In Kansas there is a severe dentist shortage, so this measure will help Kansas dentists spend more time doing complicated work that might have been neglected since they were so busy doing basic services.

The dental hygienists would be a new class, Level III, and would have to receive more training than other hygienists. Their additional responsibilities would include identifying and removing decay, placing temporary fillings, adjusting dentures and checking for sore spots, extracting loose [...]]]> A bill passed the Kansas House that will let specially trained dental hygienists do temporary fillings, pull baby teeth and perform other basic dental services.

In Kansas there is a severe dentist shortage, so this measure will help Kansas dentists spend more time doing complicated work that might have been neglected since they were so busy doing basic services.

The dental hygienists would be a new class, Level III, and would have to receive more training than other hygienists. Their additional responsibilities would include identifying and removing decay, placing temporary fillings, adjusting dentures and checking for sore spots, extracting loose baby teeth, smoothing sharp teeth with drills, and using local anesthetics.

They could work in prisons, health care clinics, and with low-income seniors, and the developmentally disabled. This would assist low-cost clinics, and those who are on Medicaid that private dentists don’t accept.

But even though this is a step, some say it still isn’t enough since patients would still need to go to the main clinic for a permanent filling. Some recommend a category for ‘registered dental practitioners’ who would be allowed to perform more permanent restorative services for hard-to-serve populations. Fort Hays State University has offered to enact a program that would train practitioners to provide these services in western Kansas.

The bill for dental practitioners introduced earlier this session was shot down by the Kansas Dental Association since it said the bill could jeopardize patient health and safety. Some hope the dental practitioner bill will come up again next year to help expand dental care even more.

If you are in need of a dentist, there is no shortage here at the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. 

Forensic dentists are also known as forensic odontologists. They must identify the dead by their teeth and also if victims were bitten they must determine who or what bit them.

Teeth are helpful in identifying victims because they remain when other parts of [...]]]> Most TV shows or movies about crime scene investigations focus on a dead body lying on the ground, but forensics also includes examining victims' teeth. The FBI states that there are 100,000 active missing people cases in the USA at any time. Forensic dentists help identify victims and criminals in order to bring peace to families’ lives.

Forensic dentists are also known as forensic odontologists. They must identify the dead by their teeth and also if victims were bitten they must determine who or what bit them.

Teeth are helpful in identifying victims because they remain when other parts of the body may get destroyed. Tooth enamel is harder than any other matter in the body, which is why even fire victims can be recognized by teeth since teeth can endure temperatures of more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

No two sets of teeth are exactly alike, and different dental treatments make them even more unique. Teeth are as helpful as fingerprints or DNA evidence in establishing a body’s identity.  The best way to use teeth found on an unknown body is to match them up to dental records. Even if there are only a few teeth to look at, a forensic dentist can still determine who the deceased person is.   

Another part of forensic dentistry is looking at bite marks. A forensic dentist looks at bite marks to determine who or what animal bit the victim. A forensic dentist will be contacted immediately if there are bite marks, since they quickly change over time.

Dentists take measurements and pictures of each individual bite mark. The different impressions will show the dentist if the biter was missing a tooth, had a gap or chipped tooth and the dentist can compare findings to the biter’s teeth.

Some dentists who work with human remains don’t even need dental records to identify victims, but use high-tech computer technology to determine the person’s identity in only a few minutes. If there aren’t dental X-rays available then digital photographs of the teeth can be compared to smiling photos of the victim. 

The FBI is creating a nationwide “high speed” dental identification system that will compare thousands of dental records in minutes. The faster the identification, the sooner the family can know about their loved one and have closure and recovery. 

The stem cells can be saved from baby teeth, teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons, and wisdom teeth.  Dental stem cells are located in the pulp of healthy teeth. The dental pulp is stored at low temperatures until needed.

Stem cells are important because they can be used in future therapies in regenerative medicine and dentistry. Studies have shown that dental stem cells [...]]]> There is now another option for parents who missed out on saving their child’s umbilical cord stem cells. New research shows that children’s “milk teeth” have stem cells that can be used to help during disease or illness.

The stem cells can be saved from baby teeth, teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons, and wisdom teeth.  Dental stem cells are located in the pulp of healthy teeth. The dental pulp is stored at low temperatures until needed.

Stem cells are important because they can be used in future therapies in regenerative medicine and dentistry. Studies have shown that dental stem cells may be able to produce insulin and might be able to treat type 1 diabetes.

Another study in Japan showed that spinal cord injuries can even be reversed through stem cells. People who suffer from strokes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. can also benefit from stem cells.

If you use your own stem cells for treatment, there is less risk that your body will reject medical treatment and less need of powerful drugs that can have negative side effects on your body. Plus, stem cells from teeth reproduce at a more rapid rate and for a longer span of time than those taken from other body tissue.

Stem cells do age and regenerative properties slow down, so it is better to get stem cells earlier in life so they will be more helpful when needed. If you would like to learn more about dental stem cells, contact  the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. 

Up to 40 percent of the time anesthesia during painful dental procedures fails to numb. But when it is mixed with mannitol, the effects are much better. Mannitol opens the membrane that shelters nerve fibers under the tooth and lets the anesthesia come in.

Mannitol is very similar to sorbitol. It is a safe, natural chemical, which is found in fruits and vegetables and passes through the body rapidly, according [...]]]> If you avoid the dentist because of the pain you feel even with anesthetic injections, now there is a new way to help lessen your agony by using sugar alcohol.

Up to 40 percent of the time anesthesia during painful dental procedures fails to numb. But when it is mixed with mannitol, the effects are much better. Mannitol opens the membrane that shelters nerve fibers under the tooth and lets the anesthesia come in.

Mannitol is very similar to sorbitol. It is a safe, natural chemical, which is found in fruits and vegetables and passes through the body rapidly, according to LiveScience. In a study, it helped lessen the pain of 40 subjects who needed three dental appointments to repair their teeth.

Most dental work anesthetic injections have lidocaine and epinephrine. Lidocaine eases the pain, and epinephrine slows the absorption of the lidocaine into the bloodstream so it will lessen the pain longer.

During the study some patients were given the standard mix of lidocaine-epinephrine, some were given the standard plus mannitol, and then the rest were given a higher volume of lidocaine-epinephrine with mannitol.

The mannitol mix helped lower the pain in the patients, and the mixture with the higher amount of lidocaine-epinephrine plus mannitol worked the best.

This is one option to avoid painful visits, but there is also sedation dentistry. If you have dental anxiety because of past experiences, contact the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry to learn more about sedation dentistry and how it can help you feel like you slept through your dentist appointment. 

The number of kids ages 17 and younger getting braces has risen 46% over the past decade to 3.8 million in 2008, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.  The Association’s president stated that 15-20% of 7-10 year-olds he sees get orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists state it is better to correct underbites and [...]]]> Most children wandering middle and high school hallways had braces, have braces, or will get them soon. Yet now there is a rise in elementary school children getting braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, 7-years-old is now the perfect time to see whether children need braces.

The number of kids ages 17 and younger getting braces has risen 46% over the past decade to 3.8 million in 2008, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.  The Association’s president stated that 15-20% of 7-10 year-olds he sees get orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists state it is better to correct underbites and narrow upper arches while the jaw is still growing. Patients who are 7 or 8 years-old can get a palatal expander that will widen the upper jaw as it grows, so the teeth line up better with the lower teeth. Then when they are teenagers, the next treatment is hopefully quick and simple.

Many parents want their young children to get braces because they think it will help prevent intense orthodontic treatment when they are older. Also, since children are now more self-image conscious, they hope braces will prevent cooked teeth embarrassment.

Yet, early treatment doesn’t help all orthodontic problems. Studies have shown that overbite or buck teeth treatments at a younger age doesn’t have as much benefit as doing it later on in adolescence.

Orthodontists usually only recommend early intervention when it will help the patient in the future. Yet, orthodontists are feeling more pressure to give children braces at earlier ages to satisfy parents' and children’s self-esteems.

At Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry we care about your oral health and your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our  Invisalign treatment, an invisible way to straighten your smile. 

After people munch on snacks or eat meals, plaque levels go up. This creates cavities as the acids in the plaque’s bacteria eat away at the teeth. After eating a meal, it helps to chew gum because it creates saliva, which washes away the acid in plaque that creates teeth decay and bad breath.

1. Get Rid of Scratches on CDs or DVDs

Instead of throwing away marked-up CDs or DVDs, rub non-gel toothpaste over the scratches. Then rinse with warm water. You may need to try it again if there are multiple scratches, but after your toothpaste trick, the DVDs and CDs should work as good as new.

2. Hang Up Posters

Squeeze out a little toothpaste to each corner and edge of the poster, and then stick it up on [...]]]> Toothpaste comes in handy, but not only for preventing cavities.  Here are 7 useful ways to use your toothpaste outside the bathroom.

1. Get Rid of Scratches on CDs or DVDs

Instead of throwing away marked-up CDs or DVDs, rub non-gel toothpaste over the scratches. Then rinse with warm water. You may need to try it again if there are multiple scratches, but after your toothpaste trick, the DVDs and CDs should work as good as new.

2. Hang Up Posters

Squeeze out a little toothpaste to each corner and edge of the poster, and then stick it up on the wall. It will adhere like tape. When it’s time to remove it, it will easily come off with no holes or stains left behind.

3. Wipe off Crayon and other Marks from the Walls

If you have colorful crayon drawings or scuffs on your walls, just open some toothpaste, squeeze it on the wall and scrub with a rag or brush. Then rinse off the toothpaste. The gentle abrasive in toothpaste just takes off the stains, not the paint, so you will be left with a fresh, clean wall.

4. Car Air Freshener

All you need is toothpaste and a paper towel to refresh your car. Squeeze some into the middle of a paper towel, fold it up, and hide the towel under the seat. As time passes, the toothpaste will release the fresh, minty clean fragrance everyone loves. Replace it whenever the scent starts to fade.

5. Remove Water Rings from Tables

Don’t have worry about those water glass stains on your beautiful table anymore. Just put some toothpaste on the rings, and use a soft cloth to wipe them away. Use a damp cloth to take off the toothpaste, and you are left with a stain-free, polished table once again.

6. Pimple Popper

If you need your red, glowing pimple gone by morning, try putting some toothpaste on it at night, and when you wake up your zit will have disappeared. Make sure to use basic white toothpaste without whitening since the hydrogen peroxide may harm sensitive skin.

7. Deodorize Hands

After chopping onions or garlic or using a strong-scented cleaning product, the smell remains on your hands long after you’ve finished cutting or cleaning. When this happens, rub some toothpaste into your soap while washing your hands to remove those lingering smells---just like brushing your teeth would remove odors from your mouth.

For the 7 secret uses of toothpaste above, avoid toothpaste with fancy flavors, colors, and gels. Use white, non-gel tooth paste you can pick up even at the dollar store.

Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and General Dentistry wants to remind you to first of all use your toothpaste to clean your teeth twice a day and then use it in any other helpful way. Have you ever used your toothpaste other than for cleaning your teeth? 

New research from the University of Bristol and Monash Univeristy, Australia found that conodonts’ teeth had tips one-twentieth the width of a human hair and are invisible without a microscope, but could apply pressure that could compete with that of human jaws.

The condonts went extinct about the time dinosaurs arose 200 million years ago, but they were most likely the first creatures with teeth. Even though the condont didn’t have a jaw or jaw muscles like us to help it [...]]]> The sharpest teeth of all time were in the jawless mouth of a primitive eel-like animal---the two-inch long conodont.

New research from the University of Bristol and Monash Univeristy, Australia found that conodonts’ teeth had tips one-twentieth the width of a human hair and are invisible without a microscope, but could apply pressure that could compete with that of human jaws.

The condonts went extinct about the time dinosaurs arose 200 million years ago, but they were most likely the first creatures with teeth. Even though the condont didn’t have a jaw or jaw muscles like us to help it eat, it used tiny forces to bear down on food, which kept its teeth sharp. Also, its teeth were like blades and sliced food from left to right and interlocked, instead of going up and down like mammalian teeth.

The sharper the teeth, the easier they normally can break, but these animals re-sharpened and repaired worn down teeth throughout their lives, which most animals haven’t figured out how to do.

The condont teeth were studied through high resolution 3D models of the condont elements that used x-rays from a particle accelerator. The virtual models were studied, so the original specimens weren’t tampered with. There are many condont teeth in marine sedimentary rocks, which can continue to be studied to help scientists learn more about where teeth came from.

Even thought the dentist can’t give you conodont sharp teeth, we can help you if your teeth are worn down. Contact Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and General Dentistry to learn more about our wide variety of dental services. 

The Justin Bieber singing toothbrush by Brush Buddies has two buttons: one for when you brush your teeth in the morning and one for at night. Each button plays a popular Justin Bieber song, such as “Somebody to Love” and “Love Me”, for two minutes, which is the time we recommend for you to spend brushing your teeth.

It also has a replaceable brush head since we also suggest that [...]]]> If it is hard for your children to instill a teeth brushing habit, there is a new product that will help them enjoy and even want to brush their teeth.

The Justin Bieber singing toothbrush by Brush Buddies has two buttons: one for when you brush your teeth in the morning and one for at night. Each button plays a popular Justin Bieber song, such as “Somebody to Love” and “Love Me”, for two minutes, which is the time we recommend for you to spend brushing your teeth.

It also has a replaceable brush head since we also suggest that you replace your brush every three months. Not only are there toothbrushes, but also floss with Justin Bieber that will encourage your tween to floss everyday like she should.

For your younger children there are other products to help them discover teeth brushing fun. Brush Buddy Talking are tooth brushes with different animals that teach your children step by step how to brush their teeth correctly. The animals talk in a merry voice to your children for two minutes while they clean their teeth. If you would like to get one, Brush Buddies can be found at any drug store and most popular retail chains.

It is vital to your children’s health to get them in the habit of good oral care such as brushing their teeth and flossing. Using these entertaining tools is a perfect way to get them excited about brushing their teeth for the rest of their lives.

1. Chewing Ice:

Many people enjoy chomping on ice after drinking a nice, cold drink. It may be refreshing, but it isn’t for your teeth. Biting down on the cold, hard ice causes fractures in your enamel, which can lead to cavities or other dental issues because bacteria settle in the cracks. Instead, chew on something like [...]]]> Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, and visit the dentist every once in awhile, it doesn’t mean you have great dental hygiene. There are many bad habits that can harm your teeth without even realizing it like these five below:

1. Chewing Ice:

Many people enjoy chomping on ice after drinking a nice, cold drink. It may be refreshing, but it isn’t for your teeth. Biting down on the cold, hard ice causes fractures in your enamel, which can lead to cavities or other dental issues because bacteria settle in the cracks. Instead, chew on something like carrots or an apple, which actually help clean your teeth’s surface.

2. Drinking Sodas or Juices:

There are people who are so addicted to sodas they can’t go a day without at least two. Yet, drinking a high quantity of them or other sugary, acidic beverages like juice or sports drinks is dangerous for your teeth. The acid will erode your tooth enamel, and the sugar creates bacteria, so your teeth will be more susceptible to decay. Make sure to drink these in moderation and always brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after sipping them.

3. Teeth Tools:

If you use your teeth to open a snack bag, pop open a bottle, rip some thread or take a tag off new clothing, stop now. Using your teeth as a handy tool can cause teeth trauma and result in breaks or chip your teeth. Teeth are made to handle vertical forces, but not lateral. If it is done constantly, you can develop an unsightly groove in your tooth. Instead, take the extra minute to find the proper tool for the job.

4. Oops, Forgot to Floss:

If you brush twice a day, but only floss every once in awhile than your teeth are not sufficiently clean. Flossing removes food debris and plaque in the hard to reach areas. If the debris remains, it can result in tooth decay, and plaque can harden into tartar. Try to get in the habit of flossing, and once you do you will wonder how you ever did without it.

5. Scrubbing Your Teeth:

If you brush your teeth intensely, it doesn’t mean they are getting cleaner. Scrubbing your teeth like stubborn, stuck on stains will cause more harm than good. Hard brushing can result in tooth trauma and  gum line recession. Be gentle and brush in small, circles for two minutes, which will clean your teeth thoroughly.

Contact Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and General Dentistry to learn more about how we can help you get out of bad dental habits and into good dental hygiene.