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Replacing And Disinfecting Your Toothbrush

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:27:24 GMT

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush and Tips for Sanitizing Your Toothbrush

Replacing Your Toothbrush

Did you know that toothbrushes wear out? It’s true! When your toothbrush becomes worn, it become less effective. So, how often should you replace your toothbrush, as a general rule of thumb, dentists typically recommend getting a new toothbrush every 3 to 6 months. It can be helpful to write down the date you opened your new toothbrush to keep track.

Secondly, if your toothbrush bristles appear frayed, worn or the color has faded, your toothbrush needs to be replaced. As toothbrushes wear out, they become less effective, and optimum effectiveness is important to get a thorough clean every time you brush!

Lastly, if your toothbrush shows signs of discoloration (especially at the base of the bristles) or has a musty smell, you should replace it, as it could be harboring mold or bacteria.

When shopping for a new toothbrush, look for one with soft bristles and carries the approval of the ADA (American Dental Association). It’s also important to select a toothbrush that is the correct size for your mouth to ensure that it is compact enough to reach all the surfaces of your teeth, especially your molars at the very back.

Toothbrushes, Bacteria and Sanitation

Your mouth is home to many different types of germs and bacteria. When you brush your teeth and tongue, the bacteria, saliva, toothpaste, food debris, and blood stay on your toothbrush. Studies have found that even after rinsing a toothbrush with water, it can still be contaminated with microorganisms. Experts say that thousands of different types of microorganisms can grow on toothbrush handles and bristles. Many of these are harmless and are naturally found in your mouth. But some can cause illnesses, like the flu. soaking your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash can help kill any bacteria that may be on it.

Mix 1 teaspoon of peroxide in 1 cup of water
Swish the bristles of your toothbrush in the solution or soak for 15 minutes
Rinse your toothbrush with water before brushing
If you decide to soak your toothbrush in the solution, change the solution every day

You can also disinfect your toothbrush by swishing it in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds. If you don't have mouthwash, you can use 2 teaspoons of baking soda mixed into 1 cup of water instead. Soaking your toothbrush in white vinegar once a week may also help disinfect it.

Denture cleaning solutions can be used to disinfect your toothbrush. Denture cleaners have enzymes and detergents that help break down food proteins. The citric acid and sodium bicarbonate in denture cleaners can also help loosen food stuck between toothbrush bristles. Rinse your toothbrush well after using a dental cleanser.

Lastly, be advised, a moist environment promotes the growth of bacteria and or mold. Studies have found that toothbrushes kept in closed containers, travel cases, and toothbrush covers have more bacteria than those left to air dry. After you've finished brushing or sanitizing your toothbrush rinse the toothbrush and shake off the excess water. Run a finger or thumb across the bristles to help remove the water. If you choose to cover your toothbrush with a holder or container, air dry your toothbrush first in an upright position.

According To A Dentist, What Is The Worst Food Or Drink For Your Teeth?

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:30:33 GMT

What Is The Worst Food Or Drink For Your Teeth

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Health * Diet * Dentistry

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:36:41 GMT

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Poor diet is not only a key contributor to oral health and disease, but it is now considered the leading cause of death in the United States, having overtaken the decades-long reign of tobacco as leader. What we eat and how we eat it are critical to our health, well-being, and risk of developing a myriad of diseases. The importance of a healthy diet and disease control has long been recognized as an essential component of oral health care.

Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a French lawyer and politician, is credited with the common idiom, “you are what you eat,” derived from his 1825 text, Physiologie du Goût, in which he stated, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.”

The dental office can serve as a meaningful contact point to help reinforce the importance of a healthy diet and provide counseling to help with dietary issues relating to chronic oral disease and overall systemic health. The evidence is clear that diet is important in the development of chronic oral health conditions, including caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.

Improving the health of patients through diet modification is certainly not a new concept in the oral health care environment. We routinely ask about dietary issues associated with caries and have discussions with patients about adopting alternatives to a more healthful dietary pattern. If we are what we eat, then oral health care providers have a responsibility and opportunity to help patients customize their diets so that what they eat helps them achieve what we all want to be—healthy.

What's new in Dentistry

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 22:50:52 GMT

What’s New at the Dentist: Advances in Dental Care

Improving Dental Health: How High-Tech X-Rays Can Help

In many dental offices, digitized X-rays (think digital camera) are replacing traditional radiographs. Although digital X-rays have been on the market for several years, they have recently become more popular with dentists. Digital X-rays are faster and more efficient than traditional radiographs. First, an electronic sensor or phosphor plate (instead of film) is placed in the patient’s mouth to capture the image. The digital image is then relayed or scanned to a computer, where it's available for instant viewing. This procedure is much faster than processing conventional film. And because the sensor and phosphor plates are more sensitive to X-rays than film is, the radiation dose is significantly reduced. Digital X-rays have many uses besides finding cavities. They also help look at the bone below the teeth to determine if the bone level is good. Dentists can use the X-rays to check the placement of an implant -- a titanium screw-like device that is inserted into the jawbone so that an artificial tooth can be attached. Digital X-rays also help endodontists -- dentists who specialize in root canals -- to see if they have

performed the procedure properly.

Improving Restoration Longevity By Strength: Better Bonding and Filling Materials Can Help

If you've chipped a tooth, you can have it fixed to look more natural than it would have in the past, thanks to improvements in bonding material

and bonding techniques. Today's bonding material is a resin (plastic), which is shinier and longer lasting than the substance used in the past. Often, dentists will put layers of resin on a tooth to bond and repair it. Because of the wider range of shades available, they can better blend the

bonding material to the tooth’s natural color. In restorations, when a cavity needs to be filled, many dentists have also abandoned amalgams for "tooth-colored" composite or porcelain fillings, which look more natural.

Better Treatments For Better Dental Health: New Gum Disease Treatments Improve Overall Dental Health

When the supporting tissue and bone around your teeth doesn't fit snugly, "pockets" form in the gums. Bacteria then invade these pockets,

increasing bone destruction and tooth loss. A variety of treatments can help reverse the damage. They range from cleaning the root surfaces

to remove plaque and tartar to more extreme measures such as gum surgery to reduce the pockets.

In recent years, the focus of gum disease treatments have expanded beyond reducing the pockets and removing the bacteria to include regenerative procedures. For instance, lasers, membranes, bone grafts, or proteins that stimulate tissue growth can be used to help

regenerate bone and tissue to combat the gum disease.

How snacking can affect your dental health

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:59:46 GMT

Snacking and Dental Health

What you eat and how often you eat can affect your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and, unless removed daily, this plaque builds up. Plaque bacteria use sugar from things you eat and drink to make acid that attacks tooth enamel. This “acid attack” can last up to 20 minutes even after you’ve finished eating or drinking. This is why snacking all day or sipping a sugary drink for a long periods of time can lead to tooth decay. Excess intake of added sugars leads not only to tooth decay but is also associated with other health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Although you may not be adding that much sugar to your food, you can still be eating more sugar than you realize. This is because added sugars are often hidden. Learning about where sugar may be hiding and how to identify these added sugars can help you win this game of hide and seek.

Is carbonated water a healthy choice for my teeth?

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:47:49 GMT

Carbonated water versus just water

According to available research, carbonated or “sparkling” water, although slightly more acidic than regular water, is generally fine for your teeth. While it is great to replace soda with carbonated water, it should not be used as a replacement for water with fluoride. However, not all carbonated waters are created equal. Citrus-flavored waters may have higher acid levels, increasing the risk of damage to tooth enamel. A good way to help protect your teeth is to drink these in one sitting or with meals. If you prefer drinking it without food, another option is to use a straw to help the water bypass your teeth. Remember, sparkling waters that have added sugar are sugar sweetened beverages which increase your risk of developing tooth decay and other chronic diseases.

Dental Emergencies #4

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 22:26:25 GMT

Common Dental Emergency -- Abcessed Tooth

Abscessed Tooth Emergency –

An abscessed tooth can become very serious and even life-threatening if not treated promptly. It’s defined as a pus-filled pocket that develops infection over time. Some of the frequent signs of this disease include facial swelling, continuous toothache, a bulge or pimple on the gums. The only way to resolve such a problem is to seek professional help from your dentist, call us at 530-246-7237 as soon as possible for an examination, because the infection can spread to your jaw and eventually to other areas of your body, an abscessed tooth is a dental emergency!

Dental Emergencies #3

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 21:58:01 GMT

Common Dental Emergency -- Chipped or Fractured Tooth

Chipped Or Cracked Tooth Emergency–

If you have chipped or broken a tooth due to a fall or other injury, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the exterior of your face. You may also apply gum & toothache relief gel or take pain relief medication such as acetaminophen, can help to temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort. Swelling may occur and may be reduced by these applications. Remember to schedule an appointment with our dentist right away at 530-246-7237

Dental Emergencies #2

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 21:49:30 GMT

Common Dental Emergency - Knocked-Out Tooth

Knocked-out Tooth Emergency -

Sometimes an accidental fall or other injury can knock a tooth out of the socket. You should not be alarmed, as horrible as this may seem the tooth can and should be reinserted. Simply rinse the tooth by carefully picking it up by the crown or tip, when picking up or touching a tooth, take care not to touch the root. You can try to re-insert the tooth into the socket, if possible. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a little jar of milk to keep the tooth from drying out. Do not delay in contacting our dental office at 530-246-7237, as a knocked-out tooth can be easily reinserted.

Dental Emergencies #1

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:34:21 GMT

Common Dental Emergency -- Severe Toothache

Severe Toothache Emergency –

Tooth and or mouth pain is never a good sign and it can signal a variety of problems, including dental decay. While some toothaches can be managed without medication, others may require antibiotic intervention. Using over-the-counter pain relievers like Aspirin or Motrin can be helpful, however do not apply directly to the painful area as this might cause tissue burns. You may also benefit from a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Contact our dental office at 530-246-7237 as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment plan.

You Don't Have To Brush All Your Teeth, Just The Ones You Want To Keep!

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:11:18 GMT

“You Don’t Have To Brush All Your Teeth, Just The Ones You Want To Keep.”

Each tooth is amazing, developed for eating and communicating. They’re not invincible. Without regular care, our teeth may deteriorate, develop gum disease, and lose their function. Brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are crucial here. “A smile is a universal welcome,” we are reminded of the universal language of kindness and compassion that a smile represents. Regardless of our cultural background, language, or nationality, a genuine smile can communicate a warm and positive message. Remember to keep up with regular dental cleanings and check- ups and keep flashing those amazing smiles.

Happy New Year

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 18:21:18 GMT

Happy New Year to our valued Patients and Friends

Here at Lake Boulevard Family Dental we are excited about the new year. As we reflect and renew, our thoughts turn to you, our valued patients and friends. Thank you! Thanks for the trust you place in our practice. Our commitment to you throughout this new year is to continue to provide you with the very best service possible.

Oh, and by the way…please remember not to open any celebratory bottles with your teeth! As much as we’d love to see you, we doubt that you want to spend New Year’s Day at Lake Boulevard Family Dental evaluating your chipped tooth!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 17:21:16 GMT

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

You’ve probably heard the saying; you are what you eat; well, that's particularly true for your teeth and gums.

The difference between a healthy smile and frequent visits to the dentist has a lot to do with your diet. Even with a good oral hygiene routine, it can still be hard to keep your teeth healthy over the long term.

So, which foods are best for teeth and gum health?

Some of the best foods for healthy teeth are fresh fruits and veggies because of their high nutritional value and added teeth cleaning benefits. Then, there’s calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese, fortified soy drinks, tofu, canned salmon, almonds and dark green leafy vegetables that help promote strong teeth and bones. Eating crunchy foods gets the saliva going, which along with water, helps to wash away plaque causing bacteria and food particles.

Beware!

Those starchy or sugary foods we love, are also loved by the bacteria in your mouth that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups promotes healthy teeth and gums. This means maintaining a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods and whole grains for a healthy smile as well as a healthy body.

Holiday Health

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 22:37:54 GMT

With the holidays quickly approaching, we all look forward to spending time with family and friends and indulging in some of our favorite traditions and meals. Protecting your teeth doesn't mean that you can't have any sweet holiday treats – they're one of the best parts of the season! Just brush and floss more during this season, especially after snacking. Here are a few more ideas on how to maintain a healthy mouth and balance nutritional benefits with a few indulgences.

Hydration is important for overall health, which affects oral health. Drinking water can make sure residue from sugary treats is washed away.

Almost everyone loves a sip of nog or glass of bubbly during the holidays. But adult beverages are notorious for their high acid content, which over time, can wear away your protective tooth enamel. To cut the acid content without cutting into your fun, nibble on a chunk of cheese in between sips. The truly miraculous nature of food science, the alkaline in the cheese neutralizes the acid in the beverage! Best of all, they both taste great!

Teeth are great for many things – for instance, chewing and enunciating. But they do not make good tools. Using your teeth to open bottles, packages, snack bags and other similar activities can only lead to no good.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:41:47 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.