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Posts for: February, 2012

By Reno Laser Dentistry
February 28, 2012
Category: dental

Who would have thought that an electric spinbrush toothbrush may not be safe? I have always thought that the spinbrush was great for children just learning how to brush their teeth. It can be very effective at removing plaque and getting into places that otherwise children may not be able to reach.

According to an article at medicalnewstoday.com, “spinbrush electric toothbrush may not be as safe as you think.”

“A new warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), states that certain electric toothbrushes may not be safe for use. On more than one occasion, the battery-powered Arm & Hammer Spinbrush, previously known as the Crest Spinbrush, has been known to break, causing pieces of the toothbrush to injure eyes, and teeth, and even choking.

Ali Shumaya, M.P.H., a consumer safety officer at the FDA said:

“It’s important that consumers know how to avoid the risks associated with using the Spinbrush. We’ve had reports in which parts of the toothbrush broke off during use and were released into the mouth with great speed, causing broken teeth and presenting a choking hazard.”

Susan Runner, D.D.S., chief of FDA’s dental devices branch commented:

“Electric toothbrushes can be very effective in removing dental plaque, and so they can help prevent dental decay and gum disease. At the same time, it’s important to supervise children when they use these brushes, and to look out for any malfunctions of the toothbrush that might cause an injury.

According to the FDA, the following models of the Spinbrush have the potential to cause injury:

  • Spinbrush SONIC
  • Spinbrush SONIC Recharge
  • Spinbrush Swirl
  • Spinbrush ProClean
  • Spinbrush ProClean Recharge
  • Spinbrush Pro Whitening
  • Spinbrush Classic Clean
  • Spinbrush For Kids
  • Spinbrush Replacement Heads

The following injuries have occurred due to the use of the Spinbrush:

  • Injury to the face and eyes
  • Choking
  • Swallowing broken pieces
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Cuts in the mouth or on the gums

The main cause of the injuries, according to the FDA, is parts of the toothbrushes breaking off. In certain models of the Spinbrush, the head can be taken off and replaced with a new one. However, no parts should be breaking off or coming loose during use.”

Click here to read the entire article from medicalnewstoday.com:

If you have any dental issues or questions click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno, we’ll surely take good care of you!

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Gums = Great Dental Care!!!


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By Reno Laser Dentistry
February 28, 2012
Category: Cosmetic dentist

Who doesn’t want a dental makeover! Have you ever thought of getting cosmetic dentistry? Many of us wake up and look at our smile and think only if I could get this done or that. Well, why wait any longer our smile is an important part of our self-esteem. Don’t you think you deserve it!

According to an article at dentalnewsarticles.com, “Many people may feel they need to fix one thing with their smile. Usually it’s to whiten their teeth. Or maybe to fix gaps in between teeth.”

“Still, there are plenty of people who don’t like anything about their smile or their teeth. These people may avoid smiling completely, and get out of as many social situations as they can. A solution for this group is a smile makeover.

A smile makeover is simply a way to get more than one cosmetic dental procedure performed rather than doing so piecemeal. Common problems fixed by a smile makeover include:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Missing teeth
  • Uneven teeth
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Uneven teeth
  • Gummy smiles

Common cosmetic dental fixes for some of these problems may be porcelain crowns or veneers. These can fix gaps, chips, broken teeth, or cover badly stained teeth that teeth whitening alone cannot fix. For more intensive procedures, dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth.

During your smile makeover procedure, your cosmetic dentist will look at your teeth, gums, and bite function. While it is important for you to be happy with the way your smile looks, it is more important that your jaw is in alignment and that your bite is proper. This avoids other problems that can affect your overall health. After it is clear you do not have gum disease or need a root canal before looking at what can be done cosmetically, your cosmetic dentist will speak to you about your options.

Factors for deciding what might be best for your smile makeover depend on length of time for the procedure, your healing, your overall health, and more. While cost is important, many cosmetic dentists offer payment plans, and some will help you with insurance if it is deemed that your health is suffering without getting certain procedures; for example, missing lots of teeth.”Smile makeovers are good at solving lots of dental issues at once.”

Click here to read the entire article from dentalnewsarticles.com:

Whatever the dental issue is Dr. McElhinney located in Reno, is an expert in cosmetic dentistry procedures. Click here to contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental office to set-up an appointment.


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By Reno Laser Dentistry
February 25, 2012
Category: dental reno

Who doesn’t love that cup of coffee and a doughnut in the morning? Do you know what is happening every time you have that quick-fix so called breakfast? This article discusses the truth behind coffee and doughnuts.

According to an article at knowyourteeth.com, “what a disastrous combination coffee and doughnuts may have on your teeth.”

“You’re late for work, skip breakfast and during the commute, pick up a doughnut and cup of coffee and you’re on your way. This common quick-fix breakfast scenario can lengthen your time spent in the dental chair, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.

The sugars in doughnuts have been identified as a risk factor for gum inflammation and cavities. The AGD has reported findings that show the sugars in oatmeal cookies amount to only one-fifth of the sugars in plain doughnut particles.

The amount of sugar and cream in your coffee also can have a direct effect on the amount of cavity-causing bacteria. Tannins found in coffee etch into the pits and grooves of the tooth enamel, producing a rough, stained surface.

What can someone do to lessen the sugar bath their teeth receive from this breakfast combination?

“Don’t nurse your coffee or pick at that doughnut throughout the morning,” says AGD spokesperson Paul Bussman, DMD, FAGD. “When you eat your doughnut quickly, it limits the exposure time to the sugar attack.”

“Also, cut back on the amount of cream and sugar for your coffee,” advises Dr. Bussman. “Try picking up fruit or another morning meal substitute.”

Click here to read the article from knowyourteeth.com:

The key is in moderation just like anything else in life!

Need to see a professional and get your 6 month check-up, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno to set-up an appointment?


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By Reno Laser Dentistry
February 24, 2012
Category: dental

Ever had an impacted tooth? Well for those that have had to deal with this condition, it’s no fun! Many young adults may have this issue when their wisdom teeth erupt. So parents this is a great article giving a complete breakdown of what to expect.

According to an article at colgate.com,” what exactly is an impacted tooth?”

“What Is It?

Teeth are impacted when they fail to emerge through the gums, or emerge only partially, at the expected time.

Your wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Because they are the last to emerge in the mouth, wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to become impacted. This may happen because a wisdom tooth is turned to the side, tilted or otherwise positioned incorrectly in the jaw. Wisdom teeth also become impacted when there is not enough room in the jaw or the mouth for them to emerge.

An impacted tooth can be painless, and you may not even realize it’s there. However, when an impacted wisdom tooth tries to erupt, the overlying gum may swell and cause pain, which may also be felt in nearby teeth or the ear on that side. A partially erupted tooth can collect food and other debris, which can lead to gum swelling and an infection called pericoronitis. If untreated, this infection can spread toward the throat or into the neck. Impacted teeth also can cause problems if they develop decay or if they push on the neighboring molar, which could lead to tooth movement or decay, as well as changes in the bite (the way the teeth come together). Impacted teeth also can cause cysts and other benign (harmless) jaw tumors. These can lead to bone destruction. However, this is rare.

Symptoms include:

  • Swelling of the gum in the back of the mouth or on the side of the jaw
  • Difficulty opening the jaw
  • Bad breath
  • An unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Pain or irritation when you open your mouth
  • Pain when chewing or biting

Pain can occur for several days and then disappear for weeks or months before returning.

Diagnosis-Your dentist will examine the area and take X-rays if needed. X-rays can show where your wisdom teeth are and if they are impacted.

Expected Duration-Symptoms caused by a problematic tooth are relieved when the tooth is extracted.

Prevention-There is no way to prevent an impacted tooth, but careful dental hygiene — brushing, flossing or the use of water-jet devices — can reduce the risk of infection.

When To Call a Professional

Because an impacted tooth can damage neighboring teeth or distort the bite, call your dentist if you experience pain in your molar teeth and your wisdom teeth have not yet come in. If you visit your dentist regularly, he or she will keep track of your wisdom teeth and let you know if you need to have them extracted. Because routine X-rays for cavities often don’t show the wisdom teeth, your dentist may take extra X-rays to check these teeth.”

Click here to read the article:

If you have an impacted tooth or have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno. Click here to contact Dr. McElhinney to set-up an appointment.


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By Reno Laser Dentistry
February 22, 2012
Category: dental

For all the parents that have teenagers this one is for you. A special time for parents as we see our child/children grow-up. When parents are willing to give their teens some freedom, but at the same time parents keep a watchful eye, below you’ll read about how teenagers may be damaging their teeth.

According to an article at cbsnews.com, “explain the most common ways teens may be harming their teeth.”

“When looking back on your teenage years, you might think of your physical appearance – as in acne, braces, and sweating. But have you ever thought of cavities or tooth decay?

There are plenty of seemingly harmless or discreet activities teens do that affect their oral health and may lead to infections, painful toothaches or even life-threatening complications.

Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, keep clicking as Dr. Doyle Williams, associate professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and chief dental officer at DentaQuest, explains 7 ways teens are destroying their teeth…”

  1.  Bulimia
  2.  Drinking bottled water
  3.  Drinking citrus juice and sports drinks
  4.  Wearing mouth jewelry
  5.  Chewing Tobacco
  6.  Chewing ice
  7.  Bleachorexia

Click here to read the entire article:

If you have any questions or a teen that needs dental help, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno, dental health is my #1 priority.


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