Diamons

toothbrush

Photography by Dr. Padval

Holiday Stocking Stuffers

As you're looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season, the last things you might think to shop for are dental supplies. Although offbeat, many dental home care products make practical, fun Christmas gifts. Here are some ideas: Christmas is a good time to tuck a new toothbrush in everyone’s stocking. We suggest you purchase a soft-tipped brush with curved bristles. Soft bristles won’t scratch tooth surfaces or damage gum tissue. A worn-out brush with frayed bristles just won’t do a good job of cleaning [...]

By |2023-12-12T08:00:10-08:00December 12, 2023|Preventative Dentistry|

Toothbrush Worn Out?

Replace Your Old Toothbrush We've all seen an old disgusting worn-out toothbrush before. And truth be told, we've probably all been guilty of letting an old toothbrush hang around far too long. Understandably, you may be questioning whether or not to get a new one, and sometimes it's hard to determine where exactly to draw the line. However, if you are even asking yourself the question, it probably means that it's far past time. Another good tip is to buy multiple toothbrushes at once. [...]

By |2023-06-06T08:00:29-07:00June 6, 2023|Patient Education|

Getting An Electric Toothbrush

Should I switch to an electric toothbrush? Or is my old toothbrush doing the job? For many people, making any change is a big decision. Maybe you make a list of pros and cons, carefully weighing benefits and potential drawbacks. Especially for significant changes that will affect your long-held daily habits, we understand that change may be hard. But sometimes it can be especially beneficial! One simple decision that can make a big impact toward improving your oral health is switching to an electric [...]

By |2023-01-03T08:00:50-08:00January 3, 2023|Patient Education|

Time for a New Toothbrush?

If it's been a while since you replaced your toothbrush, it may be time to look for signs of aging. If it is badly worn or frayed, it may be doing more harm than good. If you are unsure about the state of your toothbrush, just bring it in at your next appointment and we can assess the damage, discuss the variety of options, and/or review proper brushing technique. Old Toothbrush Hazards Less Effective - A worn-out toothbrush is simply less effective at removing [...]

By |2020-04-28T08:00:05-07:00April 28, 2020|Patient Education|

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush!

One of the tenets of good dental health is obvious—Brush your teeth after every meal. This can help keep your mouth healthy throughout a long life. Another rule should be just as carefully observed: Do NOT use someone else's toothbrush. Sharing toothbrushes can shorten your life. Be safe, not sorry. But what about emergencies, when you have no other option than to borrow someone's toothbrush—just once? That's when this rule is most important. It's far better to risk tooth decay by not brushing than to [...]

By |2017-09-05T00:00:18-07:00September 5, 2017|Patient Education|

Dead Toothbrushes

A really dead toothbrush—one badly worn and frayed, not necessarily just old—is like having no toothbrush at all. In fact, you're probably doing more harm than good if your brush has seen better days. All dead toothbrushes should be given a decent burial. If you have doubts about the life left in your toothbrush, bring it in at your next appointment, and we can assess the damage. We've seen a lot of sorry-looking brushes, but maybe yours will take the prize. Why they should [...]

By |2016-08-02T00:00:12-07:00August 2, 2016|Patient Education|

Test Your Toothbrush I.Q.

Did you know the toothbrush was invented by the Chinese in the 15th century? These first toothbrushes were made of hog bristles. Today, most toothbrushes are made from nylon monofilaments which dry quickly and resist breakage. Did you know a worn-out toothbrush is dangerous? Bent bristles can injure soft tissues. Worn, frayed bristles won’t be effective plaque fighters, either. Did you know soft bristles are generally preferred to hard bristles? Soft bristles bend easily and clean better below the gum line. Hard bristles can [...]

By |2016-04-26T00:00:02-07:00April 26, 2016|Patient Education|

Manual or Mechanical?

Back and forth goes the argument—what toothbrush is best? Gadgeteers can spend $150 for an electric brush designed to rotate and oscillate, with angled neck, sure-grip handle, dual speed control, and even a timer. Researchers say that rotation-oscillation electric brushes remove plaque and reduce gingivitis better than any other kind—but only slightly better. Do-it-yourselfers can pick up a manual toothbrush for under $3 at the pharmacy. Replace it every three months for two years—the warranty period on the electric brush—and you can save big [...]

By |2015-03-10T00:00:41-07:00March 10, 2015|Patient Education|

Toothpicks: a Pointed Problem

What’s long, slender, hard, sharp, indigestible and potentially hazardous? That common and seemingly harmless sliver of wood called a toothpick. Reports in the Journal of the American Medical Association point to toothpicks as causing thousands of injuries a year, mostly to young children. Youngsters aged five to 14 were most likely to be injured by toothpicks, and children under the age of five were 20 times more likely to seriously injure their eyes or ears. Adults should also treat the toothpick with a little [...]

By |2014-12-23T00:00:25-08:00December 23, 2014|Patient Education|

Brushing Tips

What is the best technique for brushing? There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to ask during an appointment to determine which is the best one for them, since tooth position and gum condition vary. One effective, easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth. Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the [...]

By |2014-06-03T00:00:04-07:00June 3, 2014|Preventative Dentistry|