Brusha Brusha Brusha

Eco-Dentists

Yo, this is Pete, Jen’s brother.  I have never blogged before but my bossy Biting big sis is making me.  Here is what I say about this whole green thing:

Our dental office is considered more "green" than most.  At my sister’s insistence, we opted to have bamboo flooring instead of hardwoods, digital x-rays and photographs instead of chemical developing, and a paperless office to reduce deforestation.  I have never really been green, per se, and quite honestly I have always chided Jen by calling her ‘treehugger’ – but guess what?  This green thing is actually cool.  Patients like the atmosphere here, and I feel better about spending most of my days in doors. 

We actually took the idea of “green” to the next level, so it could mean “lush” – and so developed spa-like features with the help of a fung shui consultant (yes, this too at my sister’s insistence). 

Business is pretty healthy already, in all senses of the word.  If you are in the Atlanta area drop by and we will give you a free teeth whitening if you become a new client.  Just say, “the Biters sent me” - and you will the spa treatment while getting your choppers whitened with non-chem, state of the art procedures.   (You can see the office photos and location, here:  http://www.AtlantaDentalSpa.com.)

Off to replace more mercury fillings from my patients’ mouths...

Pete

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I am a Dental hygienist in Cleveland,OH and have been practicing for 15 years. Why are you promoting toothbrushes that last longer? I don't care if it looks like it just came out of the box. Folks should be replacing their toothbrushes on a regular basis, on average every 3 months. They are removing plaque, which is basicly bacteria. Think about all the bacteria on that toothbrush. Bacteria LOVES to grow in dark damp places. They have done studies that have found E Coli (intestinal) bacteria on toothbrushes that sit on counters in bathrooms. Did you know that folks can reinfect themselves with their own colds and make them linger on? If you are sick and starting to feeling better throw out your $2 brush and treat yourself to a new one. When was the last time you put a new toothbrush in your travel bag? If you can't remember, throw it out before it walks out on its own. I am all for being green, but not at the cost of a healthy mouth.
Hello Peter. I just read your post, and visited your website, I think. I will try to look for a recycled toothbrush, but I tend to agree with the comment by SM to replace toothbrushes. I generally try to replace my toothbrush when I notice that bristles bent over like wheat talks in the wind, or when the overnight buildup remains on my teeth after I've completed brushing. Another question . . . do you have any opinion about the notion to brush our teeth with bar soap? I got an email several months ago about this. I tried it for a while, and did notice that my teeth felt "cleaner" after brushing. But there seems to be a contention about calcium replenishment as well as the continuing debate about flouride use. Nice to meet you. . . . . would appreciate your feedback . . . between bites :-) Regards, Ibrahim Siddiq Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
From what I have read and from speaking with dental professionals, using electric toothbrushes (with an oscillating head) tends to be recommended and more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush. From a resources usage point of view, it would seem that using an electric toothbrush with a replacable head (so you're not tossing - or having to recycle - the whole brush) would be a better way to go. Ideally, a rechargable, recyclable electric toothbrush with replacable heads would be best. Anyone know of one of these?
Greetings all. I was notified that there were some responses to some postings or questions. Granted, I am not on this site as much as I should be (bad brother, bad). At any rate, I'll try to answer these comments: SM from OH- You are absolutely right, longevity of a brush isn't always what you want. Manufactures recommend replacement every three months, mainly, because the bristles wear down and loose there effective cleansing ability. If you have ever looked closely at a good quality brush, it actually looks like dull montain range (bad analogy but best I can offer). This is so the brush can sweep away debris and bacteria between the teeth (or interproximally). So a brush that is soft to the gums and teeth AND has excellent wear characteristics would be ideal. SM, you are right that plaque is just bacteria. Bacteria CAN colonate on the bristles, especially if the brush is store in a warm, dark place. Jen actually asked me about this. I told her that to thwart the growth of bacteria on a toothbrush you could splash a little isopropyl alcohol on it (after you done and it'll evaporate before next use) or actually brush with Listerine from time to time. Listerine is bacteriostatic (meaning it prevents the propagation of bacteria).
Ibrahim, I probably should clarify this for you and future biters. I am NOT a holisitic dentist, I am a cosmetic dentist. I do though stay current with nearly all facets of modern dental technology and techniques. THat being said, we were taught in dental school that toothpaste was actually unnecessary. People like the paste because manufactures actually apply what is called "surfactants" to the paste or gel. This is what foams in your mouth. Very similar to the effect of using soap. YUK. Why would you want to use bar soap in your mouth? That used to be punishment when I was growing up :-) Jen can tell you all about that one. You get enough calcium replenishment in your diet, don't worry about getting it from your toothpaste. Same goes for fluoride, no worries there either. You are getting plenty. Just find something that gives YOU that clean feeling and is not an abrasive toothpaste (i.e. Whitening).
Gene, You are right. In my practice, I promote the Sonicare brush by Phillips. I am research driven by my decisions and I am convinced that this is a superior clean for the average person. This is the brush I use for my personal use. Combine the sonicare regimen with flossing and listerine - you pretty much got the gold standard for at home dental hygeine. They last a long time, about 5 years and you just replace the heads every 6 months. So that's green-ish eh?
Dr. Pete - when are you going to clean my Pearly Biters? YBS - jen
I doubt they're "pearly" by this point :-)
Dude, don't make me kick your butt in front of the Biting Bloggers.
Hi Pete...welcome to the blog! Good for Jen...and good for you...but most importantly good for the earth! Do you usse use mercury or amalgam in your office? If so, what do you do to keep it from entering our water supply? Looking forward to you posting again! Amie Mercury-Free Dental Advocate

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