Dental Laser Blog

How to Properly Brush Your Teeth

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:56:01 +0000

Brushing your teeth is very important and can often go unlooked by many people. You take a shower in the morning, get dressed, maybe put on makeup, eat breakfast and then head out the door. Some people only brush at night before they go to bed. However, it is important to brush three times a day and at the very least morning and night. Brushing your teeth is not just for making them more white and shiny. It is one of the biggest things we can do to improve our oral health and hygiene. Here are some proper techniques for brushing your teeth.

Brushing your teeth will prevent bad breath, tarter, plaque buildup, gingivitis, and periodontal diseases. That is why it is so important to follow these techniques for brushing teeth. You can start teaching these techniques to your kids at an early age or correct the way you have been brushing as an adult. You may even see that by following these guidelines you will have fresher smelling breath or fewer cavities.

The first step is choosing the right kind of toothbrush. Kids should have soft bristled toothbrushes or a kid friendly brush that is not too big to fit in their mouths. Some people prefer to get a hard bristle brush, but using that can cause gum recession or be painful while brushing. Medium bristle brushes are good because they are not too soft yet not too hard. Some people prefer electric tooth brushes over a more traditional brush. Smaller headed brushes are good because they can fit in the small places in your mouth and around your teeth.

Once you have your tooth brush, you should prepare it for brushing your teeth. If you floss, this should be done before you brush. To prepare, you should get the toothbrush bristles wet and then squeeze a thin even layer of paste across the bristles. You should use a tooth paste that is right for your needs. Some people need cavity protection while others need a paste for sensitive teeth. You can also find tooth paste that is made for whitening your teeth or fighting tartar and gingivitis.

There are motion techniques that you should use while you are brushing. The front and back and of your teeth should be brushed in a back and forth motion. The inside back teeth, such as your molars, should be brushed in a circular motion. It is very important to brush the back molars because it is an area with a lot of bacteria. Brushing along the gum line will prevent gingivitis and gum disease and should not be forgotten. You can also brush your tongue to remove bacteria that may be causing you to have bad breath. You should brush for one to two minutes, or about 30 seconds per area of the mouth.

Once you have brushed, you can spit out the excess tooth paste. You should avoid swallowing tooth paste because it can cause a stomach ache. For young kids, this may be hard at first so you can use a kid friendly paste that will not hurt their stomachs if they accidently swallow it. Rinse out your mouth with water to remove the paste. You can follow up with mouth wash, but it is not recommended to use mouth wash every day as it can cause your gums to recede.

About the Author: Bob Cobley is the President of Spectrum Lasers Inc. Spectrum manufactures and has marketed dental laser diode internationally since 1998. Approx 2000 GPs and 1200 orthodontists have purchased a dental laser from him. For more information visit http://www.spectralasedental.com.

Dental Laser Diode and Sensitive Teeth

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:07:47 +0000

An everyday discomfort that a lot of people may experience is tooth sensitivity. You may experience pain in your mouth and near your teeth when you drink something hot or cold, eat something sweet or sour, or breathe really cold air. Sensitive teeth can be triggered by these factors and cause a sharp pain that cut reach all the way to the nerve endings in your teeth. Luckily, for those of us with sensitivity, there are methods to desensitize your teeth. You can seek professional help from a dentist or try at home methods to reduce the amount of sharp pains you experience throughout the day from something you are eating or drinking.

Sensitivity occurs when the dentin, or underlying layer of your teeth, is exposed. This is common with receding gums. The roots which are connected to the center of your tooth, or pulp, are stimulated from hot, cold, sweet, and sour which results in a sharp pain. There are factors which can contribute to having teeth sensitivity. Some of those factors are: bushing too hard, frequent use of mouthwash, age, receding gums, acidic foods, gum disease, and a buildup of plaque. Temporary sensitivity can be caused from having a dental procedure, but will likely go away after a day or two.

There are at home remedies you can follow to help desensitize your teeth. First, there are toothpastes you can buy that are made for sensitive teeth. They help to prevent triggers which can cause pain and are less painful to brush with. You can also use a soft toothbrush. This is especially helpful if you brush too hard. Keeping your teeth clean is very important and can start at home and even from a young age. Keeping your teeth clean will prevent gum disease and plaque buildup which is a known factor of causing tooth sensitivity. Be careful of what you eat as well because acidic foods also cause pain. If you are eating a lot of acidic foods, you can cut those foods out of your diet or reduce the intake.

You can also seek professional help from a dentist to desensitize your teeth. Dentists have advanced laser tools, such as the dental laser diode, which is commonly used for soft tissue therapy. The procedure is simple yet effective, and laser tools usually have little to no pain during use. Laser dentistry is advancing quickly because of the quickness of procedures, effectiveness of the tool, and the preciseness during procedures. Dentin and fillers can also help by covering the exposed roots which lead the central nerves in your teeth.

Teeth Brushing Tips for your Kids

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:57:28 +0000

Getting your kids to brush their teeth can be a dreaded task for some parents. A lot of kids are uninterested in good oral hygiene and would rather eat candy than brush their teeth. It is important to teach your kids at an early age the importance of brushing their teeth and having a clean, white smile. As a parent, you must find ways to make brushing more fun. There are plenty of ways to do this especially with toothbrushes and toothpastes designed for younger kids. Here are some tips for keeping brushing teeth fun.

The first tip is to make it fun! You can do this by purchasing bright color toothbrushes or a brush with their favorite cartoon character on it. A lot of brushes are now designed for children. You can also let your kids pick out their favorite toothbrush from the store. Toothpaste it also made the same way, in bright colors, fun flavors, and characters on the toothpaste tube. Listening to music or brushing your teeth with your kids will also make it more fun.

Another great tip is to introduce brushing gradually. You should start by teaching your kids how to brush on a doll for example. You should also start with water and then introduced toothpaste at a later time. A lot of parents want to brush their kids’ teeth for them, but you should allow them to brush their own teeth as well. You can always follow up and brush for them after they have tried it themselves. Just as you brush your kids’ teeth, you can let them brush your teeth.

Introducing toothpaste should be done around 2 years old. Do not use a paste made for adults because the flavor can be too strong or spicy and this will make brushing a dreaded task instead of a fun one. Kid’s pastes are gentler and usually in a fun flavor such as bubble gum. Just use a dab at the beginning and then increase the amount when they are used to it.

While making teeth brushing fun, you should also teach your kids the proper technique. You can show them by brushing your teeth with them. Sometimes, the way you brush is more important than the amount you brush for. It can be a challenge to keep your kids brushing their teeth for a few minutes after every meal. This is where playing music can be a fun idea too. Play a short song while they are brushing, and when the song is over they will know they have brushed for long enough.

Dental Diode Laser Safety Officer Checklist

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:44:52 +0000

The laser safety officer, or LSO, is the designated person in charge while a laser dentistry procedure is in place. They have a lot of responsibility to ensure that there are safety measures to be followed while a laser is in use. They have to control, closely monitor, and adhere to all safety measures that have been established. The LSO does not have to be the dentist operating the dental diode laser, but can shut down operations if safety measures are not being followed. Here is a checklist for the safety laser officer to follow for maximum safety in a dentist and orthodontist’s office.

* Write the Safety Procedures Manual for all staff members to follow
* Establish hazardous areas including Nominal Hazard Zone and Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance
* Training session for all staff members involved with dental diode laser procedures
* Stay up to date with laser dentistry procedures and regulations
* Checks certifications of authorized staff members to use the laser
* Does not share operating password to turn on and operate with the dental laser
* Is well educated with all safety components built within the laser
* Monitors use of laser and ensures all procedures are approved by FDA standards
* Provides protective clothing and eyewear for all staff members and patients
* Does not allow unauthorized or unprotected personnel and patients in operating area
* Maintains the laser on a regular basis checking for calibration, beam direction, and strength
* Records and maintains accurate records of all procedures used with the laser
* Reports any damages or injuries caused by operational use of the laser
* Supervises all dental procedures with the dental diode laser

As you can see, the LSO has a lot of responsibility to ensure that all procedures, staff member, and patients are safe when a dental laser is in use. If there is not a safe operating space, the laser can cause a lot of damages. There are safety hazards that can be avoided with the right safety measures in place. Laser injuries are very serious and some can cause irreversible damage.

Lasers can cause eye damage and skin damage. There are other hazards can incur with a laser because the strength of the beam is so powerful. In addition to eye and skin hazards, there are also non-target tissue and fire hazards. The LSO should implement the safety procedures manual to include all hazards, how to avoid them, and what to do in the event there is an injury or accident.

Dental Laser Diode Terminology

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:52:58 +0000

Introducing laser dentistry to your practice can be very exciting and somewhat fearful. The procedures performed will now be a little different because of the more advanced and precise tool. New certifications will also be necessary to use a laser because of the dangerous laser beam the tool emits. An orthodontist must be certified to operate with a dental laser diode. There will also be new terminology to remember along with their abbreviations and meanings. Here is a look at some of the new terminology you will need to know when using a dental laser.

There are four main terms that the orthodontist or dentist should be familiar with when having laser dentistry as a part of their practice. The terminology to be familiar with is: optical density, nominal ocular hazard distance, nominal hazard zone, and maximum permissible exposure. The laser safety officer or LSO should inform all staff who works around the laser of all the terminology as well. To create a safe working space everyone should know what the LSO is referring to during a procedure such as optical density for example.

Optical density, or OD, is the opacity of the protective material for the laser. Essentially it is the measurement of the wavelength from the optical medium’s transmittance. There is an inverse relationship of the OD because when the wavelength is higher, the transmittance will be lower.

Nominal ocular hazard distance, or NOHD, refers to the distance where the radiant exposure from the laser exceeds the maximum permissible exposure. This terminology is specific to the distance of the dental laser diode and the eye. If the laser safety operator thinks the laser will pass the distance of the NOHD, proper eyewear should be given to protect the eyes. The strength of the laser can cause permanent damage to the eyes if the beam crosses over the eyes.

The nominal hazard zone, or NHZ, can sometimes be confused with the NOHD. However, it refers to the any space in which the maximum permissible exposure is exceeded. Anyone within the NHZ should wear protective clothing and safety gear including protective eyewear. The NOHD refers specifically to the eyes. The strength of the laser will determine the NHZ.

Maximum permissible exposure, or MPE, is the level of laser exposure in which there will be no damage to the skin or eyes. There is a level of laser radiation where a person can be unprotected and have no damaging effects. Essentially, it is the highest power of the laser that is deemed safe.

Dental Laser Diode Safety Components

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:24:06 +0000

Safety is a crucial component of laser dentistry. A dental laser has improved dentistry and has made procedures quicker and more precise. These advantages for both the patient and the orthodontist should be taken seriously throughout a procedure and safety measures should always be in place. As well as being certified to operate with a laser, the orthodontist should be familiar with all safety procedures and components on the laser. Having safety components could result in few laser accidents or careless injuries to the patient’s mouth or gums.

In addition to having a safety plan while the dental laser is in use, there are also components on the laser itself called the engineering controls. The engineering controls, or safety components, are placed on the laser by the manufacturer to reduce some of the possible hazards that could be caused by the laser. There are a number of different components that include: password protected on switch, protective housing, remote safety and interlock jacks, emergency stop button, footswitch protector, a time-out that turns the machine off after a specified idle time, and software diagnostics installed in the machine.

In addition to build in safety components, there are also audible and visible safety signals. The visible warning is usually a colored light. Yellow means that the laser has been turned on and a red light to indicate that laser emissions are in use. Like the light, the safety components were carefully thought out and installed on the machine.

For example, the dental laser diode is operated with a footswitch so that the orthodontist can use both hands during a procedure. The footswitch has a protective cover so that the laser cannot be turned on accidently if someone tripped, fell, or stepped on it. The password protection is a great safety measure. Only certified personnel can operate the laser, and they should be the only people to have the password to turn on the machine. The software diagnostics was carefully planned and implemented. The internal component will turn off the laser if there is anything wrong with it or if something is not attached properly such as the footswitch.

Being familiar and having the safety components on the dental laser diode are not enough for safe practice while the laser is in use. There should also be a safety plan for the assistants and the patients. Protective clothing and eyewear should be worn at all times when the laser is turned on. There can be skin, eye, and even fire hazards with a dental laser. Safety measures can reduce the amount of laser related injuries that can occur.

Causes of Cavities

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:45:30 +0000

At some point in time, either during childhood or our adult years, we have spent time in a dentist chair to get a cavity filled. It is normal to have bacteria in our mouths that do not cause any harm or decay to our oral hygiene or teeth. Unfortunately, some of the bacteria, along with other factors, can be harmful and lead to cavities which are formally called dental caries. A cavity is exactly what it sounds like, a hole in your tooth. If they go unfilled, it can cause more damage that can be harder to fix in the long run. Here are some of the leading causes of cavities and what we can do to fix them.

A cavity will not form over night, but instead go through a process which results in the cavity. The bacteria in your mouth can become harmful which creates an acid that causes the creation of a hole in your tooth. The bad bacterium in your mouth attaches itself to the hard enamel covering your teeth which is the first start of the harmful process. The bacteria can then start to multiply and cause plaque which causes the erosion of the tooth which results in the hole, or cavity.

Unfortunately, sugary foods can increase the process of erosion and tooth decay. Just as people get energy to live on through food calories, the harmful bacteria gets its energy from sugary foods such as candy. Cavities are common in children because they are known to eat a lot of candy and do not always brush their teeth or do an adequate job. It is important for parents and dentists to teach children at a young age the importance of brushing their teeth.

There are other factors besides sugary foods which can cause cavities. Some factors are medical conditions that decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth which can lead to cavities. Other factors include eating a poor diet or smoking for example. You can minimize the amount of dental caries by eating properly, eating less sugary foods, and brushing after every meal. You should not be embarrassed in any way if you do have cavities, because most people will have one in their lifetime.

If cavities go untreated, the damage and pain can become really bad. A cavity is treated by having it filled. If it is really bad, you may have to undergo a procedure in which a dental laser diode may be used to perform soft tissue therapy for example. You may also need a crown or root canal at some point. If a cavity is left untreated the worst case scenario would be to have the tooth removed. You can prevent such scenarios by taking care of your teeth, going to the dentist at the sign of pain, and having your teeth cleaned twice a year by your dentist.

Dental Laser Protective Eyewear

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:58:43 +0000

It is not uncommon for most dentists and orthodontists to practice laser dentistry. The use of lasers in dentistry has increased over recent years because of its many advantages including precision and quicker recovery times for patients. There should be a lot of precaution used when a laser is in use, whether it be at a dentist office or not. One of the most important safety measures to take while using a laser in a dental procedure is to wear protective eyewear. Eye protection should be provided for the patient and should always be used by the laser operator.

Eyes are very sensitive to light which can easily damage the retina. Lasers emit a very strong light beam that can cause a lot of damage and unfortunately, if strong enough, blindness. The correct eyewear must be used to appropriately protect the eyes from the wavelengths the laser emits. Sunglasses would not provide enough protection because they are made to only block out UV rays. They are fashionable but not practical for protection against a dental laser.

The correct protective eyewear should be strong enough to block out or filter wavelengths from the laser. Laser protective eyewear should include both glasses and goggles. The combination of both filters out the harmful radiation that can cause damage to the eyes. If a patient of laser operator is only wearing glasses, they should have shields on the side to protect all areas of the eye. Light can be reflected or scattered from other surfaces, which is why the eye should be fully protected from all sides and angles.

There are different strengths of wavelengths that are used in a dental laser. The eyewear someone is wearing should be strong enough to block out the wavelengths’ strength of the laser being used. The dentist or orthodontist should purchase eyewear that is specifically made for the type of laser they are using at their practice. A quality inspection should be completed upon arrival of the eyewear to make sure there are no damages. The protective eyewear should also be inspected periodically because they can deteriorate over time and not offer proper protection.

As you can see, protection for the eyes is so important and imperative while a laser is in use. A lot of eye injuries occur because proper protection was not being worn during a procedure. The patient, dentist, and any assistants or people in the room should wear protective eyewear when a laser is in use.

Dental Laser Aftercare

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:26:36 +0000

Having a fear of the dentist and canceling appointments can now be a thing of the past. The latest technology in dentistry makes appointments less painful and faster. Laser dentistry is more precise which allows for quicker recovery times and less onset pain from a procedure. Unfortunately, not all procedures will leave you pain free after an appointment at your dentist’s office. Here are some things you can do after your appointment that can ease any pain you might have. Dental laser aftercare will have you feeling better and will ensure proper health of your teeth and mouth.

If you happen to be feeling pain from a simple procedure as your biannual teeth cleaning, there are some aftercare tips for all year round to make your next appointment less painful. A lot of people are guilty of only flossing twice a year when they have their cleaning done. However, you should floss every day, or once a week at a minimum, to improve and maintain your oral health. A lot of plaque and gingivitis that can be painful to remove can be prevented with flossing. Also, brush your teeth two or three times a day or after every meal.

A lot of times, your teeth can become very sensitive after a procedure. If they are sensitive, you can take a pain reliever and use a very soft toothbrush when you brush. A soft toothbrush should be used and provided by your dentist after any procedure that is used with a laser. Your mouth can get sore after some procedures too, and you should not be afraid to take it easy for the rest of the day. You should not feel guilty for taking the afternoon off of work or school if you are in a lot pain.

After a major procedure, your mouth and gums can be prone to swelling. If there is swelling, or if you are in a lot of pain, you can use an ice pack around your mouth where the swelling or pain is occurring. Swelling is very common with a tooth extraction. You should not leave the ice on your face for too long, but ice down the swelling in cycles. You can leave the ice pack on for ten minutes and leave it off for twenty minutes, then repeat.

Most dental laser procedures will have little to no blood and do not require the use of stitches. The laser is so powerful that while it is cutting the gums, it is also sealing them up. If you do notice some bleeding after your procedure, you can stop the bleeding by clotting the area. You can use clean gauze to stop the bleeding and apply a little pressure. If you do not have gauze, your dentist can provide you with some.

Some procedures will also require a follow up appointment with your dentist or orthodontist. If you need to schedule a follow up, do not cancel this appointment. It is important for your dentist to make sure that all the aftercare is working as it should, and he may need to check for complications.

Dental Laser Diode Clinical Applications

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:03:34 +0000

Laser dentistry has really taken off in recent years because of the many advantages the new technology offers both patients and dentists. Procedures now take less time which allows for more patients to be seen throughout the day. The procedures are more precise and patients benefit from faster recovery times and less pain. A dental laser is now a necessity for most orthodontists. It can be used in many orthodontic procedures and it is especially helpful for soft tissue therapy and treatment. Here are some of the clinical applications that can be done in an orthodontic procedure with a dental laser diode.

·Operculum removal – - Removing operculum tissue that can cover partially erupted molars
·Frenectomoy – - Removing the frenulum that is attached to tissue between two teeth (A frenulum is a small fold of tissue)
·Gingivectomy of hypertrophic tissue – - Removing excess or swollen tissue that can cause pain or discomfort if a patient has braces
·Aesthetic gingival recontouring – - This can make a smile more aesthetically pleasing and will improve good oral hygiene
·Access gingivectomy – - Removing tissue from unerupted teeth that can make treatment with brackets easier to place

The dental laser diode makes the procedures more efficient, accurate, and improves the aesthetics of a patient’s smile. Using the laser tool is beneficial because the patient will be able to schedule fewer appointments and will have faster recovery and procedures. The tool is used for both cosmetic and traditional dentistry procedures.

The procedures listed above should be completed by a certified laser specialist in the orthodontic industry. Each procedure requires a different wavelength and strength from the dental laser tool. These procedures may also require local anesthesia, although not all procedures that require the use of the laser may need it. These procedures also require for soft tissue to be removed and the upmost of caution and precision should be in place during the procedure.

There is usually little to no bleeding and most procedures do not require the use of stitches because the tissue or nerve endings are sealed from the laser. The tissue will change color and should be a light brown and not a charred black color. This is why the laser should be used by a certified orthodontist. Laser beams are very strong and need to be used with caution.

A patient should always have a follow up appointment for the orthodontist to examine the healing and areas of tissue where laser was used. A dentist should provide a very soft toothbrush for use after a procedure and instruct the patient to keep their mouth and soft tissue clean.