What is an Oral Abscess?

What is an oral abscess?

An oral abscess is an infection at the root of the tooth or between the gum and the tooth. It’s a result of tooth decay and erosion, which is caused by cavities or poor oral health habits. An abscess creates a pocket of pus on the inside of the teeth, gums, or throat. 

There are three types of abscesses:

  • Gingival abscess: This type of abscess only affects the gum tissue.  
  • Periodontal abscess: This type of abscess starts in the supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth.
  • Periapical abscess: This abscess affects the soft pulp of the tooth.

Causes of Oral Abscesses:

Oral abscesses are caused by bacterial infections that have accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth.  The soft pulp of the tooth contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.

Other factors that may cause oral abscesses:

  • Poor dental hygiene:  Not taking proper care of your teeth and gums (i.e. such as not brushing your teeth twice a day and not flossing) can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other dental and mouth complications.
  • High sugar intake:  Frequently eating and drinking foods rich in sugar can contribute to dental cavities and turn into a tooth abscess.

Symptoms That Are Common:

The main symptom of a dental abscess is pain. This pain can be intolerable and frequently gets worse with time. Pain may radiate to your ear, jawbone, and neck.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the affected area when biting or touching it
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot food and liquids
  • Foul taste in the mouth
  • Fever
  • General unwell feeling
  • Difficulty opening the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing

How to Treat an Oral Abscess:

Oral abscesses do not go away without professional dental intervention. They can spread, leading to more serious conditions such as sinus tracts, cysts, and sepsis. Bacteria from your mouth spreads to other parts of the body. 

Your dentists will assess the severity of your abscess by probing the teeth, taking X-rays, and examining your gums and jawline. Treatments include draining pus from the abscess. This is the only way to remove the infection and prevent further complications. First, a procedure called scaling and root planing will occur to remove any plaque and tartar from above and beneath the gum line. Depending on how severe the abscess is, your dentist may have to perform a root canal or tooth extraction. 

With early detection, treatments for oral abscesses are effective. If you do not get this treated, abscesses can lead to potentially life-threatening infections. 

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Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Mouth

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing is the trifecta of keeping your teeth and mouth healthy. But there is more to maintaining a healthy mouth for your overall health. There is more to keeping your teeth and gums healthy than ditching sticky sweets, soda, and smoking. 

5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Mouth

1. Regular visits

According to the Canadian Dental Association, 75% of Canadians go to the dentist annually.  It is recommended to bi-annually to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and strong. Regular cleanings and checkups help prevent serious gum and teeth diseases. Your dentist will be able to catch anything before it gets too serious, making it easier to treat. 

2. Diet

Reducing sugar intake is important to maintaining a healthy mouth. Sugar build up can create plaque on your teeth that produces bacteria which breaks down the enamel on your teeth. When the enamel is weak, your teeth are more likely to decay or break. A balanced diet is crucial to your teeth. Nutrients that promote strong bones, healthy gums, and fatty acids that reduce gum disease should be a part of your daily diet. 

3. Stop Smoking

Smoking does not only discolour your teeth. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes eat away at your gums and teeth. Your mouth becomes a breeding grounds for bacteria and infections. This bacteria makes your mouth more susceptible for gum disease and oral cancer which can affect your lips, gums, teeth, and tongue. 

4. Proper Brushing Technique

It’s common knowledge to brush twice a day, but if you aren’t brushing with the proper technique, your teeth may not be getting clean. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. This allows the bristles to clean under the gum line and between the teeth near the root. Use gentle, circular motions to brush. Brushing aggressively can actually damage your teeth and erode your gum line. 

5. Floss

Flossing promotes healthier teeth and gums. However, it is like brushing. There is a proper technique and doing it the wrong way can damage your gum line. Use about 12-inches of floss and wrap it around your index fingers. Have about 2-3 inches of floss between your fingers. It’s important to use fresh floss between each tooth so you don’t spread food particles. Slide the floss against the tooth to break up food particles and break up plaque without harming the gum line. 

What better time is there to implement a proper dental regime? 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Seven Different Types of Dentists

When you think of a dentist, chances are, you think of a general family dentists who performs your regular cleanings and checkups. But that is just one specialty in the field of dentistry. From performing complicated oral surgeries to fixing misaligned teeth to creating dentures and cosmetic dental fixtures, there are many types of dentists who are passionate about helping you achieve the best oral health. 

Seven Types of Dentists

  1. General Dentists

A general dentist takes care of your mouth on a regular basis.  General dentists monitor your oral health and are able to help guide you if you need extensive dental surgery, orthodonture, or dentures. Their work primarily revolves around preventative oral care. This includes:

  • Dental cleanings
  • X-rays
  • Patient education
  • Repairing cracked or chipped teeth
  • Teeth whitening

2. Orthodontists

Orthodontists specialize in facial and dental irregularities. Typically known as dentists who install braces, orthodontists’ care extends much further. They are responsible for correcting misaligned teeth, jaw bones, and facial structures. Sometimes this includes designing custom headgear, retainers, facemasks, Invisalign®, or other appliances to correct your smile. 

3. Endodontist

Endodontists specialize in endodontic therapy which is used to maintain the teeth. This type of dental specialists most commonly performs root canals. Root canals are necessary when the inside of the tooth (the pulp) becomes damaged, inflamed, or rotten through injury or decay and needs to be removed. 

4. Pedodontist

A pedodontist (or pediatric dentist) specializes in dental care for children. They are similar to general dentists, but are trained to handle behavioural issues while treating children and adolescents.  Children require more hands-on care when it comes to dentistry, since they have not yet established a healthy oral care routine. 

5. Oral Pathologist

Oral pathologists study the different causes of diseases that occur in the mouth that affect the jaw, lips, teeth, and cheek structures. If you have abnormal coloring on your gums or growths inside your mouth that are visible on an X-ray, pathologists will often biopsy the affected area and test for underlying diseases or conditions that are harmful. If the structures of your mouth are infected, damaged, or diseased, the rest of your body can suffer. 

6. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform any type of surgery that involve the mouth. Oral surgeons lay the groundwork for future dental work, as they improve bone structures, teeth, and other cosmetic features that are required before any other dental procedures can occur. 

Oral surgeons perform these types of procedures: 

  • Tooth extractions
  • Reconstructive surgeries
  • Cleft palate or cleft lip surgeries
  • Biospies
  • Tissue extractions
  • Facial infections
  • Sleep apnea treatments
  • Surgical jaw corrections

7. Periodontist

Periodontists focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating various gum diseases and conditions. If you notice gum sensitivity or bleeding during brushing and flossing, a periodontist will help diagnose and treat your issue. They are also responsible for treating extreme gum disease (periodontal disease), installing dental implants, and performing cosmetic skin grafting on gums. Periodontists often work with general dentists on creating comprehensive prevention and treatments plans for their patients. 

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Tooth Sensitivity & How to Prevent It

Tooth sensitivity is common, and many patients have discomfort that is associated with temperature. But your teeth can be sensitive to many other factors that your mouth may encounter on a daily basis. Sensitivity to sugar, acid, brushing and flossing are just a few. But you don’t have to suffer if you have sensitive teeth.  

Below is a compilation of things that cause sensitivity and ways you can prevent your teeth from aching. 

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

People with sensitive teeth report certain triggers that worsen their pain and discomfort. Pain can be a dull ache or a throbbing, sharp pain. You may feel the pain on a surface level of your teeth or at the root of your teeth. 

Common triggers include: 

  • Tooth decay/cavities
  • Worn enamel
  • Gum disease or infection
  • Exposed tooth root
  • Over-brushing
  • Acidic foods
  • Cracked or chipped teeth

How to Prevent & Treat Tooth Sensitivity

When you experience tooth pain, it is important to see a dentist right away. This will help determine the root cause of your pain and whether or not your pain is caused by something that is easily preventable, or if there is a larger problem. 

If sensitivity is caused by receding gums, brush gently and maintain good oral health to promote gum regrowth. If gum recession is severe, your dentist may recommend a gum graft. This involves taking tissue from your palate and placing it over the root to protect the tooth. 

Grinding your teeth can cause tooth sensitivity because it wears down enamel and chip teeth. Reducing stress and caffeine before bed may help prevent you grinding your teeth at night. If you are a habitual teeth grinder and reducing caffeine and stress does not help, a mouthguard will protect your teeth. 

Ways to Treat Tooth Sensitivity

  • Salt water rinses: to alleviate pain from tooth sensitivity, using a salt water rinse twice a day can help. 
  • Honey and warm water: Honey contains antibacterial properties and can be used to treat wounds, reduce pain, and inflammation. Rinsing with warm water and honey can relieve pain from sensitive teeth. 
  • Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Hard-bristled toothbrushes are abrasive and and aggravate sensitive gums and teeth. Switch to a soft toothbrush and practice gentle brushing techniques. 
  • Natural Remedies: Natural herbs and plants like turmeric, vanilla, and green tea leaves can all be used to treat sensitive teeth. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea leaves can strengthen teeth and reduce swelling. Vanilla extract can be dabbed on the affected teeth to reduce pain. 

Tooth sensitivity does not have to take away your simple pleasures. Talk to your dentist today!

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How to Treat & Prevent Gum Infections

Every area of your body is apt to getting infections, and your gums are no exception. Gum infections can affect your whole mouth if not treated properly and in a timely manner. If your gums are painful, it can make eating, drinking, or talking difficult and uncomfortable. 

Talk to your dentist about how to treat and prevent gum infections to protect the overall health of your mouth. 

Gum Infection Treatments

At the first sign of a gum infection, make an appointment with your dentist. Gum infections are fairly simple to diagnose and your dentist will inform you of your treatment options. Your options depend on how severe the infection is and how your teeth are affected. 

Some common treatments include:

  • Antibiotics: As with most infections, antibiotics are prescribed to treat gum infections. If the infection is severe, your dentist may elect to perform an injected antibiotic directly into the affected gum area. 
  • Root Planing: This is a very advanced procedure in which your dentist will perform an incredibly deep cleaning between your gums and teeth, all the way to the roots. 
  • Gingivectomy: This type of treatment involves removal of infected gum tissue so the infection doesn’t spread to the rest of your mouth. 
  • Oral Surgery: If the infection is past the point of being treated with antibiotics, your dentist may resort to performing oral surgery such as a bone graft or tissue graft. 
  • Salt Water Rinse: To treat gums with gingivitis, using a salt water rinse twice a day can help soothe inflamed gums. As a natural disinfectant, salt water will remove bacteria and ease pain. 
  • Oil-Pulling:  Oil-pulling has many benefits, many of which treats inflamed gums. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that reduce plaque and infectious germs. 

How to Prevent Gum Infections

Avoiding gum infections can be simple if you make oral care a priority. A diligent and purposeful routine will keep your mouth healthy. 

  • Brushing Your Teeth: Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste twice a day helps neutralize the bacteria trapped in your gums that cause infections. 
  • Flossing Daily: Using dental floss to get in between your teeth everyday removes food particles that get lodged in the spaces between your teeth. These particles cause plaque, build-up, and infections. 
  • Rinsing with Mouthwash: An anti-gingivitis mouthwash kills bacteria that causes plaque. There are a variety of mouthwashes available that keep your mouth healthy and protect your gums against infections. 
  • Regular Cleanings: Seeing a dentist every six months is crucial to your oral health. They use tools that remove tartar and plaque build up that you may not see or reach at home. This kind of build up is bad for your gums. Seeing a dentist will also protect against any infections because your dentist will be able to assess your mouth and look for any early signs of infections. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are a cosmetic solution to help you achieve the smile you want. Veneers are an option for patients with chipped teeth, misshaped teeth, or to close the gap between teeth. This is a permanent solution, so having them placed on your teeth is a huge decision. 

Unlike implants, dental veneers are thin covers that adhere to the teeth to give them a more uniform appearance. They are a strong and resilient solution that is similar to your tooth’s natural enamel. Veneers are custom-made to fit the contour of your teeth. 

This is a less intrusive option to perfecting your smile as opposed to crowns and braces. 

Types of Veneers

The two most common veneer materials are porcelain and composite. Talk to your dentist about which option is best for you. If the changes are minor and your natural teeth function correctly, then cosmetic bonding is a great choice. However, if the teeth are broken, discoloured, or the patient grinds their teeth, then porcelain veneers are highly recommended. 

 

  • Porcelain: Porcelain veneers are constructed in a lab and are more resilient and resistant to stains and damage. These can last between 10 and 20 years. 
  • Composite: Composite veneers are made of resin and is adhered to the tooth to simply enhance the appearance of your smile. 

 

The Process

Getting veneers typically takes two appointments.  Getting porcelain veneers is a longer process, since they are custom-made to fit your teeth. The first step is a consultation where your oral health will be examined and X-Rays and/or impressions will be taken. The second step will be preparing your teeth for the veneers. A temporary veneer is placed on your teeth while the final veneer is being made. The temporary veneers are removed and your teeth are cleaned with pumice and water.  The final veneers are adhered to your teeth using dental cement. A special light is used to cure the veneer to the tooth. Any excess material will be filed and polished off. 

Composite veneers are a much simpler process, however they do not last as long and are not as strong as the porcelain version. 

Maintaining Your Veneers

Although they are strong and resilient, veneers can chip or break. This is especially common when there is pressure constantly applied. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pen cap, pencils, or even biting your fingernails. 

Because veneers are applied to the surface of your natural tooth, it may take a few days to get used to the feel of your new appearance. If your bite is severely altered, tell your dentist so it can be corrected. An altered bite can negatively change your jaw structure and affect the position of your teeth. 

Keep your teeth and gums cleaned by following proper brushing and flossing routines. Cavities can form under veneers if not cleaned properly. Ask your dentist for products that are approved for use with veneers to keep them looking their best. 

Not everyone is a good candidate for veneers, so have a discussion with your dentist to explore all your options for achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Tooth Extractions: Things to Know

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the bone and socket. This is usually required when there is severe tooth decay, oral infections, or when the teeth are overcrowded. Occasionally, tooth extraction may be used when patients get braces in order for the teeth to shift to their proper place in the mouth. 

Patients who undergo chemotherapy or have organ transplants commonly have tooth extractions in order to keep their mouth healthy during the time of treatments.

Your dentist or oral surgeon can perform this procedure with the use of local or general anesthesia. Removing a tooth is a relatively simple process and is an outpatient procedure. However, if you have a tooth that is broken or impacted, the process may be more involved. 

One of the most common tooth extractions is the removal of wisdom teeth (third molars). These teeth erupt during the late teens or early-mid 20s, but often get stuck in the jaw and impacted before they even come in. When this happens, the gums get irritated and can cause severe pain. 

Preparing for Tooth Extraction

Before the procedure, X-rays are taken of your tooth. This determines the extent of the surgery. Your dentist will evaluate your dental history and inquire about any medications, vitamins, supplements you take regularly. If you have other medical conditions, be sure to tell your dentist. Certain treatments increase your risk for jaw infection and having open wounds in the mouth can put you at risk for bone infections. 

Leading up to the procedure, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. This is especially common if you have pre-existing conditions that affect your immune system or if the surgery is expected to be unusually long. 

On the day of your extraction, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions. 

  • Wear loose fitting clothes that do not restrict blood flow and make receiving anesthesia easy
  • Don’t smoke the day of your extraction
  • If you have a cold or sinus infection, call your dentist ahead of time 
  • If you are have anesthesia, be sure to arrange transportation for after the procedure

The Procedure

There are two different types of tooth extractions:

  • Simple Extraction: This is performed on a tooth that can be seen in the mouth. This type of procedure is typically performed in-office by your dentist. The tooth is loosened with a tool called an elevator. Forceps are used to remove the tooth. 
  • Surgical Extraction: This is a more complicated procedure. This is done if the tooth is broken at the gumline or has not come in yet. Surgical extractions are generally performed by oral surgeons, but can be done by a general dentist, too. A small cut is made in the gum and the tooth is extracted. 

During either type of extraction, there is little-to-no pain, but you may feel some pressure. If you experience any pressure or pain, be sure to tell your dentist. 

Risks of Tooth Extractions

There is very little risk for tooth extractions. Because they are done to increase the health of your mouth, the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. 

After the procedure, blood clots form in the hole where the tooth was pulled. If the blood clot does not form or comes loose and the socket is exposed, this causes dry socket. Your dentist may put a dressing over the area for a few days while a new clot forms. 

Risks that can occur include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling or redness at the extraction site. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to call your dentist or oral surgeon right away. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Teeth Whitening: Options and Treatment Types

Having a beautiful, dazzling smile is something everyone wants, right? With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know what will work best for you and your teeth. Professional whitenings can reverse damage caused by smoking, aging, dark beverages, and acid. Drugstore whitening products are also effective, but have a more temporary effect on your smile. 

Recent dental industry surveys have found that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments performed in dental offices. Achieving a brilliant smile is possible, but that’s why it is important to know your options and what treatments are available. 

Teeth Whitening Options

There are four main categories of teeth whitening options on the market, and you will want to ensure you are choosing the safest and most suitable option for your smile. 

Regardless of how you decide to whiten your teeth, the primary agent to whitening products is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). What differentiates these options and treatments types apart from one another is the amount and concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Higher levels of H2O2 means better results, however, at-home kits keep evolving and offer the possibility of whiter teeth at a reduced cost. 

In-Office Whitening Treatments

In-office treatments use a concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution and typically guarantees effective results. There are two different in-office treatments available:

  • Kool Lite whitening: This is a quick, 15 minutes, in-office tooth whitening procedure. It uses a gel-lined tray and LED light to activate the whitening ingredients in the gel. A whiter smile is achievable in just minutes. 
  • One-hour, side-chair whitening: The dentist applies whitening gel to the teeth manually and applies a special light to accelerate the process. This laser whitening process can be done as many times as needed to achieve the desired shade of white. 

In both treatment options, special precautions are taken to protect the gums and soft tissue from the whitening agents. While this is the most effective teeth whitening option, there are a few drawbacks associated: lengthy time in the chair, more expensive, increased change of tooth sensitivity. 

Prescribed Kits

Your dentist might prescribe an at-home whitening kit. These have less hydrogen peroxide than an in-office whitening process, but more than whitening strips, gels, or toothpastes. To prepare for optimal results, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create custom whitening trays. Special whitening gel is placed inside the trays, which then fit around your teeth. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully so your progress can be properly assessed.  

Over-the-Counter Whitening Solutions

Drugstores, grocery stores, and large chain stores have a variety of over-the-counter whitening solutions available. Because they are available without a prescription, there is a lower amount of hydrogen peroxide. These options contain bleaching agents and ingredients taht can harm the gums if not applied properly. Over-the-counter products include:

  • Gels
  • Chewing gum
  • Rinses
  • Toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes typically only remove surface stains, although there are “advanced whitening” products that can also reach deeper than the surface and provide whiter results. 
  • Paint-on films: These paint-on films contain 6-8% hydrogen peroxide. It is applied with a brush directly to your teeth. You can use this to lighten individual teeth, or brighten your whole smile. 
  • Whitening strips: Whitening strips are the most cost-effective over-the-counter option for whitening your teeth. While results may vary depending on your teeth, the strips are very efficient. 

DIY Techniques

If you don’t want to use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth and prefer a more natural method, there are several options. Certain fruits like lemons, strawberries, and bananas can be rubbed on your teeth and brighten your teeth. This is not recommended, however, because of the acidity in these fruits. Rubbing acids on your teeth may erode your enamel overtime. Other options include coconut oil pulling and using activated charcoal on your teeth, although these are not scientifically proven to whiten your teeth. 

It’s important to know how those products will work for you. The Canadian Dental Association has two categories for whitening: surface and bleaching. Bleaching removes extrinsic and intrinsic stains, whereas surface whitening only removes surface stains. Whatever option you choose, always talk to your dentist first. 

Things to Consider

If you have crowns or dental implants, discuss your whitening options with your dentist. Your natural tooth enamel may whiten differently than the dental restorations. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Am I A Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign’s popularity is rising, and it’s no surprise why. People want to fix their smile without the cumbersome look of metal and wires in their mouth. Invisalign is very different, yet offers the same results. 

Invisalign uses clear plastic trays that fit over your upper and lower teeth. The aligners gently reposition your teeth to the desired location. This is a modern alternative to traditional braces, however Invisalign is not for everyone. 

A consultation with an Invisalign provider is the only way to determine whether they are a good fit for you. There are a few other factors that can contribute to your candidacy. 

What Does Invisalign Correct?

Invisalign works for most dental issues, but is not designed to correct issues that are too severe. For large issues like an overbite, more advanced orthodonture are necessary to shift the jawbone. 

Invisalign is a great orthodontic solution for:

  • Protruding teeth
  • Mild overbites
  • Mild underbites
  • Gaps in teeth
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • Excessive central tooth overlaps
  • Imperfect positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed
  • Mildly crooked teeth

Mild dental issues can be caused by genetics, oral diseases, injury, and even thumb sucking. Crooked and misplaced teeth are not just a cosmetic issue, but commonly lead to serious dental issues. 

Gingivitis, periodontal issues, jaw pain, earaches, and headaches are all issues that can be a direct cause of ill-positioned teeth or dental issues. 

When Invisalign Is Not Effective

When there are severe oral issues, Invisalign is not recommended. When there is an issue like an extreme overbite or underbite, crooked teeth are not just the problem. The jaw bone needs to be physically shifted and the aligners are not able to correct bone issues. 

Older teens and adults are the best candidates for Invisalign because their jaws have stopped growing. Unlike children and younger teenagers, adults are more dedicated to the Invisalign program to be successful. 

Braces are permanent and work to correct dental issues around the clock, whereas Invisalign aligners can be easily removed if the patient wants. Younger patients with less dedication may removed the aligners if their mouth feels uncomfortable. In order to be effective, the aligners must be worn 22 hours of the day. So if they are removed from the mouth for more than 2 hours a day, the treatment will be ineffective. 

If you think are interested in exploring your options for orthodonture, speak with your dentist today! 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

How to Effectively Brush Your Teeth

As easy as it may seem, many people do not know the correct way to brush their teeth. Brushing helps prevent oral diseases and dental health conditions like tooth decay, halitosis, and gingivitis. However, if you don’t brush correctly, you run the risk of causing harm to your teeth and damaging gums. 

Proper Way to Brush Your Teeth

Before brushing, it is good to floss your teeth. Flossing is very important, yet many people do not do it regularly. The floss is able to reach parts of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t – like the small crevices between your teeth. This is a common area where plaque and tartar build up, which can cause cavities and tooth decay. 

1. Prepare Your Toothbrush

After flossing, wet your toothbrush and apply a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Most people use too much toothpaste, when really, it is not the toothpaste that does the majority of the work. Brushing is mostly about the technique and the way you brush, not so much the toothpaste that is used. Talk your dentist about what toothpaste is best for you. A fluoridated toothpaste is often suggested, since it protects the teeth against tooth decay and cavities. 

2. Brush Properly

Start in the back with your molars and work in a clockwise direction. Point the bristles toward the gumline and use short, circular motions for approximately 20 seconds. Roll the bristles away from the gum line so the toothbrush sweeps toward the surface of the tooth. This removes plaque and food particles. 

Working in a clockwise motion, repeat with the molars on the opposite side of your mouth. Work around the rest of your teeth. Brush the back surface of the teeth, directing the bristles towards the gum line. 

Repeat for the rest of your teeth until they are all cleaned and brushed. 

3. Brush the Rest Of Your Mouth

Your teeth aren’t the only thing that needs to be cleaned in your mouth. Your tongue, roof of the mouth, and lining of your cheeks can hold food particles and bacteria that can make your breath smell and cause halitosis. 

Clean these areas with small, circular motions until they are thoroughly cleaned. 

Common Brushing Mistakes

There are a few common mistakes many people make when brushing their teeth. Fortunately, they are easily corrected. 

  • The Wrong Brush: Choose a brush that can reach all areas of your teeth. This can be a manual of electric brush. It’s also important to choose a brush with soft bristles that easily bend. 
  • Brushing Too Hard: If you brush too hard, you run the risk of ruining the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and oral diseases. 
  • Not Switching Out Toothbrushes: A toothbrush should be changed every 3-4 months. When the bristles become discoloured, bent, or dirty, your toothbrush can be a turn into a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. 
  • Brushing Incorrectly: If you brush back and forth, instead of a circular motion, you may need to rethink your brushing technique. Going from the gum line to the bottom of the tooth in a clockwise motion is more beneficial for the tooth enamel to remain in tact. 
  • The Wrong Angle: Brushing at a 45-degree angle is important to reaching the whole surface area of your teeth. That allows you to get the gum line as well as the rest of your tooth. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.