Tips From The Dentist For Getting a Good Clean While Brushing Your Teeth

When you visit our dentist office, we will perform a teeth cleaning and remove any bacteria, plaque and tartar that we find on your teeth and gums.  This will help your mouth to stay healthy and to prevent cavities and gum disease. We recommend that you visit us at least twice a year in order to keep your teeth in good condition.  Additionally, there are things you can do at home to keep your teeth healthy.  

Brushing your teeth is an important step in preventing cavities and gum disease. You should brush at least twice a day and after every meal if possible.  It isn’t enough to simply brush your teeth.  You need to brush them properly so that they get clean without irritating your gums. 

Here are tips from our dentist office for getting the best clean possible. 

• The three-month rule.  Many people will use their toothbrush for a year or longer.  This is problematic for several reasons. First, the bristles will start to fray, and your teeth won’t get as clean.  Secondly, bacteria will start to grow on your toothbrush and negatively impact your health.  You should replace your toothbrush every three months.
• Soft vs. hard.  A hard toothbrush can give the illusion that you are getting a better clean.  The challenge is that a hard toothbrush can actually be bad for you.  It can strip away the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity.  It can also irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.  We recommend switching out your hard toothbrush for a soft one. 
• Motion matters.  How you brush your teeth is important.  Don’t brush your teeth from front to back in a straight line.  Instead, use a circular motion.  You should brush away from your gums. If you are brushing your top teeth, start at the gums and move downward.  If you are brushing your lower teeth, start at the gums and brush upwards. 
• Toothpaste.  Use toothpaste that has the American Dental Association seal of approval.  As a dentist, we recommend using one that contains fluoride since fluoride can help to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. 
• Dry it out.  When you are done brushing your teeth, make sure to store your toothbrush somewhere that it can get nice and dry.  You don’t want to brush with a wet toothbrush because bacteria can grow on it.  Placing bacteria filled toothbrush into your mouth is simply not a good idea. 
• Go electric.  In order to improve your clean, try an electronic toothbrush.  It will thoroughly clean your teeth without irritating them.  You can even purchase a battery operated one at the drug store for under $15.  

Follow these tips from the dentist for brushing your teeth and if you have any questions, ask us during your next teeth cleaning.  Make sure to including flossing in your daily health care routine as well so that you can get bacteria and food out of hard to reach places.  

How to Save Money When Visiting Our Dental Office

In our local dental office, we understand that most of our patients live on a budget and saving money is important.  The larger your family is; the more important this can be as paying for medical bills for one person can be difficult, paying for six is even harder.  As a family dentist, we want all of our patients to be able to afford the dental health care that they need.  Using these tips can make it possible. 

• Practice at-home care.  Taking care of your teeth at home is an important way to keep your teeth and your kids teeth, in great health.  It starts with eating a healthy diet that includes green leafy vegetables, lean protein, dairy products and complex carbs in addition to drinking plenty of water.  Try to eliminate sugar from your diet since it can increase your risk of cavities.  You also need to brush teeth throughout the day and floss at least daily.  This will help to remove sugar, bacteria, and plaque before an infection starts.  
• Brush correctly.  When brushing your teeth take the time to make a circular motion that starts at the gum line and works towards the center of your mouth.  Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for the biggest impact.  We can suggest ways to improve your technique in our dental office. 
• Wear a mouth guard.  You can prevent the athletes in your family from getting tooth injuries by wearing a mouth guard while playing sports.  The American Dental Association estimates that this prevents over 200,000 high school and college football injuries every year in addition to protecting adults, younger children, and those playing other sports.  By protecting teeth, you can prevent the expense of a restoration or tooth replacement. 
• Get teeth cleaned.  You should have your teeth cleaned and examined twice a year.  Most dental insurance companies cover teeth cleanings as preventative care.  This is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and infections so with simple preventative care that is typically low or no cost; you can reduce the chance of needing an expensive procedure down the road. 
• Schedule treatments.  There are certain treatments we can do to protect and strengthen your teeth.  This includes completing a fluoride treatment or applying sealant as needed.  These procedures are typically done in children but can be used on adults as well.  
• Know your options.  If your tooth is damaged and needs to be restored or has fallen out and must be replaced, we have multiple ways for doing so.  Let us know what your financial concerns are, and we can recommend a treatment plan that fits within your budget. 

In our dental office, we also provide financing solutions that make getting dental work done affordable and possible.  While you may not have the funds you need at that moment, you can still take care of your health by using this creative option.  Otherwise, we can discuss payment plants with you.  In the meantime, avoid needing a costly procedure by practicing preventative care.