It’s probably been a very long time since anyone talked to you about the correct way to brush your teeth. If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve likely developed some bad habits over the years that have resulted in less than ideal brushing techniques. A refresher course in tooth brushing certainly won’t hurt. Following is the right way to brush teeth to maximize dental hygiene.

Start With a Sterile Brush

How many times have you used your toothbrush and then just laid it back on the bathroom sink or stuck it in a cup? Dozens of times? Many more times than that? The quality—and cleanliness—of your toothbrush is integral to your dental health. If you keep using the same brush again and again without sterilizing it, you’re just reintroducing bacteria into your mouth each time you brush. Consider replacing your brush at least once every two weeks. In between, you should be sterilizing your brush each night. Talk to your dentist about effective toothbrush sterilization methods.

Use Plenty of Toothpaste

Some people brush their teeth with just a tiny dot of toothpaste, while others try to emulate the amount demonstrated on television commercials. Somewhere in the middle is the correct amount. You want enough toothpaste to apply to each tooth, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. Finally, make sure you use fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride has been proven to help prevent cavities.

Brush Vertically, Not Horizontally

When you brush horizontally, you could simply be grinding food debris deeper into your gums. That’s not the direction you want to go. Instead, brush vertically, starting from the gum line and working your way upward. Focus on brushing each individual tooth in this fashion, angling the brush about 45 degrees so the bristles capture food debris and bring it up and away from the gums.

Don’t Forget the Insides

Although you get the most visible satisfaction from your pearly whites on the outside surface, you need to pay attention to the insides. Swing the handle of the toothbrush upward and brush each tooth, starting from the gum line and moving upward.

Finally, rinse thoroughly. This will help to ensure that all dislodged food debris is swept out of your mouth. For a practical lesson in person on teeth brushing techniques, talk to your dentist.

According to the American College of Prosthodontics, there are more than 36 million Americans who don’t have any teeth. Obtaining dentures gives you your smile back, but initially, wearing dentures can feel a little awkward. With a little diligence and some good tips, your dentures will feel more like a part of your mouth and less like a foreign object. Here are a few tips to help you get adjusted to your dentures as quickly as possible.

1. Exercise your buccinator muscles.

In general terms, the buccinator muscles are your cheeks, and these muscles have a lot to do with how you speak and chew your food. If your buccinator muscles are strong, it will not take as much effort to chew with your dentures. It is a good idea to do what you can to strengthen these muscles before you ever get your dentures, but you should definitely continue these exercises even after you get your new teeth.

2. Keep your dentures in your mouth as much as you can.

You will be tempted to pull your dentures out every time you get the chance, but this is not the best thing to do. The more you keep the prosthetic teeth in your mouth, the faster they will feel like they are naturally supposed to be there. It is OK to take out the denture arches to give your gums a rest, but try to keep your teeth in while you talk, eat, and even while you sleep.

3. Practice eating with your dentures in your mouth.

Eating can be a challenge at first because chewing with dentures is not the same as chewing with regular teeth. Start with small bites and easy-to-chew foods, such as small bite-sized veggies like cooked peas or beans. Chew slowly and take your time until you get accustomed to how the dentures work with your mouth and chewing movements. As you get used to eating small bits of food, you can graduate to larger foods that are a little harder to chew.

Having dentures can change your life, so take your time to get used to them so you will have the best experience. To find out more about dentures, reach out to us at the office of S. Marc Dibenedetto DDS for more information.

Are you considering having your teeth whitened? It’s a great way to enhance your smile and feel more confident, but you probably have a few questions before you commit to the procedure. Here are some questions the patients of our Beavercreek, OH dental office ask when they’re considering teeth whitening:

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

While everybody’s different, it’s not uncommon for people to experience some discomfort and sensitivity shortly after the whitening process is complete. Rest assured, if you do have mild pain as a result of teeth whitening, there’s no damage being done to your teeth, and the sensitivity typically subsides within a couple of days.

Are Store-Bought Tooth-Whitening Products Just as Good as Services Performed in Dental Offices?

Effectively, both in-store whitening products and whitening services performed by a dentist have the same goal: to make your teeth whiter. The difference is typically the strength at which the hydrogen peroxide (the whitening agent that removes dirt, debris, and stains from the surface of your teeth) is delivered. Store-bought brands aren’t nearly as strong as the products dentists use; therefore, they can’t deliver the same effects as professionally administered teeth whitening.

Can Anybody Get Their Teeth Whitened?

Most people are great candidates for teeth whitening, but not everybody is eligible for this type of procedure. In particular, people who have gum disease or patients who already have extremely sensitive teeth shouldn’t have their teeth whitened. Additionally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their dentists before partaking in any teeth whitening procedures, as it’s usually best to wait until baby’s born and feeding on a bottle.

Can I Drink and Eat Normally After Teeth Whitening?

You’ll want to avoid eating or drinking anything that could stain your teeth for at least 24 hours after the procedure. This includes things like:

• Coffee
• Red wine
• Black tea
• Red sauce (such as spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce)
• Soy sauce
• Red meat
• Fruit

After 24 to 48 hours, you can go back to eating and drinking as you normally would. Of course, it’s best to avoid foods that will stain your teeth when you can if you want to keep your pearly whites as white as possible.

If you’re looking for an outstanding dental office that loves helping people love their smiles, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about the teeth whitening services we offer at S. Marc DiBenedetto, D.D.S. and schedule your initial consultation today!

Welcome to our dentist in Beavercreek, Ohio at Dr. Marc Family Dental. We offer cosmetic dentistry along with family dentistry and denture services. Our dentist, S. Marc DiBenedetto DDS has been treating dental patients since 1984. Learn more about what you can expect when you make an appointment with Dr. Marc today for cosmetic dentistry in Ohio.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental care that focuses on the look of your teeth, gums, and smile. Whereas we recommend visiting our dentist for teeth cleaning every six months, this type of dental service is most often elective. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve your smile so that you feel more comfortable and confident. You may want to get cosmetic treatments to straighten, replace, or alter the color of your existing teeth. We will help you choose the right cosmetic dentistry treatments for you or your family member.

What is the Most Popular Type of Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments?

We offer an array of cosmetic dentistry treatments here at Dr. Marc Family Dental in Beavercreek, Ohio. Get started with dental implants and veneers to improve your existing smile. We also offer teeth whitening and tooth-colored fillings to help further you maintain that perfectly polished grin. We may recommend orthodontal care to help improve the positioning of your teeth and gums. This has the added benefit of reducing abnormal wear and tear on your teeth over the course of your lifetime.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

Yes, as long as you proceed with cosmetic dentistry from a qualified, licensed, and certified dental professional. Always depend on your local dentist for any changes and alterations to your smile. We will proceed with a professional evaluation of your current dental health, including an oral exam. From there, we will discuss your oral health history and budget. This will be used to create a personalized treatment plan that we will follow to meet your cosmetic dentistry goals.

Choose Cosmetic Dentistry in Beavercreek, OH

To begin with your cosmetic dentistry procedure in Beavercreek, OH, contact our office at 937-429-1761. We specialize in friendly and comfortable dental care for your entire family. Call today as we are currently accepting new patients.