Important Tips for BRUSHING and FLOSSING

Important Tips for BRUSHING and FLOSSING

When it comes to the care of your teeth, Centers for Healing knows that proper brushing and flossing techniques do make a difference in the health of your mouth. Holistic Dentists and traditional dentists both agree that establishing a daily oral care routine should not be difficult. Unfortunately, you face an overload of information from advertisements touting the latest in brushing and flossing products.

Types of brushes:

Brush Types
"Important Tips for Brushing and Flossing"

Toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes and bristle styles. The American Dental Association (ADA) does offer advice to help you choose.

- Ensure that the brush you choose has the ADA Seal of Approval.
- The ends of the bristles should be rounded; jagged ends can damage your gums.
- Most individuals will benefit from a soft bristled brush. Softer bristles will be gentler on tooth enamel, even if you have a heavy hand when brushing.
- The head of the toothbrush should fit comfortably in your mouth. If the head is too large, you may not be able to properly brush your back teeth.

Dr. David Villarreal suggests "Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Frayed or worn out bristles will do more damage than good."

Brushing techniques:

Brushing Techniques
"Important Tips for Brushing and Flossing"

While getting your teeth clean is important, over-brushing can actually be damaging to your teeth and gums. Also some holistic tooth whitening products allow for safe whitening of teeth. Brushing too hard can wear away the tooth enamel and cause sensitivity.

- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface.
- Use short, gentle back and forth strokes.
- Clean all of the surfaces of your teeth. The inside, outside and chewing surfaces are all important.
- To brush the inside surfaces of your front teeth hold the brush vertically. Use gentle up and down brush strokes.
- Do not forget to brush your tongue.

Types of floss:

- Floss is available as waxed or unwaxed string. Waxed floss may glide more smoothly between your teeth.
- The flavoring in floss is designed to make the process more enjoyable.
- Floss tape is used in the same manner as string.
- Floss picks can be useful in reaching back teeth or if you have dexterity problems.

Flossing techniques:

To use string floss you will need a piece about 18 inches in length. Wrap the ends a couple of times around your middle or index fingers. Gently work the floss back and forth between each of your teeth. You should be making a “C” shape against the tooth surface.

Be careful not to cut into your gums while flossing. If you notice any bleeding of your gums, consult your dentist. Centers for Healing along with The ADA recommends that you floss your teeth once a day. The time of day and the brushing and flossing sequence do not matter.

Your holistic dentist or traditional dentist is the best source of information when it comes to caring for your teeth. Every individual does have different needs and we will work with you to determine what works best for your situation. If you have questions regarding brushing techniques or which floss or toothbrush to use, ask at your next visit. Keeping your mouth healthy will make your check-ups a pleasant experience. 

Visit us online at www.CentersforHealing.net

Centers for Healing is a holistic dental practice. We are located at:
1000 Newbury Rd.; Ste. 225
Newbury Park, CA 91320 (minutes from Malibu)
805-375-2233
805-375-4499
info@centersforhealing.net

The Real Cause of TOOTH DECAY

The Real Cause of TOOTH DECAY

The Real Cause of TOOTH DECAY

Centers for Healing knows that If you have ever suffered from a toothache, you know how excruciating the pain can be. Tooth pain is usually caused by irritation to the nerves in the roots of the teeth, although there are other potential sources of the pain as well. Fortunately, there are ways to both prevent and resolve a toothache, regardless of its cause.

Causes of Tooth Pain

Some of the most common causes of tooth pain include:

1. Tooth Decay – Also known as cavities, tooth decay occurs when bacteria erodes the enamel of the tooth, which can eventually expose the nerve. This is the most common cause of tooth pain.
2. Gum Disease – Also known as periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria populate along and below the gum line.
3. Injury – An injury can include a small chip or a large break in the tooth.
4. Impaction – Teeth often become impacted beneath the surface of the gums. This condition is most common in molars, such as the wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth may cause no pain at all, or it could become extremely painful if it begins to affect the nerves and teeth around it.

Pain Resolution

Determining the source of your pain starts with a trip to the dentist. Usually, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination that may include X-rays. If your X-rays or examination reveal tooth decay, the solution may involve a simple filling, a root canal or even a tooth extraction. Now What?? Centers for Healing help you decide which option is best for you based on how advanced the tooth decay is, as well whether an infection is present within the tooth. Centers for Healing uses holistic dentistry as an approach to dental care and prevention.

If, however, gum disease is causing your tooth pain, Centers for Healing knows the solution may be as simple as a root planing and scaling, followed by administration of oral or topical antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing your symptoms. If you have a cracked, chipped or broken tooth, your dentist may resolve your pain by either filling the crack, or covering the tooth with a crown designed to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth.
If your dental X-rays reveal that you have an impacted tooth, you will most likely need to have it extracted to avoid causing damage or misalignment to the other teeth. Impacted teeth can also become infected, which is why it is important to remove impacted teeth before they begin to cause problems.

Prevention

Although there are ways of treating a toothache, the best way to treat it is by preventing it altogether. Some causes of tooth pain are not preventable, such as an impacted tooth or a predisposition to tooth sensitivity. However, tooth decay and gum disease are easily prevented by using good hygienic practices at home and visiting your dentist for regular examinations and cleanings. By brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing, as well as wearing protective mouth guards when participating in high impact activities, you can significantly decrease your chances of developing tooth pain in the future.

Visit us online at www.CentersforHealing.net

Centers for Healing is a holistic dental practice. We are located at:
1000 Newbury Rd.; Ste. 225
Newbury Park, CA 91320 (minutes from Malibu)
805-375-2233
805-375-4499
info@centersforhealing.net