Battle of the Brushes: Electric vs. Manual
Good oral health starts with practicing daily habits –– such as brushing and flossing your teeth. Following the recommended brush time of two minutes twice daily adds up to 1,460 minutes spent brushing your teeth each year –– or more than one full day of brushing. That’s why it’s important to find a toothbrush that feels comfortable and works best for you. Understanding the differences between manual and electric toothbrushes is key to keeping your smile healthy. Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes Plentiful options: Manual toothbrushes come in a variety of colors, sizes and bristle options. Inexpensive: The average toothbrush costs a fraction of its electric counterpart and can be found at almost any grocery store, convenience store or pharmacy. Many dentist offices offer complimentary toothbrushes during your appointments. No batteries or charging: Besides toothpaste, there’s nothing else to remember. Drawbacks: Proper technique: With manual toothbrushes, you get out what you put in. In other […]
Standard Floss vs. Water Flossers
Most people know to practice healthy oral health habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily. However, many people have questions about whether water flossing is a better alternative to traditional flossing. It’s important to understand each technique to help determine which is the better fit for you. Dental floss and floss picks Standard flossing is a simple process that uses a thin, soft piece of string to pass between teeth, gently scraping up and down to remove plaque and food particles from teeth and out from under gums. Another option is a floss pick – a plastic tool with a u-shaped end that holds a small piece of floss. There are several advantages to standard floss and floss picks: Minimal cost Easily accessible from a pharmacy or grocery store Quick and easy to use on the go Despite the pros to flossing, there are a few cons: […]
What you need to know about implants
More than 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. As people age, the incidence of missing teeth increases, and about 30 percent of adults age 65 – 74 years old have no natural teeth.1 Missing teeth affect the ability to chew properly and can affect diet since softer foods are easier to eat and often lack good nutrition. Missing teeth also make talking more difficult and can impact one’s smile and confidence. Dental implants are a durable treatment option for missing teeth, look natural and can last for years. In fact, 98 percent of implants last more than 10 years, and with good daily care, many can last a lifetime. If you have a missing tooth, talk to your dentist about dental implants. Your dentist can recommend the best treatment option for you. When you receive a dental […]
