Portfolio Category: Patient News

Dental amalgam (“silver fillings”) has been used in dentistry for more than 165 years. Controversies around this material have periodically swirled around for about the same amount of time. Composed of silver, tin, copper and inorganic mercury, dental amalgam has served as an excellent, cost-effective and versatile material for restoring back teeth with cavities. While…

A toothbrush may be a perfectly reasonable addition to any emergency kit, but police in Chatham, Ont., would like to remind you that it probably isn’t a reason to call 911. The southwestern Ontario police force has just released its annual list of the 12 most ridiculous calls it received in 2012. Heading the list…

“If you have your toothbrush too close to the toilet,” microbiologist Charles Gerba, PhD, tells WebMD, “you are brushing your teeth withwhat’s in your toilet.” He explains that when you flush with the lid open, contaminated water vapor settles on surfaces in your bathroom. And that’s not the only way germs pollute your toothbrush. Brushing…

Dental phobia can be devastating. It has been estimated that 10%-20% of the North American population is dental phobic and upwards of 50% of us harbor some reservations about visiting the dentist. These feelings can lead to people avoiding their regular check-ups and hygiene visits thereby compromising their oral health. In the worst cases of…