Research papers are cited and available for download at the conclusion of this article. In 2009, the National Football League (NFL) instituted its concussion protocol (Stites). Since then, researchers have invested countless hours conducting neurologic studies. These studies have made the public more aware of the long-term consequences associated with head trauma and have influenced…
An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away … But What About The Dentist?
Its apple picking season in South Jersey so I thought it might be a good time to talk about how apples can be a healthy part of your overall health. Because of their thick skin and fibrous flesh, apples have long been considered “nature’s toothbrush.” The fiber and skin are just the right texture…
How the PH Value of Your Saliva Affects The Health of Your Teeth
Do you know the pH value of your saliva? Do you even know what that means or why I would be asking? The pH value is a figure that measures the acidity or alkalinity of your saliva. Most people who took general science in high school learned about acids and bases. Acids, as you may…
Five Secrets To Becoming The Ultimate Dental Assistant
High-speed evacuator placement: The high-speed evacuator is a critical component in a dental assistant’s arsenal of tools. Aside from being used to evacuate saliva and dental debris generated from restorative procedures, the high suction can be used for lip, cheek and tongue isolation. During the isolation process, it is critical to be gentle with the…
A Look Back on My Dental Mission Trip to Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Hi everyone! My name is Noor Mahjoub, and I am a recent graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Class of 2016. As a new dentist, looking back at my very recent dental school career reminds me of a flurry of emotions; the excitement of holding the handpiece for the first time…
The Ins and Outs of Gum Recession
Hello Team Dental Blog Followers! It’s Lea! The Team Dental Northern Liberties Hygienist. This week, I wanted to discuss Gum Recession. This is conclusively the number one reason for sensitivity that I and many other fellow hygienists have noted over the years. In order to understand why recession causes sensitivity, let’s discuss the tooth. The…
Your Canine’s Canines: Why It’s Important to Brush Your Dogs’s Teeth
Are you brushing your dog’s teeth? We all make sure to brush our own teeth and our kids teeth twice a day, but how often are you brushing your dog’s teeth? Periodontal disease affects most dogs by their 3rd birthday, so its important to know the best ways to keep their teeth healthy! Here are…
Scientific Article Review: Human Saliva Penetration of Coronally Unsealed Obturated Root Canals
Title: Human Saliva Penetration of Coronally Unsealed Obturated Root Canals Author: Khayat et al. Journal: JOE Vol 19, No. 9, September 1993 Purpose: To determine the length of time for bacteria present in natural human saliva to penetrate through the entire root canal system obturated by lateral and vertical condensation techniques in an in vitro…
Are You Long In the Tooth? (and I Don’t Mean Your Age!)
Our teeth are pretty important. They help us speak, eat, and give us confidence when we smile. The gum tissue surrounding them is just as important, as it helps protect our teeth from bacteria entering where they don’t belong and helps protect our roots from damage. “Long-appearing teeth” can be a sign of gingival recession….
How to Screen For Oral Cancer
Hi! Here’s my mouth! I saw an interesting post on my feed this morning and I thought it could benefit everyone. As I’ve mentioned before, if you go to the dentist every 6 months you should be receiving an intra-oral examination from your hygienist as an oral cancer screening tool. I will explain in more…