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.

Fluoride
One 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 Control
There are a variety of tartar controlling toothpastes with fluoride available. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that occurs on teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens to form tartar. Tartar is more difficult to remove and overtime can build up and lead to gum disease.

Pyrophosphates, zinc citrate and other chemical compounds reduce tartar buildup. There are some brands on the market that also contain triclosan, an antibiotic that kills bacteria. Toothpastes that contain multiple plaque fighters are more effective in controlling tartar buildup.

Sensitive Teeth
Toothpastes with potassium nitrate or strontium chloride are ideal for sensitive teeth. These ingredients fight tooth sensitivity by blocking the nerve pathways. These toothpastes do not provide immediate relief. In most cases, it takes approximately 4 weeks to notice a decrease in sensitivity.

Whitening
Whitening toothpastes are some of the most popular choices on the market. Rather than containing bleaches, most whitening toothpastes contain abrasive chemicals or particles. These substances help to polish the teeth and bind to remove stains. Abrasive whiteners have found to be no harder on tooth enamel than any other varieties of toothpaste.

There are more factors to consider when selecting a toothpaste. Choose one that contains the American Dental Association seal of approval. This marking indicates an independent review board has evaluated its safety and effectiveness. Also, steer away toothpastes that are made in China. The FDA found some to contain diethylene glycol, a potentially toxic substance.

With such a wide variety of toothpastes available, it can be challenging to select which is the best fit for you. Beyond fluoride protection, the other ingredients are a matter of preference. No matter which type of toothpaste you choose, it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly for approximately 2 minutes, twice a day.

Our Ooltewah dentist at Tedford Family Dentistry can help you to select a toothpaste and create a bright, shining smile. Call us at 423-238-8887 to make your dentist appointment today.

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 plaque and gum disease than traditional toothbrush users. When brushing with a manual toothbrush you are able to brush approximately 300 strokes per minute. However, when brushing with an electronic toothbrush you are able to brush at a few thousand strokes per minute.

There are a variety of electronic toothbrushes on the market at a variety of price points. Disposable, battery operated options start around $6 and rechargeable electric versions can range from $40 to $200. Like traditional toothbrushes, brushes need to be replaced every 3 months. The bristles should be straight and firm to provide optimal cleaning. When selecting a toothbrush, be sure to look on the package for an American Dental Association seal, meaning the product is safe and effective.

No matter toothbrush you use, it is important that you brush thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

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 a mouth guard at night to help protect your teeth against grinding.

There are also a variety of dental procedures that can help to decrease tooth sensitivity and pain. Your dentist may recommend dental bonding, fluoride varnishes and dentin sealers can all be applied to the exposed root surface.

Through a variety of preventative methods and semiannual visits with your dentist, you can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity.

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 of developing other health issues including oral cancers. Drinking though a straw or switching to clear liquors can help to reduce the impact on your teeth.

An electric toothbrush is a smart choice when it comes to brushing your pearly whites. It helps to provide better brushing and reaches more areas. Alternating between a standard and whitening toothpaste can help to create a healthy and bright smile.

If you are in search of teeth whitening, our Chattanooga cosmetic dentist can help to create the bright, white smile of your dreams.

Just as candy, sweets and sports drinks can increase your risk for tooth decay, so too can liquid medications. There are a variety of ingredients commonly found in cough drops and syrup medications that can leave you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities, especially when the medicine is taken consistently over long periods of time.

To create a better taste, many medicines contain high fructose corn syrup and sucrose. These sugars can contribute to decay when bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars and attack the enamel of your teeth. The citric acid in these syrups can also break down the enamel on the teeth. The alcohol found in the syrups can also have a drying effect on the mouth. With less saliva to rinse the sugar and acids away, the more increased risk for decay.

With a few simple steps you can ensure that the cough and cold medicines that you are taking do more harm than good. There are several precautions you can take to ensure the sugars and acids of liquid medications don’t affect your teeth.

• Avoid taking liquid medicines before bedtime. Since there is a decrease saliva flow at night, the residue won’t wash away as quickly.

• After taking medication brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.

• Rinse your mouth well with water or chew sugar-free gum if you are not able to brush your teeth after taking liquid medicines.

• Calcium supplements and topical fluoride can help to preserve the health of your teeth.

• Take medicines with meals to help wash away the sugars and acids left behind from the syrup.

• Pill form medication is less harmful to your teeth than the liquid varieties.

With proper oral care and precautions, you can keep cavities, as well as colds away this winter.

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 snacking will reduce the bacteria in your mouth and help improve your waistline.

Limit Acidic Foods
Acidic foods, like soft drinks and sports drinks can be highly damaging to your mouth and wear away the enamel on your teeth. Limit your consumption of acidic food and drinks and drink plenty of water to help rinse away the acid and bacteria.

Smoking
Not only is smoking bad for your health, but it can be harmful to your oral hygiene. Smoking and smokeless tobacco products can increase your risk for gum disease and tooth loss. It can be a challenge to stop smoking, but the decision can impact your overall health.

Visit the Dentist
Visiting the dentist twice a year can help to keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest. It can also ensure any problems that arise are detected and treated properly before the condition worsens.

Let our Ooltewah dentist office help you make a resolution to keep your teeth at their whitest, brightest and healthiest. After all, there is no time like the present to start improving your oral health.

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 with a meal to reduce the impact they have on your teeth.

Avoid Sticky Sweets
Sticky sweets cling to your teeth keeping contact with your enamel. Additionally, these candies can loosen or remove fillings and crowns. Opt for items that dissolve quickly.

Keep Supplies Handy
Keeping a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in your bag, desk or car can help to keep your teeth at their best even when you are on the go.

Rinse Frequently
Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking can help to remove food particles and bacteria when brushing isn’t an option.

Brush Away
Your best defense against bacteria is frequent brushing. Brush your teeth after eating and drinking. When consuming foods that are high in acid, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect the enamel.

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 strips on for longer than specified. Leaving the product on for too long can result in sore gums and other potential problems. After whitening your teeth, avoid acidic and sugary drinks for several hours.

Whitening your teeth can cause them to be sensitive, but it usually only lasts for a short period of time. If the sensitivity and discomfort persist then stop treatment immediately. Do not bleach your teeth more often than necessary as repeated exposure can be harmful to your teeth. Follow the product instructions for best result and when you have reached your desired result, limit the whitening to a few times a year.

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 sick.

• Allow your toothbrush to dry upright. This will help it to dry completely and prevent the development of mold.

Keeping your toothbrush clean can help improve your overall health. Follow these tips for a squeaky clean toothbrush and mouth.

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 flavor they will enjoy.

• Story books and short videos may be another valuable tool when it comes to teaching children the importance of good oral hygiene. Stories and videos can help to make oral care more fun and something that they are able to relate to.

• Making a chart complete with star stickers can be an effective reward system. Give your children a star to put on the chart every time they brush their teeth. This will help to reinforce the importance of brushing twice a day.

• Regular visits for the dentist are another component of good oral health. Reward your children after a successful trip to the dentist with a special treat like a healthy snack or trip to the park.