Oftentimes, when people refer to sedation dentistry, they usually refer to having an injection of Novocain. However, most dentists stopped using Novocain in the 1940s! Here are some interesting facts about the history of Novocain, one of the first drugs ever used in modern sedation dentistry. Fact 1: Novocain was almost the first manmade anesthetic.   Novocain was first synthesized...

You may have heard about “oil pulling”, a holistic treatment purported to rid your mouth of unwanted bacteria. Those who swear by the process claim that it whitens teeth, lessens the chances of tooth decay, and destroys the bacteria that cause bad breath. Today, our Charleston, SC dentist will discuss whether or not oil pulling really can benefit your oral...

What are The First Signs of a Dry Socket? Ask a Charleston SC General Dentist A dry socket is one of the most painful things that can happen after a dental surgery. If you suspect that you have a dry socket, here are some of the signs to watch out for, and what you can do. How Do Dry Sockets...

In our previous post, we discussed some things that you can do to help alleviate your gag reflex during your dentist appointment. While it’s true that following those tips can help you significantly, there are also some things your dentist can do to help you, too. Read more below. Apply A Topical Anesthetic For most people, gag reflexes are triggered...

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of MLMs, or Multi-Level Marketing companies. Even if you haven’t heard the term “MLM”, you’ve probably been approached by someone who claimed that a certain makeup, essential oil, or pair of leggings is life-changing. Now, the list of MLM products has to expanded to include another item: toothpaste. Here’s why...

The internet is chock full of “natural” and holistic solutions for whitening teeth. Unfortunately, many of these acclaimed home remedies simply don’t work, or work in ways that will harm your enamel. Read on to read about these common tooth whitening myths. Oil Pulling Some claim that swishing a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth offers benefits like healthier gums, plaque...

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your teeth and helps prevent cavities. For this reason, it's been added to community water systems in many developed countries for about 70 years. Since the inception of community water fluoridation, though, the practice has been controversial. Is fluoride bad in any way? Read on to find out. The Origins of Fluoride Controversy...

For some people, the worst parts of a dentist appointment are those that trigger the gag reflex. Whether it’s biting into a silicone-filled U-tray, taking a dental X-ray, or just having a regular dental cleaning, a sensitive gag reflex can make a dentist appointment into a nightmare. Here’s what to do if you suffer from this common condition. What Causes...