What is the best technique for brushing? There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to ask during an appointment to determine which is the best one for them, since tooth position and gum condition vary. One effective, easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of […]
Tag Archives | gums
Take Care of Baby Teeth
Tooth decay is declining everywhere except among preschoolers. Proper care of your child’s first teeth is important to ensure the health of permanent teeth in later years. You won’t see a newborn’s teeth, but enamel and dentin are already forming in the jaw. Teething is just months away. Use a clean dry wash cloth to […]
Periodontal Maintenance
What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It typically occurs due to the buildup of plaque or tartar along the gum line, as well as other results of poor oral hygiene. Early stages of the condition (often called gingivitis) may first appear as mild bleeding during brushing or flossing. You […]
Be Careful with Toothpicks
Toothpicks Can Cause Dental Injury and More Toothpicks are quick and convenient when food debris is stuck between teeth, however, they’re also a common cause of dental injury. Because they are so sharp, toothpicks can damage the gums and other soft tissue when used carelessly. They are somewhat ineffective, often pushing debris farther between teeth […]
Time for a New Toothbrush?
If it’s been a while since you replaced your toothbrush, it may be time to look for signs of aging. If it is badly worn or frayed, it may be doing more harm than good. If you are unsure about the state of your toothbrush, just bring it in at your next appointment and we […]
Do You Use Chewable Vitamin C?
Less is More Where would we be without our vitamin C? Everyone agrees it’s a crucial nutrient that provides many health benefits. And in dentistry, it plays an important role in the healing process, especially in soft tissue such as gums. But vitamin C, being acidic, can actually do damage if consumed in chewable form. […]
Tool of the Trade
Sure, everybody knows dental floss when they see it (we hope), and if you’re in a periodontal program, you may be using miles of it. But do you recognize this gizmo? It’s for “interdental” hygiene, especially useful for people with substantial spaces between their teeth at the gum line. Some studies show that interdental brushing, […]
Dead Toothbrushes
A really dead toothbrush—one badly worn and frayed, not necessarily just old—is like having no toothbrush at all. In fact, you’re probably doing more harm than good if your brush has seen better days. All dead toothbrushes should be given a decent burial. If you have doubts about the life left in your toothbrush, bring […]
