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The Best Free Dental Apps

 One thing I’m sure you’ve noticed there are apps for literally everything these days. working with smartphoneWhere to eat, where to shop, what sights to see and how to avoid traffic on your daily commute. In addition to all these helpful things there are also a growing number of dental apps that may be able to help you learn more about oral health, find a great practitioner and even how to address a budding dental emergency. Let me share with you some of our finds for best free dental apps.

If you have a question or are looking for a little more information about your latest diagnosis try one of these apps:

Dental Expert by Dr. Marc Lazare

Available for: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Droid phones This app presents common dental topics in a FAQ style. The downside is it is a bit clunky, a little buggy and well, full of  typo’s. However, as a plus it is chock full of dental information with a wide variety of topics explained in detail and, moderately easy to navigate. This app may not be exactly one of the best free dental apps but its definitely worth the look.

All Things Dentistry by allthingsdentistry.com: 

Available for: Droid This app is an interface that will link you to YouTube videos about various procedures. The procedures are very technical and may not be for your average person seeking dental information. However, still a very good resource for detailed information about dentistry.

If you are looking to make an appointment or look up reviews:

ZocDoc 

Available for: Ipad, Iphone and Droid phones This is an app that is linked to the ZocDoc service which allows you to find doctors and dentist alike using various search parameters such as location, date, specialty and insurance company. Once you have found a particular practitioner and available appointment you can also book your appointment right from the app as well. And Apps geared towards children learning to brush:

Brush DJ by Benjamin Underwood

Available for: Ipad, Iphone and Droid phones This app is a toothbrush timer that plays music from your music library as well as being able to choose a specific playlist. A fun tooth timer and great app. However, some droid phones may have difficulty running this app on their operating systems.

Clean your teeth by Marco Bertazzoni:

Available for: Droid phones, ipad, iphone and ipod touch This app is geared for a younger audience, but its cute nonetheless. This app has options to play a quick game where the goal is to clean all the teeth. And, also has a tab to show you (in cartoon form) how to brush and floss each area of your mouth. There is a description of the daily home care tools as well as a very informative disclaimer. Overall a pretty cute and helpful app for kids although I would like to see them add a toothbrush timer to the app as well. Currently, there isn’t a huge selection of dental apps however the number is growing every day. If you have a personal list of your own Best Free Dental Apps that weren’t mentioned today please feel free to share them with us! ]]>

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Dental Discounts: What is a Good Deal Worth?

I get a lot of questions about how much dental work should cost and Young man holding piggybankif its appropriate to use a dental coupon, Groupon or discount.  Dental discounts are indeed a touchy subject and seldom addressed. Amongst the dental world there is a lot of controversy about dental advertising and discounts, some consider dentistry a business and advertise as if they were selling a product and some believe that advertising discounts diminishes the professionalism and integrity of the dental field. Also, as a consumer, it is a tough decision as to which kind of discounts are acceptable and which you should be wary of?

  • The $100 implant: There is nothing wrong with getting a great deal or a discount at your dentist however some deals really are too good to be true and should be looked at with a more discerning eye. In general the fee for your procedure should encompass the cost of supplies, lab fees as well as the salary for hours worked by the dentist, surgeon and/or assistant. If the quoted fee seems too low to cover those fee’s I’d begin to wonder if this deal is too good to be true. Although some insurance plans can cover portions of the procedure you should be sure to ask about the possibility of additional fees and make sure that the fee includes the final restoration and all the hardware included with it.
  • Free Whitening or Free Cleanings: Usually you will find a dentist will offer a free service for a new patient with a new patient check up. This is seen regularly in the dental field as a way to introduce new patients to a practice. If you plan on using a dentist who offers these services it pays to do a little research into the office prior to your appointment. Word of mouth from a trusted resource is a great way to check out a new place before you try them.
  • Dental Groupon’s or other social coupon sites: Social Coupon sites and dentistry at this point really is an ethical dilemma in the dental world. As per the ADA ” Many states have regulations that prohibit or restrict the awarding of gifts as a means of soliciting patients or prohibit fee splitting between dentists and a third party” So in other words by using a social coupon site a portion of the fee’s collected by the dentist are paid to the coupon site and can be considered as fee splitting. Besides the ethical and legal issue as I stated in the previous statement try and find a credible review before you buy a voucher.
  • Professional Courtesy: It is common practice in dental offices to offer a discount to an existing patient or a courtesy for some patients depending on what service you are completing or if you are having complex treatment completed. If you do not have insurance sometimes it doesn’t hurt to ask your dentist to extend a discount if you expect to have a decent amount of work done.
  • Unbelievably Low Prices: When having work completed that involves a lab; such as a crown, bridge, implant or denture, there are overhead costs included in the fees which include lab-work, materials used and the practitioners time. If the fee’s they are presenting don’t seem to leave any room for the overhead then I’d begin to wonder how they are covering those costs?
In general, when it comes to dental discounts I would adhere to the ‘Is this too good to be true?’ rule. Because often times it may be.  Keep in mind, having dental work completed is not like buying a car or a handbag, getting the lowest price may not always be best. Although you can haggle with some things or get other things for free, when it comes to having complex comprehensive dental work completed be wary of a great bargain. And as always, it is best to be an educated and informed patient!]]>

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Amalgam vs. Resin Fillings; What is the Real Difference?

Over the years there has been a lot of discussion over Amalgam vs. Resin fillings dental treatment and what is the best type of filling to place in a cavity. There have also been discussions regarding health concerns associated with the type of filling material used. What exactly is the real difference between amalgam or silver fillings and resin or white colored fillings? And, Is there one that is a healthier option for me to use?

  • Aesthetically Resin is generally a more attractive restorative material. The composition of resin has been adjusted throughout the years to create a more durable and functional filling material that ha a bond to tooth structure. Allowing dentists to place smaller, more conservative fillings. However, over time some resin fillings can discolor from drinking dark, staining liquids such as coffee and tea as well as staining from smoking.
  • Amalgam is a very strong and durable material. The material does not have the ability to bond to the tooth, however it forms a layer between itself and the tooth wall that aids is sealing the tooth from bacterial insult.
  • Both amalgams and resins degrade over time. Amalgams tend to shrink away from the borders or margins of the tooth and there may be small fissures or cracks in the enamel surrounding where the filling once was. Resins, over time, may wear away or wear down on the biting surface. Both restorations may need to be replaced between 5-10 years depending on the person.
  • Some Patients may experience temporary temperature sensitivity after placement of resin fillings. Although this can occur with silver fillings as well, there is a higher incidence of post-operative sensitivity with resin fillings.
  • Public controversy has been raised about mercury in silver fillings and BPA’s in resin fillings. The ADA has deemed these claims unfounded and each filling material to be within the standard of care of dentistry.
So, when asked about amalgam vs. resin fillings: in general both amalgams and composite fillings are deemed as acceptable dental restorations and both fall within the range of the standard of care by the American Dental Association. Many Dentists have an opinion as to which material is their material of choice for each individual procedure and are open to explaining their treatment rationale with you before beginning treatment.]]>

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The Dirtiest Things We Put In Our Mouths

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The holiday’s are over and New Year Resolutions have begun. A great time to change old habits and create some new ones. On that note, today’s post is all about the gross things we do and just exactly how gross they are…. The dirtiest things we put in our mouths. Yuck!

  1. Fingernails: Our hands can come in contact with a lot of nasty things throughout the day. Frequent hand washing is a must especially during cold and flu season. However, biting your nails can allow bacteria that may have been overlooked to be introduced into the oral cavity. Yuck! Best thing is to kick the habit if you can, if you can’t when you wash your hands try and do a quick clean up under the nails if possible.
  2. Cigarettes & tobacco products: There have been countless studies about the effect of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco on our overall health as well as mouth. It’s definitely on the top of our list of the worst things to put in your mouth!
  3. Lipstick from the makeup counter: It’s very tempting to use those samples at the makeup counter to see which shade of red looks best with your complexion. However, some samples can be a virtual petri dish of bacteria and you are putting it directly on to your lips! Resist the urge and try it on the back of your hand or forearm.
  4. Someone else’s lips: It’s a little known fact but the bacteria that cause cavities is in fact contagious. Although by adulthood most people have a varying degree of this bacteria we literally picked it up along the way from living with others who carry it. There really is no word of advice for this one, most of us will have been exposed to many types of bacteria by the time we are in our toddler ages. But, that being said it doesn’t hurt to steer clear of someone with a nagging cough or a runny nose.
  5. Bar snacks: Picture this, about thirty minutes before you sat on your bar stool there was a group of guys sitting there drinking, watching the game and chowing down on those peanuts. Innocent enough right? Well, how many times during the game did those guys use the restroom… and how many times did they wash their hands? Unless you’ve seen the bartender or waitress put out a freshly prepared bowl i’d probably steer clear.
  6. Double dipping: Studies have shown that during instances of double dipping oral bacteria is introduced. This can increase chances of food borne illness as well as transmission of other types of bacteria. It was said best in a Seinfeld episode “when you take a chip, just take one dip and end it.”
  7. Pens & Pencils: You hold it, twirl it, chew it, drop it, stick it in your pocket and pass it to a friend. But, when do you clean it? Pen’s and pencils can be nasty little germ carriers. A word of advice, keep your pen or pencil to your self and from time to time wipe it down with an antibacterial wipe.
To stay happy and healthy this year be sure to practice good oral hygiene and good hand hygiene!  Looking forward to another great year!
Effect of a chronic nail-biting habit on the oral carriage of Enterobacteriaceae; B. Baydaş1, H. Uslu2, İ. Yavuz1, İ. Ceylan1, İ.M. Dağsuyu1 Microbial survey of shared-use cosmetic test kits available to the public Tony T. Tran and Anthony D. Hitchins Division of Microbiological Studies, US Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC 20204, USA (Received 10 February t994; accepted 13 June 1994) EFFECT OF BITING BEFORE DIPPING (DOUBLE-DIPPING) CHIPS ON THE BACTERIAL POPULATION OF THE DIPPING SOLUTION JUDITH TREVINO1, BRAD BALLIEU1, RACHEL YOST1 SAMANTHA DANNA1, GENEVIEVE HARRIS1, JACKLYN DEJONCKHEERE1, DANIELLE DIMITROFF1, MARK PHILIPS1, INYEE HAN1, CHLOE MOORE2, PAUL DAWSON1,*
Bacterial colonization of respiratory therapists’ pens in the intensive care unit. Wolfe DF, Sinnett S, Vossler JL, Przepiora J, Engbretson BG.
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What is the Best Mouthwash For Me? Decoding The Label Part III

In the effort to help you navigate the dental aisle more effectively today’s post is all about mouthwash.Fotolia_11193129_XS-300x225 So, what is the best mouthwash  for you? There are a lot of products to choose from that is for sure. Between rinses that whiten, freshen your breath, reduce plaque and so on, the choices are endless. First and foremost you should know what you are looking for in a mouthwash and what some of the key ingredients are. Here is a little “how-to” regarding picking out the best mouthwash for you. Generally,  most of the population can make great use out of a daily fluoride rinse as well as a general mouthwash to aid in reduction of harmful bacteria. We also suggest a regimen that includes a rinse to reduce acidity in the oral environment

  • Anti-septic and anti-plaque: these products have ingredients that kill bacteria that can cause gingivitis, plaque and bad breath. Some of the ingredients used to do this are: Cetylpyridinium Chloride or (CPC), Domiphen Bromide, or denatured alcohol.  And, most have about 20-25% effectiveness in reducing the plaque the causes gingivitis.
  • Whitening: This usually means that there is some percentage of hydrogen peroxide included in the rinse. Most over the counter products will have a percentage that is under 10% hydrogen peroxide.
  • Fluoride: This is a product that helps to strengthen enamel helping to reduce cavities
  • Sodium Saccharin, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Sodium Cyclamate: These ingredients flavor the toothpaste.
  • Propylene Glycol, Glycerol, and Polyethylene Glycol: These ingredients help keep the rinse moist and have a good mouth feel
  • Sodium Benzoate and Methyl Paraben: These ingredients aid in stopping the rinse from decaying or growing bacteria.
Discuss with your dentist which products are best for you. Depending on your oral environment you may have a different regimen than another person. Also, age and health may change which type of rinse is the best mouthwash for you.]]>

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The Best Ways to Be Sugar-Free

The holidays are filled with ooey-gooey sticky sweet treat, although its a herald of the season Fotolia_15012055_XS-200x300it can wreak havoc on your dental condition as well as your waist-line. Here are a few tips we picked up along the way of how to stay sugar-free or at least minimize the amount of sugar you consume this holiday season.

  • When baking try replacing sugar with Stevia or Xylitol, these natural sugar-free substitute is a great sweetener to try using with your baked goods.
  • Oatmeal is a great healthy breakfast option. However, some instant varieties are laden with sugar. To create a low-sugar or sugar-free breakfast try buying plain oatmeal and adding fruit and nuts to it before heating. Or for something different try adding a little of your favorite flavor of yogurt.
  • If you’re craving ice cream or frozen yogurt a great substitute is soft serve frozen banana ice cream. By freezing ripe bananas and pureeing them in your food processor you can create a sugar-free frozen soft-serve treat.  All with just one ingredient too!
  • If you are a fan of dried fruit check out the back of the label before you buy, some dried fruit products are loaded with sugar. If you simply can not live with out, try using a microwave chip maker. These appliances fit right in your microwave and you can create all sorts of dried fruit treats without the additional sugar.
In general remember natural sugars are a great way to get your sweet fix, try sticking to fresh fruit when you crave something sweet and always remember to brush and floss afterwards!]]>

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Treat Yourself This Holiday Season to Great Dental Gifts

The holidays are upon us, so if you haven’t already you better get crackin’ on that shopping list. To help you along your way here are some great dental gifts and ideas for holiday stocking stuffers. And, maybe a little treat or two for you for being such a great shopper.

1. Deck the halls, then deck out your smile with an at home whitening kit. Some great over the counter products to try as well are:

  • Crest White 3D White
  • Listerine Vibrant White Pre-brush Rinse
  • Colgate Optic White

2. For Brushing on the run:

The Rinser Toothbrush

3. For the child who just can’t wait for the tooth fairy to come:

twooth-300x300Twooth® Time Children’s Dental Care Kit

4. For Man’s Best Friend:

Q-ring-300x263The Q-Ring Dog Toothbrush

5. Who said brushing your teeth can’t be luxurious?:

vik_gold2_1-300x30018k Gold Toothbrush Holder

Happy Holiday’s Everyone!

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The Worst Foods To Eat… From a Dental Perspective

Thanksgiving is here and along with celebrating all that we are thankful for this day also Fotolia_46102108_XS1-200x300heralds the holiday season to come.  So, being in the  being in the holiday spirit this post is dedicated to The Worst Foods to Eat… From a Dental Perspective. I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 worst holiday foods for dental restorations and overall dental health.

  1. Popcorn balls: This sticky-popcorn and caramel concoction although delightful to eat will leave you with every nook and cranny of your dentition filled with sugary caramel and popcorn kernel-y goodness. Definitely one to avoid if possible, if not then just make sure you have your toothbrush and floss handy for afterwards.
  2. Un-shelled Nuts: The nuts are not exactly the bad part of this holiday treat… its the shells. If you are going to partake of shelled nuts, take the safe route and use nutcrackers and not your teeth. I can’t count how many fractured crowns and chipped teeth I see from chomping on a shelled nut. And who wants a big gaping hole staring back at you in your holiday photos!
  3. Hard Nougat or Torrone: Some may not be familiar with this type of candy, but growing up in my family around Christmas time we would get an enormous block of almond hard nougat. This candy is a dangerous treat, It’s dental danger is two fold. First its incredibly hard and chewy exterior can be dangerous to your teeth if you decide to attempt bit a hunk off. And secondly, as you begin to chew it and it starts to soften and melt this tasty candy become a big sticky chewy mess that clings relentlessly to every surface of your teeth. So eat with care! And, on that note I’d like to give a faithful nod to all types of caramels, toffee’s and a holiday favorite Candy Canes.
  4. Pecan Pie: This pie isn’t notorious for breaking teeth, however it is literally a caramel and nut pie. So, if you plan on indulging this Thanksgiving and Holiday season remember to brush afterwards. The sticky texture and corn syrup and sugar filling are bona fide cavity creators.
  5. Cranberry Sauce: This seemingly innocent concoction is a sweet, sugary and teeth staining mess. Although it can top off a fantastic Thanksgiving meal I would probably avoid it if you’ve just whitened your teeth.

Thank you every one for reading today and We at Frangella Dental wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season!!!!

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Can I Use a Waterpik instead of Floss?

If you are a follower of our blog or if you’ve had your teeth cleaned any time within the past ten years you’ve been Fotolia_194988_XS-300x200told that flossing is incredibly important for dental and periodontal health. A common question about flossing that I receive is: Are there alternatives to traditional floss? And, can I use a Waterpik instead of floss?

  • Waterpik falls under the category of a water flosser. This device uses a stream of air and water to clear debris from between the teeth and around the gingival area. Another popular brand of water flosser is the Sonicare AirFloss.
  • Some studies show that there is little difference between effectiveness of water flossers vs. traditional floss
  • My professional opinion is that mechanical flossing when done correctly is more effective than using a water flosser. My first recommendation to the majority of patients is to use traditional floss.
  • However, effectiveness is contingent on flossing correctly. Many people do not floss correctly either because they were never taught how to, or lack the manual dexterity to do so. Flossing incorrectly although still helps to keep the teeth clean, can cause you to be less effective while flossing. And, may cause minor irritation to the gums.
  • Some patients who have had an injury or have a disability such as arthritis simply may not capable of flossing. Patients who can not floss at all or are causing more damage than good with traditional floss will show better results with a water flosser.
  • In general, if you are curious if a water flosser is appropriate for your home care we recommend  asking  your dentist or hygienist if a water flosser is a good option for you. They will evaluate you as well as teach you the best method to clean your teeth and gums.
Comparison of Irrigation to Floss as an Adjunct to Tooth Brushing: Effect on Bleeding, Gingivitis, and Supragingival Plaque; Barnes RDH; Russell DMD, PhD; Reinhardt DDS, PhD; Payne DDS, MDS; and,  Lyle RDS, MS Interdental Cleansing; Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS
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