrush was made out of candy. 

The question is, how do you get your kids to find the same excitement in caring for the health of their teeth and gums, as their halloween candy?

Let’s have a look at some of the strategies you might choose to implement along with some recommendations from our experts at M-Street Dental. 

It’s all about flavour

As adults, many of us revel in the minty fresh aftertaste that follows brushing with toothpaste products that leave us with that hallmark clean feeling zing. Much like the glow on the face of someone who enjoys black licorice, this doesn’t always translate well for the taste buds of our children. The goal is for our kids to find the task of caring for their teeth more approachable, and dare we say, perhaps exciting. One simple way to achieve ease in the department of taste is to purchase a few different flavors at once. 

One common misconception is that children’s flavored toothpastes fails to yield the same results as their minty equivalents, however, many reliable toothpaste manufacturers have developed flavors like bubblegum, watermelon, and strawberry–to name a few. Flavors such as these can make teeth brushing time less of a struggle, while offering the same benefits for you children's oral health 

We recommend letting your kids pick the flavors they feel like they’d enjoy. Children love to be a part of these decisions, and believe it or not, this is a very simple way to make the task of brushing your kids teeth, well, less of a task.

Lead by example

Many of us have memories from our childhoods of adults brushing their teeth, going through a skincare routine, combing their hair, and everything in between. As we get older, we tend to forget the impact these moments had on developing interest and maintaining our own wellness routine. 

This is a perfect opportunity to have some fun with your kids, and maybe even get a little silly while you share with them what your routine looks like. Put on a show while you go through your flossing and brushing regime. If you’re up for it, exaggerate your brush strokes so your children can really get an idea behind the mechanics of a quality routine. 

Once you’ve finished up, proudly show off your beautiful smile so your kids know this is not just an exercise in disciplined regularity, but a routine they can feel great about!

Another useful exercise you may want to include, is letting your children practice on your teeth. Kids love the idea of getting to be a part of your routine. This can be super helpful when it comes to getting your kids excited about their own oral health practices. 

What else?

Getting your kids to brush their teeth is a prime example of the role parents play as supportive liaisons in the development of healthy habits and routines. Like most things child rearing, this can be difficult at times, and a real breeze at others. There is no end to the number of creative ways we can motivate our kids to build and maintain great oral care. 

Children love games. Try game-ifying the experience by giving clever names to the leftover food in their teeth “that must be eradicated from their mouth-ly kingdom!” Or, perhaps you’ll find time where together you can choreograph a fun song or dance to make an exciting ritual out of brushing their teeth. 

In summation, we encourage you to keep things light and fun as you explore your imagination for enjoyable ways to incentivize your child's oral care. Consistency is absolutely critical for the wellbeing of all of our teeth. Try your best to include strategies that speak to longevity. After all, one day, your kids will be all grown up brushing their own teeth, and perhaps, sharing that knowledge with their children. Incorporate what will last the test of time. 

From everyone at M Street Dental,

Stay smiling!

Do I need veneers?

When it comes to your teeth, understanding practices in oral health maintenance, keeping up with regular visits to your dentist, and leaning on the opinions of experts like the staff at M Street Dental, are all critical ingredients in making that beautiful smile of yours last a lifetime. 

You’re an expert in having a great smile, and we’re the experts in helping you keep that smile. 

Today we’ll be covering a question we receive often from a lot of our patients: “Do I need veneers?” Education is critical to staying on top of your oral health and we remain committed to delivering to you, the highest caliber of support. Our goal is to ensure the choices you make pertaining to your oral health are supported by expert advice. This way, you can feel confident and informed as you make your decision(s).

Let’s begin by discussing some of the basics about veneers.

What are veneers?

Veneers are a very thin layer of material bonded to the surface of an existing tooth. In general, they are made out of either porcelain or composite resin. Typically, the application of porcelain veneers will require multiple visits, while composite resin alternatives are generally completed in one sitting. It should be noted, however, that not only are porcelain veneers stronger than composite resin veneers, but they will also last longer, and have the added benefit of not becoming stained or discolored over time. 

Why choose veneers?

There are a number of reasons why someone may choose to have veneers. Veneers have been a part of mainstream dental practices since the 1920s after a Hollywood dentist discovered a way to enhance the smiles of his star patients. Since then, the process(es) of veneer application, as well as their overall utility, have grown exponentially. 

Here are some of the most common reasons you might consider visiting M Street dental to discuss whether you might benefit from veneers: discolored teeth, oddly shaped teeth, rotated or crowned teeth, damaged teeth in need of repair, and the closing of gaps between teeth.

We’ve now covered some of the basics of veneers, as well as briefly discussed some of the common tooth-related obstacles they provide solutions for. 

Perhaps you’re still asking yourself questions like, “how long will this procedure take?” or “is it the same application process for everyone?”. These are great questions, and the types of inquiries our experts are proudly equipped to address.

Let’s explore these questions along with some other noteworthy details. After all, knowledge is power. 

A visit to M-Street Dental for veneers

Smiles come in all shapes and sizes. As such, we treat each patient differently, making sure we understand what options are best suited to an individual’s specific needs. The veneer application process and a post-care plan will always be tailored to achieve the best possible results based on a patient’s needs. 

Veneers can be fabricated in a few ways. We are always looking to be as conservative as possible. Each case has some prerequisites that are best visualized after taking models of someone's teeth and adding wax to the models. This helps us determine the proper shape, length, and contours of each tooth. After waxing is when we can make the determination as to which treatment approach is best suited for that patient. A digital mock-up will also allow us to overlay a digital wax-up on a patient’s before photo so they can see how each design may look.

Veneer preparation types

No preparation veneers, meaning we do not need to cut the tooth with a bur. It's rare to have a case where this can be done properly without causing more harm than good, but is a great option for a few. 

Minimal preparation veneers are the most common treatment plan where 0.3 to 0.5mm of tooth structure is removed from the labial surface (the lip side of the tooth)

Standard preparation veneers 0.5-1.5mm of tooth structure removed (mostly to create more retention of the veneer. Veneers, if done improperly are at risk of continued debonding. Retention is key)

Veneers are a two-appointment procedure. The first appointment is longer and involves the preparation of each tooth, impressions of the prepared teeth, and temporary veneer fabrication. The second appointment is a shorter appointment where we will be checking the shape, colors, and marginal seal of the veneers. If everyone is happy, we cement the veneers.

Moving forward

Today we’ve spent some time discussing all things veneers and we believe your teeth are worth the attention and support of the best in the business. At M Street Dental, our experts are here to support you however we can. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain that beautiful smile of yours. If you’re still curious about veneers, we encourage you to get in touch with our staff and make an appointment today. 

We’d be delighted to hear from you.

From everyone at M Street Dental,

Stay smiling!