Brushing is especially important before bedtime. We want to help you develop a way of cleaning your teeth that fits the way you live your life. There are a number of effective brushing techniques. We determine which one is best for you since tooth position and gum conditions vary.
In general a toothbrush head should be small with soft bristles. Some brush bristles are too abrasive and can wear down teeth. It is important to brush at least three times a day for 3-4 minutes after meals or snacks. You should brush with fluoridated toothpaste in the morning and before going to bed. Rinsing with fluoridated water for 30 seconds to 1 minute after lunch and snacks is also helpful. Getting the debris off teeth right away is important in stopping sugary snacks and starchy foods from turning into cavity causing acids.
Flossing and irrigation removes plaque and debris between teeth. Dental floss comes in many forms all of which clean and remove plaque about the same. Waxed floss or ribbon floss (tape) might be easier to slide between tight teeth or tight restorations. There are many types of irrigators on the market. We will help guide you in what is best for your particular situation, including benefit, value and cost.
Fluoride is easily absorbed into tooth enamel making the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization that aids in repairing early decay before the danger is even visible. Fluoride reaches our teeth systemically through public and private water supplies and topically through products containing strong concentrations of fluoride to fight tooth decay.
Foods that contain carbohydrates (sugars and starches) include soda, ice cream, candy, milk, cake, rice, fruits, vegetables and juices contribute to tooth decay. You might be surprised at how little sugar it takes to act on the bacteria that cause decay and at the foods that contain sugar. Bacteria interact with the deposits left on teeth from sugar and starchy foods to produce acids. The acids change tooth enamel over time by dissolving or de-mineralizing the mineral structure of teeth leading to decay and weakened teeth. The frequency and time of day you ingest carbohydrates can also be a factor.