When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? We throw out expired foods, restock vitamins and supplements, and replace our beauty products often, but when it comes to health and beauty, it’s our dental hygiene that doesn’t get as much attention or thought as other areas of our regimen. However, there are important rules and tips you should follow for maintaining optimal dental health.
When To Change Your Toothbrush
Our dentists, and the American Dental Association (ADA), recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Overtime, toothbrushes go through normal wear and tear and become less effective with removing plaque from teeth and gums. Studies have found that around 3 months is when the bristles break down and lose effectiveness.
Fungus and bacteria can also develop in the bristles if not taken care of properly. After use, make sure you rinse off and dry your toothbrush thoroughly, storing uncovered in an upright position and keeping it away from other used toothbrushes. When traveling, be sure to cover your toothbrush head to protect it and reduce the spread of germs.
If you can’t remember exactly how long it’s been, pay particular attention to the condition your toothbrush head is in – whether the bristles are worn out, fan out, or frayed, or especially if you see dark color changes, which is a sign of mold.
What Happens If I Don’t Change My Toothbrush Often Enough?
If knowing that bacteria and fungus accumulates on your toothbrush bristles overtime isn’t enough reason to replace your toothbrush more often, there are also a number of other risks and uninviting issues involved with not replacing your toothbrush. One risk includes damaging your gums, as old toothbrushes become ineffective with removing plaque from your teeth, which leads to gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis leads to infection, which can cause teeth to fall out.
Even more unappealing, you can get sick from overused toothbrushes (see: bacteria and fungus build up), your toothbrush can grow mold, or possibly the least appealing, you can ingest unwanted particles if stored near a toilet.
What To Consider When Shopping for Dental Products
Ask our Bowling Green dentists during your next dental checkup and cleaning for recommendations about what you should be buying based off your individual needs, your particular dental health state, etc.
Some common suggestions among dental professionals are to look for toothbrushes with soft bristles, as hard bristles damage your teeth and gums, choose a toothbrush head size that touches one or two teeth at a time, use a toothpaste containing fluoride approved by the ADA, consider using mouthwash to further fight plaque and gingivitis, and don’t forget floss!
Consider investing in an electric toothbrush, as these have been proven to improve oral health beyond what a manual toothbrush can do by removing plaque, reducing gingivitis and eliminating teeth staining.
Do your research on what products fit your needs best, and don’t forget to ask your dentist for recommendations.
In need of a dentist? We’d love to see you. Request an appointment here at Wright Dental Studio.
2022 is the perfect time to start fresh in Bowling Green. Many people will be making resolutions to be healthier through exercise and/or diet, so why not improve your oral health too? The mouth is the gateway to the body and maintaining good oral health can help prevent other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Specifically for children, establishing a good oral health routine early on can set them up for a lifetime of good habits – and we are here to help at Wright Dental Studio. Be sure to help your kids brush twice a day and floss once to ensure they’re on the right path to a healthy mouth!
Here are 5 tips to help you start the year off with the best oral health possible:
1. Revisit your flossing routine
Flossing once a day is extremely important to your health. A toothbrush is only able to reach 60% of your teeth’s surfaces, and flossing is the only way to remove plaque and debris from the other 40%. However, flossing only provides a benefit to your oral health when done correctly. By not using a C-shape when flossing and not going far enough under the gums, flossing won’t remove the plaque hidden in between your teeth and deep under the gumline. Be sure to ask your hygienist at Wright Dental Studio for tips at your next appointment and take the time to learn proper flossing technique.
2. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is often considered more effective than a traditional toothbrush when used correctly. With an electric toothbrush, users do not have to brush back and forth but simply guide the brush through the quadrants of the mouth and the tiny vibrations do the cleaning. Especially if you tend to see more plaque and calcium buildup in your mouth, an electric toothbrush can be more effective in removing these particles daily. Many electric toothbrushes also have a built-in 2-minute timer to help keep you accountable!
It’s important to note that brushing too hard can damage your gums. Be careful when brushing to always use a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and brush softly to avoid damaging your gums and wearing away the enamel.
3. Don’t forget the tongue!
Your tongue has millions of bacteria living on it and can contribute to plaque buildup resulting in cavities. It also contains taste buds and folds, which can harbor buildup and residue leading to bad breath. When you brush, be sure to gently brush your tongue as well to remove bacteria.
4. Cut back on sugar
Sugar has a direct relationship to tooth decay. By cutting back on your sugar intake, you can decrease your risk of developing cavities. Limiting those delicious sweets can be difficult, so we at Wright Dental Studio recommend trying some substitutions such as sugar-free seltzer water instead of soda or chewing sugar-free gum when a craving arises. Chewing sugar free gum after a meal is actually a good thing! It can help wash away food particles and harmful bacteria until you’re able to brush your teeth.
For those special occasions in Bowling Green when you need a sweet treat, stay away from hard candy or sticky gummies, as they stay on the teeth for longer and mix with the plaque on your teeth to turn into harmful acid that breaks away enamel.
5. Schedule your next appointment soon
Especially if it’s been over 6 months since your last appointment, be sure to schedule a dental cleaning and exam soon. Especially if you’re experiencing sensitivity or pain, or have an area of concern in the mouth, it’s best not to wait. The longer we wait to address any dental issues, the more painful that issue becomes.
Contact our professionals at Wright Dental Studio today, and let’s make 2022 the best year for your smile yet!
Teeth Whitening in Bowling Green
Your smile is one of the first things that individuals notice when they meet you. Straight, white teeth are no longer just for the well-known. Improvements in cosmetic dentistry over the last numerous years have made teeth whitening much safer and a lot more inexpensive for almost anyone desiring a much better smile. Why is having a wonderful smile essential?
According to a national study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adults believe an appealing smile makes a person a lot more appealing to the opposite gender, and also 74% of adults feel an unpleasant smile can hurt an individual’s chances for occupation success. Having a clean, straight smile that you feel great about boosts your social as well as professional chances!
Types of Teeth Whitening
Right Here at Wright Dental Studio, we provide different teeth bleaching options. There are plenty of different options from take-home kits, to in-studio whitening techniques. Feel free to reach out to us to learn more!
Teeth whitening has become a prominent cosmetic treatment in many individuals’s way of life. Everywhere you look, from social media sites to publications to posters in shopping malls, whiter teeth are everywhere!
You might be on the fence about teeth bleaching. Teeth lightening is a safe, life-enhancing procedure that can have positive impact on both your physical look and also mental wellness. Here are 4 benefits of teeth whitening:
1. Teeth whitening boosts self confidence
With teeth lightening, your self-confidence will escalate. Whether you go to work, on a date, give a presentation, or simply stroll down the street, a smile with brilliant, sparkly teeth is difficult to miss! Whiter teeth are likewise a sign to others that you take care of yourself and appreciate your look. Those around you will certainly notice this!
2. Teeth whitening enhances your appearance
You could have the healthiest teeth as well as straightest smile but you’re not unsusceptible to the damage that everybody faces from food and drink. Foods, coffee, tea, and also soda stain our teeth in time. After the appropriate lightening treatment, you’ll quickly notice the distinction without needing to ‘filter’ and/or modify your images. Teeth whitening will certainly aid battle stains from your day-to-day food as well as drink.
3. Teeth whitening minimizes wrinkles
If you’re uneasy regarding wrinkles, teeth lightening might be an excellent option for you! As opposed to focusing on creases, individuals are more likely to concentrate on your brilliant white smile. This will draw attention far from appearance of bordering creases, acne marks, and frown lines.
4. Teeth whitening is cost effective
Teeth whitening doesn’t set you back as high as a plastic surgery! A touch-up kit after an in-office therapy will certainly be enough to prolong the impact of your teeth lightening. The combination of teeth lightening plus a home enhancer is a small cost that generates big outcomes.
At Wright Dental Studio, we would love to aid you to obtain the whiter smile you have constantly desired! If you want to learn more regarding our teeth whitening options, just ask for a visit and one of our staff members will be in contact with you soon!
