Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Dental Education
Electric toothbrush reviews, home remedies for toothaches, and instructions in good oral hygiene and routine
dental care are all part of Dr. Shamblott’ philosophy of patient empowerment and caring dentistry.
Everyone benefits from choosing a good quality toothbrush and learning about oral care products including
toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. Moreover, while it's critical to see your dentist as soon as possible if you're
experiencing a toothache, there are some home remedies that work. Dr. Shamblott sorts through the myths
and old wives' tales to give you the facts about what works and what doesn't.
Tooth Brush Reviews
Electric Tooth Brush Reviews
Sonicare Electric Toothbrush
Sonic toothbrushes generate
between 30,000 and 40,000
brush strokes per minute
(compared with about 300 per
minute with manual tooth
brushing). They remove more
plaque and reduce your risk of
gingivitis better than manual
toothbrushes.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
Oral B Spinbrush
The Oral B Spinbrush features
spinning bristle heads that rotate,
rather than vibrate. These batterypowered toothbrushes come with
timer features to help children brush
properly.
Like most electric
toothbrushes, the bristles generate
between 3,000 and 7,500 brush
strokes per minute. The little round
tufts of bristles spin, providing
additional cleaning power.
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Advantages of Power versus Manual Toothbrushes
They key to good oral hygiene isn't having the fanciest toothbrush; it's using it regularly and correctly! Whether
you purchase a sonic toothbrush, electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush, as long as you use it regularly and
thoroughly, you're doing your best for good oral hygiene.
However, there are some advantages of powered toothbrushes:
• Brushing becomes easier for people with medical conditions that limit manual dexterity (such as arthritis),
or who are elderly or physically handicapped, or have oral conditions (such as misaligned teeth or teeth
with uneven surfaces) that make thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces difficult.
• They make it easier to clean teeth with braces and other orthodontic appliances.
• People may enjoy cleaning their teeth more since use of a powered toothbrush might be considered "fun"
or "different" and therefore brush more frequently as a result.
• They remove more plaque and reduce your risks of gingivitis better than manual toothbrushes
• They minimize or eliminate tooth staining. The scrubbing effect of powered toothbrushes may be superior
to manual toothbrushes in possibly reducing or even totally removing surface stains on teeth.
Choosing and Caring for a Toothbrush
Dr. Shamblott offers the following advice to patients on choosing and caring for a toothbrush:
• Both children and adults should use a soft-bristled brush. Hard or medium bristles don't clean any better
than soft ones, and over time may damage the gum tissue.
• When choosing a toothbrush, choose one with a head that fits easily in the mouth. Children should use
toothbrushes especially sized for their smaller mouths.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become frayed. If the toothbrush head
looks splayed or worn out, it's time for new brush.
• Clean your toothbrush and sanitize it by running it through the dishwasher. Be sure to replace your
toothbrush when you're sick – those germs stay on the toothbrush!
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Home remedies for toothaches – Do they work?
There are lots of home remedies for toothaches, but the best one is prevention! Brush, floss, and see your
dentist regularly to prevent problems before they turn into painful toothaches.
What is a Toothache?
A toothache is an aching pain in or around a tooth. In most cases toothaches are caused by problems in the
tooth or jaw, such as cavities, gum disease, the emergence of wisdom teeth, a cracked tooth, infected
dental pulp (necessitating root canal treatment or extraction of the tooth), jaw disease, or exposed tooth
root.
The causes of a toothache may also be a symptom of diseases of the heart, such as angina or a myocardial
infarction, due to referred pain.
Pain relief is just that – relief from the pain of the toothache. It doesn't cure the underlying problem causing
the pain. To permanently get rid of toothache pain, you must see your dentist. A toothache is frequently an
infection gone haywire, and your dentist must diagnose the problem and correct it to provide pain relief.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
What Really Works: Home Remedies for Toothaches
Among all the home remedies for toothaches, only a few REALLY work:

Oil of Cloves – Clove oil (in very small quantities), put directly onto the affected tooth or
dabbed with a cotton ball on a decayed tooth, actually does work for a short while.
NEVER give clove oil to children as it can cause side effects. If you're on blood clotting
medicine, do not use clove oil. It's considered safe in small quantities for adults. You can
keep some in your medicine chest for emergencies.

Massage your ear lobe or hand – the ear lobe and the region between the forefinger
and the thumb are both pressure sensation points on your body and when they are
kneaded, pain in the jaw and tooth should pass in about 10 minutes. If the toothache is
on the right side of the mouth, rub your right ear lobe and hand, and if it's on the left, rub
the left.

Ice – wrap ice in a towel and place it on the outside of your jaw for up to 20 minutes, then
let the area warm up for 20 minutes. Don't put the ice directly on the tooth as this may
make it hurt even more.

Onion – a small piece of onion placed on the bad tooth can help, but only for a short
time, at best.
What doesn't work – anything else! NEVER USE THE FOLLOWING

Super glue – dangerous to your health, damages your teeth and it doesn't
work

Garlic – keeps the vampires away, but does nothing for a toothache

Lime – doesn't work

Wheat grass and other herbs – only oil of cloves and bay berry work well.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Floss
Studies show it doesn’t matter which type you use. In fact, the best type of floss is the one you actually put
in between your teeth. Just do it! Waxed floss may be easier to slide between tight teeth, but it does not
matter whether or not you use flavored or unflavored, waxed or regular. Flossing removes food particles
and plaque between the teeth and is essential for good oral hygiene.
Here are various types of floss and some that are good for people with special needs, such as those with
orthodontic appliances, bridges and more:

Super Floss for bridges and braces – combination of regular floss, pipe cleaner and bridge threader.

Oral-B Satin Floss for teeth with tight contacts, because it does not shred and it glides easily between
teeth

Floss threaders – adult and kids (have characters on them) – some come with handles and in various
different shapes

Stimudents – triangular shaped soft wood toothpicks

Waterpik --These devices are great for those with gum disease, crowns, bridges and braces. These
are to be used in addition to flossing and are not meant to replace flossing! Squirt water in between
teeth to rinse food and plaque out and keep gums healthier. Great for those hard to reach areas
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Toothpastes
With so many toothpastes to choose from, Dr. Shamblott offers practical advice to selecting the most
effective.
• ONLY choose a toothpaste bearing the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Approval
• Look for products containing fluoride
• Choose the flavor based on what you like – the flavor doesn't make the toothpaste work any
better, it just makes it taste better.
• If you find that certain ingredients are irritating to your teeth, cheeks or lips, or if your teeth have
become more sensitive, or if your mouth is irritated after brushing, try changing toothpastes.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Toothpastes
Sensodyne
Sensodyne is one of many types of toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth. As the enamel wears
away from the teeth, teeth can become more sensitive. Common foods such as fruit, orange juice,
soda pop, and wine soften the enamel surface of teeth, making them more susceptible to wear and
enamel damage. Acid erosion damages enamel and changes the shape of teeth, making them visible
less white and older-looking.
If you have sensitive teeth, choose toothpaste such as Sensodyne. It relieves sensitive teeth by
building a protective barrier that blocks the pain caused by hot, cold, sweet, acidic and other contact
triggers. Sensodyne contains an active ingredient, Potassium Nitrate, which is clinically proven to
reduce painful sensitivity. It provides fast relief within two weeks, contains fluoride for cavity protection
and freshens breath.
Sensodyne Pronamel Care remineralizes teeth damaged from Acid Erosion
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Toothpastes
Colgate Total Toothpaste - Benefits
Another toothpaste Dr. Shamblott recommends to his patients is Colgate Total Toothpaste. The 12hour germ fighting protection in Colgate Total helps with:

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



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Gingivitis and Bleeding Gums
Stains
Plaque
Whitening
Cavities
Tartar
Weak Enamel
Tender Gums
Bad Breath
Avoid tartar control toothpastes and toothpastes with baking soda. Both are too abrasive, and can
actually create sensitivity.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Mouthwashes
Among the many mouthwashes on the pharmacy shelves, Dr. Shamblott recommends ACT
.05% fluoride Anticavity Rinse for all patients old enough to rinse for 30 seconds and then
spit. A similar useful product is Listerine Total Care with fluoride.
In general, mouthwashes containing alcohol should only be used once per day.
Children's Mouthwashes: LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE
Listerine Agent Cool Blue is a pre-brush tinting rinse. Used before brushing, it tints teeth
blue so kids pay attention when cleaning their teeth. It helps kids see the places they miss
during brushing, and gives kids a sense of accomplishment that they are doing a good job
and reinforcing positive behavior. It makes brushing fun for children and encourages
proper oral care habits. It's also alcohol-free. Be careful this mouthwash can make a mess
and it will stain clothing and carpeting.
Warm Salt Water Rinses
Warm salt-water rinses are also good for disinfecting the mouth. While they might not freshen the breath
as a minty mouthwash can, they do provide some germ-fighting protection and sooth mouth sores.
Warm salt water rinses
8 oz. glass of lukewarm water
Teaspoon of table salt
Mix together
Swish and spit
Can be done multiple times per day as needed
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Dental Injuries and Dental Emergencies
Dentists take your pain or injury seriously, and if you have an emergency, say so when you call. An
emergency situation means you should be seen today by the dentist, not tomorrow or whenever the
receptionist can fit you in. You need to get out of pain, fast.
Other emergencies that may necessitate an emergency dental visit include:
•
Injuries – broken tooth, cracked tooth or a tooth knocked out
•
Teeth forced out of position or loosened
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Dry Mouth Products
Dry mouth is a persistent feeling that there is not enough saliva in your mouth, making talking and eating
difficult or embarrassing. Saliva lubricates and protects your mouth from infection by bacteria, from
chemicals in the atmosphere and from hot food and drinks. Saliva coats your teeth and protects them.
Reduced saliva flow can damage mouth tissue, cause dental decay and contribute to bad breath.
Sufferers often don't notice that they are suffering from dry mouth until their saliva flow has already
dropped by 50 per cent.
Symptoms can include:
• a feeling of soreness in the mouth,
• stickiness to the touch
• cracking at the corners of the mouth
• mouth looking red and parched, or
• having a pebbled look to the tongue;
• difficulty eating dry or spicy foods;
• food just not tasting like it used to;
• difficulty speaking;
• a tendency to wake up more often during the night;
• bad breath.
If you've got dry mouth, there's a product line called Biotene that includes gum, gels, mouth sprays,
rinses, toothpaste and more to help ease dry mouth symptoms. Sensodyne also makes a product called
Sensodyne Oasis. The active ingredient, glycerin, soothes dry mouth and moisturizes while locking in
water to protect against dryness.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Gum
Chewing gum is fine for most people, but do choose sugar-free gum sweetened with Xylitol. Xylitol is an
artificial sweetener that has been shown to reduce decay. Exposure to xylitol in very young children and
patients with a high level of tooth decay is especially helpful. Several daily doses are recommended.
Orbit Icebreaker and Trident gum contains some Xylitol. If you can't brush after meals, chew with a gum
containing Xylitol.
Mouth Sores
Canker sores or mouth sores plague many people. Zilactin B / L forms a coating over sores and
provides pain relief for up to 6 hours. It's available over the counter.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Mouth Guards or Sports Guards
For the athletes out there, custom mouth guards provide full protection for your teeth during contact
sports. Be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Shamblott for a proper fitting mouth guard. You need to
have a professional fit them to your teeth, because if they don't fit properly they won't provide adequate
protection.
One thing Dr. Shamblott warns against is drinking
sugary sports drinks, and then putting your mouth
guard in. This traps the residual liquid and sugar in
the teeth with little or no saliva to wash it away,
setting the stage for potential decay.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Denture and Partial Denture Products
Proper care for your dentures and partial dentures ensures that they'll look
and fit their best.
• Clean your dentures every day, using a denture brush and cleanser
solution.
• Keep your dentures moist when you aren't wearing them.
• Never try to adjust your dentures yourself.
• Have your dentures evaluated yearly by a dentist
Using Denture Fixative Products
It's okay to use a denture product such as Fixodent. Since the controversy over excess zinc in the formula,
it's been adjusted and should be safe to use as directed. To use a fixative:
• Clean and dry dentures thoroughly before applying Fixodent.
• Apply Fixodent to dentures in strips or series of dots.
• Start with a small amount at first.
• Do not apply too close to denture edges.
• Press dentures firmly in place and hold briefly.
• You are using too much if product oozes after inserting dentures.
• Many denture wearers find one use a day is sufficient.
• If you are using Fixodent more than twice a day or have problems with your denture hold, consult
your dentist about the fit of your dentures.
• See your dentist regularly to ensure properly fitting dentures. Poorly fitting dentures may impair
your health.
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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Dr. Shamblott’s Recommended Products
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening has become popular and white teeth do
brighten the smile. However, those teeth whitening strips
and over the counter bleach trays aren't worth the money
spent on them. They're not strong enough to work
properly, and they can burn sensitive gum tissue.
Make an appointment with Shamblott Family Dentistry to
understand your options for teeth whitening, and leave it
to the professionals. It may cost more upfront, but the
results will be better and last longer.
A MESSAGE FROM SCOTT SHAMBLOTT DDS
Greetings! I'm Dr. Scott Shamblott, your "no fear" dentist. Located just outside
Minneapolis, in downtown Hopkins, Shamblott Family Dentistry is the dentist
office of choice for all your general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation
dentistry and same-day emergency dental needs. In addition to these dentist
services we also treat sleep apnea.
Call Shamblott Family Dentistry today to set up your free consultation
952-935-5599 or visit us on the web at www.ShamblottFamilyDenistry.com
Shamblott Family Dentistry | 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 250
Hopkins, MN 55343 | (952) 935-5599 | 952-935-7842 fax
www.ShamblottFamilyDentistry.com
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