Friday, 10 June 2016 19:38

Navigating Your Toothpaste Options

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With countless toothpaste options available, it can be overwhelming to select between all natural ingredients, whiteners and fluorides. When selecting toothpastes your preferences and personal needs should be your primary consideration. This brief overview can help you to navigate the dental care aisle and select the best toothpaste. FluorideOne of the most important ingredients in toothpaste is fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral helps to fight cavities and tooth decay. The sugars, starches and left over food particles found in your mouth are the ideal energy source for the bacteria in your mouth. As the bacteria feed, they release a damaging acid. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth, making them less susceptible damage. Using a fluoride toothpaste can also protect against tooth decay. Even if your water contains high levels of fluoride, studies have shown that using a fluoride toothpaste can help to strengthen teeth. Tartar ControlThere are a variety…
Friday, 27 May 2016 17:47

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

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Walking down the oral care aisle can seem a little over whelming. There are so many options when selecting a toothbrush. Soft, medium, hard bristles in different shapes and colors, then there is deciding between a manual or electric toothbrush. With countless options available, it can be difficult to choose what will provide the best cleaning. Manual toothbrushes are effective in cleaning your teeth, but only when they are used correctly. Most people do not brush for the recommended 2 minutes or adequately brush each tooth. Electric toothbrushes are able to brush a larger surface area in the same period of time. This option is particularly appealing to older adults and those with limited dexterity. The American Dental Association states that people with limited mobility in their hands, arms and shoulders could benefit from the powered brush and larger handle. Since electronic toothbrushes provide a better cleaning, users experience less…
Tuesday, 05 April 2016 14:20

Reducing Teeth Sensitivity

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When you suffer from sensitive teeth, brushing, flossing, eating and drinking can all cause temporary discomfort. Most people with sensitive teeth experience a sharp, sudden pain that can cause pain deep into the nerve endings of the teeth. Worn enamel and exposed dentin and tooth roots are all factors contributing to sensitive teeth. In many cases the sensitivity is due to wear and tear, decay, gum disease, tooth grinding, whitening products, acidic foods and recent dental work. There are a variety of methods that can reduce tooth sensitivity. Brushing and flossing regularly Gently brush along the gum line with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Take care to avoid removing gum tissue. Switch your regular toothpaste for a formula that is designed for sensitive teeth. Avoiding foods and drinks that are highly acidic can help to elevate discomfort. Select toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain fluoride as it can help to decrease sensitivity. Use…
Thursday, 10 March 2016 20:45

Acheiving a Bright White, Smile

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One of the first things people notice when meeting you is your smile. Along with a bright and shining smile comes energy and confidence. Additionally, studies have reported that people with brighter, whiter smiles are perceived as being younger. Proper oral care is the best way to create a healthy shining smile. Brushing and flossing your teeth and rinsing with mouth wash twice a day can help to make your smile shine. However, it is still important to visit the dentist regularly. Schedule visits routinely and try not to miss them. Dental issues develop gradually, therefore when they are treated early it will be less costly and result in less pain and discomfort. Dietary choices and lifestyle can also affect your smile. Red wine, coffee and smoking can all dull your smile, leaving it slightly yellow. Not only will smoking leave your teeth discolored, but it also increase your chances…
Monday, 11 January 2016 17:12

New Year's Resolutions for Your Smile

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Tis’ the season for New Year’s resolutions. Make a vow to improve your oral hygiene and keep your smile bright and healthy. Not to mention that proper dental care can impact your overall health and appearance. Here are a few resolutions to improving your oral hygiene. Brush Appropriately One of the most simple way to improve your oral health is to brush your teeth properly and for a full 2 minutes. Floss Daily While we know we are supposed to floss daily, many of us neglect to do so on a regular basis. Flossing daily can help to reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, as well as make for fresher breath. Snack Less Limiting snacks can be beneficial for your oral health and waistline. Snacking between meals increases the amount of bacteria present in your mouth which will leave to the development of plaque. Limiting your…
Tuesday, 24 November 2015 20:37

Tips for a Sweet, Cavity Free Season

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The holiday season is filled with an abundance of sweets and treats. While these Christmas candies can be delicious, they can also pose a number of risks to your oral health. Cookies, candy canes and other desserts don’t have to lead to cavities. The naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar, leaving behind acids. Over time, these acids wear down tooth enamel which leads to weaker teeth that are more susceptible to tooth decay and gingivitis. Snacking on sweets throughout the day can be particularly harmful to your teeth. The acid produced from these sugar packed snacks can effect teeth for up to 20 minutes after they are consumed. Brushing after snacking can help to reduce bacteria and your risks for cavities and gingivitis. Here are our top tips for staying cavity free this holiday season:Find a Balance When you eat sugary snacks try to do so…
Wednesday, 04 November 2015 16:00

At Home Teeth Whitening

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Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. With new over the counter products and cosmetic dental procedures, bright white smiles are attainable on almost every budget. While the risks associated with at home whitening products are minimal, there are a few things to keep in mind before starting the whitening process. Before starting any at home whitening, schedule a trip to the dentist for an exam and cleaning. It is important to have your teeth and gums assessed before you begin. Your dentist will also be able to recommend the proper product for your needs. Many at home teeth whitening kits contain carbamide peroxide. When selecting a product, choose one with a peroxide in the 15% range. You want to ensure that the product will not irritate your mouth. It is also important to follow the directions exactly as stated, never leaving the gels or…
Wednesday, 09 September 2015 12:42

Keeping Your Toothbrush Clean

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Our toothbrushes help to keep our mouths squeaky clean, but how clean is your toothbrush? Follow these tips to keep your toothbrush clean and your mouth healthy and sparkling. Don’t store your toothbrush in a closed, dark, moist space. These conditions are a breeding ground for bacteria. Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when it begins to show signs of wear. Regularly replacing your toothbrush will ensure better brushing and help reduce the buildup of bacteria. Sharing toothbrushes leaves you susceptible to transferring bacteria that can lead to more serious dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Rinse your toothbrush after each use to remove any debris in the bristles. Soaking the toothbrush in mouth wash is a good way to deep clean it. Keep your toothbrush at least 6 feet from the toilet. Flushing disperses particles through the air that can contaminate your toothbrush and make you…
Wednesday, 19 August 2015 17:13

Tips for Making Brushing Fun

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Good oral health habits start when children are young. Our Ooltewah dentist understands that it can be a challenge to get your children to brush their teeth. Here are a few helpful tips to make teeth brushing a little more fun: Try brushing your teeth with your children. Children mimic the behavior of their parents, so why not teach them better brushing techniques. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes alongside your child and then follow up with those flossing skills. Use a sand or kitchen timer to help ensure that your children are brushing their teeth for the recommended 2 minutes. Allow your child to start the timer themselves then start brushing. Let your child select the toothbrush and toothpaste of their choice. There are a variety of toothbrushes specially designed for children complete with bright colors or their favorite characters. Also let them choose toothpaste in a fun, fruity…
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