Waterford, MI Dentist
Lloyd H. Alpert, D.D.S.
4025 Highland Road
Waterford, MI 48328
(248) 682-6010

My Blog

Posts for: May, 2013

May 29, 2013
Category: dental jokes
Tags: married 50 years  

A young man saw an elderly couple sitting down to lunch at McDonald's. He noticed that they had ordered one meal, and an extra drink cup. As he watched, the gentleman carefully divided the hamburger in half, then counted out the fries, one for him, one for her, until each had half of them.
Then he poured half of the soft drink into the extra cup and set that in front of his wife. The old man then began to eat, and his wife sat watching, with her hands folded in her lap.
The young man decided to ask if they would allow him to purchase another meal for them so that
they didn't have to split theirs.
The old gentleman said, "Oh no. We've been married 50 years, and everything has
always been and will always be shared, 50/50."
The young man then asked the wife if she was going to eat, and she replied... "Not yet...It's his turn with the teeth!" 


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May 22, 2013
Category: Dental News
Tags: toothpaste  

An article from the Academy of General Dentistry discusses dental advances.

The History of Dental Advances

Many of the most common dental tools were used as early as the Stone Age. Thankfully, technology and continuing education have made going to the dentist a much more pleasant – and painless – experience. Here is a look at the history of dentistry's most common tools, and how they came to be vital components of our oral health care needs.

Where did toothbrushes and toothpaste come from?

The first toothbrushes were small sticks or twigs mashed at one end to create a broader cleaning surface. The Chinese lay claim to the first bristle toothbrush. Europe adopted the bristle brush in the 17th century, and many dentists practicing in colonial America advised their patients to use the brush. The first electric toothbrush was marketed in 1880, though the Swiss developed the first effective electric toothbrush just after World War II. It was introduced in the United States around 1960. A year later, the first cordless model was developed and proved to be popular with both consumers and dentists.

Toothpaste also saw its earliest form in ancient civilizations. Early toothpaste ingredients included powdered fruit, burnt or ground shells, talc, honey and dried flowers. Less agreeable ingredients included mice, rabbit heads, lizard livers and urine. Despite the decidedly non-minty flavor of early toothpaste, various recipes continued to appear throughout ancient history and well into the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, many of these toothpastes contained corrosive elements that dissolved tooth enamel.

Toothpaste as we know it emerged in the 1800s, with ingredients that included soap and chalk. In 1892, the first collapsible tube was marketed and reigned supreme until 1984, when the pump dispenser was introduced. In 1956, Proctor & Gamble introduced Crest brand toothpaste with fluoride.  


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May 22, 2013
Category: Dental News
Tags: Eating Disorders  

Several researchers have conservatively estimated that there are 1-5 million girls and women and 1 million boys and men in the United States that suffer from some type of eating disorder after puberty. While a preoccupation with food and weight is evident with those who exhibit an eating disorder, often their behavior is compensating for strong feelings and emotions that seem overwhelming. Both emotional and physical health can be adversely affected. According to information on the National Eating Disorders Association's website, [www.NationalEatingDisorders.org], 42% of 1st and 3rd grade girls want to be thinner, 46% of 9-11 year-olds are "sometime" or "very often" on diets, 45% of American women are on a diet on any given day, 80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance. Three of the more common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa [characterized by excessive weight loss and self-starvation], Bulimia Nervosa [characterized by binge eating followed by purging] and Binge Eating Disorder [characterized by impulsive eating and excessive weight gain].

Bulimics are very good at hiding their disorder. However, there are classic oral manifestations of this disorder. From constant vomiting, the enamel and dentin coverings on the back of the upper front teeth surfaces become eroded. Clinically, the tooth surface has a smooth, glassy appearance without any stains. The amount of tooth erosion is related to the frequency and degree of vomiting. When the back teeth are affected, there is a change in the bite from loss of tooth structure. Swelling of the parotid gland is also common in bulimics. Another frequent consequence of bulimia is having a dry mouth because of dehydration from fasting and vomiting and abuse of laxatives and diuretics. Patients suspected of bulimia should be referred to mental health professionals who are experienced in eating disorders. From a dental standpoint, these patients should come in for regular professional cleanings and practice meticulous oral hygiene and home care. They should rinse vigorously with water immediately after vomiting; the use of "artificial saliva" and daily application of fluoride in custom trays will also help minimize damage to the teeth and gums. Elective cosmetic treatment should not be attempted during the active phase of this disorder.  


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May 01, 2013
Category: Special Offers

We are pleased to announce that we are participating in the Oakland County Discount Plan.  We look forward to taking care of your dental needs.  Keep Smiling!


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