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Don’t Believe Everything You Hear!

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Dental Quiz from Barrington Dental Care

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.

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Which Toothpaste is Best for Me?

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012


Which Toothpaste is Best for Me?

Which Toothpaste is Best for Me?

If you have been shopping for toothpaste lately, you know that it can be very confusing.

Unlike the old days when the choices were few, these days it seems that there are way too many options. Whitening toothpastes, tartar control, paste or gel, gum health, desensitizing, – which is best? This is a question we get asked all the time. Sometimes it seems like the best thing to do would be to forget the labels and buy whatever is on sale.

The fact is – buying a particular type or brand of toothpaste is usually not as important as the way you brush and how often you do so. But in any case, here is a quick run-down.

Tartar control toothpaste: Tartar is calcified plaque which naturally forms and can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. While tartar control toothpaste has been shown to reduce the formation of new deposits, it can’t remove current ones and does nothing to prevent these formations where they are the most dangerous – underneath the gum line.

Paste vs. gel: No significant difference here; it’s more of a personal preference.

Desensitizing toothpaste: These pastes have ingredients in them which block the small tube-like channels that connect to the nerve tissue inside of your teeth. If you have exposed roots due to gum recession or teeth that are generally sensitive to hot and cold, this may be a good solution for you. But please be patient – it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the magic to kick in.

Whitening pastes: The abrasiveness of these products may reduce surface stains, but they do little to treat the actual yellowing of teeth from the inside. The good news is that most teeth can be whitened with the right treatment. Be sure to ask us what the proper whitening method is for you.

“Gum Care” toothpaste: Studies have shown these to be questionable at best, and they may not be as valuable as standard toothpastes in preventing cavities.

Expensive or bargain brand? The good news here is that price doesn’t seem to be related to effectiveness when choosing a toothpaste. As a matter of fact, recently Consumer Reports magazine rated an expensive paste near the bottom of their list with bargain basement Ultra-Brite near the top in several categories.

So which brand should I use?

Most studies are fairly inconclusive on this one. Your best bet is always a brand that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval. And if that brand happens to be on sale – all the better.

In the end, the most important thing is to brush often (morning, night-time, and after every meal), use a soft brush, try to reach every surface of every tooth, and spend two minutes doing so.

The proper technique is important as well, and we will be glad to demonstrate this to you at your next visit to Barrington Dental Care in Barrington, Illinois! 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 Us Here. We are here to help you.

Contact the Cosmetic Dentists at Barrington Dental Care for all your Dental Health Needs. Dr. Todd Powell and Dr. Ron Powell are happy to help you achieve the best smile possible.

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Even Your Best Friend Won’t Tell You!

Monday, March 19th, 2012

Fight Bad Breath with Barrington Dental Care

Fight Bad Breath with Barrington Dental Care

It’s a situation that has happened to us all.

A friend or relative comes close to talk to you, and when they open their mouth an odor comes pouring out that could knock out a racehorse from a mile away! But besides backing up a few feet and ending the conversation as soon as possible, what do you do?

Of course you could just do nothing. But that is doing your friend a huge social disservice - and possibly not telling them of a negative health issue as well.

So how do you say something so uncomfortable to someone you care about? Here are two great answers we found while researching this question.

“As your friend, it’s important to me that we’re always able to say the things that are hard to say, because that’s what real friends do for each other. I’m not comfortable mentioning this, though if it were me, I’d certainly want someone to say something. I don’t know if you’re aware - but sometimes your breath is quite noticeable. I read somewhere that this can be the result of a dental or medical problem, so I felt it was important to tell you.”

Or how about this one:

“I just wanted to let you know that you’re just like me — we occasionally have bad breath! Here’s what I’ve found that helps.” Then give them mints, gum, or mouthwash. Then add, “The only reason I’m telling you this is that someone once told me the same thing and I realized how much it helped me. Fortunately I was able to find a great dentist who helped me take care of the problem!”

Of course so many things can cause bad breath – all the way from pungent foods like onions and garlic all the way to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, diabetes, and liver or kidney ailments.

Some of the most common causes of bad breath, also known as halitosis, are seen every day in our dental office. Here are some examples:

  • Dry mouth (which can be caused by many common medications, mouth breathing, or lack of saliva flow
  • Gum disease – this normally does not hurt or have obvious symptoms, but is extremely common and can cause unnecessary tooth loss
  • Cavities or ill-fitting dental restorations such as fillings and crowns
  • Poorly fitting dentures
  • Improper cleaning of the tongue, teeth and gums

Whether it’s you or someone else you are concerned about, even periodic bad breath warrants a visit to the dentist. Usually the solution is a simple one, and it is just about always one that brings about better health as well.

So feel free to carry gum, breath mints, or small bottles of mouthwash with you wherever you go, either for you or to help (and drop a hint to) a breath-challenged friend. But please remember, a dental evaluation is always the best move when bad breath is around!

At Barrington Dental Care, our goal is to keep you as healthy as possible at all times. Whether it is an issue with bad breath, beautifying your smile, or anything else, we are here to help you! Please give us a call at 847-381-2676 for an appointment or visit us on the web at http://www.barringtondentalcare.net/appointments.html. Let’s make sure that every conversation you or your friends have is a breath of fresh air!

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Ten Fun and Crazy Dental Facts

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Ten Fun Dental FactsAt 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

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    Beware Of Valentine’s Day!

    Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

    Beware of Valentine's Day

    Beware of Valentine's Day

    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you may be getting ready for some big fat kisses to come your way.

    So even though at the office of Drs. Todd and Ronald Powell at Barrington Dental Care, we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this month’s blog entry to gross you out about kissing. But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your kissing partner right after they smack one on you!!

    Anthropologists have argued for years about the origin of kissing. Many now believe that it has evolved from the time when mothers chewed food for their babies and then went mouth to mouth at feeding time. (Well, okay – we might gross you out a little bit!) This action became so comforting to babies that the habit continued even after they could chew for themselves, and then developed into a sign of affection.

    Nowadays kisses aren’t just about romantic love. Of course parents kiss their children. Worshippers often kiss religious artifacts. Some people kiss the ground when exiting an airplane. And who doesn’t want to have a “boo boo” kissed when they get a bruise?

    But February 14th is a day for the romantic kind of kiss, and if you are craving one, there may be a scientific reason. While this action can promote a psychological response of warmth and affection, it also causes your brain to secrete some important and productive chemicals, such as:

    • Oxytocin, which helps people develop feelings of attachment, devotion and affection for one another
    • Dopamine, which plays a role in the brain’s processing of emotions, pleasure and pain
    • Serotonin, which affects a person’s mood and feelings
    • Adrenaline, which increases heart rate and plays a role in your body’s fight-or-flight response

    But along with that, when you kiss, hundreds or even millions of bacterial colonies are transported from one mouth to the other. And let’s face it – no one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth. So let’s start with the basics:

    • Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
    • Floss once per day – if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask! We’ll be glad to show you the ropes.
    • Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy. (Okay - we won’t tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentine’s Day!)
    • Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.
    • If you need to slip in a piece of gum or breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay.
    • Drink plenty of water! This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath.
    • See you dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect there are any problems with your oral condition.

    Here at the office of Drs. Todd and Ronald Powell, we want you to have a kissable February 14th and a lifetime of excellent dental health. If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at 847-381-2676. We are here for you!

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    Football Season can be a Penalty for your Teeth!

    Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

    Nothing says football season like a big tub of Gatorade being dumped on the winning coach at the end of a game. But for you and your kids it could be offsides and holding on your dental health.

    Originally developed at The University of Florida in 1965 (and named after their sports teams - “The Gators”) Gatorade was intended for athletes such as football players who endured rigorous workouts in the hot sun. But somehow this potent drink has become a staple of our popular culture, and it’s combination of sugars, salt and electrolytes can be anything but healthy for all but the most strenuous exercisers. Teh fact is, for just about all of us, including children, water remains the healthiest drink either with meals or during and after exercise.

    “For most children engaging in routine physical activity, plain water is best,” said Holly J. Benjamin, M.D., a member of the executive committee of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. “Sports drinks contain extra calories that children don’t need, and could contribute to obesity and tooth decay. It’s better for children to drink water during and after exercise, and to have the recommended intake of juice and low-fat milk with meals. Sports drinks are not recommended as beverages to have with meals.”

    Even worse are “energy drinks” - which contain huge amounts of stimulants including caffeine, guarana and taurine. Some of these drinks contain more than 500 mg of caffeine - the equivalent of 14 cans of soda!! Combine that with huge amounts of tooth rotting and obesity causing sugar, and you’ve got a formula for health disaster. To make things worse, some schools actually have “pouring contracts” where they are paid to promote and serve unhealthy sodas and sports drinks.

    The dentists at Barrington Dental Care have some advice for you maintain optimal dental health. Good old fashioned tap water, fortified with fluoride, not only remains the healthiest drink but it’s the least expensive as well.

    So please enjoy football season, but remember not to let your energy drinks and sports drinks blits the dental and overall health of you and your children.

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    Are Your Teeth in “Deep” Trouble?

    Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

    Sometimes tooth damage can be caused by the most unlikely of sources.  Recently one of our patients complained that his teeth were extremely sensitive, were rapidly picking up stain and were actually losing enamel.  After much research, we discovered the culprit to be his swimming pool!

    It seemed that he had a daily swimming routine in his backyard pool but didn’t take the time to monitor the pool chemicals properly.  This led to the pool water having a higher than normal acid content, resulting in severe dental damage.

    According to Dr. Leila Jahangiri, chairwoman of NYU College of Dentistry Department of Prosthodontics, “Improperly maintained pool chlorination can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel.  It is a difficult balance to maintain home pools properly.  Proper pool chlorine and pH levels need to be monitored and maintained on a weekly basis.”

    The fact is, we always need to be careful about things that can negatively affect our dental health.  Many foods, including healthy fruits and vegetables, are high in acid content.  And of course candies, sweets, sodas and sports drinks are loaded with sugar.  These foods are all waiting to do a full out assault on your teeth!

    Medications and other factors which can cause dry mouth are also playing peril with your dental health.  And now it seems even a swimming pool can do your teeth harm!

    At Barrington Dental Care, we care about you, your teeth and your gums as well as your overall health.  Please make sure to brush twice a day, especially after exposing your teeth to potentially harmful substances.  And don’t forget to floss!  If you are not sure how to use dental floss or find it uncomfortable when using it, feel free to ask any of our staff members for instructions.

    Most importantly, don’t forget that your regular dental visit is not “just a check-up” - it is a crucial part of your overall health care.

    If you have any questions about this or any other dental issue, we are here for you!  Please give us a call at 847-381-2676.  And enjoy what’s left of the summer and hopefully we will have a pleasant fall.

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    Your Teeth Deserve A Vacation

    Thursday, July 14th, 2011

    The suitcases are packed, the car is loaded, the dog is in the kennel and it is time for the summer vacation! There is no better time for relaxing at the beach, exploring a fascinating city or just enjoying the outdoors.  Being miles away from home always makes it less stressful and more fun.

    But being miles away from home means that you are far from us-your favorite dental office!  And while there is no way to prevent a dental emergency from happening while you are away from home, there are a few items you can bring on vacation to make things more pleasant should an emergency situation arise.  You can even throw several items into a cosmetics bag and make your own “Dental Emergency Kit!”

    Pain relief: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil or generic is usually safe and effective to use for minor dental discomfort.

    Lost filling or crown: “Dentemp One Step Filling Material” is a good temporary solution for replcing a crown (cap) or protecting an area exposed by a lost filling.  This is available at most drug stores.

    Broken denture: “The D.O.C. Denture Repair Kit” works as a short term measure to adhere a lost denture tooth or repair a cracked denture.  Also available at most drugstores.

    Lost tooth: Carry an empty prescription medical vial.  Should an accident occur and an adult tooth is lost with the root intact-DO NOT clean or handle the root.  Place it in the medicine vial along with some liquid, preferably milk and seek dental attention immeditely. The longer the tooth is out of the socket the less chance there is for the tooth to reattach to the bone.

    Food or other item stuck between the teeth: This can be a very uncomfortable situation, be sure to have dental floss on hand to remove any item stuck between the teeth. You should be carrying dental floss with you anyway.

    Cute on the gums, lip or tongue: As with bleeding anywhere in the body, pressure with a clean gauze or cloth is the first line of treatment.  If the bleeding doesn’t stop seek medical help immediately.

    For many minor dental irritations of the teeth, gums and mouth, a good old-fashioned salt water rinse can give temporary relief.  We are not big fans of Ambesol Gel as there are many side effects and over usage can harm the mouth tissues.

    So there you have it-your very own travel dental emergency kit!  The most important thing to remember that all solutions presented here are temporary in nature.  Should an emergency arise, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

    At Barrington Dental Care, we are always here for you, even if you are away from home.  If you have any questions about a dental emergency or anything else dentally related give us a call at 847-381-2676.  Have a safe, healthy vacation and don’t forget to brush and floss.

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    The Sahara Desert and Your Mouth?

    Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

    Do you ever feel like your mouth and The Sahara Desert have something in common?

    If so, you are not alone. Over 25 million Americans suffer from dry mouth.  And it’s not just the discomfort of dry mouth ( known as “xerostomia’ by dentists) that is the problem; it is often accompanied by trouble chewing and swallowing, difficulty in speaking, a rise in dental decay and gum disease and often, there is bad breadth.  If people act like there is a fire drill taking place every time you open your mouth, this could be the culprit!

    So why do so many of us have what is often referred to as “cotton mouth?”

    According to the FDA, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. It is caused by mouth breathing, dehydration (drink your water) and lack of salivary flow due to aging. In rare instances, dry mouth may be caused by an underlying disease-so it is not something to take lightly.

    There are several things you can do to help the symptoms of dry mouth, including:

    1. Chewing a sugar free gum containing Xylitol

    2. Drinking plenty of water

    3. Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth (easier said than done)

    4. Frequent brushing and flossing with a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse

    5. Using a room vaporizer to humidify the room your sleep in

    6. Using an over-the-counter saliva substitute

    Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness with an increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular  dental visits are a must. If you are experiencing dry mouth problems, please call us now at 847-381-2676  for an appointment to discuss the problem. Your health is important to us and we want you to smile for a lifetime.

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    Less Taste, More Fillings!

    Monday, April 4th, 2011

    The band, Steely Dan once sang about “Gold Teeth”-but more of us probably have silver in our teeth than gold.

    Recently, many patients have been asking about the difference between traditional “silver” fillings and the more modern, tooth colored or “white” fillings. Here is a little history (I will try to make it fun) and then some answers to the many questions people seem to be having.

    Ancient dentists used materials as diverse as cork,  gum, lead and stone chips to restore decayed teeth.  Then in China in 659 AD, dentists began experimenting with using silver as a material to plug unwanted dental holes.

    After experimenting with many formulations over the years, in the early 1800s a French dentist named Louis Regart added mercury to the mix, creating the first version of the modern day silver filling, known as dental amalgam.  The formula was so controversial that when it was first announced in the United States by two Frenchmen known as the Crawcour Brothers, they were run out of the country!

    Eventually, the formula was perfected and it became the material still in use today which we typically call “silver fillings.”  Most Americans who visit the dentist on a regular basis (especially those of us that are over thirty years old) have a few of these gems in our mouths.

    Lately, some groups have pointed out that mercury can be a very unhealthy thing to have in our body and have actually called for the removal of all of these fillings!  While it is true that  in large quantities mercury is toxic, after extensive studies the American Dental Association has concluded that there are no significant health risks to using this time tested material.

    However, we feel it is important to point out two major differences between these traditional silver amalgam fillings and the more modern tooth colored materials.

    A silver filling does not bond to the healthy tooth materials; it is kept in place by placing the material using a wedge effect.  So while it may do a good job of replacing a decayed area in your tooth, it also weakens the tooth and makes it more susceptible to cracks and fractures, often leading to more extensive treatment such as a crown which covers the tooth completely.  For this reason, we are extra careful to check these fillings closely for any signs of breakdown during your examination.

    On the other hand, a tooth colored filling also known as a “composite” actually bonds to the healthy tooth and creates one big strong healthy tooth unit.

    The other  major difference is obvious-a composite filling is a beautiful almost invisible way to treat a decayed tooth while an amalgam filling looks like metal.  Do you ever see a famous singer on TV open really wide to reveal a mouth full of silver?  We see it all the time.  We are probably more obsessive than you are and are looking for the amalgam fillings.

    So, keep brushing and flossing well, eating a healthy diet and going for regular dental visits, and maybe you won’t have to worry about any type of fillings.

    However, should you have a “cavity”-we will be glad to discuss all of the options with you and work with you to figure out the best way to treat your individual situation.  Our goal is to provide treatment which is strong and beautiful too!  At Barrington Dental Care, we always want to recommend the absolute best options to suit your needs and keep your mouth healthy for the rest of your life.

    Should you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment at Barrington Dental Care, please call us at 847-381-2676.  We are here to help you smile for a lifetime.

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