Did You Know? In 1968 only 1.1% of dental students were female. Fifty years later, with the incoming class of 2018 that number topped 50%. What a remarkable increase.
So, who are some of the most influential women in Dentistry? From the first female dentist to the foundation of the Women’s Dental Association, we will share the journey of women in dentistry.
Emeline Roberts Jones: A New England native, was the first practicing female dentist (1855) at the age of 19. Women were not allowed to study or practice dentistry at that time, and therefore, Emeline kept her talents secret until her husband eventually allowed her to join his practice with him.
Lucy Hobbs Taylor: Lucy was the first woman to receive a D.D.S. in 1866. After being consistently denied education based on her gender, she was tutored by a faculty member from the Eclectic Medical College and later went on to study with Dr. Johnathan Taft from the Ohio College of Dentistry. She opened her own practice and seven years later earned her D.D.S. from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery.
Ida Gray: The first African-American female dentist, Ida graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1890. She was well known for seeing both black and white patients. Highly influential in the community, she even inspired one of her patients, Olive M. Henderson, to pursue dentistry. Olive later became the second African-American female dentist.
In addition to these dental pioneers here are some other important names to know:
Clara W. MacNaughton was a strong advocate for women’s voting rights and one of the first female dentists in the late 1800’s. She was so involved with the women’s suffrage movement she relocated her practice to Washington D.C. so she could be at the heart of the cause.
Vida Annette Latham was a strong advocate for dentistry pushing for stronger science curriculum within dental schools. Vida was an active advocate that dentistry was equally important as medicine. An idea that remains consistent in today’s practice.
Leonie von Zesch was the first paid female dentist in the U.S Army and quite an adventurer. As Alaska’s first female dentist she was so dedicated to her practice and dentistry she would travel by dog sled in the winter to see patients. If that wasn’t adventurous enough, she also disguised as a man to practice within the Navy as women were still not accepted as dentists. She was eventually caught and replaced by a man.
Jeanne C. Sinkford who overcame both gender and race barriers to become the first Dean of a dental school. Determined to increase the female dentist population she consistently worked to recruit both women and minority students into the dental profession.
As you can see the journey for women within the dental industry has been challenging, but determined female dentists have made huge strides. Just imagine what the next 50 years might bring!
Let’s face it; Essential oils are all the rage these days. Known for their unique healing and therapeutic benefits, essential oils have been used for centuries dating all the way back to 2000 BC. In recent years, the rise of essential oils has taken health care to an entirely new perspective, for uses like aromatherapy, ingestion and personal care. The following oils are the top essential oils for healthy, beautiful, gums and teeth!
#1: Clove is especially essential for oral health. Clinical research indicates that clove oil can relieve tooth pain and bad breath, as well as help reduce gum disease! Clove oil also has the natural ability to restrict the development of bacteria and can help fight mouth and throat infections.
#2: Thyme belongs to the mint family and therefore is often used in mouthwashes and elixirs to give flavor and freshness for oral health treatments. It contains natural chemicals that help defend from tooth decay, gingivitis and general oral infections.
#3: Oregano is a powerful antioxidant known to contain anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce bacterial and fungal infections. Oregano oil is also known to help boost the immune system and may be used in combination with coconut oil for oil pulling treatments!
#4: Tea Tree is a natural remedy for bad breath and contains ingredients that diminish plaque. This oil is a perfect ingredient for a DIY toothpaste or mouthwash because of its ability to kill off bacteria, diminish tooth decay and relieve bleeding gums! *Please note that tea tree should NOT be used for internal use other than for a mouthwash or tooth paste – you must spit it out after use and rinse with water.
#5: Peppermint is known for its cooling and numbing elements which can effectively soothe tooth and muscle aches. Research has found that peppermint oil is exceptionally powerful for fighting oral pathogens and killing common bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
#6: Cinnamon is antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic – which makes it an effective cleanser for every oral health care need, such as relief for a sore throat! Cinnamon oil also contains one of the greatest antimicrobial properties that protect against bacteria accountable for tooth decay.
If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, give us a call at Swampscott Office Phone Number 781-596-2220 today!
Periodontitis is not a very well-known disease. In fact, because of this, gums are often overlooked and under cared for. If people knew the vital role that gums played in the grand scheme of things, and the danger periodontitis presents, perhaps they would be taken more seriously.
When it comes down to factual or fictional information regarding your periodontal health, it’s important to have a reliable source. Being well informed gives you the tools you need to take the steps necessary in preventing this disease. Thus, we compiled a list of the top three myths surrounding Periodontitis!
1. Treatment is Painful: FALSE! Although the disease itself is painful, the treatments we offer don’t have to be. In fact, there are a variety of anesthesia options that you can choose from to comfort you during the procedure, so that you’ll feel little to nothing!
2. Antibiotics Can Cure The Disease: Again, FALSE! Although there is no harm in using antibiotics to ease the pain and discomfort that you’re feeling, the medication doesn’t fully treat the disease.
3. Periodontitis is Caused ONLY by a Lack of Oral Hygiene: FALSE! Although prolonged plaque and built up tartar on your teeth can definitely develop into periodontitis, it doesn’t mean that a lack of oral hygiene is the only cause. In fact, genetics and other medications play a big part in whether or not you are at a higher risk of this disease.
Unfortunately, there are a ton of more myths circulating around Periodontal disease. Before you fall susceptible to them, give our office a call! We can further answer any question you may have regarding prevention, symptoms, and treatments. Swampscott Office Phone Number 781-596-2220
Winter is here and with it, comes the drastic change of weather! The cold temperatures are fun in theory, but what about the toll it takes on your health? Often times cold weather brings on a variety of pesky problems, like dry skin and irritated throats. But, the problems don’t stop there. In fact, your oral health is also affected by the change of weather. That’s why this season, we put together the ultimate guide on how to keep your oral health in perfect condition this winter season!
Tip #1 – Tooth Sensitivity: Many find that they experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold temperatures. This can not only come from foods, but the chilly air outside too! If you find that you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are tons of tricks you can do to help avoid discomfort. These include using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth, or even rising out your mouth with salt water!
Tip #2 – Cold Sores: Cold sores can appear for a variety of reasons, including cold weather and a weakened immune system. To prevent a cold sore breakout, start by keeping your hands off of your mouth area! If you do feel a cold sore coming on, immediately apply a topical treatment to the area to stop the infection in its tracks.
Tip #3 – Chapped Lips: Chapped lips is one of the most common ailments of the winter season. To avoid painful cracked lips this season, invest in a good lip salve with SPF+ to keep them protected. In addition, it’s important to mention that your body moisturizes from the inside out, so remember to keep up with your daily water intake to help to keep your lips moisturized!
Tip #4 – Cavity Care: Let’s face it, the best part of the winter season is all the delicious foods! It’s fine to give into temptation and indulge in sweet treats, but just be sure to properly brush and floss afterwards to avoid cavities! In addition, always remember to drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth! Incorporating dental friendly foods into your winter diet to help with cavity prevention will also benefit you! Foods such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese and other foods high in calcium, are all perfect for keeping your teeth and gums healthy this winter!
Taking care of your oral health is important. That’s why we want to ensure that your oral health is in tip top shape this season! If you would like to schedule an appointment with our office, give us a call at Swampscott Office Phone Number 781-596-2220! In the mean time, stay warm out there!
What are teeth without gums? Nothing. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Not only is periodontal disease bad for your oral hygiene, but it’s been proven to be associated with cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and dementia. Luckily, maintaining healthy gums and preventing periodontal disease is easier than you may think.
1. Eat more periodontal friendly foods! This include things like onions, which contain neutralizing oral bacteria and microbial properties that target bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease. It also includes leafy greens! Greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, which boost the production of red blood cells and actually REDUCES inflammation. Another periodontal friendly food is DAIRY! That’s right, dairy products are great for your gums because they contain casein, which neutralizes oral acids, which otherwise could be dangerous for your tooth enamel and gum tissue. Green tea also REAPS benefits, as there is evidence that proves this tea can fight inflammation.
2. QUIT SMOKING! Smoking is directly correlated to gum disease. This is because smoking weakens your immune system, which makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Not only does it make it more difficult to fight off, but it also makes it more challenging for them to heal once they’ve been damaged.
3. Get regular dental cleanings. Your dentist will be able to detect early gum disease symptoms if you have regular cleanings (we recommend every six months).
4. This may seem obvious, but brush your teeth twice a day and ALWAYS FLOSS! By brushing, you’re removing the food and plaque that is trapped between your teeth and gums. Flossing helps remove the food and plaque that’s beyond your toothbrush’s reach. The good part about flossing is that it doesn’t matter when you do it; you can do it in the morning, at night, or even right in the middle of the day!
If you have any questions about your periodontal health, give us a call at Swampscott Office Phone Number 781-596-2220 and we’ll be happy to help!
Missing teeth? No problem. A dental implant is a way to replace an empty void that may be leaving you self-conscious about your smile. Whether the vacant spot is due to a sports injury, facial trauma, periodontal complication, or bad oral hygiene, it can fill the vacancy permanently and give you a boost of confidence. So, what exactly is a dental implant? Here are a few things you need to know:
• Dental implants act as a replacement for the roots of a tooth. Metaphorically speaking, they can be the anchor for crowns, bridges and dentures and are screwed into the jaw bone to provide support for replacement teeth. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line.
• Dental implants resemble the shape of screws and once placed into the jawbone, will naturally bond with your natural bone to provide a strong base for artificial teeth.
• Dental implant surgery is one of the safest procedures done in dentistry.
• Dental implants will be the next best thing you’ll have to healthy and natural teeth.
• A dental implant is dependent on the oral health of the person undergoing treatment. There needs to be healthy tissue in the mouth and enough jaw bone to support these dental implants.
• After undergoing a dental implant procedure, keeping the structures healthy and clean should be done precisely and with attention to detail. This will help to maintain and ensure the long-term success of the treatment and the oral health of your mouth.
Don’t let a missing tooth or teeth stop you from living a full life without limits. Laugh and smile, indulge in foods without restriction, and most importantly, feel comfortable in your own skin. Call our office Swampscott Office Phone Number 781-596-2220 to find out how a dental implant can be beneficial to you and the overall health of your teeth. What have you got to lose? Call us today!
Instilling a healthy and consistent oral hygiene routine does more than wonders on your smile, it keeps your mouth healthy and disease free. One of the best ways to avoid any damage to your teeth and mouth is to take small, preventative actions daily. As mundane and small as these gestures seem in the moment, they all lead to an overall healthier smile. Consistent oral hygiene will increase your chances of keeping all of your natural teeth with the least amount of decay, bacteria and plaque.
Good oral hygiene can have many different meanings, but we can all agree that the outcome is one in the same. Making sure you have the healthiest and cleanest mouth possible is just as important as looks. To ensure that your teeth remain healthy (and beautiful), it’s important to brush, floss and use mouthwash to remove any plaque and bacteria to prevent decay.
As easy as it can be to skip a few brushings, appointments, or fall out of the habit of flossing, it is doing more damage than you think. Make your daily oral hygiene habits being as important as that morning cup of coffee or washing your face. Take the time to clean and care for your teeth, they aren’t as easy to replace as you think.
Remember to keep the health of your mouth in mind throughout the day. There are many diseases and infections that can be avoided if you focus on keeping a consistent oral hygiene routine. This season, remember to maintain good oral hygiene habits that will result in a beautiful and healthy smile.
Contact us today Swampscott Office Phone Number 781-596-2220 if you have any questions about how you can start creating your oral hygiene habits today!
Insecure about a missing tooth? Don’t be. With dental implants (link), you can get your smile back to looking perfect. For many, dental implants provide the feeling of having their natural teeth back again. This is because instead of being a removable type of device, such as a dental flipper, dental implants are permanently embedded into the jaw, which then allows a dental crown to take the place of the missing tooth. We understand that this procedure may seem intimidating, but we’re here to reassure you it’s not as bad as it sounds. Below are the top three common misconceptions when it comes to getting dental implants.
Myth #1: Dental Implants are painful
This is a common fear. Many people hold back from pursuing a dental implant, simply because they’re afraid the procedure might be too painful. However, this is not true. The procedure itself is pain-free. As always after surgery, there may be some temporary discomfort, but your doctor will work very closely with you to ensure your comfort and ease.
Myth #2: Dental Implants are expensive
Although dental implants aren’t cheap, they’re a much better investment than dental bridges, which need replacing every 7-15 years. Dental Implants cost may be high initially, but it’s a better financial decision in the long run.
Myth #3: Dental Implants cause headaches
It’s a fairly common myth that dental implants can cause migraines or headaches. However, we’re here to let you know that this is not true. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this. After the dental implant has successfully bonded with the jaw/gums, you should experience zero pain.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding dental implants, give our office a call at Swampscott Office Phone Number 781-596-2220 so we can discuss the next steps.
Bone grafts are essential for replacing missing or damaged bone in your jaw. Whether a cavity has reduced your tooth to an empty, gummy space after an extraction, or gum disease has caused loose teeth, a bone graft can repair and rebuild the damaged bone needed to support a dental implant. Surrounding teeth can also become loose and eventually fall out without healthy bone regeneration, which may cause future complications. Without bone grafting, a dental implant would not have enough mass to securely latch onto.
So, when do you need a bone graft?
• Once a tooth is lost, 25% of bone width is reduced within the first year. If left untreated for an extended period, there would not be enough surrounding jawbone to support a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Once bone mass is gone, it cannot be reversed which is why a bone graft may be needed.
• Periodontal disease can also cause bone to disintegrate, which can lead to tooth loss. The bacteria slowly eat away at the jawbone and periodontal ligament, which connect teeth to bone.
• Dental trauma, including the persistence of grinding and clenching teeth, can cause excess wear on the tissue supporting tooth structure. The constant pressure can also lead to fractured or cracked teeth, which do not heal. Aside from grinding and clenching, trauma can also include a tooth getting knocked out from an accident or a fall. In this case, a bone graft may be needed as well.
Bone loss can be caused by several different circumstances, but one thing is for sure- a bone graft is a great alternative for repairing and building new bone. So, what are you waiting for? Call today for a consultation to see what our office can do for you! Swampscott Office Phone Number 781-596-2220
The Perico Group presents its Fall Lecture Series with:
“Superior Esthetics and Decreased Treatment Time: Innovative Solutions for Anterior Implant Therapy”
Contemporary implant therapy aims to provide predictable esthetic outcomes while decreasing treatment complexity and duration. This presentation will feature a comprehensive discussion of the rationale and treatment considerations involved in the management of ideal and high-risk anterior implant scenarios.
- Immediate vs. delayed implants in the esthetic zone
- Protocol for predictable immediate placement and provisionalization in ideal sites
- Discuss contour concepts and how to incorporate them into an efficient restorative workflow
- Limitations of traditional surgical and prosthetic approaches in the management of compromised sites
- Demonstrate the use of interdisciplinary approaches to treat single and multiple tooth and implant sites
Friday, November 2nd, 2018
Seaport Hotel | One Seaport Lane, Boston, MA
Registration: 7:45 AM – 8:30 AM
Lecture: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres to Follow
5 CEU provided for this event
Dr. Ernesto A. Lee is the Director of the Postgraduate Periodontal Prosthesis Program, and a Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he also serves as Director of the Postdoctoral Implant Fellowship. Dr. Lee graduated summa cum laude and was class valedictorian at the University of Panama, in his native country. He subsequently pursued advanced training, earning dual specialty degrees in Periodontics and Fixed Prosthodontics from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lee’s practice is located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; a suburb of Philadelphia, and is limited to Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry, with an emphasis in Esthetic Dentistry.