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Tool of the Trade

Sure, everybody knows dental floss when they see it (we hope), and if you're in a periodontal program, you may be using miles of it. But do you recognize this gizmo? It's for "interdental" hygiene, especially useful for people with substantial spaces between their teeth at the gum line. Some studies show that interdental brushing, in combination with regular brushing and flossing, does a real number on plaque. Go gently, though. Any extreme pressure between the teeth, particularly in the presence of gum problems, can disturb the tissue.

By |2022-01-27T19:25:05+00:00June 14th, 2022|Preventative Dentistry|Comments Off on Tool of the Trade

Dead Toothbrushes

A really dead toothbrush—one badly worn and frayed, not necessarily just old—is like having no toothbrush at all. In fact, you're probably doing more harm than good if your brush has seen better days. All dead toothbrushes should be given a decent burial. If you have doubts about the life left in your toothbrush, bring it in at your next appointment, and we can assess the damage. We've seen a lot of sorry-looking brushes, but maybe yours will take the prize. Why they should R.I.P. Plaque will stick with you. A dead toothbrush doesn't stand up to plaque, which means you simply won't get your teeth so clean. And a new brush works more quickly at plaque tasks. You can [...]

By |2021-10-20T19:34:19+00:00January 4th, 2022|Patient Education|Comments Off on Dead Toothbrushes

Brushing Tips

What is the best technique for brushing? There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to ask during an appointment to determine which is the best one for them, since tooth position and gum condition vary. One effective, easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth. Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the outside of the teeth, inside the teeth, your tongue and the chewing surfaces and in between teeth. Using a back and forth motion causes the gum surface to recede, or can expose the root surface or [...]

By |2019-09-29T21:28:42+00:00December 10th, 2019|Preventative Dentistry|Comments Off on Brushing Tips

Take Care of Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth Are Important To Oral Health Tooth decay is declining everywhere except among preschoolers. Proper dental care for your child and their baby teeth (also called primary teeth) is an important part of prevention, helping ensure the health of permanent teeth in later years. You won't see a newborn's teeth, but enamel and dentin are already forming in the jaw. Teething is just months away. Use a clean dry washcloth to wipe baby's gums after every feeding and continue as teeth begin to emerge. Central incisors arrive first, at nine to ten months, with lateral incisors about two months later. Once teeth appear, use a soft toothbrush on them twice daily. Encourage the child to develop the habit of [...]

By |2019-05-28T07:13:20+00:00May 28th, 2019|Children's Dentistry|Comments Off on Take Care of Baby Teeth