An Oral-Health Friendly Halloween

October is here, and Halloween is already upon us. In fact, over 600 lbs of candy will be purchased in the United States between now and October 31st. As your Dentist in St. Petersburg, we are here to provide tips for an oral-health friendly Halloween.

How to Have an Oral-Health Friendly Halloween

Whether you have children or not, Halloween is a time for excessive sugar consumption. Our dentist in St. Pete knows there will be plenty of candy available during the next month for everyone.

People will begin bringing candy to work. You’ll buy Halloween candy…only to start eating it before the trick-or-treaters come. When Halloween finally arrives, the average child will consume over 675 grams of sugar on that single day – equivalent to eating 170 sugar cubes.

The sugar will arrive one way or another, but will you be ready? Most likely, you will not be able or willing to stop the sugar train from arriving. And, while most of us (kids and adults) can’t resist the snacks, we can at least be conscious of eating them and safeguarding our teeth health.

Not All Candies Are Created Equal

Some are more damaging to the teeth than others – When it comes to your dental health, some sweets are really better for your teeth (or do less damage) than others. The stickier the candy, the more likely tooth decay. Our St. Petersburg FL dentist explains that sticky candies such as gummy bears, Tootsie rolls, Snickers, and Skittles require additional chewing time and can also adhere to and between your teeth. The longer candy remains in your mouth before being wiped away by saliva, the easier it is for bacteria-causing sugars to promote tooth decay and cavities. Sticky candy might also cause problems with your fillings and crowns. As follows, when it comes to snacks, chocolate is still better for your teeth because it is less sticky and dissolves more quickly.

Increase the Fluoride Treatment

Children who haven’t formed their permanent teeth can undoubtedly benefit from a little more fluoride. Our dentist 33704 explains that including a fluoride treatment in your dental appointments is a great option. These treatments can assist to provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities. A little more fluoride can also help certain individuals, especially if they are predisposed to cavities. If you know you won’t be able to control your sweet craving over the Halloween season and have a history of cavities, fluoride treatment or mouth rinse may help you keep your teeth cavity-free during the sugar season.

Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush

If you know you’ll be working in a Halloween treat-filled atmosphere, bring a toothbrush. The sooner you can brush your teeth after you’ve consumed candy, the better. If you have children, use a Halloween-themed toothbrush to urge them to brush their teeth after eating candy.

Fixed a Time to Eat Sweets

The treats aren’t going away, so instead of munching on them throughout the day, designate a set “snack” time when some of the Halloween candy can be savored. Our friends over at Shreveport Dental Solutions, dentist in Shreveport LA, explain that a tip they have is to allow your children to select one or two pieces of candy from their Halloween haul. Having a set treat time can help limit the quantity of bacteria-building sugars that remain in your mouth throughout the day, giving your super-hero saliva a greater chance of neutralizing the bacteria.

Halloween is the holiday that brings out the child in all of us. And it’s that time of year when most of us will find it nearly impossible to resist the temptations. Rather than abstaining from sweets, try using some of these tips over the next few weeks to safeguard your teeth. And have a wonderful Halloween!

Contact 4th St Family Dentistry Today

P.S. If you need a tooth fixed, your teeth cleaned, or a fluoride treatment during or after Halloween, please let us know! Your friendly St. Pete dentist is always available! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Gum Health Tips

When it comes to excellent oral hygiene, teeth sometimes receive all of the focus. Gum care, on the other hand, is equally vital for keeping your mouth and the rest of your body healthy. Luckily, there are many gum health tips you can use at home to better take care of your dental health. Read on to learn more from our Dentist in St. Petersburg.

National Gum Care Month

September is National Gum Care Month, making it the perfect opportunity to discuss gum health. Below, Dr. Brian Leeson, our dentist in St. Pete, shares his top gum health tips.

Correctly Clean Your Teeth & Gums

Brushing your teeth not only cleans them, but also stimulates your gums. However, our dentist 33704 explains this entails the following:

First, make sure you are using a soft bristle brush.
Next, brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle along the gum line.
In addition, make sure to brush all tooth surfaces, including the interior, exterior, and chewing surfaces. Ensure that you are brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day.

Use the Proper Toothpaste.

In the grocery store’s oral care section, you’ll find a seemingly infinite variety of toothpaste. Fluoride, tartar-fighting powers, enamel protection, and safe, effective chemicals are distinguishing features of high-quality toothpaste, as shown by the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

Aside from these characteristics, seek for toothpaste with a nice flavor and texture, as well as optional extras like whitening and a sensitive formula. If you are prone to canker sores, avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate, as well as toothpaste that is excessively abrasive.

Floss Daily

To begin, flossing eliminates food and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. Tartar may develop if this material is not removed. This hard bacteria accumulation hurts your gums and can lead to gum disease. Thus, Dr. Leeson, the best dentist in St. Pete, suggests making flossing a regular ritual. It makes no difference when you do it – in the morning, after lunch, in the evening, before or after brushing your teeth—just do it!

Use a Therapeutic Mouthwash

While there are several mouthwash formulations available, they always fall into one of two main categories: aesthetic and medicinal. Cosmetic rinses reduce bad breath momentarily and leave a pleasant aftertaste in the mouth. They do not, however, have any long-term chemical or biological consequences.

Dr. Hoang, Bethlehem GA dentist, suggests using therapeutic mouthwash. We agree. This type of mouthwash contains active ingredients that successfully decrease plaque, eliminate bacteria that cause foul breath, combat tooth decay, and help prevent gingivitis. Look for the following components on a mouthwash container to help you recognize it as therapeutic:

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Your dentist will examine the general health of your mouth and look for signs of gum disease. Following that, a professional cleaning eliminates any plaque that you may have missed when brushing. Only expert dental instruments, such as scrapers and ultrasonic machines, can remove dark tartar stains from your teeth.

Regular dental checkups can detect gum disease in its early stages, known as gingivitis. At this time, it is possible to reverse the damage and avoid the development of more serious periodontal disease.

Give Up Smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is a major cause of serious gum disease. Because smoking lowers your immune system, it makes it more difficult for your gums to recover if they get infected or damaged. If you use tobacco in any form, your chance of gum disease doubles, and the risk increases as you smoke more and for a longer period of time.

Watch What You Eat

Your diet can have an immediate influence on the health of your teeth and gums. Reduce the use of hazardous foods such as soda, alcohol, sweets, and starchy meals. Replace them with these better-for-your-mouth alternatives, such as fruit, dairy products, and foods with fluoride.

Prioritize Proper Gum Care

National Gum Care Month is a fantastic opportunity to reevaluate your dental health practices, but to avoid gum disease, you must be diligent all year. Contact 4th St. Family Dentistry today to schedule your next cleaning.

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Everything You Need to Know About Tooth-Colored Fillings

You’re probably hoping that when you go to see your Dentist in St. Petersburg that he won’t find a cavity. In fact, practically everyone has had a cavity or two at some point in their lives. Patients who have recently had a cavity were most often treated with a tooth-colored filling. Today on the blog, we discuss everything you need to know about tooth-colored fillings.

What Are Tooth Colored Fillings?

Dr. Brian Leeson, the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL, explains that tooth-colored fillings are the current modern version of the old, silver fillings. They are formed out of a composite resin mix that fills and seals off a cavity after the damaged region has been removed. Tooth-colored fillings, as opposed to standard fillings, mix beautifully with your natural teeth to keep them appearing faultless. Given that tooth-colored fillings are one of the most popular procedures performed at 4th Street Family Dentistry, we thought we’d go over some of the most common questions people have about them.

How Much Do Tooth Colored Fillings Cost?

Many factors influence an individual’s cost for a composite resin filling no matter where you live. Our friends over at New Providence Dentistry, dentist in New Providence NJ, explains that the diameter of the cavity and if anesthesia is required are the two key components. We agree. Cavity treatment is a non-invasive procedure that may usually be completed in a single visit with only a local anesthetic. However, sedation, such as nitrous oxide (“laughing” gas) or oral-conscious medicine, is often recommended if you have dental phobias or a strong gag reflex. If you have dental insurance, your dentist in St. Pete should verify your coverage before billing you for the remaining amount. Many dental practices provide flexible payment alternatives or accept low-interest medical financing for customers who do not have dental insurance. For most patients, it is less expensive to repair a cavity with a composite resin filling than to ignore it until it worsens.

Why Get a Filling

In the long term, ignoring your dentist’s detection of a cavity and recommendation to get a tooth-colored filling might lead to additional suffering and more expensive treatments. When a cavity becomes too large for a filling, it can be corrected using an inlay. These treatments are larger than composite resin fillings but not as strong as crowns. They are precisely designed to cover the decaying portion of the tooth immediately after it has been prepared. If the decay has progressed to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be required.

When Root Canals Are Required

Root canal therapy takes the weakened pulp deep within the tooth, and the tooth is often sealed up with a customized crown. If you do not seek professional help, the infection may spread to the rest of your mouth and, eventually, enter your bloodstream, affecting your entire health. To summarize, the longer you wait to correct a cavity, the slower, more intrusive, expensive, and unpleasant the treatment will be.

Contact 4th St Family Dentistry Today

No one will notice that you have tooth-colored fillings because they blend in with the rest of your smile. Tooth-colored fillings are also a low-cost restorative alternative. Contact our St. Petersburg, FL dental office for more information on tooth-colored fillings.

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In-Office vs. Take-Home Whitening

In-Office vs. Take-Home Whitening – The Differences

A number of teeth-whitening techniques can restore the luster to your smile. There are advantages and disadvantages to lightening up at the dentist’s office or at home with an at-home kit. Today on the blog, Dr. Brian Leeson, a Dentist in St. Petersburg, covers the difference between in-office vs. take-home whitening.

Products for the Home

First, you can use teeth whitening strips. One of the biggest benefits of teeth whitening strips is that they are simple to utilize. Because the whitening chemical in the product is only in touch with your teeth for a brief period of time, your teeth will gradually get brighter. After you’ve whitened your teeth, rinses can help prevent new stains.

Additionally, you can use toothpaste that brightens your teeth over time. It contains chemicals that, when gently brushed, erase surface stains and may give progressive brightness. However, our St. Pete dentist explains that people have tooth sensitivity as a result of using these products.

Lastly, you can use trays to whiten. These are filled with gel and are placed over your teeth. They can quickly whiten your choppers. However, because the trays in at-home kits are not custom-made, they are more prone to rub and irritate your gums. Make sure you carefully follow the instructions on the packaging.

In-Office Whitening

The most popular method we use for Professional teeth whitening St. Petersburg includes the use of custom-made trays loaded with bleaching solutions that fit snugly over your teeth. Because your dentist in St. Pete will be supervising the operation, a stronger bleaching solution than what is offered in-home kits can be utilized. In that instance, a light or heat source might be utilized to accelerate the process.

Another alternative is to have custom-made whitening trays produced for you to use at home. We offer that as well at 4th Street Family Dentistry. Our friends over at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, cosmetic dentist Colorado Springs, also allows their patients to get in-house whitening or take home as well.

Which Is the Best Option for You?

At-home whiteners are simple to use and reasonably priced. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, however, custom-made trays from your dentist’s office may help you prevent discomfort.

Because professional solutions used by your dentist are usually stronger than those used in over-the-counter kits, your teeth may whiten faster. They can also keep sensitive gums from becoming more inflamed.

Professional Teeth Whitening in St. Pete

Do you feel ashamed or self-conscious about your yellow teeth. We can assist you. At 4th Street Family Dentistry, we provide both in-office and take-home teeth whitening procedures to help you get rid of those stubborn stains. Our teeth whitening procedures are both quick and inexpensive! Visit our St. Petersburg dentistry to choose which teeth whitening procedure is ideal for your smile.

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Post Root Canal Care

Post Root Canal Care Guide

After your operation, your Dentist in St. Petersburg will send you home with instructions for pain management. Additionally, Dr. Leeson, the best dentist in St. Pete, will tell you how to care for your tooth while you recuperate. Importantly, following care instructions is especially crucial if you have a temporary filling or crown in place. Today on the blog, we cover post root canal care.

Right After the Root Canal

As the numbing medicine used during the treatment wears off, you may experience some discomfort in the region for a few days as everything heals. Additionally, there may be a slight stiffness in your jaw from having your mouth open for a lengthy amount of time during the process. These brief sensations are generally relieved by over-the-counter medications. However, your dentist in St. Pete may also prescribe harsher narcotic medicine. It is critical to carefully follow prescription recommendations, and because opioids can make you drowsy, you should use caution when driving a car or using dangerous machinery while taking them.

Though you may feel a little different feeling from your treated tooth than from your other teeth for a while, you should call your emergency dentist St. Pete right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Severe discomfort or pressure that lasts more than a few days
Swelling within or outside your mouth that is visible
Medication-induced hypersensitivity (rash, hives, or itching)
Your bite is uneven.
If a temporary crown or filling was used, it is removed (losing a thin layer is normal)
Symptoms that existed previous to treatment reappearance

Post Root Canal Care at Home

Wait until the numbness in your mouth has worn off before eating so you don’t bite your face or tongue. To avoid harming the treated tooth, do not chew or bite down on it until it has been entirely repaired by your dentist 33704. Remember to brush and floss as usual to keep the region clean and avoid infection.

Following the completion of your root canal and any follow-up appointments, you will need to return to your dentist for a final crown to properly repair the tooth. Dr. Ben Kacos, emergency root canal Shreveport LA, explains that it is critical that you schedule this consultation as soon as your dentist has finished working on your tooth. We agree – a tooth that has been properly treated and repaired can live as long as your original teeth.

Contact 4th Street Family Dentistry Today

Brushing and flossing your teeth, getting regular exams and cleanings, and returning to your dentist if you suffer discomfort or swelling in the future are all ways to take care of your teeth. It is conceivable for a successfully treated tooth to require treatment again, even years after the first surgery, although this is rarely the case, and the tooth may frequently be kept. Contact 4th St Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.

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Wisdom Tooth Removal Signs

If you have been experiencing some sensitivity in the back of your gums, you may be wondering if your wisdom teeth are coming in. Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars to emerge during the early stages of human development. However, thanks to advances in oral care and hygiene, they are now merely obsolete, as our molars are all that is required. Nonetheless, as wisdom teeth emerge, they might shift and affect the alignment of your teeth and jaw. Thus, this makes removing them critical. Today, we discuss wisdom tooth removal signs.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you think your wisdom teeth may need to be removed, please don’t panic! Regular examinations with your Dentist in St. Petersburg will be beneficial. That’s because Dr. Leeson, the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL, will monitor their development. He will be able to easily tell if you need to have your teeth removed. However, there are several warning indications that you need wisdom teeth removed.

At 4th Street Family Dentistry, we tell our patients that wisdom teeth should be extracted only if they are causing issues or are likely to cause difficulties in the future. There are no scientifically documented benefits to extracting your last set of molars if they are not causing any problems.

When Wisdom Teeth Aren’t Necessarily Removed

If you have wisdom teeth or third molars, you can keep them in the rear of your mouth if they are:

The wisdom teeth are suitably positioned and biting with the opposing teeth.
Additionally, you can keep them if they are completely grown in without any issues to your bite or jaw.
Lastly, the positioning of the wisdom teeth allows them to be properly cleaned as part of routine dental hygiene.

When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

However, wisdom teeth frequently develop at different angles, even horizontally, or do not have enough area to fully emerge. If your wisdom teeth emerge partially through the gums, your dentist 33704 may advise you to get them extracted. In that instance, the area would be difficult to view and clean properly. This will attract germs that can cause mouth infections and gum disease.

Additionally, if your wisdom teeth never erupt and stay totally buried within the gums, you may need them removed. If your wisdom cannot emerge naturally, it is common for it to become impacted within your jaw. Our dentistry St. Petersburg explains that this could result in an infection or a cyst, which could harm neighboring teeth or the supporting jaw bone.

Additionally, if you have crowded teeth, meaning that your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow in, they might crowd or harm neighboring teeth.

Some dentists feel that wisdom teeth should be extracted before they fully emerge. Dentists also advise having them removed at a younger age, when recuperation is quicker and easier, and before the bone and tooth roots have fully grown.

Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Sensitivity and pain in the back of your mouth are common indications that you need wisdom teeth removed. The earliest and most evident indicator that you need your wisdom teeth removed is when you start to feel them. If you begin to experience pain, sensitivity, or a faint throbbing sensation when eating, brushing your teeth, or doing nothing at all, it is time to arrange an appointment with your dentist to get them checked.

Additionally, our friends over at Gentle Dental Group, Bethlehem GA Dentistry, explains that inflammation of the gums is another tell-tale sign. When your wisdom tooth starts to erupt, it might cause gum inflammation. It will appear as reddish, somewhat swollen regions along the gum line that are painful to the touch and might make brushing difficult.

Another sign is the formation of cysts. If the wisdom teeth are ignored for a lengthy length of time, cysts can form in your mouth. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can impinge on and damage the roots of neighboring teeth.

In addition, stiffness and pain can also occur around the jaw area. This will begin as wisdom teeth begin to displace the teeth and jawline. Limitations in opening and moving your mouth and jaw can also be a symptom of this.

Another common wisdom tooth removal sign is sinus issues. Sinus difficulties are frequently caused by dental difficulties, particularly wisdom teeth. If you feel nasal congestion, pressure, or pain, this could be a sign that you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Contact 4th Street Family Dentistry Today For Wisdom Tooth Removal

Although wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most popular dental treatments, it is not always a concern for many folks. When determining whether to extract wisdom teeth, keep in mind that removing them as soon as indicators such as the ones described here occur is critical to avoid harming and harming your teeth and jaw alignment. Of course, our team at 4th Street Family Dentistry will do a full mouth examination and help you make the best decision possible. We can Contact us to set up your next visit and get the relief you’ve been looking for.

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Schedule Your Dental Cleaning

Schedule Your Biannual Dental Cleaning

To promote healthy teeth and gums, dental cleanings and regular check-ups should be or become a regular component of your dental care. Our dentist in St. Petersburg recommends that you have your teeth cleaned and check-ups twice a year. Of course, if you have more problems with your teeth and gums (for example, cavities, tooth loss, gingivitis, or periodontal disease), we recommend that you see Dr. Brian Leeson more frequently. Let this blog serve as a reminder to schedule your dental cleaning.

What is the significance of dental cleanings?

Dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good dental hygiene. Bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and create dental problems such as gingivitis, dental caries, discoloration, and even dental abscess if you do not practice good oral hygiene. Furthermore, it is crucial to realize that dental cleaning does not only comprise regular brushing and flossing. There’s more to it than that. Although self-cleaning is essential, seeing your dentist in St. Pete for regular check-ups is also beneficial. They see things that you cannot see, like the cracks and crevices between your teeth. In the long term, this prevents dental disorders.

Why is it vital to get frequent dental check-ups?

It is critical to have frequent dental check-ups every 6 months so that your dentist can detect any changes in your oral health. If there are any problems, they will be recognized early on and will be easy to resolve.

Furthermore, your dentist may be able to detect any medical conditions you may be experiencing. There is, for example, a clear link between periodontal disease and heart disease. If your dental exam reveals the beginnings of periodontal disease, you should see your primary care provider for further evaluation and diagnosis.

What can you expect from your dental exam?

A standard dental check-up consists of two key components: a history and an examination. These are pretty much the same across the country. We asked our friends at College Hill Dental Group, Easton PA dentist, if their standard exams looked similar to ours. They agreed that the following steps are similar at their practice. First, your dentist will ask you about your recent medical history and examine your mouth during your visit.

Medical Background

Your medical history is a significant factor in determining your risk of acquiring oral health problems (e.g., tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer). Your dentist may ask you questions about your lifestyle, such as eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, brushing, and so on. In addition, if you have a history of dental disorders, you will be asked about it.

Examining

Your hygienist will clean your teeth first, followed by a comprehensive examination of your oral mucosa, teeth, gums, the top and bottom of your mouth, and your neck for symptoms of illness, cavities, or cancer. Plaque buildup can result in cavities, gum inflammation (gingivitis), or painful red, puffy, bleeding gums (periodontal disease). If you have any of these dental issues, your dentist will advise you on the best course of action.

X-Rays

X-rays are often ordered once a year as part of a standard annual dental check-up. These photos assist the dentist in determining whether or not your teeth have changed over time. X-rays may also be requested for people who have toothaches or other dental issues. These photos will assist the dentist in determining the best course of treatment.

Screening for Oral Cancer

The goal of an oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer early, when there is a better possibility of curing it. Your dentist examines your lips, mouth, and neck for cancer indications such as a lump, plaque, or ulcer in the oral cavity and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. This is why it is so important to schedule your dental cleaning.

Bite Evaluation

Dr. Brian Leeson will determine whether or not your jaw is in good condition. If you are having difficulty biting or grinding your food, he will interpret. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint, is also evaluated for this purpose. You will be asked to bite normally, and the dentist will listen carefully for any clicking or popping sounds. Your doctor will also palpate your jaw and look for soreness.

Schedule your biannual cleaning today

As you can see, biannual dental cleanings are an important component of your overall health. For optimal oral health, we strongly urge you to come see us at 4th Street Family Dentistry for a professional dental cleaning twice a year. Contact our team today to schedule your next visit.

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Celebrating National Brush Day

National Brush Day - 4th street family dentistry

Celebrating National Brush Day

Is it really a coincidence that National Brush Day is on November 1, right after Halloween? Definitely not! Halloween comes with candy, lots and lots of candy. Many parents tend to get a little obsessed with ensuring that their children’s teeth get back in shape. This is where brushing comes in. While it is the most effective way to clean our teeth and keep them free from plaque and bacteria, brushing too much can also be a problem.

The following are a few good practices the best dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, recommends for children and grownups to keep in mind when brushing their teeth. We’ve also added some bad practices to avoid while brushing your teeth.

Good Dental Hygiene Practices

Brushing Teeth the Proper Way

Dr. Chris Green, the best dentist in Parker, CO, emphasizes that brushing your teeth involves a lot more than a few up-down and right-left motions using your toothbrush. First, you need to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Follow this up with back and forth strokes on your teeth, making sure you clean the chewing surfaces as well as the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth with the same series of gentle motions.

Focusing on the Invisible Sufaces

After you’re done brushing the tooth surfaces that are visible, you can now attend to the inside surfaces on the back of your front teeth. It should be noted that some dental complications, such as dental caries, originate from the back surface of your front teeth. Dentists in St. Petersburg state that it’s important to ensure that you remember to clean that area. Effectively but gently brushing your teeth using the proper technique two times a day, every day is good for your gums and teeth and tough on plaque and bacteria, which ensures optimal oral health.

Choosing the Right Brush Size

When choosing a toothbrush for your child, you should remember that the one size fits all rule does not apply here. Your child’s toothbrush must not be too big or too small for their mouths. Making sure you choose the right size ensures your child does not experience discomfort while brushing. Moreover, using the right size toothbrush makes it easy to clean your child’s teeth properly as it reaches all the parts of the mouth.

Family dentists in St. Pete also recommend investing in a toothpaste that has fluoride in it, as it’s good for your teeth. This is because fluoride prevents cavities from developing and also prevents tooth decay. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush.

Flossing Your Teeth

Emergency dentists St. Pete adds that flossing rids your mouth of the plaque that is on your teeth. This prevents plaque buildup. In addition to this, flossing also helps prevent gum disease and takes care of both your gums and teeth.

Visiting Your Dentist, Dr. Brian Leeson, After or Before National Brush Day

Making a trip to your dentist 33704 for your annual checkup at least twice a year ensures that any issues or problems you might have with your teeth are well taken care of. They may also provide you with extra tips to help keep your teeth healthy.

Bad Dental Practices to Avoid

Brushing Immediately After Eating

Brushing your teeth after eating candy or consuming a meal may end up causing more harm to your teeth. This is because when we eat, the enamel of your teeth tends to soften and stay like that for about half an hour after you’re done eating. During this time, your enamel is weak, which means that if you brush your teeth, it may be scraped away together with plaque and bacteria.

This National Brush Day, refrain from rushing your children to brush their teeth immediately when they are done eating. Waiting half an hour will give their enamel time to sufficiently harden before they brush, thus protecting their teeth.

Using Toothbrushes with Hard Bristles

Hard-bristled toothbrushes not only cause bleeding of your gums and pain, but they also damage your teeth enamel. Damaged gums may loosen their teeth grip, which may result in loss of teeth. It is, therefore, important to avoid getting hard bristled toothbrushes for your kids or using them yourself.

Not Brushing for the Proper Amount of Time

Effectively brushing your teeth requires at least two minutes. The two minutes ensure that your teeth are properly exposed to the toothbrush’s cleaning action.

Using an Old Toothbrush

Frayed toothbrush bristles can damage your gums and teeth. If your toothbrush is more than three months old, then you need to get a new one to help you remove all that plaque buildup from your Halloween candy that’s on your teeth. This National Brush Day, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry to keep your smile bright and your teeth right!

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