More than You Ever Wanted to Know about Brushing Your Teeth

Thousands of years ago, people still liked fresh breath and a shiny smile. Tribal people used sticks to clean their teeth, and over time, this evolved into a Chinese hog-hair toothbrush. Today, we prefer a cleaner and more effective option ;-).shutterstock_2379935

Choosing Your Tools
• Never buy a toothbrush with hard bristles.
• Make sure your toothbrush’s size suits your mouth.
• Electric toothbrushes can be more effective than manual styles.
• Use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
• Use a tongue scraper or gentle brushing to clean plaque from your tongue.
• Find floss that works for you – there’s flat, round, waxed, non-waxed, minty, and even pre-strung picks.

Tips for Brushing
• Brush morning and night – and after meals, if you like.
• Brush for two minutes at each session.
• If you can’t brush after meals, rinse with water.
• Replace your toothbrush every two to four months and after an illness.
• Microwave your damp toothbrush for one minute every month to kill bacteria. Continue reading More than You Ever Wanted to Know about Brushing Your Teeth

The Clock is Ticking on Your Insurance Benefits

The year has a way of flying by. Before you know it, the holidays are here, and the last thing you’re thinking about is dental insurance. There are good reasons to do just that, though. calculator and calendarBetween the food, family, and festivities this season brings, take a moment to consider how you can make the most of your benefits before year’s end.

Here are a few reasons making that dental appointment now can really pay off. Continue reading The Clock is Ticking on Your Insurance Benefits

Important News for Patients with Diabetes

The link between gum disease and diabetes has been debated for some time. Researchers agree that the link exists, but the relationship is unclear. Are patients with diabetes more shutterstock_2010341susceptible to gum disease, or is it the other way around? In recognition of National Diabetes Month, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has released some new guidelines on oral health for people with diabetes.

According to recent studies, a two-way relationship exists between oral health and diabetes. Gum disease, an infection of the soft tissues that support the teeth, increases blood sugar levels, which elevates the risk of diabetic complications. Patients who already have diabetes are more susceptible to infection, and therefore, more likely to contract the disease. The bottom line? Everyone, especially diabetics, needs to pay close attention to his or her oral health. Continue reading Important News for Patients with Diabetes

Enjoy Stress-Free Dental Visits with These Simple Preparations

Relaxing dental visitsMany people avoid dental visits because of anxiety, stress, or fear. If you don’t like visiting the dentist, but sedation dentistry would be overkill, consider these tips:

  1. Tell the dentist and team that you don’t feel comfortable. They can do a few things to help you.
  2. Avoid caffeine before your visit.
  3. Bring an iPod to your appointment, and listen to music during your exam or procedure. Listen to soothing music before your visit, as well. Continue reading Enjoy Stress-Free Dental Visits with These Simple Preparations

10 Tips for Choosing a Great Dentist

Whether you’re a busy parent, an image-conscious executive, or a senior citizen with special needs, finding a good dentist can be a struggle. Where do you start? You could open the phone book or Google dentists in your city. But then what?

Here are 10 tips to help you make an informed and wise decision. And remember, you’re going to trust your new dentist with your health and your image – and maybe your loved ones. Be smart!

Also, keep in mind that everyone has different needs, priorities, and personalities. For instance, if you want a good family dentist, and you aren’t planning on getting veneers anytime soon, you’ll want to find a general dentist who’s good with kids – not an adult cosmetic dentist. Continue reading 10 Tips for Choosing a Great Dentist

10 Dental Tips for Healthy Smiles after Halloween

News Bulletin: Halloween Candy Strikes Fear in Parents across the Nation!

The apples of your eye, your precious children, are about to dress up in scary costumes, take candy from strangers, and throw themselves into sugar overload. It’s a tradition! As an all-American parent, you just need to grin and bear it. Right?

Good news. You don’t have to ruin your kids’ fun. These tips will help you transform the potentially haunting experience into a positive and rewarding memory.

In addition to the rules for costume safety, traffic safety, and trick-or-treating with a responsible adult…1. Check all candy before your children consume it. Open packages, homemade treats, and (for everyone, but particularly for kids with braces, fillings, or crowns) extremely sticky delicacies should be thrown out.

  1. Before Halloween comes, ask your dentist to place dental sealants on your child’s teeth. This will help reduce the potential for tooth decay.
  2. Check all candy before your children consume it. Open packages, homemade treats, and (for everyone, but particularly for kids with braces, fillings, or crowns) extremely sticky delicacies should be thrown out. Continue reading 10 Dental Tips for Healthy Smiles after Halloween