Patient Education

REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

It costs less than 5 dollars (free with your 6-month checkup) and you use it two to three times a day.  You can splurge a little now and then and get a new one when the old one wears out.  Buy a “Soft” or “Extra Soft” brush and always change to a new toothbrush after recovering from a cold or the flu.

 

 

 

 

FLOSSING 101

To floss more effectively, gently slide the floss between the tooth and the gum–that’s where the biofilm tends to accumulate and do the most harm.  Disrupting the bacteria once every 24 hours helps you prevent cavities, keep fresher breath, and avoid gum disease.

 

 

 

 

 

BETTER BREATH

Bad breath can be a dental problem…or it could be a medical issue.  If it’s garlic you’re worried about, CloSYS is a great product for long-lasting fresh breath.

 

 

 

 

 

CLENCHING AND GRINDING

Rubbing teeth together can cause abrasion and chipping of the enamel.  Squeezing the teeth together can cause fractures.  Most cases of clenching and grinding can be protected with a bite splint and an “occlusal adjustment” to allow the muscles to relax.  “Lips together, teeth apart” is safe and comfortable.

 

 

 

 

DENTAL ENEMY #1

One 12-ounce can of soda has almost ten (10!) teaspoons of sugar!!  There’s also hidden sugar in bread, ketchup, canned soups, salad dressings, cured meats, most peanut butters, and a host of other prepared foods. The frequent presence of sugar causes an acidic environment which leads to cavities, not to mention overall health concerns.

 

 

 

BEDTIME BOTTLES

It’s never too early to protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. If your baby really needs a bottle, make sure it contains plain water.