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We've all heard the familiar saying that a smile can light up a room. Here at Mouth Mechanics, we've made it our mission to help you ensure that the bright smile in question is yours! Join us in exploring the ins and outs of oral care, including why healthy teeth are so important for our overall well-being, what to do when teeth fail, and how to achieve a glorious winning smile at any age. Drawing on resources pooled over 20 years of practicing dentistry, together we will take a deep dive into the questions that many patients are eager to ask about maintaining their pearly whites. Whether you are the proud owner of a perfect set, or your smile could use a little repair, Mouth Mechanics is here to assist. Discover an online destination that provides the latest information and tips on all things tooth-care-related. Allow Mouth Mechanics to illuminate the nuts and bolts of dentistry, taking the mystery out of radiant and healthy smiles once and for all!
In this episode of the Mouth Mechanics podcast, Dr. Tanzania Davis welcomes Ms. Fozia Mohamed, a hygienist and a Crest + Oral-B representative. Fozia is passionate about helping dental professionals learn about the newest innovations and technologies at Crest + Oral-B so that their patients can get the best products available that are also customized to their needs. Today, she’s here to introduce the so-called ‘Tesla’ of toothbrushes, the brand new Oral-B iO toothbrush, which is powered by artificial intelligence.
Fozia starts off the episode by comparing manual and electric toothbrushes. She then explains why an electric toothbrush is not a luxury item but a medical device and a long-term investment in your oral health. And let’s face it, your oral health is a non-negotiable must. If you want to take care of your dental health, you need to brush your teeth as effectively as possible. On that note, the Oral-B iO toothbrush offers many useful features that will improve your dental hygiene and help cater to your individual needs. Fozia shares a lot of valuable information about choosing the best toothbrush for yourself and the benefits of using the Oral-B iO toothbrush. She concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing your oral health. It’s more important than you might realize.
The Finer Details of This Episode:
Quotes:
“The first thing that sets this toothbrush apart from other toothbrushes is, it's not the AI, but it is the way it was redesigned and re-engineered from inside out.”
“Green is good. I have to maintain this color throughout the mouth. If I apply too much pressure, it turns red.”
“The studies have shown that using an electric toothbrush, you're able to get all the areas that you will be missing with your manual because of that mechanism, but the vibration disrupts the biofilm, and that helps it break it down. So that is why anyone who uses an electric toothbrush brushes better than anyone who doesn't.”
“I will suggest everyone should use an electric toothbrush because it's not a luxury tool. It's actually a medical device.”
“Invest in yourself. Your oral health is the gateway to the systemic health.”
“Get an electric toothbrush because your oral health determines everything.”
“From this podcast, if you will take anything, please invest in your oral health because that is what's important. Buy that $200, $300 toothbrush. It is going to last you ten years.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS, PC: www.tdavisdds.com
On this episode of the Mouth Mechanics podcast, Tanzania Davis welcomes Michelle Brown and D’Nita Price to the podcast to talk about teeth whitening - when it works, when it doesn’t - and the personal side of the dental industry. The women open up the conversation with an illuminating quote and inspiring scripture verse before moving on to discuss their varied starts in the industry. As each one of them has overcome their own hurdles, the trio all believe strongly in the importance of dental care as it relates to self esteem and worth. The women have found numerous times sitting in the chair with a gaping mouth in front of them that patients share rather personal stories of trauma, lives in prison, abuse, etc.
Afterall, that’s why Brown opened up her teeth whitening practice in Maryland: to change the way people see and take care of themselves. She dives into what a smile consultation of hers looks like and why dental health is of the utmost importance. She talks about why teeth whitening isn’t always the right treatment for people, especially if they have lingering dental issues that they need to resolve first. It all comes down to motivating patients to make changes in their daily dental routine: a challenge all three dental experts are familiar with. The conversation culminates in what the whitening process actually looks like and the science behind sensitivity. Drawing the episode to a close, the women talk a bit more generally about staying true to you, whether that comes in the form of oral care, or in the case of these dental trailblazers, ignoring the fears of others when it comes to their career paths.
The Finer Details of This Episode:
Quotes:
“There’s nothing like a healthy smile.”
“What occurred to me also with the CPR is that there were restaurants, there were bars, whose persons were not trained. And with the drug epidemic going on, you should have at least someone on your staff to train those persons for it.”
“If you aren't aware of it as a dental clinician or dental professional, I’ll just let you know, patients trust us with more than just their smile.”
“At eight I wanted to be in dentistry. I wanted to be a dentist.”
“I definitely look to see if your gums are healthy. I definitely want to know, because if your gums are not healthy, then that's where we're going to have to start as a dental hygienist. I'm bound to that; I have an oath.”
“If you stick your tongue out and it's scalloped on the side, you may have been pressing your tongue against your teeth. Yeah, muscles have a memory, and so they remember what you do.”
“I know, with me, when I deal with patients that are sensitive, it's because they've already started whitening at home. It's because they use charcoal paste.”
“I say all that to say if you are out there and you're, you know, someone that is having some dental treatment done by someone that is not a licensed professional, you may want to stop, you may want to go and see a licensed professional, because you can absolutely cause a lot of problems with your gums or with your teeth.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS, PC: www.tdavisdds.com
The Mouth Mechanics are back today to talk about the importance of terminology, open communication lines, and questions in the dental industry. Too often are patients discouraged from asking the right questions during their appointments or consultations, partially, because they trust in the abilities of their dentist. More commonly though, these people don’t know the right questions to ask in the first place. Dr. Davis opens up the episode discussing everything and anything from the benefits of in-person consultations and intraoral cameras to analyzing models and what it looks like to get to know your own mouth.
The team’s aim today is to encourage patients and dentists alike to break down the communication barrier and to start asking questions. In this episode, the Mouth Mechanics describe gingivitis, cavities, halitosis, and other oral diseases that are often overlooked or even brushed aside. The team wants to change the apathetic attitude around oral care so that everyday people start treating dental hygiene with the attention it deserves. As they say, ‘a healthy mouth is the gateway to a healthy life’, and the best way to start treating it as such is to get educated. So ask the dentist questions, request to see models, and opt for in-person consultations instead of virtual appointments. You’ll notice the difference in your oral health immediately.
The Finer Details of This Episode:
Quotes:
“Words are free. It's how you use them that may cost you. So if you're not on the same page with the words and terminology being used, it can cost you.”
“You have to be real careful as to how you rush your treatment plan. Listen to the providers and be willing to ask questions.”
“Research so that when you come in, you can be able to ask the query and you have the questions— the appropriate questions to ask.”
“I want you all to realize that cavity is a disease. So when you are saying that you don't want to treat the cavity in your child, what you're essentially saying is I don't want to treat a disease that's in my child.”
“Just because you are out of pain does not mean that the infection is gone. You still have to take care of what caused you pain in the first place.”
“I don't know why society does not believe that dental is a part of health care.”
“If you are getting a service from somebody, you can interview them.”
“I have a seven year old who just asked questions. And the parent is like, ‘That's enough. Sit back and get your treatment.’”
“Your dental story is your dental story. And your dental experience is your dental experience. Do not allow what happened to anybody else keep you from having a very healthy mouth. And it does not have to cost a whole lot of money.”
“A healthy mouth is a gateway to a healthy life.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS, PC www.tdavisdds.com
The Mouth Mechanics are tackling the topic of premedication today—why do you have to take it? Why can’t you be seen if you don’t? And is it really necessary? Premedication can be confusing for patients who just want an examination or a cleaning and don’t understand why these seemingly non-invasive procedures require prophylactic medication. They just want to be seen quickly and with the minimum of fuss, so why do dental professionals insist on using premedication for some patients?
The team starts this episode with an easy answer to these questions: premedication is there to protect your health. They explain it’s an antibiotic that prevents any bacteria in your body from becoming irritated and causing an infection, and while it’s not necessary for every patient, it is vital for those with some pre-existing conditions. The premedication stops bacteria stirred up during an exam from getting into your bloodstream and causing infections in patients with such conditions as strokes, heart conditions, and even pregnancy. The team emphasizes that this isn’t done with the intention of frustrating or irritating patients—and definitely not because they’re lazy!—but is an important part of keeping you safe while you’re under their care. They also recommend always getting your care and medication from licensed professionals and not risking borrowing medication from a friend or skipping out on proper examinations. After all, every body responds differently to medication and bacterial strain, and something that seems like a small problem can turn out to be serious under proper examination. Finally, the Mouth Mechanics wind up by reiterating that premedication is the proactive, protective choice and discussing plans to include guests from other medical fields in future episodes of the show.
Episode Highlights:
- Premedication: what it is, what it does, and who needs it
- Getting your teeth cleaned by a professional
- The input that goes into decisions that dental professionals make
- Getting an appointment with the Mouth Mechanics
- Why the team would make you wait for medical clearance
- Making the team aware of your antibiotic regimen
- The importance of getting your medication from a licensed professional
- Why you need to get your teeth properly evaluated
- The precautions that medical professionals are taking for your safety and theirs especially during the pandemic
- Research and recommendations regarding premedication for heart murmurs
- Other conditions for which the team would recommend premedication as a safety precaution
- Why it’s worth taking these precautions
- The Mouth Mechanics’ plans for the New Year
Quotes:
“The premedication is honestly for your health. It’s not for my health, it’s not for the doctor, it’s not for anybody. If you’re married, it’s not even for your spouse’s health, the premedication is for your health.”
“If you come in already with, let’s say, a prosthetic joint, or if you come in already with a heart condition, a serious heart condition, the antibiotic is needed so that the bacteria does not irritate and cause an infection to what you already have going on.”
“I pay attention to the color of your gum tissues. I pay attention to how they’re moving because your gums are not supposed to be flapping in the wind, okay? I pay attention to the way you’re bleeding, how you’re bleeding.”
“I had a young lady that had MS, and I called her Robocop because when she showed me the X-rays from her spine, her whole spine was nothing but pins and just metal.”
“If you decide that you’re going to go to another office and they don’t take the same care, come back. We’ll take you back.”
“The antibiotic prophylaxis is really to save your life, is really to not put you back into the hospital.”
“I have my conspiracy theory patients, I love y’all.”
“Even if you don’t get the medicine from us, get it from a licensed professional.”
“The fear does blanket in the nation and it’s keeping people home from seeing not just dental professionals but even your medical professionals. That’s when, believe me, we are taking every single precaution.”
“If I already have a malfunctioning of the heart, I don’t need anything else going on with the hardware or to introduce anything else.”
“We do have patients that are appreciative of the safety measures. That’s right. And we thank y’all, we even thank the patients that make us pull on our education and flex our I-know-what-I’m-talking-about card.”
“You don’t want a healthcare professional working on you nervous. It makes you uncomfortable, and it makes you uneasy to work on someone where you don’t really know their health history or how they will respond to certain treatment. So definitely want the clearance so we can feel comfortable.”
“We just want to err on the side of caution because not every case is going to be identical.”
“When we talk about a premedication, and we want to do the antibiotic prophylaxis, it’s really to be proactive. It’s not to be reactive.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS, PC www.tdavisdds.com
In today’s episode, the mighty Mouth Mechanics team members close out the podcast for the year by discussing how to end this year on a good note, and how to keep it going as you start the new year. It’s so important in maintaining oral health to make sure you know what is both valuable and available not only to you but to your family as well. To shine a light on this area, our hosts today discuss how you can maximize your health insurance benefits and prep for the new year.
The episode kicks off as the team discusses ways you can maximize your health insurance benefits by calling up insurance companies and learning how these benefits can be used at dental practices. They also touch on understanding the treatment codes to know exactly what your insurance covers and why it is best to treat oral health issues as soon as possible. They round off with a call to you to take care of your dental products and change them as regularly as possible so as to preserve your smile. As always, the Mouth Mechanics have your back, sharing their valuable knowledge, experience and advice to help ensure you finish 2021 in great shape, and keep that momentum and beautiful smile going as we move through 2022 together.
Episode Highlights:
- Maximizing your health insurance benefits
- Reasons why you should treat minor symptoms early
- Prepping your kids for the new year oral healthwise
- Learning the treatment codes
- How to start your year on a good note
- How to take care of your dental products
Quotes:
“I believe that sometimes we have to get a little aggressive in our treatment.”
“What is Christmas if you're in pain?”
“We want you all to end the year on the right note”
“Let's get started and have that as a goal: to have the healthiest mouth you can in the new year.”
“Those insurance benefits, they will roll flat.”
“At the end of the day, we do care about you, and we're in this together.”
“If you have an emergency, don't wait until the very last minute to try to get an appointment.”
“Dad, your toothbrush is flat, please, we have to get you a new one.”
“You want to make sure that your tools are working. What good is a lawn mower if it can’t cut the grass?”
“Prevention is better than cure.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS, PC www.tdavisdds.com
On this week’s episode, the Mouth Mechanics are joined by ‘gangsta assistant’ Makita Arnold to talk about addiction and overcoming the barriers to pursuing healthcare that it can create. Addiction can hold people back from asking for help, whether because they’re ashamed of their appearance or they’re worried about being called out or reported. Our hosts’ goal today is to reassure anybody dealing with addiction that their dentist’s office is a safe and welcoming place where they can get treatment without worrying about judgment or exposure.
They kick things off by discussing how the shame and social stigma linked to addiction can stop people from asking for help, including with their dental health. Denial, fear, and embarrassment are all reasons that someone might avoid seeking help, and the team talks about how healthcare professionals have a responsibility to be welcoming and non-judgmental in order to help patients get over those barriers. Moving on, they discuss how addicts may be afraid of how their loved ones will respond if they find out about their addiction and how openness and honesty are the keys to getting help. The team also talks about how prescription medications can be addictive, the importance of responsible prescribing practices within healthcare, and the presence of addictive substances in our everyday lives and how to be responsible and aware of these. Finally, they wrap up by looking at the importance of empathy and creating a safe environment when treating patients in order to remove as many barriers to treatment as possible. Listen in today to learn about these addiction barriers, and how to climb right over them to get the care you need and so richly deserve.
Episode Highlights:
- The signs of smoking and drug abuse
- The major barriers to addicts asking for help
- Being non-judgmental and welcoming to all comers
- The possibility of getting addicted to properly prescribed drugs
- Interventions and how to talk to family members who suffer from addictions
- The side-effects of so-called “natural” drugs
- The responsibility to limit the amount of addictive painkillers prescribed
- Awareness of addictive substances in everyday life
- The impact of quarantine on people in abusive environments
- Demonstrating empathy when dealing with patients
- Patient confidentiality
Quotes:
“Even if you spill something on your shirt, you’re just ashamed to walk around with a coffee stain on your shirt, and addiction is so much more grander than just a stain on your shirt.”
“You can’t heal what you don’t reveal.”
“Is it really so bad that someone finds out? Because when they do, that’s the key that unlocks getting help.”
“When we pass the judgment, and we have all of these stigmas, we are literally killing people.”
“My philosophy always is, if you don’t get help here, get help somewhere. I just want you treated, I want you to get help.”
“You don’t know what people are going through in this season and out of this season. You have to have a heart for people.”
“Don’t ever, ever think that when you come to the dentist, that you’re just seeing dental professionals. You’re seeing healthcare professionals, and we are concerned about your entire health. And that includes what you may or may not be addicted to.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS,PC www.tdavisdds.com
In today’s episode, Dr. Tanzania, Ashley, D’Nita, and Sharon are back to discuss everything you need to know about the impact of smoking on oral health. What many people do not realize is that smoking releases toxins that affect the mouth and puts them at risk of oral cancer, stains, and tooth decay. Our hosts bring their expertise today to shed light on how to avoid smoking as much as possible in order to preserve our beautiful smiles.
They begin by delving right into the topic of smoking and the adverse effects it brings not only in terms of oral health but psychologically as well. They then go on to discuss the dangers of having toxins in the mouth and how nicotine and caffeine can affect gum tissues and bones. The team also highlights the impact of one’s medical history which further puts a smoker at an increased risk for oral cancer. The episode concludes with encouragement from our hosts for patients to celebrate their milestones when trying to quit harmful habits like smoking. If you ever needed yet another reason to give up smoking, today’s podcast is all over it!
Episode Highlights:
- The dangers of holding toxins in your mouth
- Healing properly by being honest
- Stains from smoking
- How smoking affects the gum tissues and bone
- The damaging effects of nicotine
- How medical history increases the risk factor of oral cancer
- Encouraging patients in their journey
Quotes:
“They think it's more of a moral issue, a moral crisis, but it is really a biological crisis.”
“When you have an addiction, you don't even think rationally, you just want what the brain wants.”
“One thing that heat does is it dries the mouth out.”
“We're not here to judge, we're here to help.”
“If we start to celebrate them, they'll start to celebrate themselves.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS,PC www.tdavisdds.com
In this week’s episode, the talented members of the Mouth Mechanics team continue their discussion about unmasking your smile, this time by preventing chipped teeth and cracked tooth syndrome. Clenching and grinding are known to leave teeth chipped and cause severe conditions like TMJ disorders, and today our hosts bring their expertise to shed light on how to prevent and change habits that can cause chipped teeth.
The conversation begins with the team discussing the causes of chipped teeth - chewing on foods like nuts, chewing ice, opening bottles with the teeth – and go on to explore both the relationship between stress and clenching and grinding of teeth, as well as the role played by genetics. They also highlight the importance of seeing a dental professional when symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome begin to show and then they dive into TMJ and TMJ disorders. The episode concludes with our hosts teaching ways to prevent cracked tooth syndrome, one of which is using nightguards. Everyone knows that the world desperately needs smiles now more than ever before - let the Mouth Mechanics show you how to unmask yours here today.
Episode Highlights:
- What causes chipped teeth?
- The pandemic stress and its relation to chipped teeth
- The link to genetics
- Signs and symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome
- Why you should see a healthcare professional immediately upon noticing cracked tooth syndrome
- Prioritizing oral health as you get older
- Ways to prevent cracked tooth syndrome
- What is temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
- Diving deeper by listening to patients as dental professionals
- The benefits of using nightguards
Quotes:
“Your teeth are not tools. You cannot use your teeth as tools for opening beer bottles.”
“Our bad habits are coming into play about what we're eating.”
“When you put that stress on your teeth, you put that stress on your ligaments, and you put that stress on your TMJ.”
“Keep your appointments with us. We are the first line of defense when it comes to what's going on in your mouth ”
“You want the teeth to stay where they're supposed to be so that they can do what they're supposed to do.”
“We deal with the whole tree, we will get to the root of the problem.”
“If you're having a problem with anything that we're doing, if you're not comprehending what we asked you to do – speak up. Because Sharon said we're in a relationship, so speak up.”
Links:
Dr. Tanzania Davis, DDS, PC - Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Welcome to the Mouth Mechanics podcast! To launch the podcast, our hosts, Dr. Tanzania Davis, dental assistant Ashley Hart, your friendly hygienist D’Nita Price, and the always fierce dental assistant Sharon Nickerson open with a two-part series of ‘Unmasking Your Smile’. This inaugural episode centers on halitosis as our abundantly knowledgeable and equally fun loving Mouth Mechanics team dives into exactly why halitosis occurs and how to manage your oral health to eradicate bad breath.
The conversation begins with our hosts discussing causes of halitosis and ways to combat this condition. They then delve into the differences between electric and manual tongue scrapers, how to effectively use both, as well as the importance of mouth rinses, especially those that contain essential oils, to combat bad breath. The episode draws to a close with our team reviewing the impact of diet on oral health and an admonition to consistently put your oral health as a priority so you can unmask a beautiful smile. Filled with valuable information and advice delivered by experienced professionals with the ease and humor that you only find among the best of friends, today’s premier episode is a fitting springboard to this exciting new podcast that will undoubtedly establish itself as one of your favorites the minute you listen in.
Episode Highlights:
- Why does halitosis occur?
- Tongue scrapers - electric vs manual
- Using an electric tongue scraper the right way
- How long should you spend brushing your tongue?
- The importance of mouth rinses and ingredients to look out for
- The benefits of essential oils in mouth rinses
- How your diet impacts your oral health
- Can smoking cause bad breath?
- Flossing the right way
- Using a Waterpik for improved oral health
Quotes:
“The main reason your breath stinks is because of your homecare.”
“Sometimes you have to think about your tongue like a shag carpet.”
“Your tongue is the one that holds the mouth odor.”
“Brushing for two minutes is brushing two minutes on a healthy mouth. If your mouth is not a healthy mouth, two minutes is not going to cut it. ”
“You have to say to yourself, ‘How much time am I going to invest in my health?’ ”
“Increased dryness in the mouth does increase your risk for getting cavities.”
“Your habits play a part in your health and they can either heal or harm you.”
“Treat your gums with some respect.”
“Consistency is the key to health. Consistently working out, consistently eating healthy, consistently brushing, and consistently flossing.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS,PC www.tdavisdds.com
www.VIP dental academy.com
We've all heard the familiar saying that a smile can light up a room. Here at Mouth Mechanics, we've made it our mission to help you ensure that the bright smile in question is yours! Join us in exploring the ins and outs of oral care, including why healthy teeth are so important for our overall well-being, what to do when teeth fail, and how to achieve a glorious winning smile at any age.
Drawing on resources pooled over 20 years of practicing dentistry, together we will take a deep dive into the questions that many patients are eager to ask about maintaining their pearly whites. Whether you are the proud owner of a perfect set, or your smile could use a little repair, Mouth Mechanics is here to assist.
Discover an online destination that provides the latest information and tips on all things tooth-care-related. Allow Mouth Mechanics to illuminate the nuts and bolts of dentistry, taking the mystery out of radiant and healthy smiles once and for all!
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
