Category: Brushing and Flossing

Great inventions don’t have to be complicated. A new survey by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology asked Americans to name five inventions they could not live without. As expected, the smart phone, personal computer and automobile made the list, but the humble toothbrush emerged the undisputed champ as the most prized innovation. It’s been a long road to the top for the toothbrush. Prior to the toothbrush, people used bones, feathers and frayed twigs to clean their teeth.  The first bristle toothbrush was invented in the 15th century in China and was originally concocted of boar’s hair and bone.  The Read More →

                  You’ve heard us recommend them, demonstrate them, and put them on display, but the real question is, should you be using an electric toothbrush? We checked with our hygienists and here is what we found out:  When used properly, electric toothbrushes are able to remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush. The sonic or spinning action that electric toothbrushes provide helps loosen plaque and sweep it away. This can help reduce the risk of gingivitis and may lead to healthier gum tissue. The tooth by tooth cleaning action that electric toothbrushes provide are effective yet gentle with Read More →

It is no persons favorite thing to hear they are not brushing good enough at their dental check-up. Hearing that you have a cavity is even worse! We asked our hygienist, Valerie to give us some tips to avoid spending more time than you bargained for at the dentist.   Use the right size tooth brush.  Children and adults with small mouths should use a smaller brush head. A toothbrush that is too big may not be able to reach all of the tooth surfaces in your mouth. We recommend soft or extra soft toothbrushes. Bristles that are too stiff can Read More →

With so many types of toothpaste out there such as tartar control, whitening, sensitivity, cavity prevention, and many more, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you! We are often asked by our patients what types we suggest they use. Here are some basic recommendations, but it is always a good idea to consult your dentist or hygienist about what may be best for you. It can be difficult to know what type of toothpaste is right for your child. Children who are unable to spit toothpaste out after brushing (ages 0-3) require a rice sized amount of Read More →

  Most commonly, gum tissue bleeds because it is inflamed. Inflamed gum tissue (a.k.a. gingivitis) occurs when the bacteria in plaque and tartar cause the gum tissue to become swollen and reddish. Inflamed gum tissue also bleeds when touched with floss or a tooth brush. So what can you do? Start by cleaning your teeth as thoroughly as you can with brushing and daily flossing. Good oral hygiene should improve the situation in a few days; however, a visit with your dentist is required to rule out periodontal disease or systemic medical problems contributing to your bleeding gums. Although good brushing Read More →

If you suffer from bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, you are not alone. Dental studies have found that up to 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition to blame. Bad breath, or a bad taste in the mouth, may be a warning sign of gum disease, decay, or an abscessed tooth. Don’t let bad breath keep you from social situations. Make an appointment with your dentist for a check-up and cleaning to help you significantly reduce or eliminate bad breath. We asked Samantha, a Licensed and Certified Dental Assistant and Administrative Assistant at Family Dentist Read More →