JUST a dentist...

"Oh. ...... a dEntist. I hate going to the dentist. I don't clean my teeth before going either; that's their job." - some comedian I saw at Tommy T's

I hate cliche jokes.  I know the comedian is just trying to get a laugh, and he got the obligatory laugh from me.  I wasn't offended by his jokes about dentists, but I've grown tired of them over the years.  Knocking dentists is as old as ... those yellow Sports Walkmans (click here if you don't know what I'm referring to).  I know, Walkmans are not that old, but it's my way of saying the jokes were once funny, but times have changed, even in a short period of time.  Technology has given dentists more to do, and jokes could perhaps evolve as well -- if you're a good comedian, at least.

You know what comedians put a really good spin on the Dentists Suck attitude?  Seinfeld and Larry David when they wrote for the sitcom, "Seinfeld".  Watch This Clip from the episode I'm referring to.  Basically, Kramer refers to Seinfeld as an Anti-Dentite after Seinfeld reasons, "He's jUst a dentist!"  Obviously, this is an old show, but the joke still feels refreshing.  (I actually encourage you to call Dr. Hashimoto "Denty" haha) 

All the cliches say dentists are medical school rejects, love to inflict pain, glorified teeth cleaners, and supposedly have the highest rate of suicide.  My humble opinion -- if your dentist actually fits the above cliches (particularly the suicidal one), you need a new one STAT.  Dentists actually have to do 1-5 years of residency depending on their specialty, not to mention the continuing education with the new techonlogy.  New technology gives dentists waaay more to do than clean teeth.  Hygienists clean the teeth anyway; one can even argue a good hygienist does more than just clean as well, but I digress.  Technology has given Dr. Hashimoto the ability to use laser technology that catches cavities at an earlier stage so that fillings can be done without anesthetic (no pain!).  Technology has also given us the only FDA approved oral cancer screening, so they basically use a scope with a special light that can detect early stages of cancer.  Cosmetically, technology has allowed Dr. Hashimoto to use a computer aided machine that designs an all porcelain crown that can be completed in one visit and is stronger and more asthetically pleasing than traditional crowns.  Phew... that's a lot.

I repeat that I welcome dental jokes.  Just be relevant or different.  Now, are you an anti-dentite or pro-dentite?  ;)

Toodles,
Pro-Dentite Tracie

Brushing your teeth

Have you noticed in television, film, and even cartoons people tend to brush rather vigorously?  Sure, they're probably just trying to emphasize the fact they're being clean and doing the daily routines...but if it were real life, I'd tell them, "Freeze! Drop the brush, and slowly back away."  Okay, I wouldn't really say that, but people need to know that's not how we should brush.  Gentle is key.

Actually, if I had my way, everyone would be using a Sonicare electric toothbrush.  No disclosures, just an honest recommendation from knowledge and experience.  Some people ask if they should brush the same with Sonicare as they would a manual brush, and the answer is NO.  Akin to society these days, we can mostly kick back and let the machine do the work.  All you need to do is hold your Sonicare at approximately 45 degree angle and slowly, gently move the brush across your teeth, pausing to let the vibrating bristles take away the plaque.  The angling of the brush is what aids in cleaning the plaque away from the gums. 

Why do you need to be gentle?  Brushing too vigorously at the gums will actually contribute to a receding gum line.  The soft tissue of the gums become damaged with poor brushing, which leads to the gum receding.  Not hot.  ;)

So let your children learn the habit of brushing from TV/movies...but you show them the proper way!

Heeelloooooo

So we are joining the blogosphere world!  For those who don't know, we are a dental office consisting of an awesome dentist, Dr. Hashimoto, and a really great team (Alley, Cheryl, Liz, Michele, and Valerie).  You can find us at hashimotodental.net ... or Google us by looking up his office, Kenneth B. Hashimoto, D.M.D. (because honestly, who doesn't Google any and everything these days??). 

The weekend is coming to an end, which means we're back to what we do best on Monday!  The week's end also means Liz survived her first week as a dental assistant on our team (haha) ...and Michele's week off in Hawaii has come to an end.  So if you come into the office this coming week and Michele's more tanned than usual, that's why.  If you come into the office after this coming week, she'll look like normal; she doesn't tan well.  Don't tell her I said that. haha

We hope everyone enjoyed their weekend (which surely involved brushing and flossing daily, right?)!  Be sure to check back for updates!  (Cannot promise ramblings such as this post will not reoccur.)