Dental Questions: How can I clean around braces?

Braces can make cleaning any mouth very difficult. The wires, bulky brackets and food trapping ledges all contribute to problems with home care. Fortunately, there are many great products and techniques for keeping your orthodontic appliances clean. Take a look!

A typical example of floss threaders.

One of the most obvious difficulties in cleaning around braces is the inability to floss between teeth. The orthodontic wire prevents regular dental floss from reaching the critical areas at/beneath the gum line. A typical solution to this problem is using a floss threader or dental floss with a built in threader tip. These products allow you to push the floss underneath the wire and reach all areas of the teeth. Newer devices like GumChucks ORTHOgami achieve the same outcome, but with a different form factor. For younger patients, dental picks and floss brushes should be used carefully, as they have the potential to damage the gum tissue and cause bleeding. They are, however, useful for cleaning sticky food out from between the wire and tooth. 

GumChucks ORTHOgami

Brushing around the wires and brackets relies more on careful technique than a special product. You will probably need to make a conscious effort to get the toothbrush positioned underneath the wire and into the various angels of the brackets. Some companies sell special orthodontic brushes with smaller heads for manuvering around the appliances. Still, a standard toothbrush and good technique should be sufficient for most patients. Keeping the gums and tooth surfaces around the brackets healthy is a priority for any patient in braces. You don't want to finish your orthodontic treatment only to have cavities in your beautiful smile!

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we know that braces can turn dental hygiene into even more of a chore. We are here to make the process as easy as possible. If you would like to know more about braces, orthodontics, toothbrushes or dental cleanings, please give our office a call!

The ADA Seal of Acceptance

When you're shopping the oral healthcare aisle at your local market, you will notice most products bear the "ADA Seal of Acceptance." This logo indicates that the American Dental Association stands behind the item's efficacy and ability to improve your overall oral health. However, it is important to understand exactly what the seal means and how you can use it to inform your product choices. 

When a product earns the ADA seal of acceptance, it means that it contains an attribute that is scientifically proven to maintain or improve oral health. For toothpastes, it might be a therapeutic dose of fluoride. For mouth guards, it might mean a minimum level of shock/impact protection. To earn this endorsement, manufacturers have to apply to the ADA. The seal is not a legal or regulatory requirement to designate an "effective" product. Therefore, items without the seal of acceptance aren't necessarily lacking these important attributes. For example, lesser known brands of toothpaste may contain an appropriate amount of fluoride, but still do not have the seal. With that being said, shopping without the seal of acceptance can place you at risk of purchasing a less effective product. Fluoride free toothpastes, charcoal whitening powders and flimsy mouth guards all lack the ADA seal, and for good reason: they probably won't do you much good!

On the opposite side, just because a product contains the seal of acceptance does not automatically indicate it is the right one for you. For example, Listerine mouth rinse bears the ADA seal of acceptance due to it's ability to aid in the treatment of periodontal disease. However, if you struggle more with tooth decay than gum disease, a fluoride rinse like ACT with fluoride (which also bears the seal) would be far more advantageous. At the end of the day, you should be reading packaging for active ingredients, what they accomplish and decide if it fits in with your oral health needs. 

We know that there are many types and varieties of products available to keep your mouth happy and healthy. If you have any questions about toothpastes, toothbrushes, floss or the seal of acceptance, please give our office a call!

Dental Questions: What Should I Use to Floss my teeth?

From wax floss to water flossers and dental picks, there are a number of products on the market that you can use to clean between your teeth. If you have struggled with using traditional floss in the past, you've probably considered switching to another method. Generally speaking, all types of accepted dental flossers do a satisfactory job of cleaning between the teeth. Take a look to find out what type of product is best for your specific needs!

The most common method of cleaning between the teeth is via dental floss. Countless research papers show that using floss once a day between the teeth helps prevents cavities, gum disease and the growth of bacteria in these areas. If you have had issues with using floss in the past, you may have more success with handle flossers like the Reach Access Flosser. These products are easier to manipulate in the mouth and provide the same cleaning motion as traditional string floss. If you still want to use regular floss but find it shreds between your teeth or hurts your gums, consider switching to a waxed floss like Oral B Glide. No matter what type or brand, always floss in an up and down motion, bringing the floss against one tooth, down to the gum level and back up, then repeating this motion on its neighbor. 

Some patients will prefer pick or brush type flossers over traditional string floss. In fact, research shows that individuals with severe recession or large spaces between their teeth will benefit more from products like the GUM Proxabrush than traditional floss. The key is that it still needs to be used once a day on every tooth. With these products, it is important to make sure that you are not traumatizing your gums or causing prolonged bleeding. This can be a sing of erosive wear that can lead to more recession. 

Water flossers like Waterpik can also be used to clean out plaque, bacteria and food from in between the teeth. A side benefit is their ability to clear out packed-in food from the pits and grooves of the tooth biting surfaces. The biggest concern with these products is that they can be quite abrasive to the gums and dental enamel. Be aware of the water stream strength and tip you use, particularly if you are using a water flosser every day. Also, never add anything other than water to the flosser's tank without consulting a dentist first. 

The type of flossing method you use is largely a matter of personal preference. The most important part is that you are cleaning between your teeth once a day, every day. Flossing daily takes about a minute of your time but can save thousands of dollars long term. For more information on oral hygiene, flossing or toothbrushes, please give our office a call!

Oral Hygiene for Kids

We know that getting your young ones to keep their teeth clean can be a challenge. However, the effort is definitely worth it: healthy baby teeth assist in the proper positioning and development of the adult dentition. Not to mention starting your children off young sets them up for a lifetime of great oral health, often saving thousands of dollars in dental expenses. Read on to discover how to maximize the protective factors for your child's teeth!

The first baby teeth typically erupt into the mouth between 6 and 18 months. Prior to this, we suggest keeping your child's mouth clean with a wet cloth. Once the teeth erupt, you should start brushing twice a day with a rice-grain sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. After two teeth grow in next to each other, you can begin flossing in this area. At about three years, you can start brushing with a pea-sized portion of paste.  Remember, children typically lack the dexterity to brush and floss their own teeth until they can tie their own shoes. Be careful to monitor how much toothpaste that they are using and make sure they are not swallowing excessive paste. 

The bacteria responsible for tooth decay colonize children at a young age (usually under the age of three). New research suggests that sharing utensils or cleaning dropped pacifiers and bottles with spit during this period can prematurely introduce these bacteria to a child's mouth. While there is a near 100% chance that these bacteria will eventually colonize everyone, delaying them as long as possible may prevent the number and extent of cavities. Once your child is old enough to rinse and spit without swallowing, you can add a fluoride rinse like ACT brand to double down on cavity prevention. 

We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit at 12 months of age or when all four central incisors are erupted (whichever is first). This is a short appointment for a general exam and to introduce your child to the dental office setting. If you would like to know more about cavity prevention, children's oral health or dental development, please give our office a call!

Dental Questions: Does the order of brushing and flossing matter?

One of the most common oral health questions dentists receive from patients is the proper order of brushing and flossing. We are here to assure you that there is no recommended order to a standard oral health regimen. As long as you are brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, you are experiencing all the benefits of basic home oral hygiene. Dentists typically recommend brushing once in the morning and (definitely) once right before going to sleep/after your last meal. Flossing can take place at any point throughout the day, so long as it happens before you go to sleep. 

Beyond these suggestions, you may want to consider these options as well:

-Brush in the morning before breakfast. Brushing right after a meal can actually damage dental enamel due to the acidic affects of digested carbohydrates and the abrasive nature of toothpastes. 

-Using an alcohol rinse like Listerine after brushing can limit the fluoride activity of toothpaste. If you are at a high risk for developing cavities, consider switching to a fluoride rinse like ACT. 

-Chronic non-flosser? Consider keeping a bag of handle flossers in your car. It's a great reminder to keep those teeth clean!

-While sugar-free chewing gum can help clean/protect teeth, it is no replacement for brushing and flossing. However, a sick of gum after lunch or dinner can help dislodge food and stimulate protective salivary flow. 

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any other questions on oral hygiene, flossing, brushing or toothpaste choices, please give our office a call.

Get your teeth back in shape!

New year new you, right? If you're hitting the gym and shaping up as part of your new year's resolution, why not include your teeth in that plan? Here's a list of some of our favorite products and techniques for getting your oral health in peak performance.

Cut out the "slow" sugar- Are you a frequent snacker? Are you always sipping on a mocha or soda? These habits that involve consuming sugars and carbs over long periods of time are detrimental to your dental enamel health. Try to cut down on duration of consumption or switch to low/no sugar options like carrots, water or cheese (no crackers). Remember to rinse with water after every meal!

Get a mouth rinse that fits your needs- Most patients gravitate towards alcohol based mouth rinses like Listerine for the satisfying burn and promises of a healthier mouth. These types of rinses are great for patients with periodontal problems. However, many are at higher risk of developing cavities than periodontal disease and would not see much benefit from these products. For them, we would recommend a fluoride rinse like Act Fluoride or Carifree Ctx3 (available at our office). 

Go Electric- If you haven't tried an electric toothbrush yet, now is the time! They make brushing easier, more convenient and generally more enjoyable. Make sure to look for a product with a built in timer and pressure sensor. 

Brighten your smile- Not satisfied with the shade of your teeth? There are a number of awesome tooth whitening services and products available today. At our office, Dr. Kari Ann Hong offers both take-home bleach trays and in-office single visit whitening. If you are interested in trying an over-the-counter method, we recommend Crest Whitestrips and the like. 

Stick to the basics- Beyond any viral videos and secret techniques, brushing for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily is the hands down best way to keep on top of your oral hygiene. No other product, service or trick can match the efficacy of this regimen. Don't overcomplicate it!

Check in for your check ups- Regular dental exams and cleanings are crucial to your oral health. There is simply no substitute for the expertise of a dental hygienist and dentist in keeping your teeth in tip top shape. You'll save money too- catching small problems early on avoids the need for large fillings, crowns, extractions and other invasive procedures. 

We hope you found our list informative! If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact our office.

Dental Holiday Gift Ideas!

With Christmas around the corner, many people are looking for unique and useful gift ideas. Why not give that special someone an upgrade to their oral health? Here are some of our picks for top dental gift ideas for 2016!

Almost everyone will appreciate the benefits of an electric toothbrush. Wether it spins, slides or vibrates, the motorized action seems to make brushing a more enjoyable experience. We recommend looking for a model with a built in two minute timer and pressure sensor. You can usually find deals at big box stores on brands like Phillips Sonicare and Oral B. Before you buy, make sure replacement heads are readily available and reasonably priced. 

For the person always on-the-go, you may want to consider a dental subscription service like Quip or Goby. Here, you purchase the initial electric toothbrush and the company sends you regular toothpaste refills and replacement brush heads. This takes all the guesswork out of keeping your brush in working order! Again, look for a product that has a timer and pressure sensor. Additionally, check that the refill toothpaste contains cavity fighting fluoride. 

Looking for stocking stuffers? Try a fun brand/flavor of toothpaste. Crest has various lines of toothpaste with flavors like citrus, cinnamon and even chocolate! You can also try organic brands like Toms of Maine. However, be careful that the paste you choose contains fluoride. If you know any kids or teens in braces, built-in threader floss or ORTHOgami flossers can be a fun way to encourage good oral hygiene. The possibilities are endless!

If you need any help picking out the perfect dental Christmas gift, please give our office a call. We want everyone in your family to be excited about having excellent oral health. Happy Holidays!

What do I look for in a Toothbrush?

What makes a good brush? Take a look at these five guidelines and you're sure to pick a great product!

1. Look for a toothbrush with a small brush head. Bigger brushes are hard to maneuver and tend to miss important areas.

2. Only buy soft brush heads. Stiff bristles can damage enamel and wear away at gums causing serious damage. 

3. Don't fall for gimmicks. What's more important than "cross bristles" or "massaging action" is that you use the brush for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

4. Remember to replace often. Older brushes harbor bacteria and don't work as efficiently. Make sure you are getting a brush that you are comfortable replacing on a regular basis.

5. Consider going electric. Electric brushes take a lot of the guesswork out of brushing your teeth. Look for products from Oral-B and Sonicare for the best battery life, easiest to find replacement heads and beneficial features. Try to find a model with a built in timer and pressure sensor to get the most out of brushing. 

What's in a Toothbrush?

“What type of toothbrush do you recommend?”

- A question heard daily at dental offices around the world. Between TV ads, flashy packaging and nearly miraculous promises, there seem to be an infinite number of variables on the simple brush. Fortunately, picking a great toothbrush is easy and straightforward. There is no need to go out and buy the priciest or latest model; as long as you keep some simple principles in mind, you are sure to make a great choice.

When picking out a manual toothbrush, the most important factors to consider are brush head size and bristle stiffness. In general, a smaller brush head will allow you to better access the more difficult-to-clean areas of your mouth. This is especially true for young children, who have much less room to accommodate a large head. Also, make sure you are using a toothbrush with soft or (at the most) medium stiffness bristles. Stiff and extra stiff options can actually cause damage to your enamel and gum tissue, particularly if you tend to brush with a lot of force. Beyond size and stiffness, the brush you use should be a matter of personal choice. Make sure to use a toothbrush that is comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver all over your mouth.

For those looking to “upgrade” their brushing experience, our office recommends switching to an electric toothbrush. For the average patient, electric toothbrushes offer a more complete cleaning experience by taking the guesswork out of duration, proper motion and amount of force necessary. While it may be possible to achieve the same level of clean with a manual brush, electric variants simplify the process while simultaneously making it harder to “cheat” on brushing time.

When shopping for an electric brush, we recommend looking for the best deals available on brushes with timers and force sensors. Big box stores tend to have the best prices, particularly on two packs (for you and a loved one!). Most brushes will fall into either the sonic (vibrating) or the spinning (mechanical) category. We recommend picking whichever motion you think you will like the best. As with manual brushes, the most important factors are brush head size and bristle stiffness. So long as the brush comes with a reasonably small and soft head, any mechanical motion will be beneficial to your teeth and gums.

If you have any further questions about toothbrush choices, do not hesitate to call our office. Any of our staff members can offer great perspective on what models have worked best for them personally. We are more than happy to make recommendations and suggestions with all your home dental hygiene choices!