Full Dentures

Please see HERE what City Lifestyle Austin has to say about Enamel Dentistry and their cutting-edge approach to all aspects of a successful dental practice.  

Spoiler Alert: The key is a positive and upbeat attitude that manifests itself in superior dental care.

Charcoal toothpaste (also called black toothpaste) has been marketed as a healthy, natural way to whiten your teeth—but does it really make good on that promise?

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vgpXm7iyz30

Activated charcoal, which is one of the main ingredients in this kind of toothpaste, has long been used to bind toxins; in fact, that’s one of the ideas behind putting it in toothpaste—binding and pulling bacteria, tartar, and stains from your teeth. Charcoal dental care isn’t a new idea; Hippocrates of Ancient Greece believed it was an ideal treatment for black gums and bad breath, and it was advertised as a way to freshen your breath and remove tobacco stains in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

Natural Isn’t Always Better

The first thing to know about whitening toothpaste is none of them actually whiten your teeth; all they do is remove stains. The second (and more important) thing to know about charcoal toothpaste is that it’s highly abrasive, so even if it does absorb harmful compounds on your teeth, it’s also scraping away at the surface of your teeth every time you brush. One study found that tooth surfaces became significantly rougher after only a month of using charcoal toothpaste compared to regular toothpaste.

If roughened tooth surfaces sound like bad news to you, you’re right! The roughened texture means enamel loss. Once enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced—even worse, it makes your teeth much more vulnerable to decay. Also, most brands of charcoal toothpaste don’t contain fluoride, which is essential for preventing cavities. Not to mention, charcoal dental products aren’t backed by the American Dental Association or the FDA. 

Although charcoal toothpaste can help get rid of surface stains, it’s probably best to avoid it altogether. 

For a Whiter Smile, Turn to the Experts

The most effective way to get a brighter, whiter smile is with professional teeth whitening at Enamel Dentistry. We use custom trays that protect your gums from sensitivity and harsh bleaching agents, and we can whiten your teeth by up to 5-10 shades in a single office visit. To learn more, contact Enamel Dentistry or talk to your dentist at your next appointment. 

Pain Management Protocol

Start with:

• Ibuprofen 600mg or 800mg (Advil, Motrin) unless otherwise directed by your doctor or dentist
• Take every 8 hours
  
  *Over-the-counter Ibuprofen typically comes in 200mg tablets, so you can take 3-4 tablets to reach the recommended 600-800mg dosage. Do not exceed 3200mg daily.

If necessary add:

• Acetaminophen 500mg (Tylenol)
• Take every 6 hours
• Recommended to be taken 3 hours after dose of Ibuprofen, but can be taken at same time as Ibuprofen
  
  *Over-the-counter Acetaminophen typically comes in 375mg or 500mg tablets, so you can take the 1-2 tablets to reach the recommended 500mg dosage. Do not exceed 2000mg daily.

If discomfort persists, discontinue Acetaminophen 500mg and replace with:

• Norco 5/325mg OR Tylenol #3 (depending on what was prescribed to you)
• >Both listed medications contain Tylenol so please be aware of your total daily consumption (do not exceed 2000mg Tylenol a day).
• >Take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for additional pain control
• >Recommended to take 3 hours after dose of Ibuprofen, but can be taken at same time as Ibuprofen
• >Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking these medications as they can cause drowsiness
• >If pain is more prominent at night, save these medications for use closer to bedtime as tolerance can build quickly