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Confused About Which Toothpaste To Buy?

April 27, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 7:50 pm

DO YOU EVER FEEL OVERWHELMED by the wide variety of toothpaste choices available at your grocery store or pharmacy? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone!

A recent American Dental Association survey found more than half the adults surveyed are concerned about caring for their teeth and gums and are confused about which dental products to buy!

Toothpastes come in a dizzying array of flavors, colors, and formulations, and it’s normal to feel a little swamped by the choices. Fortunately, choosing the right toothpaste for you really doesn’t need to be stressful!

If you brush and floss daily, get regular dental checkups, and use a “standard” toothpaste that contains fluoride, you don’t have much to worry about. However, to help you on your quest for the perfect tube of toothpaste, here are some suggestions…As you’ve probably noticed, some specialty toothpastes include:Tartar Control: these toothpastes usually contain sodium pyrophosphate or sodium hexametaphosphate, which help keep the tartar at bay and prevent stain above the gum line. However, these toothpastes are only useful in preventing new tartar, not getting rid of the stuff that’s already there! You’ll need a professional cleaning for that.

Antimicrobial: these toothpastes often contain stannous fluoride, which is an antibacterial agent that helps prevent cavities and treat sensitivity.

Whitening: Whitening toothpastes help remove and/or prevent stains from settling on your teeth. If used regularly, these toothpastes can make your smile brighter.

Choosing your toothpaste is a very personal decision; everyone has different preferences and dental concerns…Always remember, the best choice is one that you like enough to use twice a day!

Fortunately, toothpastes today are so versatile that you can choose one that you love that also meets your specific needs. If your teeth are yellowing, choose a whitening toothpaste in your favorite flavor. If you’re worried about tartar control, choose a toothpaste that serves that purpose. If you’re struggling with bad breath, try a brand that contains baking soda. If you have sensitive teeth, choose something that is indicated it’s for sensitive mouths. You get the general idea.

Have a specific brand/flavor of toothpaste that you love? Feel free to leave a comment below, or on our Facebook Timeline. We’d love to hear your opinions!

Request An Appointment.

String Floss Or A Waterpik?

April 12, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 6:55 pm

AN OFTEN-ASKED QUESTION here at our practice is whether or not to use regular string floss or a waterpik during daily oral care. Let’s talk a little bit about the pros and cons of each…

The pros/cons of regular floss:

Dental floss is an effective and inexpensive way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is great at reaching those tight spaces in between your teeth, and it has the ability to scrape plaque off the sides of each individual tooth. This is important because it is able to remove the plaque before it can turn into tartar, helping prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.

However, for those of us with sensitive gums, flossing can be quite irritating and even cause bleeding. It is also less effective for patients with braces, as it is unable to penetrate the wires and reach the gums beneath.

The pros/cons of waterpiks:

Waterpiks are gentle on the gums and less likely to cause bleeding in people with sensitive teeth/gums. They are also ideal for patients with braces, as the water can reach behind the metal wires and flush away food particles where your floss can’t reach. People dealing with gum disease also find waterpiks quite effective because of their ability to flush out bacteria from inside the deep pockets that form when the gums pull away from the teeth.

On the other hand, waterpiks can’t remove plaque from teeth as well as floss can. Floss can scrape the sticky bacteria right off your teeth, but waterpiks just rinse it.

 

What’s the consensus? Waterpiks should not be used as a substitute for flossing. Though they are great tools for helping improve oral health, they are not a good enough tool on their own to keep your mouth gingivitis-free.

So, make sure you are brushing twice daily, flossing at night, and using your waterpik to reach the places that your floss can’t (like under the wires of your braces)!

Oh, and since plaque and tartar are nearly impossible to avoid completely, don’t forget to come in for your bi-yearly checkups with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell! Your oral health will thank you.Request an Appointment.

Chewing Tobacco Can Harm Your Smile

April 4, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 9:14 pm

LET’S FACE THE FACTS…chewing tobacco may be smokeless, but it’s definitely not harmless! In fact, the effects of chewing tobacco on your teeth and overall health are very serious, so don’t stay in the dark.

Smokeless tobacco just isn’t worth it. In fact, the effects it has on your teeth alone should be enough to scare anyone away! Here’s why…

  • Increased Tooth Decay: The sugar that is added to smokeless tobacco may improve its taste, but it can also damage your tooth enamel and contribute to cavities.
  • Tooth Abrasion: The sand and grit in chewing tobacco products can wear away tooth enamel, resulting in added sensitivity and potential corrective treatment.
  • Tooth Discoloration & Bad Breath: Prolonged use of chewing tobacco can stain your teeth and give you hard-to-mask foul breath…two unattractive traits.
  • Gum Recession: Keeping a small wad of chewing tobacco in your mouth causes constant irritation to your gums. This can result in permanent damage to your gums and the bones supporting them. Injured gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots underneath them which can cause extreme sensitivity and additional decay. If the bone is eroded too much, it can even result in permanent tooth loss.
  • Oral Cancer: Chewing tobacco leaves your gums, cheeks and lips in constant exposure to irritating juices that can lead to a pre-cancerous condition called leukoplakia. Most brands of smokeless tobacco are packed with high concentrations of potentially cancerous agents. This can result in cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus.

If you regularly chew smokeless tobacco, ever have in the past, or know someone who does, be on the lookout for some of these early signs of oral cancer:

A lump or white patch
A sore that won’t heal
Difficulty chewing
The constant feeling that something’s in your throat
A prolonged sore throat
Restricted movement of your tongue or jaw

Unfortunately, pain isn’t typically one of the early symptoms, which is why it’s extra important to visitour practice regularly and inform us of any concerns or symptoms you may have. Early detection goes a long way in preventing problems in the future. Your oral and overall health are our number one concern.

If you have any additional questions about chewing tobacco or oral cancer, feel free to contact us, write on our Facebook Timeline, or leave a comment below!

Understanding Dental Implants

March 19, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 8:27 pm

THOUGH THE TERM MAY SOUND VERY FAMILIAR, you might still be a little unsure about what dental implants actually are—and why they are such a great solution for tooth loss. Don’t let that embarrass you! Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellunderstand that most people are actually in the dark about this. Talking about dental implants isn’t exactly common social conversation! We can help.

The process of applying dental implants begins with inserting small titanium posts into the jaw as the “root structure” for a denture, bridge, or crown. The next step involves several weeks of healing so that these small implants can fuse with your bone and produce a strong anchor. A temporary crown is worn above the implant during the healing time until you are ready for your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to be securely attached to the small metal post. In the end you’ll be left with a natural-looking, long-lasting, AND beautiful smile!

Here is a short list of benefits:

Eating Will Be Enjoyable Again! — Because dental implants are anchored in the bone, they can provide biting force similar to natural teeth.

You’ll Save Your Healthy Neighboring Teeth! — In most cases, adjacent teeth are not altered or harmed in any way.

Easily Maintenance! — Dental implants are just as easy to brush and floss as natural teeth.

A Permanent Solution! — Your implants can last a lifetime!

Very High Success Rate! — With a 95% success rate, dental implants are one of the most successful options available for replacing missing teeth.

Thank you for the trust you place in our practice. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment to visit with us! We look forward to helping you smile with confidence.

Also, be sure to take a moment to join us on Facebook by clicking on the image below. It’s the best place to stay connected with our practice. and, it gives us a chance to better get to know you.

Links Between Your Oral Health And Heart Disease

March 9, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 9:10 pm

IF YOU’RE LIKE OUR OTHER PATIENTS HERE AT OUR PRACTICE, you want to take the very best care of your heart, right? Of course! Well, did you know that your lowly toothbrush ranks right up there with your gym membership when it comes to keeping your heart healthy? It’s true! There are a number of recent studies that suggest gum disease—and other oral health issues—are DIRECTLY related to heart problems.

In a recent American Academy of Periodontology study, it was reported that people who have periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease. Another study found that common oral health problems, including missing teeth, gingivitis, and/or cavities areas good at predicting heart disease as are bad cholesterol levels!Crazy, huh!?

While there’s still a LOT MORE to learn about these connections, the evidence seems to be mounting each year. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums, and then get clumped up in your arteries. One theory suggests that they stick to the fatty plaques in your bloodstream, directly contributing to blockages.There are other theories that revolve around your body’s defenses against bacteria, including the natural response of inflammation. Oral bacteria traveling through your bloodstream can cause blood cells to swell, which can lead to narrowing of arteries and clot risks.

Though the EXACT relationship between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease is still unclear, today’s research continues to conclude that there’s definitely a connection. This DOESN’T mean you can ignore all of the other things you can do to keep your heart healthy, and just focus on brushing! Keep eating healthy foods, exercise regularly, and take care of risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

And, since it’s SO EASY to clear up any periodontal disease problems with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell’shelp, why not take advantage? Your oral and overall health will thank you. EARLY DETECTION goes a long way in preventing problems in the future.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!We love visiting with you—our friends and patients.

Oh, and don’t forget to “Like” our Facebook page by clicking on the image below!

Is A Canker Sore Irritating Your Smile?

March 2, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 4:15 pm

CANKER SORES ARE NO FUN, especially when it’s time to brush your teeth. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways in which the pain from these bothersome blisters can be relieved. However, before we get into the best ways to treat canker sores, let’s talk a bit about the causes.

Though the exact cause is unknown, one theory suggests that canker sores can result from certain mouth washes and toothpastes that dry out the mouth. Try to avoid toothpastes with the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate if you are prone to getting canker sores. Others theories suggest that stress, genetics, mouth trauma, and immune system reactions are responsible for this unwanted pain.

If you happen to be suffering from a canker sore, don’t despair—like we said, they are easily treated, so stop enduring the pain!

 

Here are a few at-home treatments you can try:

  • Rinse your mouth several times a day with a mixture of warm water, salt and baking soda.
  • If you’re up for a little extra pain, dab the sore directly with some salt or baking soda and leave it on for a few minutes. This will desensitize the pain as well as speed up the healing process.
  • Licorice Root. This plant has actually been getting rave reviews for healing canker sores!
  • Vitamins.
  • Yogurts with live cultures. This delicious food is useful for more than just breakfast—simply hold it in your mouth for a few seconds, and swallow!
  • Stress Relief. Don’t overwork yourself—your body will suffer.
  • There are also many remedies that can be purchased at local drug stores and pharmacies to help treat the pain! Talk to Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell if you need a prescription!

How Can I Best Prevent Canker Sores In The Future?

  • Avoid foods that irritate your mouth, specifically those that are spicy or contain a high acidic content
  • Avoid excessive gum chewing—this can cause unwanted irritation!
  • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush after each meal, and floss daily to keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a canker sore.

When Should I Visit My Dentist About A Canker Sore?Luckily, canker sores rarely last over 10-14 days, and the pain goes away even faster. However, please come see us if you have any of the following symptoms…

  • Unusually large sores
  • Sores that seem to be spreading
  • Sores that last longer than 3 weeks
  • Intolerable pain despite pain resultant from trigger foods and over-the-counter medication
  • Difficulty drinking enough daily fluids
  • A high fever that accompanies your canker sores

We hope you have learned everything you need to know about canker sores. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ASK US! Your health and comfort are our #1 priorities.

Also, don’t forget to “Like” our Facebook Page so that you can stay informed about all the exciting things going on at our practice.We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Here’s Some Information You May Not Believe!

February 24, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 11:13 pm

WELL, WE THOUGHT WE HAD HEARD ABOUT ALL the crazy dental trends here at our practice, but apparently we were wrong.

Remember the “tooth gap” fad that became popular back in the 1970s? Supermodels and celebrities caused young fans with perfect teeth to want a gap between their two front teeth! Well, if you thought that trend was surprising, you might not believe this new fad in the East!

Tokyo Dental Salon Specializes in Giving Girls “Crooked” Teeth:

images via OddityCentral and InventorSpot

Yup. Women in Japan are actually paying to make their teeth crooked. You heard us correctly. What we call “fangs” and “snaggle teeth,” are being referred to as “yaeba” in Japan—a term that directly translates to “double tooth.”

Famous celebrities and various blogs have begun popularizing this unique new look. These fang-like yaeba teeth are supposed to make the girls seem more cute and approachable, causing men to be more attracted to them. Consequently, women are spending upwards of $400 on these “stick-on” fangs. The procedure simply consists of a dentist applying the plastic teeth directly onto existing teeth with glue. Imagine how much harder flossing would be if you had a few extra teeth glued to your existing ones!

So, now we want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on these yaeba? Would you spend money to have us make your teeth crooked?

Two Minutes, Twice A Day

February 17, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 10:11 pm

EXCUSES FOR NOT BRUSHING OFTEN are all over the map! In a recent survey conducted by the Chicago Dental Society, more than half of the dentists surveyed said that their patients’ top excuse for not brushing or flossing is that they don’t have enough time. We’ve definitely heard that excuse before here at our practice.

Fortunately, proper brushing techniques don’t require a lot of time at all! Simply brush for two minutes, twice a day…that’s only 240 seconds total. If it really is a time issue you’re dealing with, set your alarm clock back 2 minutes. Your oral health is worth it and your smile will thank you!

Now, although two minutes really isn’t very long in the grand scheme of things, it can seem like a long time to brush your teeth if you’re used to a 20-second scrub. So, next time you’re in the bathroom brushing, bring along your phone and time yourself!

To properly brush your teeth, use gentle strokes and pay extra attention to your gum line, those hard-to-reach places, and the areas surrounding your fillings or crowns. If you concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section of your mouth, those 2 minutes will fly by!Here is a great video by Colgate that illustrates proper brushing techniques:

By the way, among the most interesting responses from that same survey suggested that pets crave toothbrushes as well as homework. But now that you’re motivated to take your brushing and flossing seriously, you won’t need to pretend like the dog ate your toothbrush! You’ll be a brushing pro.

If you have any additional questions about maintaining good oral hygiene, feel free to leave a comment below!

Oh, and be sure to Like us on Facebookand visit our website for additional information!

Request an appointmenttoday.

Are You Using Mouthwash?

February 10, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 9:31 pm
EVEN THE MOST DILIGENT FLOSSERS AND BRUSHERS sometimes forget about the added benefits of mouthwash.

But don’t worry—even if you already brush, floss, AND rinse with mouthwash everyday, you’ll find this content useful. The affect that mouthwash has on your oral health is often dependent upon the type of mouthwash you use.

So, before we get into the do’s and don’ts of choosing a mouthwash, let’s talk a little bit about why we recommend it.

Not only can mouthwashes make our mouths feel and smell fresher, they help prevent cavities and periodontal disease. They also help reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria in our mouths. However, don’t let these facts fool you into depending on mouthwash alone! Brushing and flossing are still essential to our oral health as rinses cannot adequately remove food and plaque on their own—they simply help prevent plaque.

Now, what’s the key difference between all the varieties of mouthwashes? Frankly, some help more than others, and some may even contain ingredients that should probably be avoided. For example, fluoride helps prevents cavities, but sodium lauryl sulfate tends to dry and irritate mouths, especially if you suffer from canker sores.

Be careful when choosing your mouthwash, and feel free to ask Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellfor a recommendation that will suit your specific dental needs!

Here’s a little cheat sheet of ingredients to look for that should help you in the meantime.

If you have any additional questions regarding mouthwashes or dentistry in general, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Facts About Teeth

February 3, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 9:46 pm

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CURIOUS about all the odd facts dental professionals like Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell have floating around in their heads all day? Well, it’s your lucky day! Let’s switch things up a bit and devote a post entirely to random dental facts. Sound fun?

Did you know…

  • Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in a human’s body.
  • Toothbrush bristles were originally made from cow hair.
  • A shark goes through about 40 SETS of teeth during its lifetime.
  • A person’s teeth set is unique—much like their fingerprints. Even identical twins do not have exactly the same set of teeth. Did you know that your tongue print is also unique?
  • The average woman smiles about 62 times a day! A man? Only 8!
  • Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Adults… just 15.
  • According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds a day. The recommended amount of time is 2-3 minutes.
  • People who are right-handed typically chew their food on the right side of their mouth. Left handers? The left side.
  • 50% of people consider the smile the first facial feature they notice.
  • 80% of people are not happy with their smile.
  • 78% of Americans have had at least one cavity by age 17.
  • 32% of Americans cite bad breath as the least attractive trait of a co-worker.
  • According to the recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, 92% of Americans believe that an attractive smile is an important social asset.

Well, there you have it! We hope you enjoyed those facts! It never hurts to know a little more about your smile. Contact us if you have any other dental-related questions or to set up an appointment!Oh, and please “Like” us on Facebooktoo!

We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

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