"Hey, all you kids out in television land, what do you do when you lose a tooth?"
For most kids, losing a tooth means putting it under their pilow and waiting for the tooth fairy. But, for children who are involved in modeling or acting projects, a lost tooth means a trip to the dentist.

A missing tooth could mean missing out on a part in a show, commercial, or modeling job. Many dentists are equipped to take care of this problem with an appliance known as a "flipper."

A flipper is generally made by taking impressions and then producing an appliance to fit the gap. A false ooth or teeth fill in for the missing ones until they begin to grow in.

The flipper slides in and out easily and doesn't interfere with speaking or smiling, nor is it uncomfortable for the child.

So, if you ever hear anyone speaking of a "Hollywood Flipper," they probably are talking about a detnal appliance rather than a dolphin from a '60s television show.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is a well-known part of the advertising and promotion of dental products.
But many patients wonder what the seal really means. Here's a synopss of what the ADA Seal program is all about.

First, the program is completely voluntary. A dental manufacturer chooses

whether or not to submit a product for evaluation. Review of these products is done by the ADA, along with independent consultants. Requirements are stringent, and up to 40 percent of products do not meet safety and efficiency standards the first time they're submitted. Often, products are adjusted and resubmitted for a second review.

Once a product receives the Seal, the promotional claims for that product are continually scrutinized. If the advertising can't be supported by clinical data, then it's not allowed. Questions about products containing the ADA Seal should be addressed to the manufacturer. Generally, a phone number is available on the product or its packaging for this purpose.

A new study has revealed that the type of brush you use probably has much less to do with how effectively you clean your teeth than how well you brush.
In other words, if your brushing technique isn't adequate, brush design isn't going to make any difference in your oral hygiene.

The study involved 25 dental hygiene students with healthy teeth and gums. All the students went 24 hours without brushing before the study. The students thn brushed with one of three toothbrushes specially designed for plaque removal. The amount of plaque on their teeth was measured before and after brushing. Since all the brushes performed similarly, the evaluators concluded that the brushes the students used made little difference. Rather, they surmised, it was the brushing technique that significantly reduced plaque on the teeth and gums.

Of course, it's important for you to use a brush you feel comfortable with -- one that

fits well in your hand and mkes your mouth feel clean. Once you've got a brush you're happy with, make sure your brushing technique is up to par. Checkout "Better brushing tips" on this page, and if you have any questions, ask us. We'll be happy to help you practice a technique that will keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.

BETTER BRUSHING TIPS
Choose a soft-bristled brush that feels good in your hand, and hold it at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Allow the tips of the bristles to slide partway under the gumline. Don't scrub. Rather, use quick, elliptical strokes; concentrate on cleaning two teeth at a time.

To clean inside surfaces, hold the brush vertically. Be sure to cover inside, outside, and biting surfaces. Don't squash the bristles against your teeth, since it's the tips of the bristles that are most effective in cleaning tooth surfaces. Take your time. Adequate brushing cannot be accomplished if you're in a hurry. Rinse well when you're finished to remove food particles and plaque that you've loosened during brushing.