Shark Tank Contestant Launches Oral Health App

            Shark Tank is a show on ABC where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to millionaires to gain funding and support. Charles Michael Yim, who recently gained support on Shark Tank for his alcohol breathalyzer app, has recently launched an app called ‘Mint’ to detect the mouth’s bacteria and hydration levels. While we don’t know to what degree this will work, the potential is definitely intriguing.

            The goal of ‘Mint’ is not to actually clean the teeth, but to check on how well you have cleaned your teeth. The hope would be for consumers use this after they have finished brushing and flossing to detect how well they have done. Even without knowing the efficacy of the app, I am excited that there is potential technology that will help call attention to good oral hygiene and home care. If executed properly, this could become an adjunct to other tools and products used to take care of your teeth every day.

            One of the future goals would be to connect this app to an ‘e-brush’ and track how well you’re doing each day with your home care. The intention would be to become like a ‘FitBit’ or fitness tracker for your mouth. Making things like fitness and health easy to track has been shown to greatly increase awareness and make us more likely to follow through on our health goals. Hopefully ‘Mint’ can have a similar affect as other health applications.

            Even though we are still in the early stages of the ‘Mint’ app, it is definitely exciting to see the potential. Even if inventions like this show some solid results and applications, it is still important not to rely solely on a device when determining your oral health. Maintaining regular dental visits is essential in early detection of any issues.

Please visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

What are the benefits and risks of Invisalign (clear retainers)?

            As the technology improves and the demand to avoid traditional metal braces increases, Invisalign and similar products have become more popular. For adults, the thought of clear trays over wires seems much more appealing. So the advent of these clear retainers has really increased the number of people willing to embrace orthodontics. However, there are still some risks associated with using Invisalign and similar products that you should be aware of before beginning treatment.

            It is recommended you wear the clear retainers at all times unless eating or brushing your teeth. But it is just as important to remove your retainers while drinking sugary drinks. This includes soda, juices, sports drinks and energy drinks. The liquid can accumulate inside the trays, and the trays can prevent your saliva from washing the drink away. This prolonged exposure to the sugar can lead to cavities and decalcifications (white spots) on the teeth. It is important that you brush your teeth or rinse with water after drinking anything with sugar to avoid these risks.

            Another risk has to do with your level of compliance in wearing the trays. Because they are removable, the temptation exists to not wear them as often and there is also the risk of losing the trays. If they are not worn enough, it could slow or alter the movement of the teeth. This in turn could change the treatment plan, add time needed to complete treatment, or even make things more expensive. So if you are not fully committed to the clear aligners, I would advise sticking with the traditional braces.

            The advantages of Invisalign and other clear retainers are obvious. It is easier to eat, easier to clean your teeth, and they are less noticeable. But you need to be aware of the potential risks and how they make affect you with any existing habits you have. Be sure to discuss these options with you dentist or hygienist before moving forward.

For more information, visit www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Why do I have bad breath?

            Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, no one wants to worry about their bad breath. Unfortunately, there can be a number of different causes. Our goal is to discuss some of the potential reasons and possible solutions in dealing with bad breath.

            The first potential reason for bad breath is obvious: food. Garlic, onions, and others tend to linger for longer periods of time. This may compound if we are not diligent about brushing and flossing daily. However, even when we don’t eat foods with a potent aroma, the bacteria can still stay around in your mouth after eating. The remaining bacteria produce compounds with an odor and the only solution to remove the bacteria is diligent home care.

            Dry mouth is another common cause of bad breath and we frequently see patients on new medications develop dry mouth. Saliva helps clean and protect the teeth and gums, so a decrease may lead to more bacteria, which then creates bad breath. Fortunately, there are different rinses, gels and toothpastes that can help with dry mouth. Sugar free gum and candy can also stimulate saliva flow.

            Persistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease. If you improve your homecare and there is still no improvement, there may be issues hiding below the gums. A deeper cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be recommended to remove bacteria and tarter underneath the gums.

            If none of these options seem to cure to your bad breath, it is possible there is a more serious medical disorder. There can be systemic conditions, including diabetes, liver and kidney diseases that can produce symptoms related to bad breath.

            While there are a number of potential reasons for bad breath, an easy first step is to maintain excellent homecare and visit your dentist on a regular basis. You can work together to find solutions that work for your situation. In more difficult situations, your physician is a great resource in diagnosing any hidden medical problems.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Preparing for Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

            It is truly amazing how many people we see each year that suffer from ‘odontophobia,’ or simply ‘fear of the dentist.’ There are grown men and women who would prefer to live in pain than see the dentist to have their tooth fixed. Frequently, this fear of the dentist arises from a negative experience at a young age. Below we will discuss a few ways to prepare your kids for a positive first experience at the dentist.

            We believe it is important that you discuss their first visit to the dentist as an exciting or positive experience. Kids pick up on how their parents feel about going to the dentist, and if it is presented in a positive light it can make a world of difference. If they have an older sibling that already does well, we have found it helpful for the younger child to observe how easy it was for their brother or sister.

            But at what age should they first visit the dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday. If you feel your son or daughter can handle that, it certainly is never a bad idea. However, many parents choose to wait until their child is around 2 or 3, close to the time all their baby teeth have erupted.

            It is also important to think about what time of the day may work best for your child. You may find they are more likely to do well early in the day or after an afternoon nap. You obviously know your kids better than we do, so it is important to think about what time of the day will contribute to a positive dental experience.

            Our goal is to make their first visit as easy and fun as possible. Each child is a little different and may require some different modifications of the traditional plan. But it is important you work with and communicate with your dentist to create an optimal environment for their first dental visit.

For more information, visit www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.