Back-to-school season is here again! In addition to buying your kids’ school supplies, you’re probably already busy setting up your family’s schedule as you transition back into the school year. But are you also thinking about healthy lunch ideas for your kids? After all, the right foods can help protect their teeth and gums, no matter their age, so this is a wise step to take in addition to ensuring your kids see the dentist regularly. read more
Spirit Dental Resources
Updated 1.11.2021
Consuming apple cider vinegar might be a good idea, as it could help support your health in myriad ways. Some of the benefits that are associated with apple cider vinegar include its ability to fight bacteria, lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes, support cardiovascular health, and aid in weight loss.
Those are some impressive benefits, right? But think twice before you start taking apple cider vinegar shots.
Why shouldn’t you take apple cider vinegar shots? Continue reading for the answer.
Beware: It Can Damage the Enamel of Your Teeth!
You do your best to keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. But if you are taking apple cider vinegar shots because you think that you’re doing something great for your body, what you need to know is that you’re doing some damage to your teeth. Oh no!
How could apple cider vinegar be good for so many aspects of your health, but bad for your dental health? Well, it boils down to the acetic acid in it. When your teeth are exposed to acidic apple cider vinegar, damage to the enamel occurs. And you definitely don’t want that!
Just how acidic is apple cider vinegar? Well, it has a pH of 2.5 to 3. So, just as it’s best to avoid dousing your teeth with other acidic beverages, like soda, sparkling water, and lemon juice, you should use caution if you plan on drinking this vinegar.
The more your chompers are exposed to acidic substances, like vinegar, the more likely it will be that you’ll end up with erosion of the strong enamel that covers the teeth. Over time, the damage might increase your risk of decay and sensitivity. Plus, when your enamel is compromised, your teeth won’t look as white either.
Note: Taking apple cider vinegar shots isn’t a good idea because doing so will expose your teeth to the damaging acid. So it goes without saying that you also shouldn’t be using this vinegar as a mouthwash.
How to Consume Apple Cider Vinegar While Protecting Your Teeth
Good news! You don’t have to miss out on the benefits that apple cider vinegar might provide. To take it safely, consider:
Diluting it with water (for example, 2 tablespoons of vinegar can be added to an 8-ounce glass of water)
Consuming only small amounts
Using it as an ingredient in meals, such as in salad dressings
Drinking it through a straw
Rinsing your mouth with some water right after drinking it
Waiting about 30 minutes or more before brushing your teeth after drinking it
Taking apple cider vinegar pills
Let Your Dentist Keep a Close Eye on Your Teeth
If you choose to consume apple cider vinegar, it’s important to take care of your teeth at home, as well as see your dentist for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can let you know if the vinegar is doing more harm to your teeth than you realize. Plus, a dental pro can also offer tips on how to protect your enamel, and provide treatments to combat sensitivity.
In the end, it is all about balance and strategy when it comes to using apple cider vinegar for your health. You can certainly have your apple cider vinegar without damaging your chompers, provided that you take it correctly. But if you want to be absolutely sure that the vinegar isn’t harming your pearly whites, consider signing up for a dental insurance plan that will make it easy and affordable to see your dentist on a regular basis.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-side-effects
https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/apple-cider-vinegar-shots/
https://pittsforddentist.com/pde-news/will-apple-cider-vinegar-harm-teeth/
https://www.thehealthy.com/home-remedies/apple-cider-vinegar-erodes-tooth-enamel/
https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/apple-cider-vinegar-ruining-your-teeth
Updated December 2022Chipping your tooth can be traumatic, but you can get it fixed so it looks like it never happened. Just be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible to help reduce the risk of infection and further damage to the tooth. If you're worried about chipped tooth repair costs, Spirit Dental can help.What are some of the procedures that can restore a chipped tooth to its former glory? How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth? We will answer those questions below and show you how Spirit Dental's low-cost dental insurance plans can keep your out-of-pocket expenses down.Four Treatments for Chipped TeethThere are four main treatments most often used to fix a chipped tooth. The severity and location of the chip will determine the proper course of treatment.1. Bonding or FillingHave a pretty minor chip? Then the good news is that you might be able to have it fixed with some filling, just like a cavity would be fixed. Easy enough! Bonding is also an option in this case. Using a composite resin that’s colored to match your teeth, your dentist can repair a tooth that’s more visible when you smile, such as one of your front teeth.2. VeneersAnother option for a front tooth that’s chipped is covering it with a veneer. This is basically an ultra-strong material that is placed on the surface of the tooth to make it look natural like the chip never happened.3. A CrownIn the event that your chip isn’t so minor, such as if a larger portion of your tooth is broken off, a crown might be necessary. Your dentist would start by filing or grinding the tooth down before adding a permanent crown that will look a lot like a natural tooth.4. Root CanalWhen a chip is so bad that it exposes the inner portion of your tooth, known as the pulp, your chomper becomes especially vulnerable. In this case, your dentist might recommend a root canal, and a crown might also be necessary.How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?The cost to fix a chipped tooth will really depend on how much damage your tooth has incurred, and what treatment will be needed to repair it. But, beyond that, costs can also vary widely from one dentist to another.How much will chipped tooth repair cost without insurance? Generally, you might expect to pay the following prices for the various treatments that can fix chipped teeth: Bonding a tooth might cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the total cost might depend on how much work needs to be done on a tooth.A filling might cost anywhere from $90 to $500.A dental veneer might set you back $500 to $1,500.A crown might cost as low as $250 or as high as $3,200, and the price might depend on the type of crown that you get and the location in the mouth where it’s placed.A root canal might be priced anywhere from $500 to $1,000, and it might also depend on the extent of the damage and the location in the mouth where the tooth is located.Your dentist can let you know which treatment would work best to fix your chipped tooth, and he or she can also discuss pricing with you to help you make the best decision for your oral health and your wallet. Of course, a chipped tooth repair cost with insurance will be much less out of pocket.Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost to Fix a Chipped ToothIf you're wondering about the cost to fix a chipped tooth, we have answers for you. We've gathered some of the most common questions we get about chipped tooth cost and answered them for you below. If you have further questions, please read our FAQ page for more information.Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of a Chipped Tooth?Yes, Spirit Dental can help you find dental insurance that covers the cost of a chipped tooth. And we understand that if you have an emergency dental situation like a chipped tooth, you can't always wait for coverage. That's why Spirit offers dental insurance with no waiting period. As soon as your application is approved, your dental coverage begins.Can You Sign Up for Dental Insurance Anytime?Yes, you can! You don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment to sign up, so you can sign up at any time of the year. If you are self-employed, between jobs or retired, you can get affordable dental insurance now.Dental Insurance Can Help Cover Chipped Tooth Repair CostIf the price tag associated with fixing a damaged tooth scares you, consider signing up for one of the many surprisingly affordable dental insurance plans that are available. Our major services dental insurance can help cover the chipped tooth repair cost so that it doesn’t fall completely on your shoulders. What a relief! Get a quote today!The bottom line is this: if you’ve chipped a tooth, it’s wise to call your dentist right away to let him or her know what happened. From there, a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage will give your dentist a better idea of what the best treatment would be to restore the look and function of your chomper. And when you have the right insurance to back you up, you won’t have to delay in getting the care that you need to keep your smile looking great. Contact us today. Sources:https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/repairing-a-chipped-or-broken-tooth#1https://health.costhelper.com/dental-bonding.htmlhttps://www.dmsmiles.com/blog/broken-tooth-repair-costhttps://www.mykoolsmiles.com/content/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fix-chipped-tooth/
Having a beer every now and then is fine, but what if you end up drinking it more regularly? Is beer bad for your teeth? And how does alcohol affect your oral health? These are all valid questions, and getting the answers is necessary if you’re hoping to improve your diet to better support the strength of your teeth and gums.
How Alcohol Affects Your Oral Health
Drinking alcohol doesn’t only affect your liver; it can also have a negative impact on the health of your mouth. Here are some of the main ways that alcohol adversely impacts your oral health:
It may make you more susceptible to gum disease, or make existing gum disease worse. And the more you drink, the greater the odds of suffering from periodontitis.
Because alcohol has a dehydrating effect in the mouth (it causes a slowdown in saliva production), drinking too much of it might also boost the formation of plaque, which can then further irritate the gums.
The acid in alcohol can erode the enamel of your teeth, weakening them and making them appear yellow. Beyond that, the alcohol itself can stain your teeth as well, especially if it has a darker color, such as red wine.
Drinking too much alcohol may increase your risk of losing your teeth. What’s even scarier than that, though, is that alcohol abuse may even boost your risk of developing oral cancer.
Beer: Just Another Alcoholic Beverage That Could Do Damage
Drinking even a moderate amount of alcohol may have damaging effects on the teeth and gums. And that includes beer. So, if you thought that beer isn’t as bad as, say, hard liquor or wine, think again.
Enamel loss: You want to keep your enamel as strong as possible as you age. This is the tough outer layer of your teeth that forms a protective shield. When your enamel is worn away by acidic foods and drinks, including beer, you might begin noticing that your teeth are more sensitive than they used to be, and your teeth might even become more susceptible to decay. Darker beers, as well as sour beers, tend to be more acidic than lighter beers.
Side note: Do you like adding some citrus to your beer, like a bit of orange or lemon? Well, you might want to reconsider. By adding citrus, you’re making the beer even more acidic and, therefore, more damaging to your precious enamel.
Teeth stains: If you thought that drinking a beer instead of red wine might get you off the hook when it comes to teeth stains, you might be disappointed to learn that this isn’t true. Remember, beer is acidic, so it can wear away your enamel, and that may make your teeth look more yellow. Also, darker beers, artificially colored beers, and beers that are made with fruit can lead to some serious staining of your teeth. And the more often you drink beer, the more likely it’ll be that you’ll start to notice unsightly brown or yellow stains on your once pearly whites.
Good News: You Don’t Have to Give Up Beer Completely!
Just because beer, like alcoholic beverages in general, can be damaging to the teeth and gums doesn’t mean you have to give it up entirely. Instead, reducing the amount of beer that you drink can be a good place to start. And when you do drink, take some smart steps to help undo the damage:
Alternate between drinking the beer and drinking some water. The water will help rehydrate your mouth, and it may help wash away some of the acid that the beer is exposing your mouth to.
In addition to drinking water, you can also try having a mint or some sugar-free gum to help boost the flow of saliva in your mouth when you’re done drinking your beer.
Be sure to brush and floss after you drink beer. You might be tempted to hit the sack after unwinding at night with a cold beer, but do your best to stick to your oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums clean.
Finally, make it a point to see your dentist on a regular basis for a thorough checkup and professional cleaning. And if you have been drinking a lot, let your dentist know so that he or she can look for signs of damage caused by alcohol.
Pro tip: With the right dental insurance, like the plans available from Spirit, you can rest assured that you won’t have to break the bank just to see your dentist throughout the year.
Like all things in life, it’s about moderation when it comes to drinking beer. Too much can do quite a bit of damage to your oral health, but being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect your chompers will allow you to enjoy your brew guilt-free.
Sources:
https://www.perio.org
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/alcohol-and-teeth-three-things-to-consider-before-you-drink
https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/alcohol-teeth
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/what-does-alcohol-do-to-your-teeth#teeth
https://www.guardiandirect.com/resources/articles/how-does-beer-affect-your-teeth
https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/5-myths-about-alcohol-consumption-and-your-oral-health.html
https://www.carefreedental.com/resources/24-your-teeth/18-how-does-beer-affect-your-teeth
You’ve heard a lot about gum disease, but have you heard about gum recession? This is a condition that needs to be treated properly to prevent it from getting worse, especially since it may lead to tooth loss. Yikes!
What is gum recession, and how can it be treated? We’ve got you covered with some helpful info below.
A Brief Explanation of Gum Recession, It’s Causes, and Symptoms
When the gum tissue that surrounds teeth pulls away from them, exposing more of the teeth, including their roots, it’s referred to as gum recession.
A pocket develops between the gums and the teeth affected, making it more likely that bacteria can get in there and cause harm. Ultimately, if treatment isn’t sought, the tooth structure itself will be compromised, and you might end up permanently losing those pearly whites.
Causes:
What causes receding gums? Well, a number of factors might be to blame.
The usual suspect is gum disease, but grinding or clenching might also cause recession, as can poor oral hygiene habits, including brushing too aggressively.
Other possible causes include genetics, hormonal changes, misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite, ill-fitting dentures, and the use of tobacco products.
Symptoms:
In terms of symptoms, you might not even know that you have this problem, as it will develop slowly. However, if you experience sensitivity, that might be a sign that something is wrong. Also, if your teeth start to appear longer than they used to, or you feel a little notch when you place your finger near your gums, you might have receding gums.
Other symptoms might include gums that are red, tender, painful, or swollen. You might experience bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, or a change in your bite. But if you notice that your teeth are loose, it’s definitely time to see your dentist ASAP.
Tip:
Because this isn’t something that you’ll always be able to pick up on on your own, it’s wise to see your dentist regularly for checkups. He or she might notice gum recession in its earliest stages, making it easier to treat.
Don’t Hesitate to Get Treatments for Receding Gums!
The treatment that you’ll need to fix gum recession will depend on how advanced the condition is:
When mild, or in its early stages, your dentist might recommend having the area deep cleaned professionally. Referred to as scaling and root planing, this treatment can clean away plaque and tartar found on teeth and on their roots below the gums. Plus, if there is exposed root, it can be smoothed in order to make it harder for bacteria to stick.
In the case of more severe gum recession, such as if there are deep pockets or bone loss, your dentist might recommend a surgical procedure, such as open flap scaling and root planing, regeneration of lost tissue and bone, or a gum tissue graft.
Here’s a more specific breakdown of the various surgical procedures to treat gum recession:
A gum tissue graft may be needed if a lot of gum tissue was lost because of recession. Basically, tissue is taken from another part of the mouth so that it can be attached to the area around a tooth that was affected. This restores the look and function of the gums to protect the teeth.
When gum recession severely damages the bone that supports a tooth, regeneration may be necessary. This involves folding the gums back, cleaning out the bacteria, and then placing tissue-stimulating protein, a membrane, or graft tissue to regenerate what was lost. Finally, the gums are secured over the roots to allow healing.
Open flap scaling and root planing involves folding back the gums, removing bacteria, and securing the gums back over the roots of the affected teeth to get rid of any pockets, or at least minimize the size of those pockets.
Receding gums treatment may also depend on the cause of your gum recession:
If gum disease is to blame, your dentist might recommend receiving treatments to get your gums back into a state of health. Once again, scaling and root planing might be the way to go, as it can help the gums reattach themselves to the teeth after plaque and tartar are removed.
If the gum recession is the result of you brushing too aggressively, it’s time to change your habits. Your dentist can instruct you on how to brush more carefully and gently, and will likely recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush if you aren’t already doing so.
If the cause of your gum recession is the fact that you clench or grind your teeth, such as when you sleep, you might need a mouthguard. On the other hand, if it’s poor fitting dentures that are to blame, your dentist can help you get new ones that will fit perfectly.
Your Dentist Can Help You Keep Your Gums Healthy and Strong
Seeing your dentist regularly with the help of Spirit dental insurance can put your mind at ease about gum recession, especially since it’s a condition that comes on gradually and sometimes under your radar. With professional checkups and cleanings, you can catch a gum problem before it becomes advanced, so you can tackle it without having to go through a surgical procedure. But even if you have advanced gum recession, rest assured that there are several treatment options available to restore the health of your smile.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/receding_gums_causes-treatments#1
https://www.ada.org/en/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Gum_Recession
https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-gums-treatment
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/receding-gums-treatment-surgical-options
Oftentimes, bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene or something that you ate. Even being under an ultra-stressful situation can cause it! And we all know what morning breath is like.
Bad breath happens to everyone, and there are several causes behind it. But did you know that unpleasant breath might be a sign that there’s a more serious underlying health issue to blame? It’s true!
Having an understanding of the reasons for bad breath that are cause for alarm is one step that you can take towards maintaining your health. So keep reading to learn about some of the main bad breath causes that may indicate something serious is going on.
When Bad Breath Is More Than Just Stinky
Your bad breath might be a signal that something is wrong elsewhere in your body. And your doctor might be able to test your breath for the levels of specific gases that can help pinpoint what’s amiss.
If your breath has high levels of acetone, diabetes might be to blame.
If your breath is high in nitric oxide, you might have asthma.
Too much ammonia in the breath might indicate renal failure.
If your breath has a lot of methylamine, you might be suffering from kidney disease or liver disease.
A mix of gases in your breath might even alert your doctor to throat cancer.
Who knew your breath could tell doctors so much?!
Bad Breath and Gut Problems
Bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of might indicate that the problem really starts in your gut.
Did you know that bad breath might be a sign that you have a stomach ulcer? There will likely be other symptoms, though, such as pain in your stomach, heartburn, and difficulty eating.
If you have a bowel disorder, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or poor digestion, you might end up with bad breath too.
Even constipation may lead to unpleasant breath. So be sure to eat plenty of fiber to stay regular!
Bad Breath, Gum Disease, and Heart Disease
What goes on in your mouth might cause bad breath, but it can also cause damage in other parts of your body as well. That’s why it’s important to take it seriously when you have persistent halitosis.
Many people don’t know this, but the bad breath that comes from gum disease might be a sign that you also need to check your heart health.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s important to realize that treatment is necessary, as allowing it to progress might put your ticker at risk.
Basically, inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease might increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. So, seeing your dentist for treatments to get rid of the gum disease may help you achieve fresher breath and a stronger heart.
What Does Your Breath Smell Like?
Smelling your breath might help you narrow down what’s causing it to occur despite your best efforts at keeping your mouth clean.
Fruity odor = diabetes
Fishy odor = kidney disease
Fecal odor = bowel obstruction
Sour milk odor = lactose intolerance
Rotting odor = lung disease
These aren’t to say you have these conditions, please consult a doctor.
If you’re experiencing other symptoms, in addition to halitosis, it’s certainly worth getting a checkup. Just keep in mind that, to diagnose these conditions, your doctor will need to evaluate more than just your breath.
Other Health Problems That Are Also Bad Breath Causes
We’re not done just yet. There are several other conditions that may lead to bad breath. They include:
Infections in the mouth
Sinus problems, such as postnasal drip
Tonsil infections
Respiratory infections
Blood disorders
Metabolic disorders
Talk to Your Dentist About Chronic Bad Breath
Are you suffering from bad breath and you just can’t figure out how to freshen it up? Consider making an appointment with your dentist to get a cleaning and discuss your oral hygiene routine. That way, you can determine if you’re doing enough at home to keep your mouth as bacteria-free as possible. Plus, your dentist will also be able to evaluate your entire mouth to see if the halitosis is coming from something like gum disease or an infected tooth, as a couple of examples.
If, after seeing your dentist and getting the all-clear, you’re still combating nasty breath, it might be time to see your doctor to discuss what’s been going on, as there may be something in another part of your body that’s causing the off-putting odor. With the right treatment plan, you’ll be able to get your health back on track, and you won’t have to be embarrassed by bad breath anymore.
Sources:
https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/bad-breath-health/
https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/bad-breath-health/
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath
https://www.listerine.com/fresh-breath/causes-bad-breath
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321397
https://www.prevention.com/health/g20431473/5-types-of-bad-breath-and-what-they-say-about-your-health/
https://www.drstevenlin.com/types-of-bad-breath-and-causes/
Are you brushing your teeth the right way? You might think so, but you might actually be missing a few key pointers to ensure you thoroughly clean every surface of every tooth as best as possible.
Brushing the correct way is important, so it’s always wise to refine your technique. After all, the better you can brush your teeth at home, the more impressed your dental hygienist will be—and the less work she’ll have to do when you go for a cleaning!
Ready to start brushing your teeth like a pro? Follow our easy step-by-step guide below to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level.
Just Remember: It’s All About the Angle
Positioning your toothbrush just right can make a world of difference. Experts recommend getting your toothbrush to be at a 45° angle to your gums. Then, once it’s at the correct angle, you can gently move the brush in short, circular strokes that are about the width of each tooth.
When it’s time to brush the inner surfaces of the front teeth, you can change things up a bit by moving the brush so that it is in a vertical position. Then, you can brush up and down those surfaces to clean them.
Note: There’s no need to brush aggressively. Using too much pressure can do more harm than good, as it can lead to enamel erosion and gum damage. Instead, focus on using the right angle and strokes to get the job done.
Step 1: Brush the Outer Surfaces of the Teeth
Start by brushing the outer surfaces of all of your teeth.
You might decide to start in the front of your mouth, or you could start in the back of your mouth and then make your way around to the other side.
You can either start with your top teeth or your bottom teeth first. Just make sure that you go all the way around so you don’t miss any spots.
Note: After using the brush at the 45° angle mentioned above, you can gently roll the bristles away from the gums to ensure you remove debris from the entire tooth surface.
Step 2: Brush the Inner Surfaces of the Teeth
Once you’ve brushed the outer surface of your upper and lower tooth, from the back to the front, it’s time to repeat the process with the inner surfaces of all of those teeth.
Yet again, you can start in the back on one side of your mouth, either the upper or lower teeth, and work your way around, following the directions regarding the correct angle to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Don’t forget to change the angle when you get to the inside of the front teeth.
Step 3: Brush the Chewing Surfaces of the Teeth
Next, it’s time to get the chewing surface of every tooth clean.
As you did for the other surfaces of your teeth, you can begin with the back molars on one side of the mouth and make your way around. If you start with your upper teeth, get them completely clean before moving on to the lower teeth, or vice versa.
For the chewing surface, which is uneven rather than smooth, you can use a back and forth motion to clean it out.
Step 4: Brush Your Tongue
You can use a special tongue cleaner or your toothbrush to clean your tongue. This can help combat bacteria and bad breath.
When brushing your tongue, don’t press too hard. Be gentle, and use circular motions to clean the surface and freshen up your mouth.
Step 5: Rinse
Finally, you can rinse off your toothbrush, and rinse out your mouth with some water.
For extra refreshment, you can even finish up by rinsing with some mouthwash.
That’s it! You’re all done until your next brushing session.
It Only Takes Two Minutes, Twice a Day
Brush your teeth using the technique discussed above for about two minutes per brushing session. And brush once in the morning and once before bed, at a minimum. Follow your dentist’s instructions if you need to brush your teeth more often than that.
Tip - Some electric toothbrushes come with convenient features, like timers and apps, that can help guide you through the brushing process.
You’ve Heard This Before: Don’t Forget to Floss!
Although we’ve covered the proper teeth brushing technique, it’s important to mention that flossing at least once a day is a vital component to a smart at-home oral hygiene routine.
Your toothbrush can’t get all the way in between your teeth, but your floss can, so you don’t want to miss out on using this tool to really freshen up and clean your mouth.
Do You Need to Upgrade Your Toothbrush?
As with anything else, when you have the right tools, the job of cleaning your teeth can become a lot easier. These days, you have a lot of choices when it comes to selecting a toothbrush, as there are loads of manual and electric brushes that can help you thoroughly and efficiently clean your chompers.
Stick with a toothbrush that’s comfortable to use and has soft bristles (toothbrushes with flexible heads might be more comfortable for some people)
The toothbrush should be able to get into hard-to-reach places, including all the way to the back of the mouth and your wisdom teeth
When is it time to replace a toothbrush? Well, if the bristles start to look frayed or damaged in any way, that’s a surefire sign it’s time for a replacement. Otherwise, you can stick with the basic rule of replacing the brush every three to four months.
Are You Doing a Good Job? Your Dentist Can Tell!
The best way to be certain that you’re doing a superb job of brushing your teeth at home is by seeing your dentist for regular checkups. He or she can take a look at your teeth and let you know whether or not you need to make some changes to your technique. And with great dental insurance, you can rest assured that a professional cleaning will take care of anything that you missed.
Now that you know all about the proper teeth brushing technique, you can take yet another smart step towards maintaining your oral health, avoiding problems like gum disease and cavities, and keeping your smile bright and beautiful!
Sources:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-brush-your-teeth-five-steps-for-a-healthy-smile-0913
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/~/media/MouthHealthy/Files/Kids_Section/ADAHowToBrush_Eng.pdf?la=en
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-brush-your-teeth-1058985