The Trickiest Tooth Trivia

Here at Dr. Ku’s office we love trivia and have learned through the years that MANY of our patients do, too! And while we all hope that we’ll see a category on Jeopardy dedicated solely to tooth trivia, we continue to prepare ourselves until that day—and help you along the way. 

 

If you are able to win it big thanks to a fun fact that you learn here, just remember your friends here at Dr. Ku’s office! 

 

Let’s get started! Did you know… 

 

• Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body. It’s made up of 96% minerals and is one of the only parts of the body that cannot regenerate or repair itself. That’s why it’s so important to practice good oral hygiene, limit sugary and acidic foods, and see your dentist regularly! 

 

• Just like a fingerprint, your tongue print is unique to you. No two people have the same one, and some cyber experts are looking at ways to use your tongue for biometrics. 

 

• We all have a dominant hand, which usually corresponds to the dominant side of your mouth. That means that if you’re right handed, you are more likely to chew on the right side of your mouth. Test it out! 

 

• The second most common disease in the United States isn’t cancer or the flu, it is tooth decay. But with good oral health practices, it’s also totally preventable. 

 

• Children, on average, only have 20 teeth. Compare this to adults who have 32 (including their four wisdom teeth). 

 

• You produce between two and four quarts of saliva every day! Over a lifetime that’s over 25,000 quarts! 

 

• Unlike bones or other parts of the body like your skin, the teeth are incapable of self-repair. And since they can’t heal themselves, that is why fillings are necessary. A filling prevents further destruction of the tooth when infection and decay happen. 

 

• The way to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile is by their teeth. And while we don’t endorse getting close enough to know, it comes down to the fourth tooth on the lower jaw. If that tooth protrudes out when the snout is closed, it’s a crocodile; if it doesn’t protrude out, it’s an alligator. 

 

• Americans purchase 3 million miles of dental floss every year. 

 

• George Washington did not have a set of wooden dentures. However, he did have notoriously bad teeth, and instead had a set of ivory dentures. 

 

• Sugar-laden cotton candy was actually invented by a dentist and introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair. 

 

• The earliest record of a toothbrush was noted in Chinese literature about 1600 AD. 

 

• The most popular remedy to get rid of a toothache in the Middle Ages was to kiss a donkey. 

 

• It takes 43 muscles to frown, while it only take 17 muscles to smile. 

 

• There are more bacteria in one mouth than people on the planet. 

 

• A snail has over 25,000 teeth, but its mouth is only the size of a pin head. 

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Getting Someone ELSE to Go to the Dentist

Getting your partner to go to the dentist—especially if there is a fear involved—is like pulling teeth (pun intended)! In fact, many couples admit that constant nagging to visit their health provider to address an ongoing issue is a point of stress in their relationship. 

 

However, if bad breath is the issue, we understand why you would want to get that sorted out sooner rather than later! And while we don’t specialize in relationships, we do want to help support all our patients and their partners achieve better oral health. 

 

Couples that practice healthy oral habits are more likely going to be happier and healthier. If you are having trouble convincing your partner to visit the dentist, we have outlined some tips and tricks that we have picked up from patients along the way. Surprisingly, nagging didn’t make the list! 

 

Determine why you want them to visit the dentist 

 

If you’re at the point that you’re frustrated with your partner’s disregard for oral health, it is important to identify exactly what’s bothering you so you can specifically address it instead of making it a more general complaint about the person. 

 

For example, if they have bad breath, a rotting tooth, or receding gums, it’s important to point out the specific problem and why it’s important that the issue be addressed. Avoid ad hominem attacks that deflect from the actual issue, because these can create unnecessary divisions. Have the conversation about what is bothering you in a private location that your partner feels at ease in. Avoiding making them feel attacked or ambushed is important. Once you are able to calmly discuss the problem, focus on solutions that will help your partner and strengthen your relationship.  

 

Make suggestions—not ultimatums  

 

More than 43% of men admit being anxious about dental visits, while three fourths of all adults admit to at least some fear of the dentist. 

 

Fear is a powerful force that can convince you out of doing things—including those that are beneficial. If your partner is experiencing fear or anxiety, that is completely normal. And due to that, it’s important to not make ultimatums or threats that “if they don’t” address their issue, you will force them to go to the dentist or do something equally drastic. 

 

Unlike children, who can be forced to an appointment, it is never advised you do the same to an adult. Offer suggestions on which dental provider to visit, or solicit options from their close friends. Encourage them to discuss their fear with confidants to get an understanding that these feelings are normal. And finally, discuss the overall health risks of not addressing oral health issues. This could include an increased risk of heart disease, complications from diabetes and infections. This conversation should come from a place of love; although, we understand that frustration can also play a major role. 

 

Give them a gift 

 

Dental services can be expensive, especially for cosmetic procedures such as Invisalign. If you know your partner is concerned about the alignment of their teeth, or feels like their teeth could be a few shades whiter for added confidence, then giving them gift of a better smile could be just what’s needed! We have many patients that have been gifted an Invisalign treatment by a loved one and are thrilled with the results and new outlook on life. 

 

Make appointments together 

 

If you are able to convince your partner to make an appointment, consider making one for yourself at the same time! Your partner will be much less likely to back out last minute if you’re going together. 

 

Going at the same time will also serve as a reminder for you both to schedule your bi-annual appointments together. If you have the time, make a full day date out of it. Grab breakfast after, or schedule time to grab a movie. Having something to look forward to at the end will take your mind off the appointment!  

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TedED on Cavities

 

This TED-Ed original short film walks viewers through what causes cavities and how we can avoid them. 

 

The animation starts with a personification of bacteria in the mouth and allows a broad range of ages to find the video both entertaining and informative.  

 

What does TedED teach us? 

 

The video begins by highlighting archeologists who found human remains from over 15,000 years ago. Interestingly, these skeletons still had their teeth, and each tooth had multiple holes—indicating that, just like us, these prehistoric humans suffered from cavities as well!  

 

To help viewers understand how cavities occur in the mouth, the video animates the microbes as little organisms living a very humanistic existence on each tooth. Just imagine each little bacteria living their daily life with chores, cooking and cleaning on the surface of your tooth. 

 

The video further goes on to explain that the food we eat—specifically, sugar—can cause those tiny microbes to overpopulate and eventually break your tooth and cause a cavity. These microbes feed on sugar, so as you eat more, the microbes multiply and generate acid like actic acid.  

 

While each tooth is covered in a thick coat of enamel, it can’t compete against acid and will eventually wear down. And once the acids wear through the enamel, it doesn’t stop there. It continues to seep through the tooth to the inner-layers called dentin. And once the bacteria reaches the nerves, it’s common to experience even extreme pain and then the “death” of the tooth.  

 

Looking backwards 

 

While today’s sugar-heavy diets lead to more cavities, what would have caused cavities in our early ancestors? Since most of their diet was meat and plant-based—both of which are low in natural sugar—it might seem surprising that their teeth were riddled with cavities. 

 

But while their diets were high in protein, they were also high in carbohydrates thanks to the nuts they ate. Carbohydrates transform into simple sugars in the mouth when mixed with saliva. And not only did they have cavities, but our ancient ancestors used rudimentary dental instruments to fix their teeth and to remove infected areas. 

 

Thankfully, advances in technology such as fluoride in the water and more sophisticated dental equipment help preserve teeth longer—even with the influx of sugar in our modern-day diet! (But that’s no excuse to eat more sugar just because of our fancy dental work.) 

 

This TedED video reminds viewers that the best way to prevent cavities is to avoid sugary or starchy food and to regularly brush and floss your teeth. If you are able to minimize these catalysts, then the microbes in your mouth that lead to cavities will eventually decrease. 

 

Thanks to the interesting animation and easy-to-follow story line, viewers should have a better understanding of how cavities occur and how to prevent them in the first place! Share this with anyone you think could learn a thing or two from this engaging visual representation! 

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Noteworthy Fort Worth Nightlife

This time we thought we’d give you a few nightlife ideas in case you’re looking to depart from summer in style. And for some of us, that includes a full list of the best bars and restaurants to visit on a night out with friends or family. 

 

If some of these ideas don’t relax you before your next appointment, we don’t know what will.  

 

PEARL’S DANCEHALL  

 

The building that hosts this bar dates back to 1928 and offers some of the most 2era” society feel in Fort Worth. It is a place where you can dance ‘til morning across different rhythms that remind you that this, indeed, is the way to party. Put on your hat, boots and jeans and go exercise your every dance move. You find Pearl’s Dancehall on 302 W. Exchange Avenue.  

 

8.0 RESTAURANT AND BAR 

 

8.0, on the other hand, is not the go-crazy-after-midnight type of bar. It’s that kind of place where you can have lunch and dinner and chat with your co-workers after work, and find yourself visiting into late hours. It features a very dark interior with shades of white, a great band, a chill terrace and a delicious menu. You should try the burgers! Shall we meet at 111 E. 3rd St?  

 

FLYING SAUCER DRAUGHT EMPORIUM 

 

For those of you who are beer lovers, this is where you can spend the night in peace and hoppy harmony. This cozy pub offers you more than 100 beer types. Yes, you’ve read right. This is the empire of beer and you shall try each and every one of them! Of course, not in a single night. The menu here is inspired from the German gastronomy and you’ll find that it’s a match made in heaven with the pool hall and upstairs bar. We’ll leave the address here in case you feel like going: 111 E 4th Street.  

 

WHITE ELEPHANT SALOON 

 

This is where the 19th-century cowboys used to hang out. It’s a 100-year-old pub where you can taste a good, cold beer while enjoying sweet music coming from a cool, live band outside on the patio. You’ll be surrounded by cowboy hats adorning the entire pub. If you happen to be free on February 8th, make sure you pay it a visit. Every February 8th, a reenactment of the last gunfight ever to take place in Fort Worth will be going down. Make your reservations early! It’s a show you won’t want to miss. The address is 106 E. Exchange Avenue.  

 

UNIVERSITY PUB 

 

This is the sort of pub where fun is the answer to everything. It’s that sort of pub where everything goes smoothly, and the charming people seem like they were personally selected to be there. You can meet up with old friends on pint night, drink beer and have fun with no setbacks. The address is 3019 S. University Dr.  

 

RODEO EXCHANGE 

 

It’s Rodeo, baby! This is Fort Worth’s nightlife at its best. One of the most frequented clubs in the city, at the Rodeo Exchange you’ll get to listen to your favorite country tunes and show your moves on the dance floor. Live bands play, and if you really mean to do it right, you can take dance lessons. See you at 221 W. Exchange Avenue!

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What We’ve Discovered About Sleep Disorders

The practice of dentistry continues to evolve as practitioners take on a more collaborative role in the wholistic health of their patient. For example, one area that dentists have taken a new, leading role is in the management of sleep disorders. 

 

In 2017, the American Dental Association approved and announced a new policy position on sleep disorders and solidified its member dentists’ space in this practice field. The adopted policy highlights that dentists are the only health care provider with the knowledge and expertise to provide oral appliance therapy. 

 

Keep reading as we dissect how this policy benefits dentistry, and the importance of the strong management of sleep disorders and the effects it can have on a patient.  

 

What are sleep disorders? 

 

“Sleep disorders” is a broad category used to define sleep problems, including snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep deprivation, and restless legs syndrome. The National Sleep Foundation estimates 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, which is a condition caused by repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night.  

 

How do sleep disorders relate to dentistry? 

 

It might seem hard to make the connection between sleep disorders and dentistry; however, dentists are the first health care provider in many cases to notice the symptoms of a sleep disorder. 

 

For example, the first sign of sleep apnea is often tooth grinding. Dentists can easily identify teeth that have been worked down throughout the night. Not remedying the problem can result in tooth breakage and receding gum lines. The amount of pressure applied from the jaw to the teeth throughout the night can lead to significant tooth pain that actually wakes you up throughout the night, further disrupting sleep. The appearance of the tongue can also highlight sleep apnea in a patient. If the edges are scalloped, it is usually due to swelling and dehydration in the night.  

 

How can Dr. Ku help? 

 

Some patients complain that they have tried every over-the-counter treatment like mouth guards and breathing strips to help them get a restful night’s sleep. A custom-made night guard can reduce teeth grinding, clenching and the resulting jaw pain. It can even help save you teeth from excessive wear and tear. The reason that the American Dental Association changed their policy to allow dentists to take charge of this treatment is because dentists are the best equipped to determine what oral appliance will work best after the diagnosis of a sleep disorder. 

 

In general, a dentist will work with a patient’s other health care providers to create a treatment plan that address both the cause of sleep disorder and to implement strategies to mitigate any damage being done to the mouth. In addition, once an oral appliance is chosen, your dentist will use specialist equipment like a plastic-like mold that forms to the your mouth.  

 

For devices specific to sleep apnea, these appliances work by moving the jaw forward, which increases the size of the airway and allows more air to flow throughout the night. Many times, this is done in conjunction with other therapies, such as weightloss. Many patients choose this treatment since it is portable, discreet and changes can be noticed after the first night.  

 

Lack of sleep can be detrimental to every aspect of your health. Research has shown that sleeplessness can specifically lead to increased stress, obesity and diabetes. All of these conditions have direct impacts on your mouth, too, and can lead to severe oral health problems if left untreated. After the American Dental Association announcement in 2017, now is the time for patients and dentists to discuss the side-effects of sleep disorders and to really transform your nightly sleep.

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Your Chewing Gum Review And Guide

Today, it’s time that we talk a little smack. 

 

No, not that type—today it’s all about chewing gum. Which flavored gum is best or holds the flavor longest can be a hotly contested issue. We’ve chewed it over and we’ve decided that to get to the bottom of this sticky situation we are going to unwrap the best and worst of chewing gums. 

 

In addition to our informal research, we want to conduct a poll with our patients. Leave us a comment on our Facebook page indicating which flavor gum is your favorite—bonus points if it’s sugar free!

 

Chewing gum history  

 

There is evidence that chewing gum dates back more than 9,000 years. Originally, the substances chewed had medicinal purposes, and many were thought to relieve toothaches or quench thirst.  

 

Fast forward to the 19th century where Europeans finally began to use products that other populations from around the world had used for centuries. By 1850, this led the first industrial chewing gum factory to be opened. The original gum was made from spruce tree resin boiled down and coated with cornstarch. Unfortunately, the combination was less-than-ideal, and led subsequent producers to use paraffin wax instead of spruce tree gum. But once again, the products evolved, and chicle was substituted for paraffin wax. This combination of ingredients worked so well that it remained largely unchanged until the mid-1900s. 

 

In 1928, bubble gum made its first entrance onto the market. This product was different than other chewing gums since it was made with the primary purpose of blowing bubbles. And after more than a decade of failure, Flank Fleer finally created what we know as Double Bubble.  

 

Most popular flavors 

 

The various flavors of gum can be broken down into several main categories: minty, fruity, cinnamon, and bubble gum. The vast majority of Americans prefer mint flavored gum, with more than 72 million choosing spearmint as their top pick. 

 

Peppermint follows in popularity, in second place with 70 million, and winterfresh rounds out the top three with 53 million happy chewers. Overall, fruity flavors are enjoyed widely behind mint, with cinnamon coming in directly behind. 

 

Finally, and most surprisingly, bubble gum is the least chewed flavor among Americans. According to polls, only 22 million Americans admit to liking it the best. Due to its storied history and prevalence in pop culture and sports, many would say that it’s surprising that it falls a distant last.  

 

How long does the flavor last? 

 

After examining the data on how long the flavor of certain gums last, it’s not surprising that bubble gum is not a popular choice. Bubble tape, the gum that comes rolled up like a tape measure, has a minute and a half worth of flavor. No wonder you get so much over package! You have to get a new piece every couple of minutes just to enjoy the flavor. And bubble Yum, another favorite of bubble gum chewers, has flavor that lasts only three minutes. 

 

For minty gum lovers, the flavor times are slightly more favorable (flavorable?). Eclipse spearmint has at least six minutes’ worth of flavor, and a car pack comes with dozens of servings to keep you fresh all day. Dentyne Ice peppermint flavor packs more than five minutes of flavor in each piece. However, they claim that it will keep your mouth fresh more for than 40 minutes. This could be a clear winner if their claims are true. 

 

Finally, while Big Red is the most popular cinnamon flavored gum, its spiciness wears off after just two and a half minutes. While the initial burst of flavor can be startling, unfortunately, it wears off quickly.  

 

Dental benefits to gum chewing 

 

Dentists have long recognized the oral health benefits of chewing gum. Studies have shown that chewing sugar free gum after a meal can help rinse off harmful acids and prevent potential tooth decay. In addition, chewing gums helps to stimulate up to 10 times as much saliva in your mouth to help clear your palate or save you from dry mouth. (Dry mouth can lead to significant oral health problems since bad bacteria are able to infiltrate gum lines easier.) 

 

Finally, chewing gum helps prevent the growth of bad bacteria that causes cavities, since one of the main ingredients in gum—xylitol—causes the mouth to become inhospitable to these bacteria. It’s due to these benefits that the American Dental Association has put its seal of approval on sugar-free gums.  

 

So, if you are in a pinch after a meal and need something to freshen your breath or don’t have the opportunity to brush, popping in sugar free gum is a great option.  

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A Service You Should Know About

Did you know that at Dr. Ku’s office we offer sedation dentistry? As practitioners and patients ourselves, we understand that going to the dentist can cause anxiety. Up to 40 million Americans admit NOT going to the dentist solely due to that hurdle. 

 

Unfortunately, the real fear is that by skipping your bi-annual appointment, you are actually setting yourself up for more expensive and extensive dental work in the future. As though that didn’t add insult to injury!  

 

For some patients, the fear stems from appointments when they were children, or from a single traumatic visit. For others, it is a generalized anxiety that makes visiting the dentist untenable.  

 

Through the practice of sedation dentistry, Dr. Ku is able to remove anxiety completely from the picture and leave you confident and secure about future visits. To ensure everyone feels comfortable in our office—no matter the level of anxiety—Dr. Ku finds sedation dentistry an important component of his practice. 

 

What is sedation dentistry? 

 

To those with dental anxiety, sedition dentistry can sound almost as frightening as the dental work itself. Are you completely out of it while under the anesthesia? Can you talk? Will you feel pain? Nausea? 

 

The good news is that our patients regularly rave about this service. Even our most nervous patients leave feeling confident and even proud of their accomplishment—and even better about their clean teeth! 

 

There are several types of sedition dentistry, however they all work with the brain and nervous system to reduce fear and anxiety—while many times blocking out any memories of the event. Those patients who do remember the appointment report feeling a sense of deep relaxation throughout. The most common forms of sedation used are: 

 

• Inhaled minimum sedation: If you’re looking just to “take the edge off,” this nitrous oxide (popularly known as laughing gas) concoction will do the trick. Patients report feeling relaxed throughout every procedure. Since this sedation wears off quickly, patients are able to drive themselves home after the appointment, too. 

 

• Oral sedation: Depending on the dosage, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. Oral sedation is administered through a pill—typically one found in the same family as Valium. Patients will take the pill about an hour before their procedures. While patients may feel drowsy, they generally remain awake throughout the appointment. However, if you would like to take a quick nap after taking oral sedation, that’s fine with us! The higher the dose, the more likely the patient is to fall asleep. Dosage will be discussed with your dentist prior to your appointment.  

 

• IV moderate sedation: IV sedation is administered through the veins and can be controlled by the dentist throughout the procedure. Patients who receive IV sedation are normally visiting the office for more complex procedures that take more time than your typical cleaning. Since this is the most invasive sedation, it is extra important to discuss your full medical history with your dentist.  

 

What are the benefits? 

 

In order to combat tooth decay and gum disease, or identify even larger issues such as oral cancers, patients must be willing to come to the office and sit in the chair. If fear is what is stopping them, then it’s important to eliminate or otherwise subdue that fear. 

 

Sedation dentistry allows for us to do that. We believe that working with each of our patients and meeting them “where are they are mentally” allows us to form a long-lasting bond that builds an essential trust. 

 

In addition to relieving fears, sedation dentistry also allows us to complete several procedures in one visit. This minimizes the number of times patients have to come in and allows us to provide the best care possible. If you have anxiety or fears about visiting the dentist, then call us today. We would be happy to walk you through what our office can offer.

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