Author Archives: dds4144

Green Dentistry/Green Teeth


The World Earth Day 45th anniversary on April 18 has come and gone. I believe that almost all of us understand the importance of recycle/repurpose/repair/rethink, but there is always something that can be done to help.

In our dental practice, Breton Gardens Family Dentistry, we have implemented a large number of designs and efficiencies that ultimately “Help Save the Whales”.

From a design stand point, Breton Gardens has installed over a 140 trees and shrubs on our property. This provides for clean fresh air, removes atmospheric carbon and really makes the area beautiful. We left 20% of the parcel undisturbed providing food and shelter for critters and filtration of runoff (Bio-swale).  The design element Xeriscaping was incorporated to reduce water and fertilizer usage while also greatly improving the natural beauty of what is essentially a commercial site.

Interior design shows much natural light for physical and mental health while limiting energy usage. Our interior gardens provide for clean air and calm minds.

Equipment wise, we continue towards a fully digitalized office, reducing paper needs (Save the Trees) as well as the volume of trash going to the land fill.

We have installed a heavy metal separating reservoir in our basement to lower the pollution load of our effluents. This is well over and above the federal regulations. This was and remains expensive. It does, however, allow us to continue in what we feel is a leadership role for business; environmental stewardship.

The staff at Breton Gardens is involved in recycling paper, boxes and plastics. The volume that stays out of the dump fills 2 pickup trucks monthly. This takes little money but does require time and effort.

We have implemented an environmental awareness protocol with our patients. While we do not recommend recycling floss, it sure makes sense to turn the water off when you brush your teeth. It is estimated that each home will save about 90 cups of clean drinkable water everyday with this little change in behavior.

I hope it is cleaner that Breton Gardens Family Dentistry cares; about all of us, the environment and the future.

Green dentistry has nothing to do with green teeth.


Stop The War On Fluoridation












Brush. Floss. Smile. Repeat

Mouthwash 101


There are two categories of mouthwash: cosmetic rinses and therapeutic rinses. Cosmetic mouthwash helps to control bad breath (which can improve confidence) and leaves a pleasant aftertaste. It won’t kill odor causing bacteria (think pus) or inactivate the compounds that are also responsible for bad smells (think rotten eggs). They have just a masking function.

Therapeutic rinses work to get to the root cause of the bad breath. Some reduce the amount of plaque (bacteria) responsible for gingivitis. Others neutralize the acids produced by bacteria lessening the chance of cavities. Other mouthwashes target xerostomia (dry mouth).

Fluoride and xylitol as ingredients have been found to be very helpful in cavity prevention and should be used daily for those susceptible to decay. These are usually over the counter. Prescription mouthwashes are used for specific problems and require a dentist’s diagnosis and oversight.

Mouthwashes, either cosmetic or therapeutic, do not fix specific odor causing problems like deep cavities, untreated gum disease or mouth infections. They only mask or prevent. It is important to have a dentist figure out where that funky smell is coming from. We can usually find the source quickly. Please do your loved ones a favor and get it checked out.

Veterans Day (Remembrance Day/Canada)

Veterans Day (Remembrance Day/Canada)

Many Americans may wonder at the Red Poppy, ubiquitous to remembrance ceremonies in British Commonwealth countries. Below is the original poem that inspired this powerful symbol. It was written by John McCrae in 1915. Thank you to all those who serve!

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The story behind this movement is fascinating. Please go to

Introducing Boca Grande Blog

Introducing Boca Grande Blog

This is the inaugural post of the Boca Grande Blog by way of Breton Gardens Family Dentistry, a three doctor operation with lots of humor day in and day out. If we could just capture on video the great moments and the not so great moments here at the office, we would have a great reality show for America. It’s going to be my pleasure to introduce the team and their wonderful knowledge and humor when it comes to dentistry. Feel free to join in and comment on anything that that tickles your palate, and you are always welcome to come visit us in person.