Gulf Coast Smiles
Cape Coral, FL 33914
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MY BLOG
Posts for: February, 2012
Buying a new toothbrush can be difficult with so many different shapes, sizes and styles to choose from. Which toothbrush you use and how often you replace your toothbrush, however, is important for maintaining good oral health and a radiant smile. Here are some basic recommendations from Dr. Martinez to consider when selecting a toothbrush:
- Your toothbrush should be the right size for your mouth and teeth; it should not be uncomfortable to clean your teeth.
- Your toothbrush should have bristles that stand up straight.
- Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums.
- Select a toothbrush with a handle that is easy to grip and long enough so as not to make the action of brushing awkward or difficult.
- Your toothbrush should have a marginally small head so it can fit comfortably between the teeth and cheek. The head of the toothbrush should be small enough to clean the back molars and other hard to reach areas.
How to Care for Your Toothbrush:
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles look worn or bent.
- After an illness, throw away your old toothbrush and buy a new one to avoid re-infection.
- Never share toothbrushes as this increases the risk of infection and illnesses.
- After brushing, thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water to remove remaining toothpaste and debris.
- Allow your toothbrush to air-dry by storing it in an upright position.
When you choose the toothbrush that is the right size and style for your mouth and dental care needs, you'll be able to clean your teeth more completely and help prevent the development of plaque and other dental diseases. If you need assistance deciding on the best toothbrush for your oral health needs, discuss your choice of toothbrush with our Cape Coral office.
If you are looking for a quick way to dramatically enhance your smile, professional teeth whitening may be a good option. Teeth whitening is convenient and highly effective, making it one of the most popular and commonly requested cosmetic dental treatments today.
At Dr. Martinez, we understand that many patients want to achieve a whiter smile, but it's also important for patients to understand that teeth whitening isn't for everyone. Teeth whitening results will vary from patient to patient, and procedures will differ by need and budget. The only way to determine which treatment will produce the best outcome for your teeth is by visiting our Cape Coral office first.
The following circumstances and conditions may prevent you from using teeth whitening products:
- Teeth with yellow hues will generally produce the best results. Natural tooth colors that are brown or gray typically don't react to whitening treatments.
- Mothers who are pregnant or nursing should refrain from all whitening treatments
- If your teeth are oversensitive, whitening procedures are likely to intensify the sensitivity of your teeth.
- Teeth that have been restored with veneers or bonded with white fillings should not be whitened with certain whitening solutions as it will discolor the restorations.
Because the natural teeth retain the ability to absorb stains, patients should also be aware that the results of teeth whitening may fade over time, especially if the individual smokes or drinks a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine. An easy way to achieve a whiter, healthier smile is to brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and avoid foods and beverages that augment tooth stains.
At Dr. Martinez, we can help you determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a professional whitening treatment. Whether you choose an in-office or at-home teeth whitening procedure, the results can be amazing and take years off of your appearance.
There's no doubt that your smile is one of your most eye-catching qualities. With new advances in cosmetic dentistry today, there are other smile-enhancing treatments available to improve the appearance of your teeth, and at Dr. Martinez, we strive to stay abreast of new cosmetic treatments so that our patients can easily achieve the smile they've always wanted.