Chewing Gum Trivia Quiz

19th Street Dental wants to know just how well you know gum? Chew on these sticky questions to find out!

1. Swallowed gum remains in your stomach for:

A. 2 years
B. 7 years
C. 8 years
D. None of the above

2. Forward-looking scientists believe a special type of gum may help prevent:

A. Arthritis
B. Cancer
C. Broken bones
D. Blindness

3. Research suggests that chewing gum after _____ will help you heal faster:

A. Abdominal surgery
B. Tonsillitis
C. Appendicitis
D. Lasic surgery

4. The Chewing Gum Action Group was created in England to:

A. Introduce preschool children to the wonderful world of gum
B. Lobby Parliament in the interest of gum companies
C. Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage bins
D. Provide free chewing gum to underprivileged families

5. A new type of gum claims to reduce bacteria in your mouth by:

A. 10 times
B. 50 times
C. 80 times
D. 300 times

6. Chewing gum was strictly forbidden in _____ between 1992 and 2004:

A. Croatia
B. Belize
C. Morocco
D. Singapore


Answers

1. D: None of the above. Contrary to popular belief, swallowed gum does not set up shop in your stomach for years. While we don't recommend that you swallow your gum, we can assure you that the parts of gum that cannot be digested simply pass through your system, as would any other roughage.

2. B: Cancer. In Finland, a group of scientists have proposed that chewing gum containing an amino acid called cysteine may be able to prevent cancer of the digestive tract.

3. A: Abdominal surgery. A group of California doctors have announced research that indicates that chewing gum can help patients recover more quickly from abdominal surgery, thereby reducing their hospital stays by a day or more.

4. C: Teach citizens to throw their used gum in garbage bins. Gum litter in England is such a problem that gum manufacturers, local governments, and other interested parties have teamed up to form the Chewing Gum Action Group, which facilitates advertising campaigns to teach people to dispose of their gum properly.

5. B: 50 times. A German chemical company recently revealed its plans to manufacture gum that contains a bacteria found in yogurt. Supposedly, this gum would reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth by 50 times.

6. D: Singapore. With a law passed in 1992, Singapore banned the import and sale of chewing gum. In 2004, the ban was revised and gum is now allowed into the country, but only for "therapeutic" reasons – in particular, nicotine gum that is used to help quit smoking.

Give us a call at 19th Street Dental to schedule your next appointment, cause regular cleanings will help keep your teeth healthy and strong

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Dr. Patel and 19th Street Dental Patient Reviews

At 19th Street Dental, we provide the latest in dental care with the most advanced technology that our patients are raving about. Come see for yourself!Dr. Patel is a true professional and is very patient, thorough, and his office is the most amazing state-of-the-art facility! Wow! I thought I was in the future but the future of dentistry has arrived at 19th St. Dental.
-Duane H.

At 19th Street Dental, they focus on one on one interaction. Dr. Patel is very invested in personal attention. He cares about everything from the goals and outcome of treatment to the patient’s happiness. THIS IS CRUCIAL!
-David B.

Dr. Patel is very friendly, relatable, and down to earth. He is very professional, but never stuffy.
-Catherine M.

19th Street Dental is convenient, professional, and uses latest most-up-to-date procedures. Dr. Patel is excellent, friendly, competent, easy to talk to, and he has a supportive staff.
-Al C.

Dr. Patel is a cool fellow. He is easy to talk to and he answers all my questions in a way that I understand.
-Patrick F.

His office has a great atmosphere and Dr. Patel, along with his staff, is very friendly and takes the time to answer all of your questions.
-Frances L.

Dr. Patel and his staff are very thorough and friendly. The office is hi-tech, and very warm and inviting.
-Mona A.

The office is clean, the staff is friendly, and they use the latest most up-to-date technology!
-Louan A.

Regular Checkups are Important - Dr. Trushar

Is your child brushing his/her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day. If your child will be visiting the dentist for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Patel Answers Your Brushing Questions!

Brushing your teeth is a simple step toward better oral hygiene; but, there are many questions that surround this one little task. To better help decipher the tricky waters of mouth washing, here are some easy to remember quick facts about brushing your teeth!

How much time should it take me to brush my teeth?

You should be brushing for at least 2 minutes. Don’t forget that flossing should also be a part of your brushing regimen; and, it should take at least a minute.

How long should I keep my tooth brush before buying a new one?

Most tooth brush companies use aids (the bristles on the brush change color) to tell you when you need a new toothbrush; however, I generally recommend changing your tooth brush at least once every 3 months. It’s a small investment to maintain a healthy mouth

Do electric toothbrushes work better than regular toothbrushes?

Power toothbrushes are excellent if used correctly. Each brush has a specific way to be used and reading the manufacturer’s directions carefully will enhance your brushing experience. Another benefit is that some brushes have timers, which will help make sure that you brush your teeth for the recommended time.

When I can’t brush, will chewing sugar free gum after a meal really help to prevent cavities?

Sugar-free gum has many benefits, and can help decrease the chance of getting cavities; however, it is not a substitute for a toothbrush and floss. Sugar-free gum increases saliva production and the enzymes in the saliva help to digest the food particles and neutralize plaque acid in your mouth.

Does mouthwash really help to prevent cavities?

Some mouth washes assist in cavity prevention – most notably those that contain Fluoride, however most mouth washes are used to assist in maintaining and improving gum health, and do not count as a substitute for brushing and flossing.

How often should I use mouthwash?

Twice a day, or as directed by your dentist.

Will eating mints hurt my teeth, and cause cavities?

Potentially yes. Chewing hard mints places a tremendous amount of pressure on your teeth and they can cause teeth to fracture and break. Sucking on mints, although tasty, allows for increased sugar in your mouth which is a food source for the bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria, over time will contribute to tooth decay.

Will brushing my teeth after meals help prevent cavities?

Absolutely! Brushing after meals is the best way to maintain good oral hygiene. You will decrease the amount of food remaining in your mouth, and leave little for bacteria to feed on.

What is the best way to keep my gums healthy?

Regular flossing, ideally after every meal, is the best way to maintain healthy gums in between teeth, as well as using a soft toothbrush to massage the gums around your teeth. Mouthwash is a great aid to finalize your home care to leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

If you have any other brushing questions please feel free to contact our practice, or visit our web site!

Baby Teeth - and Gums - Need Special Care! - Dr. Trushar Patel

One question we hear all the time is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact Dr. Patel.

When Is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Worry? - 19th Street Dental

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.