Brushing Basics
Brushing Basics Brushing your teeth seems pretty easy, but you may not be getting the benefits of brushing your teeth regularly if it’s not done correctly. Vancouver WA family dentist Dr. Nelson and his staff at Salmon Creek Family Dental are happy to teach you the best way to brush your teeth. Choose the Best Toothbrush There are several brands with different styles of toothbrushes, but how do you know which one is best for you? You receive a complimentary toothbrush for your needs at the end of each teeth cleaning appointment, and this toothbrush should fit comfortably in your hand. Handles differ in size and shape, so choose one that fits comfortably and isn’t too heavy or light. Your toothbrush should also fit comfortably in your mouth. Your mouth and teeth may be bigger or smaller depending upon your frame. Ideally, the toothbrush should be able to reach your teeth at the very back of your mouth to keep them healthy and clean. If in doubt, choose a smaller toothbrush versus a larger one – a dental hygienist at Salmon Creek Family Dental can help you decide. Bristles are Important Plaque is difficult to remove, and it may seem like the tougher the bristles, the better they will clean your teeth. However, the toothbrush bristles should be soft or extra soft to avoid harming your gum tissue. These bristles need to to reach inside the spaces between your teeth and gums to remove plaque and bacteria. Hold the brush at a forty-five degree angle instead of perpendicular to your teeth, with the bristles directed at those spaces in order to remove as much plaque and bacteria as possible. Gently Brushing Your Teeth The motions you use to brush your teeth should be soft, just like the bristles of the toothbrush. Use short strokes back and forth or in a circular motion to avoid hurting your gums but removing as much plaque as possible. Be sure to brush every surface of each tooth thoroughly, including the top, bottom, outsides and insides of your teeth. Spend time brushing the back of your teeth, cleaning the grooves along the top of each tooth where food can get stuck. The strategies and products provided by Dr. Nelson and the friendly staff at Salmon Creek Family Dental will ensure that you are cleaning your teeth well each time you brush!
Healthy Teeth in Five Easy Steps
A bright, healthy smile is a lot more than just brushing and flossing every day and visiting Salmon Creek Family Dental for your regularly scheduled check-ups and cleanings. These five simple steps canl help you maintain great oral hygiene as you go about your daily routines. Step One: A Well-Balanced Diet It’s essential to remember that everything you eat has an effect on your teeth. What’s generally bad for your overall health is also bad for your teeth. For example, foods that are high in refined sugar aid the growth of the bacteria that produce plaque. This sticky, yellow substance spreads onto the surfaces of our teeth as well as those hard-to-reach areas, producing cavities, stains and tooth decay. Healthier foods tend not to stick to teeth, and crunchy foods – like fruits and vegetables – naturally help clean teeth while you eat. Don’t forget to factor in the effects of beverages as well – avoid those high in sugar, like sodas and juices. Stick with milk or water to avoid tooth decay and help keep your teeth healthy! Step Two: Brush It’s important to not only brush every day – twice a day – but to brush correctly to remove as much plaque as possible from the surfaces of your teeth. Even though you’re brushing regularly, you may not be getting the most out of this daily habit. As Dr. Nelson and your hygienist about the best toothbrush and toothpaste for your needs, and request a short lesson on the best way to brush your teeth at home. Step Three: Floss is flossing your teeth regularly as important as brushing them? A daily routine of flossing your teeth can have many benefits, even if you’re just starting out. Effectively flossing your teeth removes plaque and bacteria that gathers between teeth. If you’re not sure how to best floss your teeth, ask Dr. Nelson for some simple tips. Step Four: Quit Tobacco Use Regardless of whether or not you’re using smokeless tobacco or smoking cigarettes, you’re at a risk of oral cancer while using tobacco products. In addition, using tobacco products increases the chance of other dental problems, such as gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay as well as bad breath and stained teeth. Seek out a cessation program to eliminate these products from your daily life and improve the health of your teeth. Step Five: Visit Your Dentist Regularly The standard recommendation is to visit your dentist office twice a year. This is a great guideline, but you may need more frequent visits depending on your specific situation. Talk with Vancouver family dentist Dr. Nelson regarding issues like swollen gums, discolored teeth, oral cancer screening, frequent cavities, and any previous dental work you’ve had done. Working together, you and the entire staff at Salmon Creek Family Dental will figure out a schedule that’s right for you.
Amalgam vs. Mercury Free Fillings
After initial exams and careful consideration of your dental health, Vancouver family dentist Dr. Nelson may decide that a filling is necessary. You may envision traditional silver fillings, but there are actually many options when it comes to protecting your teeth from decay. What is the Purpose of a Filling? A filling is required when there’s evidence of tooth decay, also known as the development of cavities on the surface of your teeth. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that, when exposed to sugar, create acid that attacks teeth. Enamel breaks down, creating a hole that is called a cavity. Fillings are materials placed in teeth to stop the progress of tooth decay and protect them for future use. What Are Amalgam Fillings? Amalgam has been used for over 100 years in tooth fillings, and is recognized as a standard material in dental procedures. The word “amalgam” comes from amalgamation, which means “mixture.” These fillings include a combination of different metals, including copper, silver, and mercury. Why Mercury-Free Fillings? Dr. Nelson and Salmon Creek Family Dental use amalgam-free fillings. The presence of mercury in amalgam fillings has caused controversy in recent years. Mercury is a known toxin, and there has been concern among scientists and dental professionals that mercury is released from these metal fillings when they’re placed and when we use our teeth to chew. With advances in dental technology, amalgam is no longer required for most procedures as it has been used in the past. Instead of amalgam, substitutions made from porcelain or similar composites are used that look and wear like regular teeth – and don’t contain mercury. Should Amalgam Fillings Be Replaced? If you currently have a metal filling, it needs to be regularly evaluated by Dr. Nelson – if it still functions well, it should be left alone. However, if it needs to be replaced, consider talking with Dr. Nelson about alternatives to amalgam fillings. Avoiding Future Fillings There has been a recent decrease in the use of amalgam, due to the increase of alternative materials for fillings as well as a decrease in the presence of cavities. Avoiding future fillings, however, has a lot to do with a solid daily oral hygiene routine. A balanced diet, brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing once a day can go a long way toward keeping teeth healthy, strong and free of fillings!