Dental Quiz from Barrington Dental Care

Here’s an interesting quiz for you.

Who originally dispensed the famous recommendation to “see your dentist twice a year?” We all know it’s true (or do we?) – so when and where do you think that bit of advice originated?

a) The American Dental Association in 1933
b) The world’s first dental college – The University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1845
c) An article in The Journal of Oral Surgery by Dr. Henry Horseacre in 1909 entitled “Proper Protocol for Dental Cleanings.”
d) A radio ad for Pepsodent Toothpaste in 1929

Believe it or not, if you guessed “d” you are correct!

Most of us know the famous order to “see your dentist twice a year.” Some insurance companies even use that interval to define their standards for payment. But the fact is that phrase was developed with no scientific basis at all – and to sell toothpaste!

Another example of this logic was the ad campaign for Pear’s Soap in the late 1800s. The slogan “Have you used Pear’s soap today” ushered in the habit of daily bathing! And while that was certainly a good thing, the fact is that we are all different and to expect that everyone requires the same schedule for their health needs just doesn’t make sense.

When you wash your hair, do you “rinse and repeat?” Do you associate diamonds with engagement rings? Are you convinced that Volvo builds the safest cars? If so, you’ve been influenced by advertising, not necessarily facts. Don’t worry – we are all guilty of it!

At Barrington Dental Care, we don’t believe in a cookie cutter approach when your health is involved. In order to determine the correct dental treatment for you (including how often you should have your teeth cleaned) we perform a thorough examination, checking your teeth, gums, medical history, bite, jaw muscles and more. We even do an oral cancer screening at every check-up.

Everyone is different, so despite what the ad men from Pepsodent once said, let’s scientifically determine the correct schedule for your dental visits by looking at the facts, not an ad slogan. Then you can look forward to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums – and keep smiling forever!

If you have any more questions or would like to set up a visit, please give us a call at 847-381-2676 or contact the Cosmetic Dentists at Barrington Dental Care today. Dr. Todd Powell and Dr. Ron Powell are happy to help you achieve the best smile possible.

At Barrington Dental Care, the offices of Drs. Ronald Powell and Todd Powell, we take dentistry very seriously. But believe it or not, teeth can be fun! We greatly enjoy our profession of dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, and we’re here to show you how fun it can be. Here are ten wild and crazy dental facts that will make you smile and improve your health as well.

1. The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough spit to fill 2 swimming pools!

2. You should not keep your toothbrush near a toilet.  The airborne particles from the flush can travel up to a distance of 6 feet. Yuck!

3. People who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have 62% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than others. Put down the pop and sports drinks and pick up some nice fresh water instead.

4. In 1994, a prison inmate in West Virginia braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall and escaped. (We suggest that you use floss to clean between your teeth instead of climbing prison walls! If you don’t, you are missing around 35% of your teeth’s surfaces.)

5. You should replace your toothbrush at least every three months, and always after you have an episode of flu, cold or other viral infections. Notorious bacteria can implant themselves on the toothbrush bristles leading to re-infections.

6. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. However, we do not recommend that you use your pearly whites to open bottle caps!

7. The standard advice to “see your dentist twice a year” was actually invented by an ad agency for Pepsodent toothpaste! Your dental professional should recommend the correct schedule for your regular dental visits.

8. A recent poll has show that health professionals (physicians, dentists and nurses) were among the most trusted people in the United States. The least trusted? Lobbyists and congressmen, of course!

9. According to a recent survey done by Time Magazine, 59% of Americans would rather have a dental appointment than be sitting next to someone talking on a cell phone. Maybe some of us should take a hint!

10. Over three out of four people in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in people over age 35. The good news is, in most cases gum disease can be prevented or controlled!

At Barrington Dental Care, we are here for you and want to help you achieve the best smile possible. If you have any questions about your dental health or need to schedule an appointment, please call today at 847-381-2676.

Also, visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BarringtonDentalCare