If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing—your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It’s up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements. At our Beaufort dental office, both Dr. Covington and Dr. DuRant graduated with a DMD degree. Did you know that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree is on par with those of medical …
(Abscess) Toothache Treatment
An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth. These problems can let bacteria enter the pulp (the soft tissue of a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue) and can lead to pulp death. When pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone, it forms a pus-pocket called an abscess. If the abscess is not treated, it can lead to a serious infection in the jaw bone, teeth and surrounding tissues. Symptoms of an abscess include: pain swelling redness in the gums bad taste in the mouth fever An abscessed tooth can be treated with various treatments, depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some of the treatment methods a dentist may …
What’s in Your Toothpaste?
Did you realize that you typically spend about 24 hours every year brushing your teeth. In all that time have you ever wondered what was in your toothpaste? The answer varies from brand to brand but here are 5 ingredients that are the most common. Fluoride This mineral is key to fighting tooth decay. Fluoride makes the enamel of your teeth harder and more resistant to acid wear. To make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, check the list of active ingredients for sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate or stannous fluoride. Only these three forms of fluoride are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration for cavity prevention. And a little fluoride goes a long way: Most toothpastes contain only 0.15% fluoride ion, or 1500 …
Good Foods for Dental Health
Water Rules Water is unlike any other drink, and is by far the healthiest drink available. Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps your muscles moving. And--drinking water really helps your teeth stay health – especially if it’s fluoridated. Drinking water with fluoride, which is “nature’s cavity fighter,” is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities. And, water helps wash away food particles and keeps your saliva levels high. If You Can, Choose Dairy Cheese is one of the best foods for healthy teeth for a number of reasons. First, it is low in sugar and high in calcium. It …
Why is soda bad for your teeth?
Ever seen those videos where someone puts a baby tooth in a glass of soda and watches it decay? Well, the effect of soda in an actual mouth is a bit different. You have your saliva to help wash away the sugar, you eat other things throughout the day, and brush at least twice a day to remove debris or plaque. Nevertheless, soda is not something we recommend you consume more often than a once-in-awhile treat. Here’s why: Sugar Soda has extremely high sugar content. The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed off of sugar and excrete acid, which is what causes tooth decay. The more sugar our teeth have to interact with, the more prone to decay they will be. Acid Think diet soda is a better alternative? Even though it contains zero sugar, it …
What Should I Expect at My Child’s First Dental Visit?
At Lowcountry Family Dentistry, our well-trained staff will ease your child into the new dental atmosphere and make them feel comfortable and relaxed while our dentist gently performs the initial exam. During this extremely important oral health check, our dentist will pay close attention to your child’s bite and the way their teeth are coming in. Identifying potential issues early is a great way to utilize proactive care. Often, Dr. Covington will order a dental cleaning, topical fluoride rinse, or other treatment to give your child a good boost in future cavity prevention and to help strengthen tooth enamel. What Happens After the Exam? From the very first visit, we like to set the tone for healthy dental habits that will last your …
Test Your Dental IQ
Try your hand at these questions on what's good for your teeth. Questions 1. Chewing gum is always bad for your teeth. __True __ False 2. You should replace your toothbrush every six months. __ True __ False 3. Nearly 35,000 new U.S. cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. ___ True ___ False 4. The amount you sleep affects your gums. ___ True ___ False 5. Dentists recommend fluoride consumption for adults and children of all ages. ___ True ___ False 6. Healthy teeth and gums reflect your body's overall health. ___ True ___ False Answers 1. False. The American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs has awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance to several sugarless gum manufacturers. …
Minimally Invasive Dentistry
What is minimally invasive dentistry and how is it different from regular dentistry? The goal of minimally invasive dentistry, or microdentistry, is to conserve healthy tooth structure. It focuses on prevention, remineralization, and minimal dentist intervention. Using scientific advances, minimally invasive dentistry allows dentists to perform the least amount of dentistry needed while never removing more of the tooth structure than is required to restore teeth to their normal condition. In addition, in minimally invasive dentistry, dentists use long-lasting dental materials that conserve the maximum tooth structure so the need for future repairs is reduced. How does it work? First your dentist will evaluate your risk for tooth decay. …
How to choose a Dentist
Begin the Search It is generally acknowledged that more than 46 percent of consumers do not have a general dentist. Many consumers turn to the phone book to search for a new family dentist. However, this tool may not be the most reliable source of information. Family, friends, neighbors or co-workers can be excellent sources, and can refer you to a dentist they feel comfortable visiting. Ask your family physician or local pharmacist. If you are moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation. Last, call your local or state dental society. Questions you should ask your sources: > What do they like about the office? > What do they like about the dentist? Start With a Consultation Call or visit more …
Geriatric Dental Care
Due to advances in medicine and an increase in prolonged life expectancy, the number of older people will continue to increase worldwide. It is essential that all older adults practice and maintain good oral hygiene due to the high correlation between oral health and general health. How should I care for my teeth as I get older? Maintaining good oral health is not only vital to your systemic health—it can keep you smiling well into retirement. Brushing at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush is as important as ever. Flossing is very important, too—it helps to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline that your toothbrush cannot reach. Am I more prone to certain oral conditions as I age? As …