OB1 Dental

You brush your teeth two or three times a day. But while you’re cleaning up those pearly whites, have you ever wondered about the evolution of the tools you’re using? No? OK, then it’s time for you to find out. 

The office of OB1 Dental is enthusiastic about treating your oral health. In addition to our high-quality, comprehensive care, we also boast a welcoming, patient-focused environment in which each client will feel at ease. We are an excellent one-stop solution for the oral healthcare needs of your whole family.

Once upon a time, about 3000 BC, Babylonians and Egymptions fashioned toothbrushes by fraying the ends of twigs. In the 15th century, the Chinese started making toothbrushes whose handles were made of bone or bamboo, and the rough bristles were from pigs. The design eventually took hold in Europe, where the inhabitants preferred the softer feel of horsehairs and feathers as bristles. 

In 1780, Britons changed the handle to cattle bone, and it wasn’t until 1844 that the toothbrush with three rows of bristles were introduced. In 1938, the famous American company DuPont started manufacturing toothbrushes that sported nylon bristles. 

During the American Dental Association’s centennial celebrations in 1959, E. R. Squibb and Sons Pharmaceuticals introduced the Broxo electric toothbrush (later known as the Broxodent) to the U.S. market. 

Tools to cleanse your teeth you have definitely advanced. Manual toothbrushes are available in lots of sizes and shapes. You can buy ones whose handles are curved, angled and straight, and some have soft rubber areas for easy gripping and maneuvering. Their bristles vary from really soft to hard, while the shape of the heads are rectangular, rectangular and oval. 

Powered brushes ranage from basic and inexpensive to high-end and elebroate enough to include timers and pressure sensors. The heads can oscilate up and down or rotate in a circular motion. Sonic toothbrushes vibrate 10 times faster than electric toothbrushes.

The office of OB1 Dental has a well-established reputation for providing excellent care and compassionate service. New patients are always welcome to our state-of-the-art facility, your resource for the best in modern dentistry. Please call us to schedule an appointment. 

Our friendly dentist at OB1 Dental always emphasizes the importance of brushing our teeth at least twice a day to fight tooth decay and prevent gum disease. This routine has become such an essential part of our daily lives that we hardly think twice about it. Let’s stop for a moment for a few words about how the toothbrush came into existence.

Historians reach all the way back to 3000 to 3500 B.C. for the first signs of what eventually became the toothbrush. Frayed twigs known as “chew sticks” are credited to the Egyptians, who preserved these rudimentary teeth-scrubbers in their tombs. Fast-forward to the 1400s, when we find the Chinese developing the first toothbrush that used bristles in the form of pigs’ hair, with bamboo or bone handles. These implements found their way to Europe, where horsehair was used for the bristles. 

Sometime in the late 18th century, an Englishman named William Addis modernized the toothbrush’s design with a handle made of cattle bone to hold the animal-hair bristles. Some fifty years later, the first brush with three rows of bristles was invented. Nylon replaced animal hair as the material of choice for bristles in the late 1930s. Around that time, the electric toothbrush made its debut, although its wide use didn’t occur until around 1960.

Nowadays, the shelves at our local grocery or drug store are filled with manual and electric toothbrushes of various shapes and sizes, with soft, medium and hard bristles.

But no matter what type you use, it’s the way you brush that matters. The toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle to the gums, with the brush moving gently back and forth on the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Inside surfaces of the front teeth are best cleaned using an up-and-down motion with a bush that’s titled vertically.

And don’t forget to have regular checkups with our friendly dentist at OB1 Dental. Contact us today for an appointment.

If you have been brushing your teeth in the same manner your whole life, it could be time for a change. You might not need anything major—just some alterations in your technique.

The office of OB1 Dental emphasizes the importance of preventive dental care for our patients of all ages. We are dedicated to helping everyone who comes in enjoy the benefits of a healthy and beautiful smile. Our comprehensive program of preventive care is designed to protect your teeth and reduce the risk of dental disease. 

Though you are a devoted brusher, you may not be performing this important task as efficiently as possible. Read on for easy ways to ensure effective cleaning sessions. 

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, brush at a 45-degree angle starting at your gum line, and target each tooth’s nooks and crannies. Wind it all up by gently scrubbing your tongue. You must also use the head size that best suits the sizes and shapes of your mouth and arches. 

Brush for at least two minutes each time. Rushing through a cleansing won’t reap optimal results. 

Use top tools. Be mindful when picking out which brush is best for you—i.e., which will best suit your needs and preferences. There are many options: manual, powered (electric or battery), head size, and handle shape and length. Ask your dentist which features he (or she) believes will prove most advantageous. 

Keep your toothbrush sanitary by rinsing it off and letting it air dry. Leaving it in a container breeds and spreads icky bacteria. Get a new brush every three to four months and right after you’ve been sick. 

Toothpaste comes in paste or gel. Whichever type and brand you use, make sure it includes fluoride and has the seal from the American Dental Association. (We can thank fluoride for the dramatic decrease in tooth decay in the past 50 years!)

OB1 Dental prides itself on building strong dentist-patient relationships and on our high standards of service. For more information about our office and all of our other dental services, please don’t hesitate to call today for an appointment.

What are the first things you notice about people when you meet them in-person? Studies have shown that it’s most likely their eyes and mouths. Conversely, your eyes and mouth are what others initially note about you. That’s why a fantastic grin is a great asset, and a dentist is the person to see about getting one. 

At the office of OB1 Dental, we provide a warm and welcoming experience for each patient. We pride ourselves on utilizing the most modern equipment and methods available to improve the oral health of all of our patients’ teeth. 

Here are four ways that a stunning smile behooves you. 

It boosts your confidence. It’s tough to not be self-conscious or shy when your teeth are stained, chipped or in obvious need of restorative work. You may make a concerted effort to suppress or hide your smile. But after successful dental treatment, you’ll be free to sport a wide smile when your picture is being taken, and while you’re having fun with friends and meeting new people. You won’t want to dodge social or business situations. The absence of your fears will add a spring to your step and let you embrace the moment. 

You look better. Yes, it’s unfair to judge someone based on his/her appearance, but our society relishes beauty and youth nonetheless. Father Time takes his toll eventually, but well-maintained teeth last forever and contribute to a youthful façade.

Others think more of you. Kelton Research, a prestigious consumer insights and strategy consulting firm, conducted a study during which participants were shown images of people with varying tooth issues and asked to give their honest opinion about them. The partakers weren’t aware that they were comparing people with attractive teeth to people with unkempt teeth. The results concluded that most Americans believe that people with pleasing smiles have more desirable traits than those with less-than-appealing smiles. 

Your climb up the career ladder is quicker. Though professional success is never guaranteed, experiments have shown that people with attractive smiles have a better chance of promotion and increased pay compared to candidates who don’t. 

Treatment from the office of OB1 Dental increases its patients’ confidence and overall quality of life. We have the ability, focus and flexibility to carry out unparalleled professional knowledge. Our high-tech, cutting-edge diagnostic equipment will give us an overall view of all of your teeth and treat your needs with unwavering patience and care. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment. 

If you ask youngsters how they like to entertain themselves, chances are that no one will say, “By brushing my teeth.” Sure, many kids consider oral healthcare to be a chore. But if their parents use creative ways to get their kids more engaged, their offspring may become enthusiastic about brushing. 

You can rely on the office of OB1 Dental for excellent dental care. All of our patients, from children to adults, sense the quality of our services as soon as they walk through our doors. We look forward to meeting you and providing you with tailored service, devotion and attention to detail. 

Here are some ways you can help your child make dental hygiene more engaging.

1. Ready, set, go! Good oral healthcare starts with brushing teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. To some kids, two minutes seem like an eternity, and focusing on something for 120 seconds can be a true challenge for those who are super active. Use an entertaining timer or a cute hourglass to help them stay the course.

2. Take your pick: Have your child choose his (or her) toothbrush. There’s a wide assortment of kiddie toothbrushes—from familiar cartoon characters to those shaped like animals. Opt for age-appropriate tools, such as toothbrushes sized for toddlers, flossers without sharp edges and powered toothbrushes with soft bristles. 

3. Be a role model: Two positive facts play into this suggestion: Children are influenced by their moms and dads more than anyone else, and young children like to imitate their parents. So brush and floss your teeth along with your kids as often as possible, all the while demonstrating the correct ways to clean thoroughly.

4. Incorporate brushing into playtime: Find a spare toothbrush and encourage your child to brush the teeth of one of her favorite stuffed animals or dolls. You can even role-play and let your child brush your teeth. The more they watch your behavior modeled in everyday life, the more they’ll want to imitate it.

The office of OB1 Dental is passionate about treating all aspects of the dental health of your whole family. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.

Think of tooth decay as public enemy #1 when it comes to your oral health. Left untreated, it opens the door to a host of more serious complications. The best way to keep your teeth and gums in the best shape is through early detection and intervention by a dental professional.

At the office of OB1 Dental, our skilled and compassionate professionals offer a preemptive approach to stopping tooth decay. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and methods to keep your teeth cavity-free from the start, and to diagnose tooth decay from its outset, when it is easiest to treat.

Cavities are small holes in your teeth, which are produced by the bacteria found in plaque. Plaque is a sticky film, which harbors harmful bacteria that feed on sugar. The bacteria in plaque produce acids, which eat away at your tooth’s hard outer surface. Preventing cavities involves removing plaque before it can build up and do damage to your teeth.

Daily brushing and flossing are important steps to keeping your mouth clean and free of plaque, but a professional teeth cleaning is vital at least twice a year for a complete and effective oral hygiene routine. At this time, we will conduct a thorough examination of the teeth, gums and their supporting bone structure. If we detect any conditions that may be harmful, our skilled team will provide gentle and effective care.

A trusted partner in care

At OB1 Dental, we are committed to helping you and every member of your family enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Our team of professionals provides the highest quality care to detect, prevent and treat tooth decay. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today.

If you place your hands directly below your ears, on either side of your face, you’ll find the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ for short. These joints are among the most complex in the entire human body and, like all joints, they can become painful and inflamed. At the office of OB1 Dental, we provide leading-edge treatment for TMJ disorder. We will treat your condition with a customized night guard to alleviate TMJ issues – and improving your health and sense of well-being.

The TMJ acts as a hinge between your upper and lower jaw, making it possible to chew, swallow, yawn and speak. A TMJ disorder can be attributed to a number of causes, including arthritis, dental injuries, misaligned teeth and bruxism. Bruxism refers to a nightly teeth grinding habit, which places excess strain on the TMJ and can cause teeth to wear down. With the fabrication and placement of a customized night guard, you can keep your teeth slightly separated while you sleep to alleviate pressure on the joints. We custom design your night guard to fit comfortably and precisely, and to deliver the most effective outcome of care. Our friendly, experienced professional team will take the time to teach you how to properly utilize and maintain your appliance, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding treatment.

Your trusted partner in care

With the care of the highly skilled professionals at the office of OB1 Dental, we offer a stress-free and convenient way to get much-needed relief from the painful effects of a TMJ disorder. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.

Saliva keeps the mouth comfortably moist, protects enamel, aids chewing and swallowing, neutralizes destructive acids, kills germs, fights bad breath, and fights tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva comes out of six major salivary glands—they’re in the cheeks, under the tongue and near the jawbone—and hundreds of minor glands. Saliva keeps the mouth comfortably moist, protects enamel, aids chewing and swallowing, neutralizes destructive acids, kills germs, fights bad breath, and fights tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva comes out of six major salivary glands—they’re in the cheeks, under the tongue and near the jawbone—and hundreds of minor glands. 

The office of OB1 Dental is enthusiastic about treating your oral health. It’s as important to us as it is to you. In addition to our high-quality, comprehensive dental care, we have a welcoming, patient-focused environment in which each client will feel at ease.

As with every system in your body, things can go amiss. Salivary glands’ ducts can develop small, hard deposits of calcium and minerals that range from a few millimeters to 2 centimeters. If the deposits get big enough, they can block the ducts, make the gland swell and cause a condition called sialolithiasis. Out of the three major glands, 80 percent are in the one near the jawbone. Salivary stones have no definite cause.

You may have salivary stones if you have pain in your face, neck or mouth that elevates when you’re eating. Lesser symptoms include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, problems opening your mouth or a bad taste. Sometimes, an affected cheek will swell up over the course of a few hours.

 
If you suspect you have salivary stones, see your dentist for an immediate exam. If not addressed, they occasionally trigger an infection or an abscess. Your treatment depends on the stone’s size and site. He (or she) might take X-rays, do an ultrasound or perform a CT scan of your face and neck. 

Smaller stones can be gently pushed or massaged out of the duct. Larger stones that are visible a dentist to use a local anesthetic to remove them via a tiny incision. Larger stones that aren’t visible might require a doctor to locate them with a tiny lighted scope and remove them with a minute instrument. In the best-case scenario, your stones are small enough that your dentist can give you some at-home remedies.

OB1 Dental has a well-established reputation for providing high-quality care and compassionate service. Experienced in treating patients of all ages, we are an excellent one-stop solution for the oral healthcare needs of your whole family. New patients are always welcome to our state-of-the-art facility, your resource for the best in modern dentistry. Please call us today for an appointment.