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Choosing a Toothbrush: What You Need to Know | Schnecksville Dentist

When trying to maintain a bright and healthy smile, it is important to have the best equipment for your particular situation. So, we purchase fluoride mouthwash and ADA approved toothpaste in our favorite flavor. But what about a toothbrush? After all, there seems to be endless options to choose from. Fortunately, there are a handful of things to consider when you purchase your next toothbrush. Because having the ideal toothbrush will definitely make a difference at your next dental appointment.

Brush head. Firstly, the head of your toothbrush is going to need to fit inside your mouth in such a way that you will be able to maneuver around your mouth in order to be able to clean all of your teeth thoroughly. Additionally, find a model that has a grip you like as well. The easier it is for you to hit hard-to-reach teeth, the healthier your mouth will be.

Bristles. Toothbrushes typically have three bristle types – soft, medium and hard. You may think that using hard bristles will clean better, but they can cause damage to your gums if you aren’t careful. Best bet is to choose soft, rounded bristles.

ADA approved. The American Dental Association is the leading authority when it comes to the best products for today’s patients. Make sure that the toothbrush you choose is ADA approved to ensure that you’re using the best equipment.

Manual or electric. When it comes to choosing a manual or electric, it really depends on the patient. For many older patients that may have arthritic issues, an electric option may be best. But this is purely a personal choice.

If you still have trouble deciding which toothbrush to choose, ask your dental professional.

For more information about toothbrushes, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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10 Tips for a Healthy Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want a healthy smile, but are you doing your best to keep that smile healthy? After all, we at Extraordinary Smiles will do our best to treat your dental issues, but most of the work falls in your hands. Do your job well and our job is easy. But how do you know if you are doing the best possible job for your smile? Here is a quick rundown:

Brush properly. Maintaining a healthy smile means brushing, flossing and rinsing on a daily basis. Brush for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day – all four quadrants.

Even your tongue. You may not think this is necessary, but your tongue holds tons of bacteria and can lead to bad breath.

Swish, swish. Using mouthwash will not only improve your breath, but it can also strengthen your teeth, prevent plaque and gum disease. Rinsing fits anywhere in the sequence as mouthwash will dislodge debris in your mouth, making it easier for you to clean your mouth well.

Flossing. Flossing is very similar to mouthwash – it loosens particles in places your toothbrush can’t reach.

Choose your weapon. Picking out a toothbrush may seem daunting with all of the variations available. Choose soft-bristles and a small enough head to reach your back molars, electric or manual is up to you.

Keep it clean. Thoroughly rinsing your toothbrush after each use will help keep bacteria from entering your mouth. Allow it to air dry for optimal cleanliness – no toothbrush covers.

Swap it out. Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months, or after having a cold.

Midnight snacks. Unless you plan on brushing and flossing after your snack, food before bedtime isn’t a good idea.

Tobacco-free. We all know smoking is bad for your health, but it’s also terrible for your smile. If you use tobacco products, try quitting.

Keep your appointments. Finally, make sure to call us for regular checkups. We are the only ones that can tell you if you’re doing a great job. It’s all about teamwork!

For more information about dental hygiene, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Are You Brushing Correctly? | Schnecksville Dentist

In the age of social media, physical appearance has become a focus on everyone’s mind. And what is a selfie without a great smile? Unfortunately, we can’t rely solely on our dentist to give us the smile we want – we also play a major role in how healthy our smiles are. We need to look after our smiles in between dental visits. So, it is important that we are doing a proper job cleaning our teeth daily. We know the basics, but you may be surprised to know you may have picked up a habit or two that aren’t kosher with optimum dental care.

In general, proper oral care involves these four steps:

  • Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each session
  • Flossing once a day, ideally before bed
  • Limiting the amount of sugar consumed
  • Visiting the dentist every 3-6 months for regular checkups and professional cleanings

The idea of having to brush your teeth for two whole minutes may come as a surprise, but it is the suggested timeframe you should be aiming for in order to properly maintain your bright grin. When brushing your teeth, use short, gentle strokes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying extra attention to your gums, the back teeth and areas around dental work.

When flossing, hold about 18 inches of floss between your thumbs and index fingers, then gently slide it in between the gaps of your teeth. Remember, brushing and flossing are two of the most important things in making sure that you have a beautiful and healthy smile, so proper technique is a definite must.

For more information about dental health, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.