Tag: Dentist Rochester MN

From Christina, Dental Hygienist: Charcoal toothpastes have gained the attention of most patients, especially at big name stores like Target. Websites like Pinterest are stocked full of tooth whitening charcoal DIY recipes. But does charcoal actually whiten our teeth and is it safe to use? Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work? As a dental professional, I look at evidence-based practice to determine if a product is safe and effective for use. At this point, there isn’t a lot of research that has been done on charcoal as a dentifrice (aka toothpaste). We know that charcoal is negatively charged, therefore, it tends to Read More →

With the Holiday’s fast approaching all of us are thinking the same things…the food! It’s always so good, and if you’re anything like me you eat way too much of it. Then once January comes we all make the same resolution…to lose the Holiday weight. Here I’ve found a couple of fun, cute, and healthy holiday snacks that won’t make you feel guilty afterwards! You’re sure to be the hit of any party with these treats! Christmas Tree Pizza Lunchtime or anytime this Christmas Tree Pizza will be creative and delicious.  Cut out tree shapes before baking pizza crust.  Decorate Read More →

People use the dentist is two main ways. First, some people use their dentist as a “dental emergency room.” This tends to be people who wait for something to break or become painful, then come in to have it fixed. There’s nothing wrong with this model, however, it usually leads to increased costs and unpredictability for the patient. When we wait for the teeth to tell us something is wrong, it’s usually REALLY wrong. We are usually talking big, expensive dental work that needs to be done ASAP. Another option is to come in proactively, BEFORE you suspect problems. We Read More →

What is dental floss and why should I use it? Dental floss is a cord of thin filaments that removes food and plaque that stick between teeth where a toothbrush is unable to reach, polishes hard to reach tooth surfaces, and can help control bad breath. What kind of floss should I use? It really is a matter of personal preference. Waxed floss has a coating that helps it slide through tight spaces. Unwaxed floss does not have this coating, so it is thinner. You can also use Dental tape which is helpful if you have a bridge or wider Read More →

All toothpaste has some type of abrasiveness to it especially when coupled with a toothbrush; just how abrasive that can be is measured by RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion). The ADA created a range of abrasivity that rates different toothpastes and their effect on the teeth. Their list ranges from 0-250 and is broken into 4 sections (Low Abrasive to Regarded as a Harmful Limit). Enamel is not as susceptible to abrasion (the wear on the teeth from a mechanical source, like a toothbrush with toothpaste) because of the hardness of the structure. The underlying structures of enamel like dentin and Read More →

Have you ever had a joint replaced or heart surgery? There is a possibility you were recommended by your physician, surgeon, or dentist to take an antibiotic prior to future dental treatment. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. During some dental procedures, bacteria from the mouth can be introduced into the bloodstream. The bacteria can then travel elsewhere in the body and cause an infection. In these circumstances, an infection is uncommon but can become serious and life threatening. Those who are at higher risk are suggested to take an antibiotic premedication to help prevent the chance of an Read More →

Flossing is recommended daily to clean plaque bacteria from in between the teeth that brushing alone doesn’t remove. Anytime we leave plaque between our teeth we put ourselves at risk for bleeding, inflamed gums, infection, gum disease and decay. Although flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth, there are other options that can work well and may be easier to use. Here are just a few options that we like to recommend in our office. Flossing Helpers: Flossers make it easier to floss because there is a handle attached to the floss. Floss threaders can help you Read More →

We understand that coming to the dentist causes a certain amount of anxiety for many of our patients, young and old alike. It may be the fear of the unknown, a difficult personal experience, or stories of a ‘bad experience’ from a friend or family member. It is our goal at Family Dentist Tree to ensure all of our patient’s feel comfortable during their appointments. We would like to offer some tips that may be helpful in preparing your child for a positive first visit to the dentist. Our dentists recommend your child’s first check-up and cleaning around age three, Read More →

Cancer – the uncontrolled growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Unfortunately, the frequency of oral cancer is on the rise – 100 new cases per day in the United States are being reported – one person every hour of every day will die from it. Risk factors include use of tobacco and alcohol and most recently determined, some strains of HPV (human papilloma virus), but within the last 5 years cases are increasing in males and females under age 50 with no risk factors. The fatality rate for oral cancer is one of the highest due to Read More →

Summer is here and we know the hot weather will keep you thirsty, but before you head to the cooler, you may want to rethink what ice cold drink you are reaching for! Did you know?? The sugar from the drinks you choose mixes with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid. Sugar free drinks often have acid added to them in the form of phosphoric acid, citric acid, malic acid, and many others. The acid from these drinks attacks your teeth for up to 20 minutes for each sip you take, weakening your tooth enamel in the process! Read More →