Meet the Discussion Panelists
What can you tell about someone’s habits when you look in their mouth?
You can see if someone sips soda all day because they’ll have little dark spots between their teeth, like dark holes. If you’re sipping on sugary drinks, the sugar sits in your teeth and eats away at them. I always say, you can use a can of Coke to clean a toilet bowl. So imagine what it does to your teeth if it sits there throughout the day. – Dr. Upadhyaya-Beehner
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Are electric toothbrushes actually better than regular ones?
I see a pretty drastic improvement for some people with electric toothbrushes versus manual ones. People can focus on technique more because electric brushes are faster, so you don’t have to worry about brushing back and forth. You just need to make sure you hit all the surfaces of your tooth and angle it between the teeth as you move. – Dr. Quesnell
If someone hasn’t been to the dentist in a long time – years, say – what should they do?
People shouldn’t feel embarrassed for falling behind. We understand life gets in the way, and we’re happy when they get back in to take care of themselves. We’ll assess what’s going on and what we need to do to help you get back on track and get healthy again. – Dr. Kim
What’s the grossest thing you’ve seen as a dentist, and how did you handle it?
Once, a nail-biting kid came in for a cleaning, and I found a wad of fingernails packed in the corner of his cheek. I bit my tongue through it and acted like it was OK, but I did say to the parent, “It appears your child is a nail-biter.” – Dr. Wagner
Everyone hates flossing. Is there anything you can tell us to make us hate it less?
If you’re struggling to get it in your routine, switch when you floss. If you like to watch a show before bed, put the floss next to the couch and floss during the show so you don’t have to take that time away from something else you’d rather be doing. If you use a water flosser, do it while you’re showering. – Dr. Quesnell
What’s a dental “hack” you recommend?
Don’t sip on anything but water throughout the day. Sipping soda and juice over a prolonged period can increase your risk of cavities. Diet soda has acid in it that can weaken your enamel over time. Flavored sparkling water also can be acidic if it has citrus flavors. Instead, start and finish these drinks with a meal, and stick with water between meals. – Dr. Kim
What’s the most common fear you hear from patients, and how do you respond to it?
Usually people are afraid of the local anesthesia needle if they’re getting a filling or tooth pulled. I always say, once you get past that five seconds of numbing, you shouldn’t feel anything. In the meantime, I talk patients through what I’m doing to divert their attention and help keep them calm. – Dr. Upadhyaya-Beehner
