Ahh! UHHH!! OOAhhh!!! If you wear an upper removable complete denture, you’ve experienced the discomfort firsthand and can relate to these sounds. The gag reflex is also known as the pharyngeal reflex. Gagging is induced by stimulating either the vagus nerve or glossopharyngeal nerve on the tongue of the roof of the mouth. The gag [...]
Help for Sjögren’s Syndrome Sufferers
According to the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, “Sjögren’s is a chronic autoimmune disease in which people’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands.” That means dry eyes and a dry mouth – ouch! Other systemic affects may include the gastrointestinal system starting in the mouth, the central nervous system, liver, lungs, pancreas and the brain. People may [...]
Denture Adhesive Study Linked to Serious Neurologic Disease
In the peer-reviewed scientific journal (Neurology), nine research scientists (Nations et al) reported on neurologic problems with four patients. The researchers claimed that the only recognizable variable was the fact that the patient was using denture adhesive (denture cream) that contained zinc. Their conclusion was as follows: “Denture cream contains zinc, and chronic excessive use may [...]
“I Was Told That I Could NOT Have Dental Implants”
I went to a dental research meeting 14 years ago. At the meeting, I sat next to a research administrator, Karen. She related that her friend Brenda was suffering with an upper denture. Karen stated: “Brenda was told she could not have dental implants and that she had to live with that denture for the [...]
The Cost of Denture Adhesive Alone
Today I ventured out to the local store and researched various types of denture adhesive. I was seeking to discover the cost of denture adhesive over a period of ten years. Here is how I arrived at the cost calculations. I went to the local pharmacy and looked at the current rates for denture adhesive. [...]
Success Rates of Dental Implants
You may be researching the procedure of a dental implant placement. You may be weighing your options of leaving a missing tooth, a fixed bridge, a removable denture or dental implants. You may investigating these options for a friend, a parent, a son or daughter, a spouse or for yourself! Of ALL the treatment options…dental [...]
Fixed Bridges – Top 5 Reasons They Fail
Fixed bridges fail, hmm…but why? A fixed bridge is an artificial, man-made prosthetic device used to replace missing teeth. The fixed bridge can be made of resin, ceramic and metal. It is attached to a tooth with dental cement (glue). A fixed bridge can last for 5-10 years on natural teeth and even longer on [...]
Missing Teeth Predicts Heart Attacks
In a recent study at the America Heart Association’s Scientific Session 2011, Dr. Anders Holmlund in Sweden studied 7,999 people with gum disease (periodontal disease). The study showed that people with fewer than 21 teeth had a 69 percent increased risk of heart attack. Missing teeth are an indicator of heart attacks. Therefore, if you [...]
Patient Success Story: Swollen Gums Around My Crowns
Years ago, a patient by the name of Cate came into my office concerned with the color of her gums around her crowns. Cate’s gums were swollen, purple and gray around her crowns. She was in a LOT of pain! Cate brushed, flossed and rinsed over and over again, thinking she may have gum disease [...]
Patient Success Story: Born Without Front Teeth
Born without front teeth. Greg was referred by his orthodontist, to fill in the gaps on two of Greg’s front teeth. Greg’s mom, Claire, came to the appointment with him. Greg was born without two front teeth – also called anodontia (a fancy Latin word for no teeth). Greg was wearing a “flipper”, which is [...]
Dr. Kravitz authors “Dirty Mouth”
Dirty Mouth is a book that takes you on an insider tour of Dr. Kravitz' experiences and inspiration behind innovating dental techniques, shares patient cases we can all relate to, and teaches you the solution to better dental health in 6 simple steps via Dirty Mouth Prevention Pyramid™.