Time for a New Toothbrush?

Do you know how many bacteria live on your toothbrush? Brace yourself! Researchers have found that a single toothbrush can be loaded with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria. The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush (or brush head, if you use an electric type) about every three months — more because of the wear on the bristles than germs. 

However, it really depends on the brusher and not the brush. If you have a heavy hand, the bristles might wear out sooner. Remember that the key determinant is not the calendar but the shape the bristles are in. You need to replace your toothbrush when the bristles spew in different directions. Check your children’s toothbrushes regularly because they probably will need to be replaced more frequently. Some toothbrushes have bristles that change colors to indicate they’ve worn out. You can also develop the habit of changing your toothbrush with every six-month dental check-up and then again midway before the next appointment. Or try timing the change to the first day of every season.  

(www.everydayhealth.com)

Some Tooth-Healthy Do's and Dont's

Crunching ice and popcorn – Your teeth are tough and made to last a lifetime eating a normal diet, but they do have a breaking point. Ice is tough – tough enough that glaciers carve mountains and an iceberg could peel open the Titanic. Chewing ice is a common habit; but even if this doesn't cause a major break, it can lead to a network of tiny cracks that can develop serious problems as time goes on. Popcorn has its own dental danger, from husks that can easily become wedged between teeth to uncooked kernels that can damage teeth.

Use a straw/don't swish – The impact of sweet and/or acidic drinks can be cushioned by getting into the habit of drinking through a straw aimed toward the back of the mouth. Swishing a drink through the teeth, however, intensifies the effect of both sugars and acids.

Use water as a mouthwash – Water makes the perfect rinse to clear sugars and acids after eating or drinking.

Be careful brushing - It's recommended that you brush after every meal. However there's an exception; if you have just eaten or drunk an acidic food or beverage, you should rinse with plain water to clear your mouth, and then wait at least a half-hour before brushing. After the acid bath, your tooth enamel is more vulnerable to damage. Waiting a while gives saliva a chance to remineralize the teeth so the brushing doesn't worsen damage. (www.pioneerthinking.com)

Retainer Wear is Important

There is a critical part to orthodontic treatment called retention, where an upper and lower retainer is worn to stabilize the teeth. As a patient you have invested your time, efforts and finances, which is what the retainers are there to protect. To put it simply: the gum tissue has a “strong memory” that, if not stabilized post-treatment, could possibly cause the teeth to shift out of alignment. Many assume after a year or two of consistent retainer wear the teeth are stable enough to discard the retainers and forget about them forever. This is untrue because many things can cause the teeth to shift: a high surface area from a restoration or filling, periodontal issues and as we age in general are all factors that can contribute to misalignment of the teeth. This can be avoided by retention with upper and lower retainers. (www.drcarr.com)

February Is National Children's Health Month!

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums."For a Sparkly Smile, Brush & Floss Every Day!" Also, remember to get your dental cleanings every 6 months!

Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO:

• Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
• Wear a helmet.
• Wear protective eye wear.
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin.
• Be alert, even as a spectator

Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth threatening activities. Remember, stay safe and have fun!