toothbrush

Common Mistakes When Using An Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are known to clean teeth more effectively than regular toothbrushes. However, if you aren’t using the electric toothbrush properly, you won’t receive the maximum benefits it brings to the table for your teeth. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for before taking home and using your supercharged cleaning buddy.

Making the wrong purchasing decision

It can be tricky when shopping for the proper electric toothbrush that is the most suitable for you.  Make sure it fits in the hand comfortably, with the size of the electric head suited for the size of your mouth.  Also keep in mind that if you have a heavy hand with brushing, you might want to purchase an electric brush with soft bristles to avoid irritating your gums.

Not brushing for the appropriate duration of time

It is known and recommended to brush for a full two minutes about 2 times a day.  Although some electric toothbrushes may have a timer, it is always beneficial to make sure you are getting the proper amount of time when fighting away those germs and bacteria.

Heavy-handed overbrushing

You should brush only 2 times a day for 2 minutes. No more or no less. Brushing more than 3 times a day wears down tooth enamel (which is something your teeth need) and may hurt your gums if you brush too hard.

Not replacing your toothbrush head when needed

It is time to replace your toothbrush head after 3 months of use, especially if you are noticing frayed or broken bristles. Brushing with overused toothbrush heads wont give you the optimal results you are looking for. Keep in mind that you should also replace your toothbrush head if you have been sick.

Which Toothbrush is Right For You?

Choosing the right toothbrush can be crucial for enhancing a happy, healthy set of chompers. We have a few ideas to keep in mind when shopping around for a new toothbrush:

Bristles

Ever debate on whether soft or medium bristles are better for you? We have the answer to choosing the right type for you. First, soft bristles promote a gentle cleaning to your teeth. If you have gingivitis or sensitive teeth, this can be the right choice for you. If you want more of a firm and deeper cleaning , medium bristles could do the trick- but beware! Heavy-handed brushing with medium bristles can provide harsh contact to your gums, which, in turn, can increase teeth sensitivity.

Toothbrush head size

It is always beneficial to take the size of the toothbrush head into consideration for optimal comfort when brushing. You want something that can easily fit into the mouth and brush one to two teeth at a time.

Handle

For maximum comfort when brushing, you want something that fits in the hand nicely to be able to maneuver the brush into as many nooks and crannies as you can to brush away the bacteria and germs.

Electric toothbrushes

As far as powered toothbrushes that do some of the work for you, make sure the desired characteristics above add up to the toothbrush you love cleaning with for optimal ease when staying germ-free.

Happy brushing!

Local Dentist Recognized as America’s Best Dentist for 2016

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The National Consumer Advisory Board has named Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD one of America’s Best Dentist for 2016. Selections are done based on a proprietary assessment of a dentists experience, training, continuing education, and commitment to excellence to ensure the most impartial unbiased review of all applicants.

Dr. Verwest is a board certified Diplomat of the National Board of Pediatric Dentistry with professional interests in the areas of pediatric pharmacology, biomaterials, and pediatric anesthesia.  He believes in lifelong learning and continues his education by taking courses in pediatric sedation, pediatric oncology, sealants, prosthetics, pediatric cosmetic dentistry, pediatric materials, childhood growth and development, and more.

Pediatric Dentistry of Ft Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for the last 26 years. Areas of service include comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, composite fillings, dental hygiene education, extractions, fluoride treatments, sealants, sedation dentistry, space maintainers, x-rays and tooth nerve treatment. For more information, visit www.DrVerwest.com or (239) 482-2722.

Baby pacifiers: Pros and cons

Should parents let their infant use a pacifier? According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), there are benefits as well as a downside to baby pacifiers.

On the positive side, pacifiers provide a source of comfort to infants. Pacifiers can also assist in reducing the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, according to the AGD. Because babies with pacifiers sleep less deeply than those who sleep without pacifiers, they can be aroused from a deep sleep that could result in the stopping of breathing.

The downside of pacifiers is the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth. Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth and create problems with tooth alignment. Parents who give their baby a pacifier should consider these points:

  • Restrict pacifier use to when the infant needs to fall asleep.
  • Look for a pacifier with ventilation holes in the shield, as they permit air passage. This is important if the pacifier accidentally becomes lodged in the child’s throat.
  • Always clean the pacifier before giving it to a child.

Breaking the pacifier habit

The AGD recommends that children stop using pacifiers by age two. (Up until that age, any alignment problem with the teeth or the developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use is stopped.)

Breaking the habit is not always easy. Here are a few suggestions for helping a child wean from the pacifier:

  • Dip the pacifier in white vinegar.
  • Pierce the top of the pacifier or cut it shorter to reduce sucking satisfaction.
  • Leave it behind on a trip.

Always throw away a used pacifier; it is not sanitary for another child to use or to save.

5 tips to keep teeth healthy over the holidays

No matter how much you love your dentist, he or she probably doesn’t top the list of people you want to spend quality time with over the holidays. Follow these five tips to steer clear of emergency trips to the dentist’s office this season.

1. Don’t crack nuts with your teeth.

Although protein found in nuts helps keep muscles and bones strong, you shouldn’t test the strength of your teeth by shelling nuts with them. The hard surface of most nutshells can cause serious tooth and gum damage, and may even crack teeth. Your safest bet? Shell nuts before snacking on them.

2. Pass on chewy treats.

Holiday candy platters are often loaded with treats that can harm your teeth. Sticky substances cling to tooth enamel and encourage tooth decay, and thick candies like caramel and taffy can even yank out fillings. Eat these sweets sparingly and along with other foods to help keep the treats from sticking to your teeth.

3. Use proper tools to open packages and bottles.

We know you’re excited to rip into that gift from your great aunt, but your teeth are not the right tools for the task. Gripping a package or stubborn bottle cap with your teeth can crack them, possibly requiring a root canal procedure and a crown for repair. Give your mouth a great gift – reach for scissors or a bottle opener instead.

4. Avoid chewing on hard candy or ice cubes.

Crunching on ice or hard candy can lead to cracked or chipped teeth, which are painful and pricey to treat. Whether you’re enjoying a sweet or finishing the ice in your holiday cocktail, let it dissolve naturally in your mouth. Better yet, skip these items altogether. Ice can cause discomfort for sensitive teeth, and hard candies promote tooth decay.

5. Say “no” to nail biting.

The holidays can be stressful, but biting your nails won’t bring relief. Anxious nibbling is bad for both fingernails and teeth. Experts have linked the habit to teeth grinding, clenching, jaw problems, facial pain and sensitive teeth. If you get the urge to chew, distract yourself for a minute or two and see if the feeling goes away. If that doesn’t work, consider buying bitter-tasting polish that’s designed to dissuade you from putting your nails anywhere near your mouth.

Be sure to check these tips twice to stay off your dentist’s naughty list this season!

How to Take Care of Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush helps to keep you clean and healthy, so why not return the favor? Here are some guidelines for caring for your toothbrush:

1.     Sole ownership.

This is one instance where you should NOT share.  Recent research shows that cavities are contagious.  By sharing a toothbrush, you could also be sharing cavity-causing bacteria.

2.     A little privacy, please.

To avoid swapping harmful bacteria, make sure stored brushes aren’t touching each other.

3.     Give it some space.

When not in use, your toothbrush should be kept in a clean, well-ventilated spot as far away from the toilet as possible.  Keeping your toothbrush in a closed, moist space can encourage the growth of germs.

4.     Give it a shower.

Before and after each use, rinse your toothbrush under running water to eliminate excess residue.  You can even rub the bristles gently with a clean finger.  Shake out the toothbrush to help accelerate drying.

5.     Take a bath.

Bacteria can be reduced even further by soaking your toothbrush in an anti-bacterial mouthwash after each use.

6.     Cut ties.

Swap your toothbrush out every 3 months, or even sooner if the bristles are splayed.  If you’ve recently been sick with a cold or flu, opt for a new, germ-free toothbrush.

7.     Be skeptical.

According to the American Dental Association, there is no evidence that the products that claim to sanitize your toothbrush actually work.

Did You Know: Toothbrush Trivia

The toothbrush you recognize today was not invented until 1938. Before then, people would chew on the end of a twig to splay it and then use it to scrub their teeth.  These chew sticks were very effective.  In fact, many people today still use this method today, and prefer to use the medicinal miswak stick.

Miswak

Fun Ways to Recycle Your Toothbrush

We are supposed to replace our toothbrushes every 3 months, when there is noticeable wear, or when we have an illness. So on average, a person will go through around 5 or more toothbrushes a year. It has been reported the amount of toothbrushes that end up in landfills every year equals 25,000 tons. Below are some ways to reuse and recycle your toothbrush.

JUST RECYCLE IT:

Some toothbrushes are now made with handles from recyclable plastics. These can be put in your recycle bin at home and will then be melted down and made into other things like outdoor furniture. Next time you go buy a toothbrush, look for the recycle symbol on the packaging.
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MAKE IT INTO JEWELRY:

-We just love this one. You can actually turn your toothbrush into a bracelet. Check out the link below for a tutorial on how to do this very cool craft. http://twogirlsbeingcrafty.blogspot.com/2011/01/upcycling-toothbrushes-into-bracelets.html

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USE IT TO CLEAN:

Here are some ways to use your toothbrush to scrub the house:

Cleaning hard to reach areas
Comb cleaning
Cleaning jewelry
Carpet stain remover
Vegetable scrubber
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TAP INTO YOUR INNER ARTIST:

An old toothbrush can make a great paint brush for a child.
splatter-paint
***Please remember to disinfect your toothbrush before reusing it!