How Much Toothbrush Are You Using?

When brushing your teeth many people are using way too much...

For years on commercials we all see the toothpaste companies swirling on a large dollop of toothpaste filling the whole toothbrush bristles from end to end.  

We suggest using a pea size amount of paste so that not only you can see where you are brushing but also minty fresh breath.  It is more important to get all of the food and plaque off of all of the teeth and gums.  For patients that are having a hard time removing this we tell our patients to brush for one minute with just wet toothbrush so that you can easily rid the teeth of debris and then use a small pea sized amount to freshen breath and add a shield for the teeth to help keep them clean and healthy throughout the day.

Some toothpaste have a 12 hour "shield" to help protect the teeth from the sugars and acids we put on our teeth when eating and drinking. 

The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends  brushing twice a day, with a soft bristled toothbrush.  It should fit in your mouth easily so that you can make sure you can use all the proper angles to get all the debris  off of every tooth and gums.

They also recommend switching your brush 3-4 times a year so that the bristles don't fray or flatten.  

The ADA also states people should see a dentist or dental hygienist at least every 6 months for a regular dental cleaning and exam.

Do you recycle braces?

Do you recycle braces?

 

Patients sometimes ask this question when they are getting ready to get their braces on.  The answer is NO.  When would NEVER put your braces/appliances on someone else.  Braces and appliances are unique to each patient and would not work on another patient.  The other reason we Never recycle braces and appliances is because it is unsanitary and we wouldn't want someone elses braces and neither would you.

 

We don't, however, throw them away.  We reuse them in the form of a mini sclupture that we give to our patients so they have a souveiner of their orthodontic experience.

Souveiner Appliance

How Long Does it Take to Straighten Teeth?

How long does it take to straighten teeth?

This question is easiest answered by saying everyone has different problems with their teeth so everyone is different.  The average patient who has a traditional set of braces will take anywhere from 18-24 months to get the best result.  Patients will begin to see changes in there teeth as early as the first week.  Typically the teeth only take a few months to just straighten them into an arch shape, but there are usually other things that need to be corrected.

Which way is the fastest to straighten my teeth?
           Each person is different and each problem is different.  The best way to find out is to have a consultation with your orthodontist.  He can check the way your teeth fit together and give you some different ideas to decide which way you should go with finding the best way to straighten your teeth.

How do I Clean my Toothbrush?

How To Keep Your Toothbrush Clean And Safe?
One reason we brush our teeth is to remove bacteria from your mouth so it is important to keep your toothbrush clean and free of germs. 

So how do I keep my toothbrush clean?

Here are some tips to help keep your toothbrush clean and healthy:

• Keep your toothbrush covered when traveling and in a clean dry place at home.  When you are on vacation it is important to cover your toothbrush so it doesn't pick up dirt and grim from inside the suitcase or travel bag.  When you are at home it is important to keep your toothbrush covered but allowing it to dry out as well. (in a drawer or mirrored closet)  Don't leave it on a cup next to the sink in a bathroom.  Bathrooms have the most bacteria and germs.  Every time the toilet flushes bacteria is spread throughout the bathroom.   


• Replace it when you’re sick. Even if you just bought a new toothbrush or changed the head on your rechargeable electric brush, it’s a good idea to replace it when you have recovered from an illness to avoid exposing yourself to more of the bacteria that your body has just defeated.  If you don't want to throw it out you can always put it in the dish washer.  This will sanitize your toothbrush to get rid of the germs you got when you were sick.

• Keep you toothbrush away from little ones and pets.  Pets love to get a hold of your toothbrush and chew on them (they like clean teeth too.), hide them and put them in gross places.  Young children love to play with toothbrushes.  This can mean your toothbrush going to places you do not want your mouth to be (toilet, trash can, the dogs mouth or worse)

• Rinse your brush. Make sure after you brush your teeth to always rinse throughly so that there is no toothpaste left  in the brisles.