Proper Flossing Techinques

flossingDentists recommend flossing daily as part of a healthy dental regimen because it removes plaque and other debris that gets stuck between teeth that regular brushing may not remove. Daily flossing works in companion to brushing to keep your teeth health and minimize the risk of developing gum problems. Flossing can even aid in keeping your breath fresh and keep it from smelling foul. There are many benefits that come from flossing, however if you’re not flossing properly then you may not be getting the full extent of those benefits. Before starting to floss, it’s important to remember that you should never force or snap the floss; doing so may cause cuts or bruises to your gums.

Waxed or unwaxed brands of floss is the best to choose from. Nylon (otherwise known as multifilament) floss comes in both waxed and unwaxed versions as well as a variety of flavors to choose form. PTFE (Otherwise known as monofilament) floss is a bit more expensive but it slides more easily between teeth, even in the tightest of spaces between teeth, and is virtually shred resistant. Even though nylon floss can potentially tear or shred, both types of floss are both extremely effective at removing plaque and other debris with used properly.

When preparing to floss your teeth, you should wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers and hold the extended floss between your thumbs and forefingers for a snug fit with both hands (the suggested length of floss for flossing is about 18 inches). As you slid the floss between your upper teeth, use your thumbs, and your index fingers to floss your bottom teeth. You shouldn’t work the floss too roughly and keep it gentle as you slide the floss back and forth between your teeth; then gently glide the floss in an up and down motion several times, and don’t forget to include the back of your teeth while doing so. You’ll want to gently pull the floss against your teeth so that it’s effectively working to remove and plaque or debris. It’s also important to keep in mind that you should also floss your molars; the back of the mouth is the most common place for gum disease and gum disease because it tends to be flossed less. As you continue to floss, you should unwind new floss as you go so that you’re flossing with a new piece of floss with each tooth and you’re not using the same piece. You should floss all your teeth.

If you can’t, or don’t want to, floss the traditional way, there are several other alternatives that you can incorporate as your flossing routine; which is highly encouraged for healthy family dentistry. There are floss holders, superfloss, and floss threaders.

How Can You Better Guarantee a Flawless Smile

flossingChances are that you want a beautiful smile. I mean who doesn’t? I know I care about my smile and hope that it is warm and inviting. That being said, I went through many years of orthodontia to help ensure that my teeth would be straight to add to a better smile. Some people might be embarrassed by their smile, so what are some things you can do to make sure your smile stays flawless? Realize that a flawless smile can’t happen overnight but there are things you can do to greatly enhance it. First tip is that you can floss daily. You may be thinking how does this help my smile. Flossing is good to help remove tooth decay that brushing can’t reach. This can help to keep your teeth healthy. Flossing properly is important so you want to make sure you go up and down along the side of each and every tooth in order to remove any substance that has built up. People often see your teeth when you smile, so you want them good and healthy. Second tip is that you want to see your dentist every 6 months in order to get a professional cleaning and checkup. This helps to promote good oral health and the dentist can detect if any problems might be arising that need to be addressed.

Getting your teeth regularly cleaned helps to remove tar and buildup that can stain your teeth making your smile not so pearly white and bright. If you live in Texas, a great recommendation of a good dentist to visit is, Central Family Dental Center. Their goal is to deliver the best care to their patients and they do a good job of it. In that light, they try to make each appointment comfortable for the patient. They have a motivated and caring staff who are skilled in taking care of both adult’s and children’s teeth and oral health. Third tip is to give up smoking if that is something you struggle with. Smoking is a horrible habit which stains your teeth thus giving them a more yellow color. Definitely not something that invokes a pretty smile. Smoking also can cause gun disease and issues making your mouth not desirable to look at.

Fourth tip is to limit any red wine, coffees and tea that you consume. You might find this difficult, but these substances can stain your teeth if you are not careful. Consume these beverages in moderation and try to brush your teeth directly after consumption when you are able to rid your teeth of residue. A fifth tip to make sure your smile stays flawless is to try teeth whitening products. These can be purchased over the counter and tried at home or you can go to a dentist and get a more professional teeth whitening treatment. I personally have tried a teeth whitening treatment at a dentist for when I got married and it worked great. I had visibly whiter teeth just after my initial treatment. So take into consideration some of these tips to make sure your smile stays flawless.

3 Exciting Technologies in the Field of Dentistry

dentistryDentistry is constantly improving and changing. All the new technologies are aimed at helping dental patients cure problems. The dna appliance is a revolutionary appliance that is making a big impact on millions of people. The device has several benefits that should be addressed. The device has actually proved to be a very positive way to treat a number of dental and health related problems. Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits and advantages associated with the appliance.

First, let’s take a look at the appliance’s best attributes. Sources report that the device is very safe and is suitable for men, women, or children. It is non-invasive, which supports the safety issue. There is always a certain amount of risk involved with invasive surgeries or devices. The device also sits comfortably in the mouth. The device’s main purpose is to correct the alignment of the teeth in the mouth. Sources also report that the appliance might reduce snoring and sleep apnea.

The dna appliance has received a lot of notice in the dentistry community. Patients are also thirsty for more knowledge on the appliance. Previously, metal braces and other devices were used to straighten the teeth. The braces took several years and certainly diminished ones appearance. Studies show that the new appliance is something completely different. It uses a completely natural process to move teeth into proper alignment. The concept is called Epigenetic Orthodontics.

Epigenetic Orthodontics is the exact opposite of traditional orthodontist treatments that use braces which are painful and uncomfortable. The traditional braces are kept on all the time. The Epigenetic Orthodontics are worn at night and removed in the morning. This is something that many patients are excited about.

The Epigenetic Orthodontics appliance does not use force or trauma to place the teeth in the proper position. The device uses the gentle movements of the body to place the teeth in proper position. This is definitely one of the most exciting technologies in the field of dentistry in the last decade.

This is a new dental technology that is being embraced by the dental community. The dental device is suitable for people of all ages including the elderly. People discovered that the device is an answer to their dental problem. They do not have to wear ugly braces that force their teeth into alignment and detract from their appearance. The new invention is a solution that is definitely improving dentistry.

Taking the Best Care of your Teeth

teethdoctorA very important part of your body is your teeth. They help to keep your body nourished since food first passes through them and gets broken down into consumable pieces. So, caring for your teeth is essential. The way your teeth look not only tell people the type of oral health you follow, but also the type of lifestyle you lead as well. Also, a person’s confidence level is affected if their teeth are in bad shape. Visiting your local teeth doctor and setting yourself up with a proper teeth care routine will help with the health of your teeth. Some general tips to follow are below.

Change Your Toothbrush

You should make it a habit to change your toothbrush every 90 days. An old toothbrush harbors bacteria and the bristles become out of shape which does not provide the proper cleaning. You should also change your brush if you are not comfortable with the texture or shape of it. Also, it should not be too hard or it can erode your tooth enamel quickly.

Brush Your Teeth Correctly

People often brush their teeth for only 30 seconds or less; this is not sufficient for eliminating plague. You need to be brushing your teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes. Many dentists if not all suggest you clean your teeth when you get up in the morning, after you eat and before you retire at night.

Watch Your Diet

You can protect your teeth by sticking to a low sugar diet. Any teeth doctor will suggest to you to minimize your sugar consumption since it is a leading cause of tooth decay. Sweets and starches should be avoided as well; they are a big culprit of cavity formation. If you must eat foods with sugar, make sure you brush your teeth right after you eat them. In addition, avoid tobacco and products that discolor teeth like berries, black tea or wine. These will stain your teeth and give them a bad appearance.

Schedule Regular Visits With a Dentist

Even if your teeth seem healthy and strong, it is still important that you visit your dentist twice a year. However, how often you visit the dentist depends on the shape your teeth are in. You need to be checking your dental health in between appointments. If you notice rare changes, chips, lumps or red bumps in your mouth; pay a visit to the dentist right away. More serious gum and teeth problems can occur if not taken care of. Your dentist will treat these issues and provide you with a routine for a cleaner and healthier mouth.

Other than these, drinking water that contains fluoride and using mouthwash with fluoride in it will help maintain strong, healthy and decay free teeth. You can talk with your teeth doctor for some other valuable healthy teeth tips.

Best Preventative Dental Tips

preventative_dental_careMost dentists agree, the best way to maintain good oral health is preventative care. Maintaining a program of preventative oral care will ensure that teeth and gums stay healthy for a lifetime. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize what they need to be doing to protect their teeth. Below are some common sense oral health best practices that everyone should adopt.

Daily Brushing And Flossing

Brushing twice a day is the best preventative measure anyone can adopt. The teeth should be brushed for a minimum of 2-3 minutes. The best toothbrush to use is a soft-bristle toothbrush with a small head and a long handle.

Flossing is important because it removes plaque in areas that can’t be reached with a toothbrush. Teeth should be flossed gently with an ADA approved floss.

Prevent Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a serious condition that can significantly reduce the mouths natural ability to fight off bacteria. That’s because human saliva contains compounds that slow the growth of bacteria. If that saliva isn’t present, then bacteria is allowed to run free.

If a person has a problem with dry mouth, they should consider using a rinse specifically designed for this problem or chew gum that contains the sugar-less sweetener xylitol. Both of these increase the amount of saliva the person’s mouth produces.

Tongue Scraping

Few people pay attention to their tongue when taking care of their oral health, but it is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. The tongue can have thousands of bacteria on it that aren’t removed by brushing. To remove them, all a person has to do is buy a tongue scraper and use it on a daily basis.

Use An Antiseptic Mouth Rinse

Using an antiseptic mouth wash on a daily basis can slow or eliminate many forms of mouth bacteria. However, caution should be exercised when using them because many of them contain alcohol and that can cause the mouth to dry out. Fortunately, there are many great mouth washes on the market that don’t contain alcohol at all.

Visit Your Dentist

Getting preventive dental care El Paso is as simple as visiting the dentist. Dentists are the first line of defense against the progression of gingivitis and other oral health problems. Dentist not only clean the teeth, but they also check for potential problems that may just be developing.

Following the above guidelines will allow anyone to enjoy healthy teeth and gums for their entire life. These are steps that are not only easy to perform but also only take a few minutes of time. Not a high price to pay for good overall oral health.

Replacing A Broken Tooth

tooth_repairNobody wants to be happily smacking along on a nice big slice of pecan pie, or crunching on some peanut brittle, and realize that they are really munching on a piece of their own precious tooth that just broke off. Sadly, it’s going to happen to many people sooner or later, and when it does, it helps to know your options.

Getting a tooth restoration.

By far the easiest method to handle a broken tooth is to have the dentist rebuild it with filling material. Gone is the days of only silver fillings. Now you can have a perfectly white filling that will make your broken tooth almost unnoticeable. If the tooth is broke too short, or it is a front tooth, then you may have to consider another option, as the rate of repairing your tooth with a filling may not be that good.

Getting a crown for your tooth.

This would be a great second option for folks who can’t getting a filling for their broken tooth. Crowns come in many different styles and materials, which will range in prices dependent on what you choose. Most people go with a ceramic crown because of its’ remarkable similarity to real teeth. The dentist will match the hue of your teeth and send it to a lab with your tooth mold. They will then make the crown to be an identical match to the rest of your mouth. Be warned. A crown cannot be whitened, so if you have been considering getting a whitening done, then now would be a good time to do it, as getting it done later will result in your teeth being noticeably whiter than the crown. Many times, when people have crowns in their mouth that have been done by skilled dentists, people don’t even realize that they have a crown. This is a true testament to beauty from dentistry.

Can’t get a filling or crown? It’s time for an implant or partial

Sometimes there just isn’t enough of a tooth to save. In this instance, the dentist will either have to do an implant or a partial, with the latter being much less invasive. An implant is a process where the dentist will put a metal rod into the gum where the tooth should be. Next they will fit you a new ceramic tooth on the peg, and your good to go. A partial consists of a metal brace that is installed in the mouth, and kept in place with friction against your gums and existing teeth. The brace will have a ceramic tooth installed on it, so that it appears to be your own. Both are highly preferable over not having your tooth.

Taking Care of Your Braces

braces4If you had the unfortunate experience of having to go through braces you will know that they can be tricky to take care of. Trust me, I know. I had braces for a total of 6 years growing up. San Antonio orthodontist can help you learn about braces and answer any questions you have. You will want to keep in mind the following tips when looking to take the best care of your braces. First, you want to make sure that you have all of the right equipment. Make sure you have a toothbrush, flosser, and perhaps a waterpick. By having the tools you need you are more apt to remember to use it and make using it a habit. Second, spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth morning and night. This is important to get rid of food that might get stuck in between brackets and wires. Two minutes might seem like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things this is really very quick. Third, remember to floss each tooth even in the way back. I found it very useful have flossers to help me easily get in and out of my teeth and under wires effectively. If food gets stuck and stays there for a long period of time bad breath can occur as well as a buildup of plaque. Fourth, I also found it very useful to get a small wire brush and use that to go around each bracket to minimize plaque and buildup. It might seem like a daunting task but this is something that is important to do. Fifth, take advantage of mouthwash. This is a great way to give someone good breath and fluoride into an individual’s mouth to protect their teeth. There’s all sorts of flavors so chances are that you’ll find something your taste buds will like. Another way to take care of your braces and make the most of it, is to ask your orthodontist for fun color rubber bands. Each time you go for a check-up change the color and mix it up for something new and fun. By doing this little thing you can somewhat make this uncomfortable situation not as bad. In addition, to take care of your braces and make them the most effective for you, make sure to wear any and all headgear that your orthodontist gives you. You might hate the look of it, and let’s face it, it might even hurt and be uncomfortable, but it will help your teeth move along as they should. Once you are through with the metal mouth phase you will be loving your new straight teeth. Lastly, one final and important way to take care of your braces is to avoid foods that can harm your braces or perhaps even make them break. Some of these food include carrots which are hard or popcorn that the kernels can break off your brackets. It is absolutely essential to keep good care of your braces so your teeth underneath are protected and don’t decay over time. Braces can be tricky, but if you take care of them they are a great and easy way to make you have beautiful and straight teeth for a killer smile.

Getting Rid of Yellow Stains on Your Teeth

Yellow teeth can make people self-conscious and keep them from smiling. Many things can cause yellow teeth, including genetics. Most of the time, however, stains are the only thing that stands in the way of a confident smile.

Keeping teeth white is harder than it seems because so many things can discolor them. Some stains respond to home remedies while others require professional whitening. Of the many dental treatments available in Visalia, bleaching teeth Visalia is a common one.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Even proper teeth maintenance can leave teeth looking yellow and lackluster. Daily encounters with coffee, tea, wine and other foods make it hard to keep teeth white. Smoking and medications also affect teeth, often turning them a yellow hue.

For smokers, the yellow stains result from a buildup of nicotine, tar and other substances in tobacco smoke. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tobacco smoke yellows not only the teeth but also the fingernails.

Some foods and beverages can also cause yellow stains on the teeth. Coffee, tea, cola, wine and many different foods contain organic tannins and commercial dyes that discolor the teeth.

Medications such as tetracycline and other antibiotics can cause permanent discoloration. If given to children younger than 8 years of age, they can cause permanent yellow or gray teeth.

For some people, genetics are responsible for yellow teeth. Yellow may be the natural hue of teeth enamel. Genetic disorders can also affect teeth color. Sometimes, yellow teeth are simply the result of poor hygiene.

How Do Yellow Teeth Get White?

The treatment for yellow teeth depends on the cause and severity of discoloration. Mild stains may benefit from baking soda toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening gels or strips. For serious stains, bleaching teeth Visalia is a good way to get yellow teeth white again.

Professional teeth whitening delivers big results in a short amount of time. Under the supervision of a Visalia dentist, in-office teeth whitening usually starts with teeth polishing, which uses pumice to remove plaque. This is followed by a teeth whitening procedure that uses hydrogen peroxide or another liquid solution. Some dentists use a laser to activate the peroxide.

Professinal teeth whitening normally takes between 30 and 60 minutes. After the optimum time has passed, the treated teeth are rinsed with water. Some dentists apply fluoride to minimize the sensitivity associated with teeth whitening.

People who choose bleaching teeth Visalia to get rid of yellow stains must be careful to avoid re-staining their teeth. They are usually advised to avoid highly-pigmented foods and beverages for at least 24 hours after the dental procedure. This enables the teeth enamel pores to close and prevent further staining.

Foods That Are Good For Someone With Braces when they are Sick

Braces and snacksIf you’ve ever worn braces you would understand the limits imposed on what you can eat.  The options are even more limited when someone is sick. It’s an unfortunate tragedy, it seems, when all you want is to share in the fun and grab some popcorn and soda at the movies, or just chew a simple piece of gum. There are a lot of different types of food that can get caught in your braces so a lot of foods aren’t recommended when you have braces. However, not all treats are off limits. If you or a friend have braces and are sick it is helpful to have a few ideas for some snacks ahead of time. Here are some ideas to get your friend if they are feeling under the weather.

  • Milkshakes, everyone loves them and they won’t hurt your braces. Be careful of having a milkshake with items such as nuts or other big chunks because it may cause your friend a trip to your orthodontist.
  • Muffins- Everyone loves muffins some even taste like cake just be careful to not eat ones with nuts because they may get caught in braces. Most other types of breads are fine also.
  • Cookies-Cookies can be a great way to satisfy cravings, Mrs. Fields get well cookies make a great choice.
  • Cheesecake is soft and tasty, your friend will be sure love you for it.
  • Ice Cream- Just make sure you don’t have items such as nuts or chunks.
  • Lot’s of people love cheese. You can eat almost any type of soft cheese and you won’t have problems with your braces.
  • Yogurt or pudding (with whipped cream)
  • Broth soups
  • Bananas with chocolate sauce
  • Quesadilla

Even with all these options there are defiantly some foods you want to avoid. You will not want to give the following items as get well items for your friends with braces. Generally any sticky, hard, chewy or crunchy foods should be limited or avoided. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends avoiding: caramel, nuts, licorice, jelly beans, hard pretzels, bubble gum, candy corn, lollipops, taco chips and ice. An off-limits treat now and then is acceptable but be sure to brush and floss afterwards and when it comes to hard, crunchy items, chew lightly.

Here are some more items you may want to avoid.
  • Jolly Ranchers or other hard candy-Can get stuck and break off your brackets.
  • Whole apples-Just cut the apples and you should be okay
  • Peanut brittle
  • Caramels are sticky and can cause problems with your braces, the sugar also can cause bacteria to grow.

Whatever your decide to get your friend as a treat to wish them to feel better they will be appreciative of your thoughtfulness. One thing to keep in consideration is that sugar can be trapped in your braces which can cause bacteria to grow and cause tooth decay and infection so be smart on your choices for you and your friends.