Dental Hygiene Month - Brushing!

Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!

This week, we are going to focus on proper brushing techniques.

The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of the brush should fit the mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

The proper brushing technique is to:

1. Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums.
2. Gently move the brush in a circular motion in short (tooth wide) strokes.
3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth
4. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and brush with up and down strokes.
5. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh!

We recommend a electric toothbrush for optimal results. Not only does it make your job easier by doing most of the work for you, most brands turn off when you press too hard. Pressing too hard can cause gum recession and lead to tooth sensitivity and expensive gum treatments.

Tips:

• Set a timer and make sure you use a full 2 minutes to clean your teeth thoroughly.
• Keep a spare toothbrush and travel toothpaste in your bag or briefcase just in case you forget to brush or end up taking an impromptu trip! (the free toothbrush and toothpaste you get at your dental cleaning would be perfect!)
• Don't neglect your gums! Plaque tends to build up between the tooth and the gums and if left there can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Invest in an electric toothbrush! Many people find that is worth it. You can find quality electric toothbrushes for as little as $20 to $120 depending on the features you desire. They come with their own timer, some connect to blue-tooth to map your progress on your phone, and some even light up when you are pressing too hard.

Ask your hygienist to give you feedback on your specific needs at your next dental cleaning. If you do not have a routine cleaning and exam on your calendar, give us a call at (281)646-8888!

Check back next week for flossing strategies and tips!

National Dental Hygiene Month!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! To celebrate, we are going to give you tips on how to maximize the benefits from your oral heath routine all month long! The ADA focuses on the Daily 4:

Check in all week for guides and tips to maximize your dental hygiene! This week we will focus on proper brushing techniques!

Brushing Off Cold and Flu Season: Tips for Toothbrush Care

Proper dental hygiene habits are important all year long, but good dentistry is even more vital during the winter months when various cold and flu bugs begin making the rounds. Cold and flu season typically starts in October in the United States so it is important to start taking steps to avoid it now rather than later. Practicing effective oral care will help prevent you from catching almost every illness that comes your way, but it all begins and ends at the bathroom sink.

Toothbrush Maintenance

When's the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If you're like millions of other Americans, it may be you don' t remember. But a clean, dry brush is the first defense against the cold and flu bugs of winter. One of the most important steps you can take to avoid catching cold and flu bugs involves the proper care and maintenance of your toothbrush.

The Vertical Rule

Any family dentist will tell you, a damp toothbrush creates the perfect environment for mold or bacteria to flourish. It's important to make sure your toothbrush has the opportunity to dry completely between brushing. And while this is relatively easy to do at home, it can be tricky for travelers. A good rule of thumb is to always prop your toothbrush vertically into a container of some sort, instead of laying it on the sink where water can pool beneath the bristles. At home, you can purchase a toothbrush holder that sits on the counter or some of them even attach to your mirror. If you are traveling, use a cup from the hotel or bring a plastic cup to hold your toothbrush upright.

A Clean Brush is a Happy Brush

The staff at your favorite dental office will be the first to remind you -- remember to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing. Additionally, it's a good idea to properly sanitize your brush from time to time. A few methods of sanitization to consider that will work wonders to kill the germs or bacteria lingering on your brush include:

• Running it through the dishwasher in the silverware compartment on high heat with no soap
• Soaking it in anti-bacterial mouthwash and thoroughly rinsing before the next use
• Boiling it in water for 3 minutes
• Zapping it in the microwave
• Purchase a UV toothbrush sanitizer that uses a combination of steam and dry heat.

Replace, Don't Reuse

After a bout with any sort of viral or bacterial illness, toss out that toothbrush. Many infectious diseases including strep, oral herpes, and the flu are just waiting for the opportunity to reinfect you through the bristles on your tainted toothbrush.
Most people remember to do what's necessary to keep their smiles looking great -- flossing, brushing regularly, teeth whitening -- but not everyone takes time to stop and think about the state of their toothbrush. The rule is to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months so it is a good idea to replace your toothbrush every time the season changes. If it's been more than a season since you've given your toothbrush more than a cursory glance, it's time to step up your dental game and get a new one.

Prepare for the flu season ahead of time

• Get a flu shot
• Have extra toothbrushes to replace the old one
• Stock up on supplies like tissues and medicine
• Wash your hands regularly
• Clean commonly used surfaces regularly

There is no sure way to avoid getting sick so you should to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Then, if you do get sick, you will have the supplies to get better faster and be prepared to take the necessary measures to avoid being re-infected.

What To Do When You Lose a Tooth

When it comes to tooth removal, there are really only two ways to do it: 1) go to your dentist to have a carefully planned surgical procedure to extract the tooth or 2) experience a traumatic event that results in the tooth falling out. Some of the most common ways to lose a tooth include:

• Accidental falls
• Sports-related trauma
• Fighting
• Car accidents
• Biting on hard food

Losing a permanent tooth is always a dental emergency and never something you want to take lightly or dismiss. The sooner you get the tooth and yourself to the dentist, the more likely your dentist will be able to save the tooth. Here are a few things you should do to have the best chance of saving the tooth: 

1. Find the tooth!
2. Pick it up by the crown (top portion) of the tooth , NOT the fleshy root. If the tooth does look dirty, use sterile saline solutions, milk or saliva. Do NOT scrub the root or touch it. You could end up compromising the vital tissue and cause the tooth to die.
3. Preserve the tooth for transport to the dentist in one of the following ways:
• Try to put the tooth back in its socket so it is level with the other teeth. Bite down gently on a gauze or a clean washcloth until you get to the dentist. Be careful not to swallow the tooth.
• If the tooth will not go back in place, put it in a clean container with milk or saline solution. Do NOT put it in water. Water does not preserve the tooth as well which will make it less likely that the tooth can be saved and re-implanted.
• If you do not have a container handy, you can also carry the tooth tucked in between your gums and cheek or under your tongue. Again, be sure not to swallow the tooth.
• If you have a home emergency medical kit, you can preemptively purchase a tooth saving storage device like Save-A-Tooth or EMT Tooth Saver. It may be worth it to have a kit like this handy (especially if you have kids in sports) just in case an accident happens. These kits run at about $12 to $20 and have the potential to save you thousands of dollars replacing the tooth with an implant.
  
  
  
4. Go to the dentist immediately! Here at Kingsland Dental, we always have a doctor on call. Simply call our office at (281)646-8888 to let us know about your dental emergency and that you are on your way. If it is after hours or on the weekend, our phones roll over to an answering service where a live person can direct your call and arrange for the on call doctor to see you. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to reach the dentist, you can always go to an emergency medical hospital.

What if my child's baby tooth falls out?

If a baby tooth falls out, definitely bring them in to see the dentist, however, there really is no point in putting the tooth back in. The best thing to do is comfort your child and make sure they are not in pain. Then, call the dentist for an emergency visit. The dentist will not be able to save the tooth but they can give your child antibiotics to prevent an infection and in severe cases they may give pain relievers to make them feel better. It may also be necessary to get a space maintainer. This device keeps the surrounding teeth from crowding into the newly formed gap and allows space for the future permanent tooth to grow.

What if my tooth does not come all the way out but feels loose?

It is still necessary to visit your dentist. Letting your dentist take a look greatly increases the chances that they can save the tooth from dying or falling out later and make sure that you do not get an infection.

Tips for Prevention:

• Wear a mouth guard when playing any contact sport*
• Avoid fights
• Avoid hard foods such as bones, stale bread, unpopped popcorn kernels, etc.
• Always wear a seat belt

*According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the list of sports with the most common dental injuries includes football, basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, and martial arts. A mouth guard should be a standard part of the uniform for these sports. If you or your child finds that a store-bought mouth guard is not comfortable, you can get a customized one from your dentist.

Remember: Losing a permanent tooth is always a dental emergency. Seeing your dentist as soon as possible gives you the best chance to save the tooth and stave off the possibility of infection. Even if the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will be able to give you options to replace the missing tooth in order to prevent the open space from effecting the rest of your teeth.

If you have any questions or are experiencing a dental emergency, call us at (281)646-8888.

Sources:

Health Day

Medline Plus

Gum Disease: Effects and Prevention

Healthy Gums Mean Healthier Teeth

Healthy teeth rely upon healthy gums. When gums become diseased, they can negatively affect the bone that supports the teeth and cause teeth to become loose and fall out. Unfortunately, gum disease is often painless so it can progress before it is detected. This is why proper oral care and regular visits to the family dentist are imperative. Gum disease occurs in three stages:

1.      Gingivitis
• When light bleeding and tenderness occur during brushing and flossing, this can be indicative of Gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and happens when the gums become inflamed because of plaque and tartar buildup at the gum line. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral care, including professional cleaning and regular visits to the family dentist.
2.      Periodontitis
• When Gingivitis is left untreated, periodontitis can occur. This happens when the gums form a pocket beneath the gum line. This gum disease negatively affects the fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth in place. When periodontitis develops, the family dentist will treat it in his or her office, but will also instruct patients on how to improve their oral care at home in order to prevent further damage from occurring.
3.      Advanced Periodontitis
• Advanced Periodontitis is the stage of gum disease that can have very grave consequences. This is the final stage of the disease that destroys supporting bones and fibers and causes the teeth to loosen and sometimes fall out. Advanced Periodontitis requires aggressive oral care.
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Signs of Gum Disease

• Tender, red, puffy or swollen gums
• Bleeding during flossing or brushing
• Receding gum line
• Separation of gums from teeth
• Pus within the gum line
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Changes in how the teeth fit together when biting

Prevention of Gum Disease

Gum disease can adversely affect one’s overall health. Regularly scheduled visits to the family dentist and proper oral care are the first steps in achieving and maintaining healthy gums. Eating healthful foods and avoiding sugar can also play an important role in keeping the gums in top shape. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully, and to use diligence in brushing and flossing each day. Even with due diligence, a professional cleaning by a trained dental hygienist should take place twice a year. The hygienist can make sure that the areas beneath the gum line are kept clean by removing tartar that builds up over time. If necessary, he or she can plane the roots of the teeth to prevent tartar buildup there as well.


If you are due for your regular dental cleaning or if you are concerned about gum disease, give us a call at (281)646-8888 or request an appointment on our website!

Back to School!

Its that time of year again! If your children dread dental care both at home and at the family dentist, there are a few tricks to keep them interested in maintaining clean teeth.

Establish An Oral Health Routine

One of the best ways to encourage kids to fit in brushing and flossing after the return to school is to develop a teeth cleaning routine. Designate specific times in the morning and evening for your children to brush and floss. Make them aware that failing to brush and floss on a regular basis will leave deposits of plaque and a sticky film of bacteria and food particles on and around the teeth that can cause cavities and gingivitis. Twenty-five percent of children under the age of five already have cavities.

Oftentimes, it helps for the parent to participate in these activities with his or her children. Kids will be much more enthusiastic about oral health care if their parents are brushing and flossing right alongside them. Cleaning your teeth in the presence of your children will also reinforce proper brushing and flossing techniques. You'll be able to spot their inefficiencies and teach them how to properly clean their teeth instead of waiting for them to be told by the family dentist.

Proper Flossing Technique

Focus on showing your children the proper steps in maintaining oral care. Each evening, your children should thoroughly floss with a very long string of floss. You might even want to encourage them to use two pieces of floss, one for the bottom teeth and one for the top teeth. This way, they won't run the risk of transferring bits of food and plaque from one tooth or gum area to another. Always reinforce that they should never use the same part of the floss to clean between their teeth.

Rinsing and Brushing

After flossing, kids should clean their mouths with mouthwash or water to remove even more food particles. Rinsing after flossing also helps the teeth retain fluoride that is necessary for dental health. After rinsing, the kids should then move on to brushing. Teach them to brush all the way to where the teeth meet the gums. This should be performed in small circular motions and at a 45-degree angle.

Cleaning the Tongue

The final part of the daily oral care process is the scraping of the tongue with a tongue scraper or with their toothbrush. Don't just tell your kids to do it. Explain to them how important a tongue scraper is. It will remove bacteria on the tongue and will also help to prevent bad breath.

These guidelines have been suggested in different order from different people. In the end, all that matters is that each step is done in whatever order recommended for your child's optimal dental health. For more personal instructions for your child's oral care routine or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 281-646-8888 or request an appointment online!

National Fresh Breath Day!

August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day! Today is a day to focus on oral health and care. We all enjoy a good cup of coffee or an extra garlic-y pasta dish but our friends might not enjoy our breath afterwords. It is easy to grab a sugary after dinner mint or chew a piece of gum but there are a few things you can do daily to manage your breath odor. In honor of Fresh Breath Day, here are few tips to keep your breath smelling fresh:

1. Don't forget your vegetables!
• Eating water-rich vegetables, such as leafy greens, can help keep your breath smelling clean. This is because the high water content helps with saliva production which reduces the ability of bad smelling bacteria to form in your mouth. 
2. A clean tongue is a happy tongue!
• There are many bacteria traps in our mouths and one big one is our tongues. Gunk gets trapped by the tiny buds causing bad breath. Ask your dentist for suggestions on tongue scrappers or simply brush your tongue (especially the back) with your tooth brush. For those of us with a sensitive gag reflex, try keeping your mouth mostly closed when you brush your tongue. A closed mouth naturally engages our swallowing reflex rather than our gagging reflex.
3. Bring the essentials with you EVERYWHERE!
• Always carry around a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss (and even a tongue scraper) just in case! You never know when a friend will invite you to an Italian restaurant to split a deep dish pizza with extra garlic. Instead of masking the odor with a mint, get rid of bad breath with the right tools for the job.
4. Drink more water!
• As previously mentioned, water encourages saliva production and discourages bacteria build up. Unfortunately, many of us do not get enough water throughout the day. So kill bad breath and dehydration all at once! Keep a bottle of water at your desk or close at hand all day long. When you feel thirsty, don't just take a sip. Count to ten while you drink and when the bottle is empty fill it up again. This will help you get enough water all day long and encourage fresher breath!
5. Say "no" to tobacco!
• Just don't do it. Nothing about tobacco is good for you or your breath.
6. Spend some time with your dentist!
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams about every 6 months to maintain optimal dental health. If bad breath is a frequent issue, let your dentist know! It could be a serious issue like periodontal disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist can also give you other recommendations of rinses and toothpastes for your particular needs.

Have more questions and need more answers? Give us a call and make an appointment with one of our wonderful dentists and dental hygienists! (281)646-8888 Happy National Fresh Breath Day!