Chris Pirillo » dentist

The World’s Geekiest Toothbrush: Philips Sonicare

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:32:53 +0000

The World’s Geekiest Toothbrush: Philips Sonicare

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Dude… pause this video and take a shower. If you already have taken one today, you’re in about the 50th percentile. Hygiene is not an achievement, trust me on this. You might even consider brushing your teeth! It may be too much to ask some of you to do so once a week, but try… just – try. If you’re looking for a Geeky toothbrush, look no further than the Sonicare Rs930.

I love the Sonicare. The Sonicare FlexCare RS930 rechargeable toothbrush, with sanitizer, features 3 two-minute brushing modes: “Clean” mode for full power and optimal cleaning, “Sensitive” mode for gentler brushing in sensitive areas, and “Massage” mode for a stimulating, soothing cleaning action. The specially engineered UV sanitizer helps eliminate bacteria commonly found on your toothbrush.

That cleaner is what makes it so Geeky, and so awesome. It shoots UV rays at the toothbrush head, cleaning and sanitizing it. I mean, seriously. Your toothbrush is in the bathroom, along with the toilet. There are germs flying around everywhere. That’s just disgusting. Do your mouth a favor and make sure you’re using a toothbrush which is sanitized prior to stuffing it in your pie hole.

There are actually proper ways to brush, did you know that? According to the American Dental Society, you should follow these tips for maximum tooth health:

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth.
Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth.
To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices.
To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the brush almost vertical. With back and forth motions, bring the front part of the brush over the teeth and gums.
Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places.
Use an egg timer or play a favorite song while brushing your teeth to get used to brushing for a full 2 to 3 minutes. Some electronic toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are up.

The Sonicare gets my vote for the World’s Geekiest toothbrush. What’s your choice?

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The World’s Geekiest Toothbrush: Philips Sonicare

Have you had Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Yet?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:25:45 +0000

Have you had Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Yet?

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Sergio writes: “I recently had my wisdom teeth removed, and wanted to share my tips on how to deal with the operation with the community. So without further adieu, here are my Top 5 Tips for dealing with Wisdom Teeth Removal.”

Generally speaking, the younger one is, the easier getting the procedure done will be. This doesn’t mean get it done before your baby teeth are all gone. If your dentist suggests that they should be removed, it is best to get them done at the earliest opportunity. My oral surgeon showed me my teeth when he was done, and said that the way my roots were shaped, the process would have been very difficult if I had waited until I was older to have the teeth removed.
When the procedure is over, your first priority is to create a clot. Your gums will be bleeding, and the oral surgeon or his/her assistant will have put gauze in the back of your mouth. It is important to clench your jaw down on the gauze, as the pressure will expedite the clotting process. You should change the gauze when you get home, and repeat the process. When removing the gauze, be sure to do so gently, so as not to remove any clotted blood from the area. This part of the process was by far the most uncomfortable for me. I had a great deal of trouble getting my gums to clot and stop bleeding. After my third round of gauze, I was still bleeding. I used moist teabags wrapped in gauze, and after about 20 minutes of clenching my jaw, the bleeding had finally stopped.
Eat before taking painkillers! It is very important to have a full stomach before taking painkillers, especially the strong ones you will more than likely be prescribed. Although you will be very limited as far as your diet is concerned, you must eat something. Pudding, Jello, and yogurt are good if you are really sore. You may even be able to swallow pancakes and french fries if you eat them slowly and in small pieces. Either way, be sure to eat before taking your painkillers, as this will help prevent you from getting a stomachache, feeling nauseous, or otherwise reacting negatively toward the drugs.
Ice like it’s your job! Ice both sides of your face on your lower and upper jaw at 20 minute intervals. Be sure to have 4 small ice packs, 2 for each side of your face. Ice for twenty minutes with 2 of the packs, the have all 4 packs n the freezer for another 20 minutes, then ice with the /other/ 2 packs for twenty minutes, then 20 minutes with both in the freezer, and so on. This ensures that every ice pack will have a full hour to freeze in between uses. Set an alarm to go off at 20 minute intervals, as it is very easy to lose track of time. As annoying as it may be, icing the first day is very important, as it prevents your cheeks from swelling to ridiculous sizes. Editor’s Note: An excellent ice pack is to take a washrag and wet it. Ring it out, and place in freezer. These are perfect for facial swelling, as the washrag will mold to the side of your face/cheek perfectly!
Most importantly, LISTEN TO YOUR ORAL SURGEON! Sorry to shout, but this is incredibly important. His/her advice trumps all of these tips. He or she will have much more experience than I do in these matters. For instance, he may have you icing at different intervals, or forming a clot differently, etc. It is very important that you follow all of the advice and directions given by your oral surgeon exactly. Failure to do so could result in taking longer to heal, or worse. Ask your oral surgeon for a list of instructions, and bring a legal pad and pen to the surgery. That way, you can write down the instructions if he has no documentation to give you. Most oral surgeons will, however, give you a list of written instructions.

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Have you had Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Yet?

I Have 10 Cavities

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 07:31:23 +0000

I Have 10 Cavities

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Yes, you read that right. I went to the Dentist last week, and found out that I have ten cavities. In light of that, here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy from my friend, Dr. Greg Birch.

Use a new sharp toothbrush, and use it well. The sharpness of the nylon bristles matter much more than gimmicks, and technique is important. Use the modified bass technique, and a SOFT brush. What matters is the newness of the bristles, not the stiffness of them, most brushes are dull after 3 months. Wash it in the dishwasher a couple of times a month to disinfect it (or after you have a cold etc.)
Loop your floss. Tie your floss in a 4-5 inch loop, work your way around the loop (for most people this is easier than wrapping around fingers). This trick works great for kids, and the elderly, and for pretty much everyone else. Floss aids like The Reach are excellent too.
Use fluoridated toothpaste. The concentration of fluoride in toothpaste is nominal, it takes a certain concentration on the surfaces of teeth to kill bacteria and strengthen teeth. Crest is the only PROVEN anti-cavity toothpaste, but all other brands with the same concentration work just as well. In areas where the water is fluoridated it doesn’t matter as much, but if you are drinking bottled water it does. The bottled water trend in many cities has cavity rates going up.
ChewXxylitol gum. Xylitol sugar slows bacterial acid production, and stimulates salivary flow (spit has good stuff in it for your teeth, washing them, and killing bacteria) Chew Trident (with xylitol) , or spray after fructose sodas, chocolates, or other sweets to decrease acid levels in your mouth.
Brush or scrape your tongue. This is perhaps the most neglected area of the mouth. After brushing and flossing, the slimy fungus on your tongue just plants itself back on your teeth. Tongue cleaners are everywhere, yes they gag but do the best you can. It will freshen breath, and keep your mouth healthy.

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I Have 10 Cavities