The Humble Toothbrush Has Come a Long Way

For most people, brushing your teeth means buying an electric or manual toothbrush from your local pharmacy or grocery store, but the modern toothbrush as it is known today wasn’t invented until the late 15^th century. This crude, “Toothbrush,” was invented by the Chinese and was made from Siberian wild boar hairs that were attached to bamboo sticks. This toothbrush and variations were used up until the 20^th century. It wasn’t until nylon was invented in 1938 that the modern toothbrush made its way into the medicine cabinets of people all over the world.

Oral hygiene has been important for centuries and thanks to archaeologists, it is now known that the toothbrush came in various forms including animal bones, bird feathers, and porcupine quills.

An English gentleman invented the most well known variation of the first Chinese toothbrush in 1780 while serving a prison sentence. Once released he began mass-producing his toothbrushes. After his death, he passed the business on to his son. This first toothbrush company, known as Wisdom Toothbrushes is still operating today and has come a long way since the original bone and horse hair toothbrush.

Archaeologists discovered the first chew sticks in Babylonia dating back to 3500 BC, an Egyptian tomb from 3000 BC, and a Chinese tomb in 1600 BC.

H.N. Wadsworth was granted the first toothbrush patent in 1857, but mass production of the bone handled bore bristle toothbrush did not begin until 1885. Unfortunately, animal bristles retained bacteria, did not dry well, and often fell out.  

Oddly enough daily tooth brushing did not take off in the United States until after the Second World War when the American soldiers were required to brush daily.

Today some people are still using chewing sticks, otherwise known as the Miswak. Made from the Salvadora, Peelu, Arak, or the Persica tree, the twigs are peeled back revealing some of the bark. In fact, the rural South in the United States still uses chew sticks referred to as, “Twig Brushes.” To, “Brush,” all you have to do is chew on the peeled part of the Salvadora twig. The tree, which as you can see is known by different names all over the world has natural antiseptic properties, and according to WHO, the World Health Organization is comparable to commercial anti-plaque and oral disinfectant products.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry with your Goodlettsville Dentist

When some people, a huge percentage actually, hear the word, “Dentist,” you can almost see the pain in their face. Millions of men, women, teenagers, and children have a genuine fear of the dentist, but according to your Goodlettsville Dentist, you can put your fears aside with sedation dentistry.

Sedation Dentistry from your Dentist in Goodlettsville is a procedure that is used by specially trained dentists in Goodlettsville, like Dr. Rick Barkley, to help patients who have neglected their teeth and gums because they are afraid of the dentist’s drill.

Your Goodlettsville Dentist practices Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry, which helps his patients get over their fear of the dentist. Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry is used to calm patients who require major dental treatment, a low tolerance for pain, and real dental phobia’s. People who have strong gag reflexes, or those who suffer from physical handicaps can also benefit from Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry provided by your Goodlettsville Dentist.

Some patients require Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry if they are having fillings, bridges, root canals and crowns. Other uses for Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry include periodontal treatments and cosmetic dental procedures.

The American Dental Association endorses Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry, as it is an effective way to get more people in the dentist chair and is a safe and comfortable way to take care of dental problems that have been avoided out of a fear of the dentist.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry is a conscious sedation technique that your Goodlettsville Dentist uses. The team from your Dentist in Goodlettsville will administer a mixture of gas making the patient feel more calm. Those who feel anxious and downright frightened when they sit in the dentist’s chair will relax during the dental procedure.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that leaves patients still conscious during the treatment allowing them to talk with their Dentist in Goodlettsville during the dental procedure. Once the treatment has been completed, Dr. Barkley will turn of the gas and administer oxygen for about 10 minutes to help the Nitrous Oxide flush out of your system. The effects of the Nitrous Oxide Sedation will wear off almost instantly.

If you have a fear of the dentist, suffer from a physical handicap or have any other issues that are preventing you from scheduling an appointment with your Dentist in Goodlettsville, talk to Dr. Barkley about Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry. Your teeth and gums really do depend on it.

Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

What you eat and drink can stain your pearly whites. Dr. Rick Barkley will tell you that if it can stain the white T-shirt that you are wearing, it will most probably stain your teeth as well.

Visit your local cosmetic and family dentist who can brighten your teeth and whiten your smile, but if you want to keep your teeth white, it may be a good idea to avoid some of your favorite foods, or at least not indulge so often.

Black tea and coffee can really stain your teeth. The fact of the matter is, the darker the drink the darker the stain. You can minimize the effect by adding extra milk to your tea and coffee.

If you thought you were better off with white wine, you would be wrong. Red wine will stain your teeth, but the acidic composition in white wine can cause tiny groves making your teeth more porous and susceptible to staining.

Sports Drinks and soft drinks are acidic and will make your teeth extremely porous, so much so that sports drinks and soft drinks promote more staining that any other food or drink.

Raspberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, and strawberries are great for a well-balanced diet, but will stain your teeth. If you must indulge, rinse your mouth after enjoying these delicious fruits.

Tomato sauce, soy sauce and red pasta sauce are hard to resist, but have the potential to stain your teeth. Acids that cause the enamel on your teeth to become porous. Drink lots of water while digging into that plate of spaghetti or bowl of fried rice with soy sauce.

Fruit juices contain sugar, which is never good for your teeth, but darker juices like cranberry, pomegranate, and grape have lots of pigment, which will stain your teeth. If you must drink dark colored fruit juices, rinse your mouth with water or try drinking your dark colored juices with a straw, as it will bypass the front of your teeth.  

Pickles and ketchup go together like bacon and eggs, but unfortunately when consumed together or alone can open up the pores in your tooth enamel temporarily, which can stain your teeth. Drink lots of water after you tuck into that cheeseburger and fries.

If you have been avoiding blue cheese and ranch dressing by switching to balsamic and oil you may be doing your waistline a favor, but not your teeth. The acidic content in all vinegars can wreck havoc with your teeth. Try eating vinegar with lettuce as it has the natural ability to give you a protective layer over the top of your teeth.

Of course, stains can be lightened with a whitening technique.  Schedule an appointment today, especially if you have been indulging in all of the above and more.

Don’t Let Periodontal Disease Happen To You

Your dentist understands how important regular checkups are and if you have not seen your Dentist in Goodlettsville for some time, it is probably a good idea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barkley. With over thirty years of experience Dr. Barkley will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums looking for tooth decay, gingivitis and other dental issues.

If periodontal disease has been detected, he will recommend that you schedule a deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and planing. Deep cleaning is the first step that needs to be taken in order to get rid of your periodontal disease.

According to Web MD, Scaling and planing is the most effective way to heal your teeth and gums. When your Dentist in Goodlettsville scales and plans your teeth, he may use a local anesthetic in order to make the procedure more comfortable.

Your dental hygenist will use a small dental instrument called a scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner that will remove the tarter and plaque between your teeth and gums. Depending on the extent of your periodontal disease, or the less severe gingivitis, your Dentist in Goodlettsville may schedule your cleanings in quadrants in order to make the treatment less invasive. Dr. Barkley will carefully remove the plaque and tartar by scaling down to the bottom of each pocket.

Once the scaling is completed, the surfaces of the roots of your teeth will be smoothed in order to heal the tissue and cause your periodontal pockets to shrink. Planing also makes it harder for the plaque and tartar to re-accumulate along the root surfaces.

If your periodontal disease is advanced, antibiotic fibers may be used that will be placed between your gums and teeth. The antibiotics will help speed up the healing process and prevent further infection. Your Dentist in Goodlettsville will remove the pockets at a second appointment when he checks on your healing.

Bleeding after brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath and gums that have pulled away from your teeth are warning signs and if you experience any of these symptoms, it is vital that you schedule an examination. Periodontal disease can happen to anyone and if left untreated can cause serious consequences.

Schedule a Goodlettsville Dentist Standard or Comprehensive Check up Today

Your dental care needs change throughout your life, and if you have not been to your local dentist lately, it is never too late to schedule an appointment. 

After graduating from the University Of Tennessee College Of Dentistry, Dr. Barkley has practiced dentistry in Rivergate, Madison, and Goodlessville since 1976. As a member of the American Dental Association, the Nashville Dental Society, and the Tennessee Dental Association, Dr. Barkley can help you with the best oral care available regardless of your your age.

According to Oral B and your Goodlettsville Dentist, it is important to be prepared for your next oral exam in order to get the best out of your trip to the Goodlettsville Dentist. Even if you are just visiting your Goodlettsville Dentist for a regular checkup, it is important to let Dr. Barkley and his team know if you are dealing with any tooth or gum sensitivity or if you have been experiencing any abnormal symptoms such as swelling or a problem with chewing. If you are having problems before your regular check-up, make sure that you schedule a special appointment in order to prevent more serious problems. It is also imperative that you tell your Goodlettsville Dentist if you are dealing with any new medical conditions that may have occurred since your last dental visit. If you are taking medications, be sure and bring a list with you to show to your Goodlettsville Dentist.

There are two types of dental visits. Your standard regular check up and a comprehensive dental exam. The standard check up with includes teeth cleaning, which involves tartar and plaque removal. You will also be checked for oral cancer and periodontal issues.

If it is your first visit to a new dentist your neck, head, mouth and of course, your teeth and gums will be examined. The dental assistant will also take x-rays if necessary. Most dentists recommend that you schedule a regular check up at least once or twice a year in order to catch problems early on.

They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that is certainly the case when it comes to dentistry in Goodlettsville. Schedule an appointment with the best Goodlettsville Dentist, Dr. Rick Barkley. 

Goodlettsville Dentist Discuss Sensitive Teeth

Dr. Rick Barkley and his entire dental office team strive to provide the most relaxed and caring experience possible for all patients.  Providing optimal oral-health care for everyone we see if our top priority.  We get asked a lot about Sensitive Teeth and here is some info.

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin. 

Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. We may suggest one of a variety of treatments, but will have to see you in our Goodlettsville Dental office first.  

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. If you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity, contact us anytime.  Here are some more resources from our website.