Ogden Dentist - Dr. Jim Ellis

Which toothbrush is really better Manual or Electric?

Ogden Dentist — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:18:35 +0000

Which toothbrush is really better – Manual or Electric?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) explains which toothbrush is better — Manual or Electric.

As long as you clean your teeth, an Electric toothbrush versus a Manual toothbrush, there is NO difference. Someone can improperly use an electric toothbrush and do a worse job than if they properly use a manual toothbrush. It has to do with how you use it.

There are definite benefits to an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors. Some of them have sensors that tell you when you’re brushing too hard. Some of them have timers that tell you when you’ve spent too long in a particular area. The toothbrushes move, and so the agitation of the toothbrush, the speed at which the toothbrush moves is faster than you can reproduce with your hands. That can be good and bad.

There is definitely a problem with over brushing. It’s all in the technique of the person. I, personally use an electric toothbrush. I have my spouse use an electric toothbrush, and I do suggest them for people, just because the chances of misusing a electric toothbrush are much less than a manual one, but no matter what you have, you can get your teeth clean just the same.

Hopefully, this video has answered your question. If you have any other questions, we have a whole library of videos. If there is something that you have that hasn’t been answered, you can feel free to give me a call at (801) 783-3490. Thank you so much and have a good day.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDtx_NRQ0kc

Ogden Dentist: What is a Dry Mouth?

Ogden Dentist — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:45:58 +0000

Ogden Dentist Video #10:

What is a Dry Mouth?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) explains what a dry mouth means.

It is very, very important that your mouth be moist, just like your eyes. If you could imagine keeping your eyes wide open and going for a run for five or ten minutes without blinking and having the wind come into your eyes, your eyes would be very painful, very red, very irritated. It wouldn’t be a happy situation. The same is true for your mouth. Your mouth has to be moist for it to be comfortable, for the teeth, for the tongue, for everything to function properly. If your mouth dries out, your teeth are very prone to decay.

Dry mouth happens most often in the elderly. Two reasons for that are:

Our salivary flow decreases as we increase in age. Everything kind of starts to shut down, eyes get more dry and so does the mouth. It’s very important that, as we get older, we monitor that.
Also, with medications, and that’s another reason why the elderly suffer more from dry mouth, medications have a lot side effects, and a lot of the side effects with some of the heart medications is a reduction in salivary flow.

If you find that your mouth is drying out there are actually medications to counteract that, both things that tooth paste, mouthwash, but also oral things you can take to counteract the dry mouth. But, it is very, very crucial that you keep your mouth moist at all times.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4QfEaGGTPI

Ogden Dentist: How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

Ogden Dentist — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:22:37 +0000

Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS, a board certified registed Ogden dentist, provides a detailed answer on the question, “How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?” Brushing your teeth regularly will help you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Taking proper care of your toothbrush and replacing it frequently can play a very important role in oral hygiene. Over time, toothbrushes can become infested with bacteria, germs and fungus, which can build up to reach significant amounts. The germs come from your mouth and can accumulate in the bristles of your toothbrush. Even a brand new toothbrush may contain bacteria because the packaging has not been sterilized. Toothbrushes can also be less effective at removing plaque from the teeth and gums once the bristles become frayed.

It is recommended by the American Dental Association that a toothbrush is replaced every three to four months. However, most people only replace their toothbrush only once or twice a year. Some toothbrushes come with colored bristles that fade or change colors to let you know when it’s time for a new toothbrush. Replacing your toothbrush is also recommended after you have had a flu, a cold, a mouth infection and even a sore throat. A child’s toothbrush may need to be replaced sooner than an adult’s toothbrush.

Some electrical toothbrushes have better brush heads than the disposable ones, and may only need to be replaced every six months. If you have any signs of gum disease, it is recommended by your dentist in Ogden, Utah that you get a new toothbrush every four to six weeks as the bacteria can live in the bristles. Always rinse your toothbrush thoroughly in hot water after each time you brush your teeth. Also, let your toothbrush dry itself out between uses by storing it in an upright position. Try to keep your toothbrush from touching other toothbrushes to prevent the spreading of bacteria and germs.

There are several ways to keep your toothbrush clean during the three to four months that you are using it. Some advise that you use sanitizers and hot water. Check the labels of all sanitizers to assure that they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration before using them, and watch out for products that claim to do more than sanitize your toothbrush. Contact your Ogden dentist if you have any additional questions about toothbrush care.

What is the difference between DMD and DDS?

Ogden Dentist — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:28:31 +0000

Ogden Dentist Video #9:

What is the difference between DMD and DDS?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) discusses the difference between DMD and DDS.

There is NO difference between Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD. Different dental schools simply choose to give their graduates one degree or the other. There is no difference in the amount of dentistry that can be done. No restrictions on any procedures that can be done.

You go to a DDS or DMD, they basically can do same entry level procedures. That doesn’t change what the dentist, the DMD or the DDS has gotten beyond dental school. That’s really what you need to do, find out if your DDS or DMD has advanced trainings beyond school, bust as far as entry level dentistry, DDS and DMD are the same thing.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6jA_CIytIA

How painful it is during a Dental Procedure?

Ogden Dentist — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:01:12 +0000

Ogden Dentist Video #8:

How painful it is during a Dental Procedure?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) discusses how painful it is during a dental procedure.

You shouldn’t experience any pain during procedures. I know people say that, and past experiences may tell people that they will experience pain, but dentistry should not be painful, no matter what. There are very rare occasions where it may be necessary to actually sedate a patient completely, but those very few and far between.

Some medical conditions that might necessitate that, but if you are feeling any pain whatsoever you should inform your dentist that you’re feeling pain and discomfort and he or she should know how to alleviate that. There are different places where we can do injections. Different types of anesthetic we can even use. We can change the anesthetic that we use. Give you more time. Medicate you before you come into the office so that you’re not feeling as much apprehension. Use of nitrous oxide or things in the office. Dental procedures should not be painful.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCNEnycTn0E

Do you accept Dental Insurance Plans?

Ogden Dentist — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:02:58 +0000

Ogden Dentist Video #7:

Do you accept Dental Insurance Plans?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) discusses if their office accepts dental insurance plans.

We have someone hired full-time at the office to deal with dental insurances. There are thousands of dental insurances out there, and what makes it worse is that, each dental insurance will have different levels — a gold, a platinum, and a silver, or whatever they happen to call it, there are many levels within each dental plan.

The number one thing to do is arm yourself with information. Before you go to a dentist office:

Read through your book.
Call the insurance company.
Find out what is covered.
What is not covered.
If there is any waiting periods.
If there is anything they would require information-wise from the dentist office.
Always go into the dentist office armed with information.

We accept most insurances, and the individual who we have is very, very good in knowing about the different insurance plans and what they do and do not provide. The best thing for you to do is to be armed about your own insurance plan. Educate yourself.

If you find that your insurance plan is not what you think it is, than contact your employer and let them know that you would like to see some changes in it. There are some dental plans out there that are very, very poor and people have no idea until they get to the dentist office and then are told. So please, just inform yourself and find out everything you need to before coming to the office.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAyw6NDuTZ4

What is a Dental Implant?

Ogden Dentist — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:36:56 +0000

Ogden Dentist Video #6:

What is a Dental Implant?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) explains what a dental implant is.

A dental implant is a wonderful. Wonderful treatment that has been made available in dentistry not just recently but for quite a long time now. Basically, what a dental implant is, is a synthetic tooth. The top of your teeth that you can see should only be about one third of the actual tooth, the root is the other two thirds of the tooth. If a tooth is so broken or so infected that it needs to be removed, you can remove the tooth and simply put in a prosthetic root. And then later place a prosthetic tooth on top of the prosthetic root, so that the entire length of the tooth is now synthetic. Wonderful, wonderful things they’ve been able to replace. Some people are very skeptical of tooth implants because they haven’t heard of them too much but they are a wonderful thing.

We can replace hearts, we can replace lungs, we can replace limbs, teeth are much simpler than any of those things that I just listed. If you are afraid that you might be losing a tooth because you don’t want to get a bridge or go to dentures, a dental implant is an amazing thing.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBJkCUWUjaQ

What causes Tooth Erosion?

Ogden Dentist — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:48:21 +0000

Ogden Dentist Video #5:

What causes Tooth Erosion?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) discusses the causes of tooth erosion.

Tooth decay and tooth erosion are a little bit different. Perfectly healthy teeth that are taken care of very well can erode. One of the reasons is too vigorous of tooth brushing. You can actually brush your teeth too hard, that’s why all dentists always tell you to brush your teeth with soft bristle tooth brushes and make the little circles rather than sawing on your teeth.

Also, different foods can make your teeth erode. There are people that have certain habits like sucking on lemons. Very, very acidic foods and things of that nature can actually erode your teeth. Also, people that suffer from eating disorders, bulimia, for example, or simply from acid reflux. The stomach acids that come out of the stomach can actually erode the teeth. It’s very acidic and that can actually erode the teeth. Anything that you put into your mouth that comes up from your digestive system can erode your teeth away and make them more prone to cavities.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZRoGQdPzbc

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Ogden Dentist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:30:35 +0000

Ogden Dentist Video #4:

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) discusses the meaning of cosmetic dentistry.

A cosmetic dentist. This is one of the problems in the dental world right now. You may not think there’s a problem in the dental world, that it’s just drilling and filling. A cosmetic dentist does not exist.

There are 7 recognized specialties from the American Dental Association, and a cosmetic dentist is not one of them. It’s actually illegal to advertise yourself as a cosmetic dentist. All dentists, by nature, want to make your teeth look good, or cosmetically correct, but to say that you are a specialist in cosmetic dentistry does not exist. A dentist may have gotten further training, cosmetic training, to make your teeth look better, and so you can ask your dentist if they have received that training, but there is no specialty for cosmetic dentistry itself. If you have a dentist that is claiming to be a cosmetic dentist, simply ask for some before and after pictures, they may be a very skillful dentist in the area of cosmetic dentistry, but they can’t claim that and you need to check it out beforehand.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c5pV9WmmVg

Are you a Certified Dentist?

Ogden Dentist — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:09:59 +0000

Ogden Dentist Video #3:

Are you a Certified Dentist?

In this video, Dr. Jim Ellis, DDS (a dentist in Ogden, Utah) confirms that he is a certified dentist.

Yes, I am a board certified registered dentist.

I graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in 2000. I then went onto my dental school in Richmond, Virginia, graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2004. I’ve been practicing full time dentistry since that point. I’ve gone onto get extra training in different aspects of dentistry that I find particularly interesting to me: Wisdom teeth extractions, implants, areas of cosmetic dentistry that I happen to find very fulfilling to practice, but all of my extra certifications simply add on to the fact that I am a general dentist licensed in the state of Utah.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDvJhdfDTrg