The Basics Of Brushing

Keeping your teeth in good condition

The Basics Of Brushing

Brushing and flossing are something we all learn at an early age.  The proper way to brush your teeth takes less than 2 minutes, although many people tend to spend much longer, or much less.  Most adults tend to spend less than a minute, which isn’t enough time to clean your teeth.  To get the right amount of time brushing, you should try using a stopwatch while you brush.

 

When you brush your teeth, you should avoid using pressure but instead use short, gentle strokes.  You should focus on hard to reach places, and make sure that you get the areas between your teeth as well.  You should also make sure you get eating surfaces as well, along with your upper and lower gums.  If you focus on all areas of your mouth, you’ll get everything when you brush.

 

Along with using the proper brushing techniques, you will also need to use the right toothpaste as well.  There are a variety of toothpastes available, designed to help you with a variety of different conditions.  You can get toothpaste that will prevent toothaches, stop sensitivity, and prevent things such as tartar and gingivitis.  Toothpaste is the best way to protect your teeth, therefore you should always ask your dentist what type of toothpaste he recommends for you.

 

To get the most out of brushing, you’ll need to have a good toothbrush.  There are many different models to choose from, which can make it extremely difficult to choose one.  When you make your choice, you should look for brushes that have soft bristles.  Soft bristles are easy on your gums, and they will remove plaque and other debris from your teeth.  A small head is also preferred, as it can easily reach hard to get places, such as your back teeth.

 

You should also remember to replace your brush every couple of months, or when it starts to show signs of wear.  If you’ve had a cold you should replace your toothbrush, simply because the bristles can contain germs that could get you sick all over again.  Toothbrushes that show wear should always be replaced, as they can have an impact on your gums.  If the bristles start to get worn down, they can tear away at your gums, leading to sensitivity.

 

To get the most from your brushing, you should always use a bit of common sense and ask your dentist for his recommendations.  Brushing your teeth will help keep them healthy, and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.  Keep in mind that brushing does help your teeth, although you still need to go to your dentist for regular checkups.  If you take care of your teeth and brush them on a regular basis – you will keep them free of infections and cavities.

 

Whitening , Home Vs Surgery ????

Woman smiling with teeth close-up

Teeth whitening is a minimally invasive and relatively low-cost procedure, making it one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. Although teeth whitening does not offer a permanent solution for tooth discoloration, results are essentially immediate and the effects can last for several months if appropriately cared for.

 

When it comes to teeth whitening, most people think of professionally administered in-office whitening treatments. However, there are a wide range of at-home do-it-yourself whitening options available as well. In this feature, we compare these two whitening options, helping you weigh the pros and cons of each.

How They Work

In-office teeth whitening is performed by trained dental professionals providing for safe and reliable bleaching results. The results of professionally administered in-office whitening tend to be better because dentists use higher-concentration bleaching gels. There are a number of popular in-office whiteners including ZoomBritesmileOpalescence and Lumibrite whitening. Their mode of application and cost varies from product to product, but the in-office whitening process itself is relatively similar for all of the products.

Your dentist will “prep” your teeth to clear away plaque and debris prior to treatment. In addition, a thorough dental exam will be performed to ensure optimal tooth and gum health. Pre-treatment photos may be taken to let you see the before and after changes.

To begin treatment, a cheek retractor is used to expose the teeth. A liquid rubber dam or hardening resin is applied to the gum tissue for protection. A hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel is then applied to the teeth where it remains for 15 to 30 minutes. The gel is then cleaned off and reapplied for one or more additional periods of 15 to 30 minutes. Certain whitening treatments (like Zoom) incorporate a high-intensity light to help activate/enhance the bleaching process. Results will be visible immediately, though the full effect of treatment will not be seen for a couple days.

Your dentist will discuss ways to maximize the whitening effect by suggesting you avoid certain foods that can cause discoloration. You may also receive a take-home whitening kit or pen to help maintain your whitened smile.

(Read more about in-office teeth whitening)

At-home teeth whitening is a do-it-yourself alternative to professional teeth whitening. At-home whitening typically costs less than professional solutions and also offers the convenience of doing it yourself rather than scheduling an appointment with a dentist. That said, at-home whitening products have lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, meaning they may not offer the same degree of shade changes that you get from professional whiteners. Products like brush-on whiteners, strips or trays can be purchased online, at pharmacies and grocery stores, etc. Higher-concentration at-home whiteners can be purchased through your dentist. You may be surprised to learn that some dentists believe that in-office whitening results can be achieved at home with these dentist-dispensed kits. The reasoning for this is that correct, ongoing use helps intensify the bleaching effect, meaning that multiple applications over time can result in greater shade change.

The mode of application varies significantly depending on the type of product used. However, it is recommended that the best time to begin an at-home whitening regimen is after a professional dental cleaning. This can help you achieve the best results. It is possible to overdo it when it comes to tooth bleaching, even with lower concentration at-home products. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure you don’t cause yourself more harm than good.

In addition to the standard trays, strips and brush-on applicators, there are other products that include things like whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, floss and even chewing gum. Take these products with a grain of salt. While they may offer minor, short-lived whitening, the results pale in comparison to the effects achieved with more traditional whitening methods. (They are not comparable in any way to in-office whitening.)

(Read more about at-home teeth whitening)

Are you a Candidate?

In-office whitening candidacy is fairly wide open for people with healthy teeth and gums. During your consultation, your dentist will conduct a thorough oral health examination. If you have any underlying conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease, the concentrated bleaching gel could cause you significant pain. Any such oral health conditions must first be addressed before your dentist will perform in-office whitening.

Additionally, it should be noted that not all discoloration can be treated with in-office teeth whitening. Deep, “intrinsic” stains may not be as effectively treated with whitening. Depending on the desired results, a more significant cosmetic treatment such as dental veneers may need to be considered in such cases.

(Read more about Read more about in-office whitening candidacy)

At-home whitening candidacy is even more wide open than in-office whitening candidacy because there are no restrictions. Anyone can purchase over-the-counter whitening products and self-administer. However, keep in mind that if you suffer from oral health issues, you may end up causing yourself serious pain and damaging your teeth and gums. Dentist dispensed home whiteners will not be provided to anyone that does not first pass a basic oral health screening. For the best results, any home whitening should be administered after a thorough prophylactic in-office dental cleaning.