An American Hero and Dentist

Posted on Apr 01, 2020

Paul Revere is best known for his April 18, 1775 midnight ride to warn the minutemen of a British invasion during the American Revolution, but did you also know that between 1768 and 1775, Paul Revere worked as a dentist? He served the upper echelons of Boston society, cleaning teeth and wiring in false teeth carved from walrus ivory or animal teeth.

Five years before his famous ride, Paul Revere advertised in the Boston Gazette that he had “fixt” hundreds of teeth “as well as any surgeon-dentist who ever came from London.” He fixed them in such a manner that, “they are not only an ornament, but of real use in speaking and eating.” We should hope so!

If you’d like to have your “ornaments” “fixt” with all the comforts modern dentistry affords, call Discovery Smiles Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. (520) 721-2000

Does the Tooth Fairy Exist Outside of the United States?

Posted on Mar 01, 2020

In the United States, when a child places a lost tooth under his or her pillow, the tooth fairy often magically appears during the night, whisks the tooth away, and leaves a sum of cash in its place. Outside the U.S., customs for children’s lost teeth widely vary.

In China, children throw their lost tooth onto the roof of their house while yelling out a wish that it be replaced with the tooth of a mouse. It’s a lucky child who has teeth like those of a mouse, because they grow continuously!

In Mongolia, tradition calls for burying a lost tooth by a tree, so that the new tooth will develop strong roots.

In Turkey, children believe the placement of their lost teeth plays a role in their future, so if they want to grow up to be a farmer, they might bury their tooth in a field, or if they want to grow up to be a teacher, they might bury their tooth in a schoolyard. With each new tooth lost, they get a new opportunity to change their destiny!

In Pakistan, it’s good luck for children to wrap their lost teeth in a cloth and throw them in a river.

In Nigeria, children play a game with their lost teeth, and in Lithuania, children sometimes keep their lost teeth and make a necklace or other keepsake with them.

What’s YOUR family tradition for lost teeth?

Call Discovery Smiles Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. (520) 721-2000.

Top 6 Reasons to Get Invisalign Braces

Posted on Feb 01, 2020

1. Fast Results. Invisalign Clear Braces can straighten teeth in as little as six months. Actual results vary by person. 
2. Virtually Painless. Skip the pain that can come with the tightening of metal braces.
3. More Comfortable. Invisalign Clear Braces are more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. There are no sharp or protruding components.
4. Barely Noticeable. Invisalign Clear Braces are made with a transparent material, so you don’t have to worry about displaying a mouthful of silver when you smile.
5. They’re Removable. Although the more you wear them, the faster your results, you can remove them for a few hours each day.
6. Expert Care. Discovery Smiles Dentistry can tell you if you’re a candidate for Invisalign Clear Braces and get you on your way to a beautiful smile.

A Big THANK YOU from Discovery Smiles

Posted on Jan 31, 2020

7 Simple Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Posted on Jan 01, 2020

Follow these 7 tips to keep your gums healthy:

1) Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, twice a day.

2) Floss daily.

3) Brush your tongue.

4) Rinse daily with antiseptic mouthwash.

5) Get regular dental checkups and cleanings

6) Avoid smoking.

7) Eat more of the foods your gums love – celery, apples, cheeses, and leafy greens.

Discovery Smiles can help keep your gums healthy and your smile white and bright. Call 520-721-2000 for an appointment.

Famous Dentist of the Wild West

Posted on Dec 01, 2019

You probably know Doc Holliday for his association with the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in our nearby city of Tombstone, but did you also know that in 1872, Doc Holliday earned a degree in dentistry from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in 1872? He was just 20 years old. The school held his degree until he turned 21, which was the minimum age required to practice dentistry.

Holliday worked as a dental assistant in St. Louis, Missouri for a short time, and then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he set up his own dental practice. Shortly afterwards, he headed out west, and the rest is history!

Is it time for your next dental check-up? Call Discovery Smiles at 520-721-2000 to schedule an appointment today.

5 Tips for Conquering a Sugar Craving

Posted on Nov 01, 2019

1) Eat on a regular schedule. Waiting too long between meals can lead to sugary “snaccidents” that you regret afterwards!

2) Walk it Off – You’ll feel good afterwards, and it may redouble your determination to say no to sweets.

3) Reach for Fruit Instead. Having fruit on hand when you have a sweet tooth is half way to making the healthy choice, so be sure to have a supply of fresh fruit available.

4) Enjoy a long-lasting piece of sugar-free gum rather than a short-lived sweet.

5) Indulge a little. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a bite-sized portion. Brush your teeth afterwards, and remember to book regular cleanings.

To make an appointment at Discovery Smiles, call 520-721-2000.

The Oldest Toothpaste Recipe in the World

Posted on Oct 01, 2019

Long before the advent of Crest and Colgate, in the fourth century AD, an Egyptian scribe recorded a toothpaste recipe on a piece of papyrus that is now housed in a museum in Vienna.

The recipe called for one drachma (1/100th of an ounce) of rock salt, two drachmas of mint, one drachma of dried iris flower, and 20 grains of pepper. The scribe said that when crushed and mixed together, this made a “powder for white and perfect teeth.”

The discovery of this ancient recipe has researchers exploring and reintroducing the beneficial properties of the iris flower in dentistry. Thanks to more than a thousand years of advancements in dentistry, you don’t need a mortar and pestle today for a good tube of toothpaste!

A professional cleaning at Discovery Smiles helps too. Book an appointment today. Call 520-721-2000.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Discovery Smiles Dentistry

Posted on Sep 01, 2019

1) Dr. William G. Allen has been practicing dentistry for more than 30 years.

2) Our experienced dental hygienists are fast, thorough, and friendly.

3) Our caring staff is dedicated to your total comfort.

4) Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide you with the best possible care.

5) Discovery Smiles has more than 500 positive reviews from our satisfied patients.

6) We accept cash, check, credit cards, most major insurance plans, and we even offer financing.

7) We are available to assist you after hours in the event of a dental emergency.

8) We are conveniently located in Tucson on the southwest corner of Houghton and Broadway.

9) We will take as much time as needed to explain your treatment and answer your questions.

10) We will have you in and out of our office in the shortest time it takes to provide thorough care.

To book an appointment, call Discovery Smiles at 520-721-2000.

Chronic Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s

Posted on Aug 01, 2019

Scientists have given us another good reason to take good care of our teeth and gums. They recently discovered gum disease bacteria in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

It appears that gum disease bacteria can make its way from the mouth to the brain. The bacteria secretes a toxic protein that can destroy brain neurons. It also increases a component of brain plaques that have been associated with Alzheimer’s.

More research is under way to learn more about the connection. Meanwhile, floss and stay on top of your dental health with regular check-ups.

Is it time for your next check-up at Discovery Smiles? If so, give us a call at 520-721-2000.