Dental Tips
Brushing Tips:
06/08/2010
If you heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times, correct brushing is the key to healthy teeth. Here are a few reminders to keep you on track:
-Whenever possible, brush after every meal. If this is not possible, be sure to brush at least twice a day.
-Change your toothbrush often, every three months is ideal. If you have been sick, replace your toothbrush as soon as you are feeling better.
-Make sure you use the correct brush. It should be soft with rounded bristles. Make sure that you pick one with a size and shape to fit all the way to the back teeth.
Stress and Oral Health:
01/31/2010
Stress affects all of us in varying degrees. Many people become so used to dealing with the physical and emotional aspects of stress that it becomes almost normal. Stress can show up in the mouth, here are just a few examples:
-TMJ (temporomandibular) jaw joint disorders can cause pain when chewing or opeining widely (yawning)
-Dry Mouth
-Canker Sores
-Burning Mouth Syndrome.
If you are experiencing these or other symptoms, it is important to maintain your oral health care, or even increase your efforts. These include brushing after every meal, flossing daily, eating balanced and nutritious meals and snacks and maintaining your regular dental appointments.
Flossing:
12/18/2009
This is by far the less enjoyable of all duties. If you don't floss, you are missing over one third of your tooth surfaces, mostly those between the teeth where a brush can't reach. Here are some tips to make it easier:
-Get into a routine. Immediately after brushing, pick up the floss.
-Find the correct product for you.
-Waxed floss may be easier than non-waxed.
-Find the thickness that fits best between your teeth.
-Make a 'C' with the floss around the tooth at the base of the gums and pull toward the center of the mouth.
-Start in the same area of the mouth and work from one side to the other then from the bottom or top.
-For those that have had bone loss or gum recession, dental tape may work better since it is wider and thicker.
-If you have bridges, floss threaders make it easy to get in those hard to reach Areas.
-Find whatever works for you and make a habit out of it.