Tag: toothbrush

Everyone has different morning routines and brushing preferences. While most people seem to prefer brushing after breakfast, there are a lot of factors that go into this decision such as whether or not you eat breakfast and how much time you have to get out the door in the morning. The American Dental Association recommends brushing before breakfast. Let’s take a deeper look into this recommendation. Why brush at all? Brushing ensures that food particles and other debris that stick to your teeth are cleaned away so they cannot collect bacteria that causes cavities. Why brush before breakfast? Bacteria builds Read More →

Electric toothbrushes have been around for quite some time. They come in a variety of sizes, brush heads and prices. As a consumer, it can be tricky shopping for a new brush. Here is the advice I give patients when asked about electric toothbrushes. Brand Matters Stick with a brand that is trusted. I caution patients on purchasing battery operated five dollar brushes, because the bristles used in these brushes are not always soft or extra soft. Replacing the batteries often becomes pricey. Further, not all of the motions they use are effective at cleaning the gumline areas. Braun Oral Read More →

From Christina, Dental Hygienist: Charcoal toothpastes have gained the attention of most patients, especially at big name stores like Target. Websites like Pinterest are stocked full of tooth whitening charcoal DIY recipes. But does charcoal actually whiten our teeth and is it safe to use? Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work? As a dental professional, I look at evidence-based practice to determine if a product is safe and effective for use. At this point, there isn’t a lot of research that has been done on charcoal as a dentifrice (aka toothpaste). We know that charcoal is negatively charged, therefore, it tends to Read More →

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 →