Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

You probably grew up using a manual toothbrush. These are the brushes meant to be disposed of every three months, with plastic handles, and bristles that come in varying colors and in different levels of stiffness. You can find these at any drugstore or for free from your dentist’s office. Recently automated brushes have become more and more popular, but are they really better than manual brushes? The answer is- it depends. It depends on several factors including how well you can brush with a manual brush and how well the automated brush can reach in tight spots and how well its rotating or vibrating bristles can work to clean your teeth’s surface.

If you are interested in getting an automated brush, or would like more tips and information on them, visit our page and read about electric toothbrushes.

Teeth Whitening

Everyone wants to look their best, and an easy way to boost the appearance of your smile is with teeth whitening. There are several ways to do this as well as some things you can do for longer-lasting results.

Just remember, teeth whitening doesn’t last forever! So to keep your teeth pearly white, try not to eat or drink foods that will stain the enamel. Common staining foods are coffees, teas, red wines, chocolate, deep colored berries, and colored candies. If you do have any of these food and drinks, limit the amount of time your teeth is in contact with them and drink plenty of water. Also, regular teeth cleanings and a good hygiene routine will help to keep your teeth white and healthy for a beautiful smile!

In-office whitening is the fastest way to whiten your teeth. It takes less than an hour and will whiten your teeth up to eight shades. Our system of choice is the Zoom Brightening which is completely safe and delivers amazing results.

Our office can also make whitening trays for you. These custom fitted trays are created using an impression of your teeth. They are made of plastic, and depending on the results you want, you will fill each tray with a bleaching gel each day, and wear the trays for a prescribed period of time.

Over the counter whitening kits come in a few forms. You have probably seen them in strip and gel forms, or maybe even in whitening “rinses”. These will take several weeks to deliver the results most patients want. The formulas used in these over the counter products use hydrogen peroxide, the same substance used for in-office whitening, but in a more diluted form.

Foods for Healthy Teeth

People often go on diets, restricting foods that hurt while eating more foods that heal their bodies. The same can be done for your teeth. A diet for healthy teeth can prevent future dental problems and is good for your overall health as well. Certain foods will lead to decay while others can help your teeth become stronger and even repair and revent damage caused from wear and cavities. Here are some foods you should eat more of and others which should be restricted or eaten only in small quantities.

 

Mineral Rich Foods

Foods like cheese, meats, and nuts help provide necessary minerals for your teeth like iron, calcium, and phosphorous.

Crunchy and Fresh Foods

Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help remove plaque by physically rubbing the surface of the enamel during chewing. The water content in these foods also helps dilute harmful sugars.

Sugary Foods

Avoid foods hat are high in sugar since this feeds bacteria in the mouth, leading to decay.

Acidic Foods 

Foods that are acidic can weaken your enamel, breaking down minerals and making teeth appear somewhat transparent. Make sure that when you have acidic foods, you dilute their effect with plenty of water.

 

Dental Check Ups and Cleanings

The best way to take care of your teeth is to be proactive- making an effort to eat healthy and practice good oral hygiene, rather than being reactive, and treating problems that arise from unhealthy lifestyle choices. An important part of maintaining your oral hygiene is going to your biannual check up and cleaning. Even if you dislike going to the dentist, your experience with us is sure to change your mind. We want our patients to receive the best treatment and hope that they only need to come back for cleanings, not to treat dental problems. It is important to have your teeth cleaned by a certified dental hygienist, as the cleaning you get with us is more thorough and effective than any home treatment. For more details on our exams and cleanings, visit our page.

Preventative Dentistry

Our practice believes in communicating with our patients, informing them of how they can improve their oral health. This is important because taking a proactive approach in improving your health is far more effective than a reactive approach. Actively practicing good oral hygiene and healthy habits will help avoid unnecessary procedures that take time, while saving you money. It costs much less to spend the extra time thoroughly brushing twice a day and flossing once each day than it is to treat periodontal disease that poor hygiene leads to. For more on preventative dentistry, visit our website.

Halitosis- Causes and Prevention

We all know that eating certain foods like garlic and onions causes bad breath, but did you know there are other more serious causes? Some illnesses may also cause bad breath. Some of these illnesses include: pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, liver or kidney problems. Medication can also cause bad breath. Most halitosis is caused by gasses secreted by bacteria in the mouth. If a medicine is causing the problem, then discuss possible alternative medications with your doctor and/or dentist.

The good news is that you can prevent bad breath by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush three times a day with toothpaste. Also, brush your teeth after you eat. Flossing once a day is recommended by the American Dental Association to avoid plaque buildup. Getting rid of debris like plaque can significantly benefit your oral health, and in turn, the smell of your breath. For more information on oral health, good hygiene habits, or to schedule an appointment with a dentist who can help, call (702) 405-7400.

Periodontal Disease

Most people are aware of gingivitis, but few understand periodontal disease, a more serious infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth that advances from gingivitis. So, what is so important about periodontal disease? It’s one of the leading causes of tooth loss (more than cavities), and can progress, causing irreparable damage without obvious symptoms. The symptoms of periodontal disease are the same as gingivitis, but if left untreated, unlike gingivitis, periodontal disease will dissolve the bones in between the roots of your teeth. For the symptoms of periodontal disease, and more information on treatment and proper hygiene, visit our Periodontitis Page.