toothbrush

There are many ways to brush teeth, but some are much more effective than others. Using a Sonicare Electric Toothbrush, the number one brand recommended by dental professionals, delivers a superior clean for a healthier mouth. For optimal results, even this advanced toothbrush needs to be used properly.

How to Use a Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

Many people learn how to brush as kids using a circular motion with a manual toothbrush. With the Sonicare, the brush does the work for you, with a vibrating sweeping motion equal to more than 30,000 brush strokes per minute! Simply angle the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line, hit the “On” button, and hold the brush gently on both sides of each tooth for a few seconds. Many Sonicare brushes come equipped with timers that automatically stop the brush after two minutes, the recommended length of time for brushing.

The Sonicare Electric Toothbrush Advantage

Sonicare toothbrushes excel at removing plaque, whitening teeth, and promoting healthy gums. With proper use, these brushes can lead to healthier gums in just two weeks. Sonicare brushes use a “sonic” technology, which produces a sweeping motion to remove plaque and create microbubbles that can get deeper in between the teeth than other brushes. The motion is gentle, and with different cleaning modes, the brushes help reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity after only a few weeks of use. Sonicare brushes also have exceptional battery life, nearly three weeks for some models, for convenient travel use.

Different models have different features. There are up to five cleaning modes and even sensors that vibrate if you’re brushing with too much pressure. The DiamondClean comes with five cleaning modes, three brush heads, a USB charging case for travel, and a sleek charging glass. The Flexcare Platinum Connected brush features Bluetooth connectivity and an app that tracks your brushing habits, gives customized feedback through its Coaching App for the best clean possible, and notifies you when it’s time for a new brush head.

Common Electric Toothbrush Mistakes

The advantages of using an electric toothbrush, especially a Sonicare, rather than a manual brush are numerous, but an electric toothbrush won’t deliver a better clean unless it’s used properly!

One of the most common mistakes is brushing too aggressively with an electric toothbrush. Remember, the brush does all the work once it’s powered on. Instead of moving it back and forth or in circles over the teeth, electric toothbrushes simply need to be held gently against the tooth surface at the gum line to clean.

Before powering the brush on, apply just a small amount of toothpaste to the brush head, and hold off on hitting the power button until the brush is in your mouth to avoid toothpaste splatter all over your face and bathroom sink!

To prevent sensitivity and achieve the best clean, be sure to get the best fitting brush head for your mouth. People with smaller mouths may need smaller brush heads to brush comfortably. Those with sensitive gums should look for soft bristles and be careful not to apply too much pressure. If you have an electric brush with multiple settings, choose the one that best fits your needs, whether that’s whitening, deep clean, sensitive, or gum care.

If your teeth feel the cleanest they’ve ever felt after using a Sonicare Electric Toothbrush, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you don’t need to brush as often! Consistency is key. Remember to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to maintain a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums. Want more tips for healthy teeth? Contact us to learn more.

You might consider brushing and flossing your teeth everyday a pain. But it’s definitely not as painful as it used to be. Throughout history, humans have experimented with a variety of different tools and ingredients to clean their teeth, including bones and oyster shells. The toothbrushes, toothpastes and floss we use today were created relatively recently.
Let’s take a step back a few thousand years and take a look at how our ancestors used to try to keep their teeth in decent shape.

Ancient Toothbrushes

Some of the first evidence experts have found of toothbrushes dates back to 3,500 to 3,000 BC. Before that, people tended to use cloth and water to wash their teeth. They added abrasives like chalk and salt to keep their teeth polished.
Babylonians and Egyptians are thought to be two of the first groups of people to use a toothbrush-like tool. Archeologists have found twigs split and frayed at the end to create a sort of brush in the tombs of Egyptians. We can thank the Chinese for the invention of natural bristles in the 15th century. People in China created bristles from pig necks and attached them to bones or bamboo, which they used as handles to hold.
This Chinese toothbrush design caught on in Europe, as Europeans created their own version of toothbrushes with gentler horsehair bristles. Toothbrush design continued to improve, with William Addis creating a toothbrush handle from cattle bone and a brush with swine bristles in England around 1780. Bristles made with animal parts were finally replaced with nylon bristles in 1938.

Toothpastes and Powders Back in the Day

Toothpastes were used to keep our ancestor’s teeth and gums clean well before toothbrushes were created. Ancient Egyptians used ox hoof powder, burnt eggshells and ashes to keep their mouths clean and breath fresh. Greeks and Romans chose clean their teeth with rougher ingredients, like oyster shells and ground bones.
The Chinese tended to use ginseng, salt and herbal mint to keep their pearly whites clean. (We’ll take ancient Chinese toothpaste over Greek toothpaste any day.) These older toothpastes were actually more like powders. The more modern paste was created in the 1850s in England. Soap, chalk, betel nut, and crushed charcoal were among many ingredients used to create teeth-cleaning paste in England.

Flossing History

If you think flossing is hard today, try doing it with a pointed stick. (Actually, don’t. You could seriously injure yourself.) A few thousand years ago, our ancestors used to try to stick pointed sticks, horsehair, and twigs between their teeth to get food particles and other gunk out.
An American dentist named Dr. Levi Spear Parmly decided to improve on these ancient techniques with the introduction of waxed silk thread as floss. He also suggested that people floss every day. Unwaxed silk floss was created in 1882 and nylon replaced silk in dental floss in the 1940s.
Next time you don’t want to clean your teeth, just think about what the Greeks and Romans had to go through! Thankfully, we’ve come a long way. Nowadays, we have documented the proper brushing technique for healthy teeth and the best tools to get the job done. If you have any questions on your teeth- and gum-cleaning techniques, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Many people think they should brush their teeth right after they eat. At first glance, this seems to make sense. If you brush your teeth after a meal, you should keep your teeth healthy by getting rid of the food in your mouth, right?
Actually, that’s not always the best option. Like most things in life, deciding when the best time is to brush your teeth isn’t so black and white. It really depends on what you’re eating. In fact, if you brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic food, you can cause irreversible damage to your pearly whites. Let’s take a look at the best times for you to brush your teeth so that you can keep them as healthy as possible and avoid damaging them.

When To Brush Your Teeth After Eating

In most cases, it’s best to brush your teeth after eating a meal rather than before. After you eat food, bad bacteria can form that cause acids to eat away at your enamel. These acids attack your teeth for at least 20 minutes after you eat your food. This is especially true when you eat food that is high in carbohydrates and sugars.
When you brush your teeth with toothpaste right after you eat, you get rid of a lot of the bacteria that could otherwise cause cavities. This is why many dentists suggest brushing your teeth after every meal. Make sure to brush with a correct technique, and don’t brush too hard or with a toothbrush with overly strong bristles.

When To Brush Your Teeth Before Eating

There is an exception to the brushing-your-teeth-after-eating rule. When you drink or eat something that is acidic, like orange, grapefruit or lemon, you shouldn’t brush your teeth right afterwards. The acids that these foods contain weaken your tooth enamel directly after they are in contact your teeth. If you brush your teeth while your enamel is in this weakened state, you can damage your teeth by removing enamel. Mayo Clinic recommends waiting at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after you’ve consumed an acidic food or drink.
Instead of waiting to brush your teeth after you’ve eaten acidic food or drink, you can brush your teeth beforehand. When you brush your teeth before you eat acidic food, you reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. That means less bacteria will be around before you feed your mouth, and consequently the remaining bacteria as well, with sugars, which cause the bacteria to grow. After you’ve brushed your teeth and eaten your acidic food, you should drink a glass of water to get rid of any remaining acids.
While it’s important to eat acidic fruits, it’s best to avoid unhealthy and unnecessary acids that can ruin your teeth, such as those found in soft drinks. If you stick to a healthy diet filled with food that is good for your teeth and practice proper oral hygiene, your teeth (and your dentist) will thank you.

We love to see our patients taking care of their teeth with proper brushing habits. While most people brush twice a day, we do get some asking if they can brush their teeth too much and damage their teeth that way. Many people are surprised to hear our answer: yes, you can actually brush too much. But before you start cutting down your time with your toothbrush, keep reading to find out exactly what brushing too much means.

Over-Brushing: What Happens If You Brush Your Teeth Too Much?

While brushing regularly is extremely important, you can brush so much that you harm yourself. According to the Wall Street Journal, between 10% and 12% of the population have damaged their teeth or gums due to over brushing. This damage results in sensitive teeth, receding gums and wear around your tooth’s root.
If you brush your teeth excessively more than the suggested two times a day for three minutes each time, your teeth may become sensitive. This sensitivity could be a result of worn down enamel caused by over-brushing. You could also have pushed back your gums and exposed the root area of your teeth, which is sensitive.
The best way to stop this type of damage from getting worse is to cut back on brushing, apply less pressure and use a brush with a softer bristle. Enamel remineralization treatment can also help to make your teeth less sensitive. In the worst case scenario, gum grafts can help fix receding gums by covering up the sensitive teeth roots with soft tissue from the roof of your mouth.

How Much is Too Much?

The best way to avoid all of the problems that come with brushing your teeth too much is to avoid over-brushing. Though we usually recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, it can be beneficial to lightly brush after lunch or sugary snacks, waiting a minimum of 30 minutes. Still, try to avoid brushing more than three times a day for three minutes each time on a regular basis. When you do brush, don’t use hard bristles that can easily damage your teeth and gums, and don’t apply too much pressure. A gentle, circular brushing motion on each of your teeth two times a day should keep your smile clean and glistening.

Why Is Brushing Your Teeth So Important?

Brushing your teeth with toothpaste is essential to your oral health. Every morning and night, you should spend at least two to three minutes brushing your teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. We recommend using an electronic toothbrush because they tend to be more effective at breaking up plaque than traditional brushes. For proper brushing technique, take a look at our article here.
By brushing correctly, you’re breaking down the plaque that eats away at your teeth and causes cavities. But it’s not only your teeth that benefit from brushing. Your gums do too. Plaque also causes a gum disease called gingivitis, which makes your gums sore and swollen and can lead to more serious complications in the future. So if you have a good brushing technique, keep it up!
If you have any more questions about how much you should brush your teeth, what toothbrush you should buy, or brushing technique, don’t be afraid to contact us! Everyone’s smile is different, so we may have some tips that are unique to you and aren’t covered in this article. After all, it’s our job to keep your individual smile healthy and bright!

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, you definitely have some options. A pharmacy often dedicates a whole aisle to toothbrushes, giving you a long list of choices. One of the hardest decisions when choosing a toothbrush can be between a manual toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. Many question between a manual and an electric toothbrush, which is better? However, the answer isn’t necessarily which is better, but which is right for you. Though electric toothbrushes technically clean your teeth more effectively, they may not be right for everyone.

For decades, the manual toothbrush was the common standard for oral healthcare. The modern manual toothbrush, made of nylon bristles, was developed and introduced in the 1930s by the DuPont Company. For most consumers, that is the toothbrush they have known their whole life. Though there may have been some advancements in the manual nylon toothbrush, the design has remained relatively the same since it was introduced.
In the 1990s, the electric toothbrush was introduced to the market. The head of the toothbrush is driven by motor to oscillate or rotate. This gives the brusher a consistent pressure against the teeth. Many electric toothbrushes also come with timers that stop after two minutes and pressure monitors: if you’re pressing too hard against your teeth, the toothbrush will stop. Both have advantages and disadvantages that we will categorize below.

Ease of Use

A Manual Toothbrush is quite simple to use and most of us have used one for our entire lives. With two minutes of brushing, you can effectively clean your teeth. If you do this at least twice a day, you should guarantee yourself a lifetime of bright smiles. However, it does take a little extra effort to brush properly and ensure you’re removing plaque off of all your teeth.
With an Electric Toothbrush, there is significantly less work in ensuring removal of plaque. You still need to brush for two minutes, at least twice a day, but the consistent pressure of the motorized bristles makes the electric toothbrush easier to use. Studies have pointed to showing that electric toothbrushes do a better job of removing plaque on the teeth. However, with that said, both a manual and electric are fine for getting the job done.

Toothbrush Variety

Manual toothbrushes come in a long list of varieties from soft bristles to angled necks to fun patterns on the handle. If you like to switch up the look of your toothbrush, it’s a simple way to do that.
An electric toothbrush is a little harder to switch up. Once you decide on a kind of toothbrush, you don’t want to go switching between other brands. You need to stick with what your electric toothbrush provides in the case of bristles, colors, etc.

Toothbrush Cost

Manual toothbrushes are much less expensive than electric toothbrushes. If you visit a dentist every six months, they often give you a free toothbrush at the end of your visit. You need to replace a toothbrush about every three months, but that is still much less expensive than an electric.
Electric toothbrushes cost about three times as much as a manual toothbrush. Along with that initial cost, you need to consider the cost of new bristle heads and the cost of charging the toothbrush. Whether that means plugging in a charger and using electricity or replacing batteries on the toothbrush every few months. The money adds up.

Travel

Manual toothbrushes are easy to travel with. They can easily fit into a toiletry bag and you won’t need to risk breaking them on your trip.
An electric toothbrush is a little harder to take around with you. They tend to be bulky. If you plan to bring the charger for the toothbrush with you, there’s a considerable amount of room being used to pack your toothbrush.

Toothbrush Durability

You probably won’t have to worry too much about breaking your manual toothbrush. They’re quite sturdy. Even if you do break it, it’s not too hard to replace one.
An electric toothbrush must be treated with care. If dropped, the mechanisms that make the bristles move can break and malfunction, making your electric toothbrush useless. Be careful when using one.

Conclusion: Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual Toothbrush

While both manual and electric toothbrushes have their pros and cons, it’s truly up to the consumer to decide which one is right for them. Some prefer the feel of a manual while others the electric. Some don’t have the money to spend on an electric toothbrush, especially when a manual toothbrush can sufficiently clean your teeth. An electric does do an overall better job at cleaning your teeth, but may not be the best option for a variety of reasons, including if you travel a lot.
If it’s convenient for you, we recommend investing in an electric toothbrush, as it has proven to clean your teeth better than a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are also great for kids because children tend to think they are fun to use and don’t have to put in much effort.
Whichever you choose, make it your goal to brush at least twice a day along with flossing and mouthwash. If you stay consistent, whatever toothbrush you choose will get the job done.
 
 

How often do you find yourself standing in the aisle of your local pharmacy scanning an entire wall of toothbrushes? How do you know which toothbrush to choose? When looking for the right toothbrush, there are some factors you should consider and others you can completely ignore. Here are our top suggestions for finding the best toothbrush for you.

Size

The size of your toothbrush should coincide with the size of your mouth. Many people with smaller mouths don’t realize that a toothbrush with too large of head can make it very difficult and uncomfortable for them to brush their teeth, especially when trying to reach those back molars. For a person with a larger mouth, however, a smaller toothbrush head could make it difficult to reach and cover all teeth.
The best way to determine a good head size for your toothbrush is simple trial and error. If you’re replacing your toothbrush and aren’t happy with its size, try a smaller or bigger toothbrush, depending on the size you have now (i.e. change big from small, or vice versa). You may be surprised to find out how much the size of your toothbrush can improve your brushing experience.

Bristle Strength

While you may not think about bristle strength at all, or think that tough bristles are the best way to scrub your teeth clean, bristle strength is actually a major factor in choosing a toothbrush. Often, that means choosing softer bristles.
The reason softer bristles are sometimes a better choice is that they are easier on your gums. While your teeth may be able to handle tough bristles, your gums can be damaged very easily by harsh brushing. It’s better to consider a medium bristle strength toothbrush to use. There are also soft bristle toothbrushes, however you should only use those if your dentist recommends it.

The Toothbrush's Handle

Bright colors or a translucent handle might look fun, but they have very little to do with what toothbrush you should buy. When considering the handle, make sure the neck reaches long enough so that you can easily brush your back teeth. The neck should also be slightly angled from the handle. Notice the grip on the handle too. A cushioned, non-slip surface works well for people with arthritis and those with a bad grip.

Cost

You’re probably surprised by the range of costs every time you go to buy a toothbrush (especially the high-priced toothbrushes). Don’t be fooled into thinking the most expensive toothbrush is also your best option. While they may look shiny and new with bright colors and a curved handle, most expensive toothbrushes won’t do much more than a cheaper toothbrush that works for your mouth. In fact, an expensive toothbrush could be less effective depending on the needs of your teeth and gums. It’s better to consider the above options and find a toothbrush that works for you.

Electric Toothbrushes Are the Best Option

Though there are many toothbrush options out there, electric toothbrushes are by far the most efficient at cleaning your teeth. The pulsations from the brush break up plaque much better than manual scrubbing does, and their advanced designs allow for easier access to hard-to-reach areas, such as the backs of molars and gum lines. Many electric toothbrushes, such as SoniCare, also have built in timers to ensure that you’re brushing for as long as you need to. We highly recommend that you invest in an electric toothbrush.
When considering these factors while buying a toothbrush, that big selection of toothbrushes in the pharmacy aisle becomes a lot smaller and easier to handle. If you have any more questions on how you should pick your toothbrush, or would like a dentist to recommend the right toothbrush for you, stop by Water Tower Dental. We can sit you down for a routine check-up and help you determine the path to a brighter, whiter smile.
 
 

When it comes to your toothbrush, keeping it clean, dry, and out of the mouths of others is very important. It’s almost as important as keeping your teeth clean. Not many know exactly how to care for their toothbrush. We’re here to answer a handful of common questions about storing, cleaning, and keeping your toothbrush hygienic.

How Long Should I Use My Toothbrush?

As much as you might love the feel of a certain brush, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, if not sooner. Over time, the bristles of a toothbrush can become worn and frayed. When that happens, they’re less effective at cleaning your teeth. Think of a sponge you use to clean dishes, or a broom you use to sweep the floor. Over time, they don’t work as well as they used to. Your toothbrush is just the same. If you want to do the best job possible of keeping plaque off of your teeth, replace your toothbrush when the time comes.

Where Should I Keep My Toothbrush?

It’s tricky to know exactly where you should place your toothbrush, but here are a few tips:

• Avoid Keeping It In a Drawer/Cabinet
  When you place your toothbrush in a cabinet, it has a harder time drying out, allowing for bacteria to build. You should try to keep your toothbrush somewhere that has quality airflow.
• Avoid Keeping It Near The Toilet or Sink
  When you flush a toilet, bacteria becomes airborne and can travel much farther than most think. To keep harmful bacteria from the sink and toilet from reaching your toothbrush, try to store them a safe distance away. Another safe tip is to always close the lid to your toilet before flushing. This will help keep the icky where it belongs!
• A High Shelf
  If kept in your bathroom, try to put your toothbrush on a high shelf away from the toilet and sink, but still in the open air. Set it upright for to allow it to dry faster.

Can I Share My Toothbrush?

Though it may seem harmless, you should always avoid sharing your toothbrush with others. It is very easy to transfer germs, bacteria, and harmful illnesses such as the flu or hepatitis through your toothbrush.

How Should I Clean My Toothbrush?

The best way to clean your toothbrush is by rinsing it with water once you’ve finished brushing. Take it slow and make sure that all food and debris are cleared before putting your toothbrush away. Don’t try any experimental methods like putting your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave. This will only cause damage to the toothbrush and will not necessarily disinfect it.
Following these simple tips will help keep your toothbrush in great shape so that it can do its best job possible in keeping your teeth and gums clean for months. If you have more questions about how to care for your toothbrush or your teeth, contact Water Tower Dental. We’d be happy to help.
 
 

Do you have trouble convincing your children it’s time to brush their teeth? Many kids find it difficult to want to scrub their tiny molars as they see it just like any other chore. However, with the right attitude you can make brushing teeth a fun activity that your children get excited to do. Healthy teeth in young children are extremely important, so try out a few of these tips next time you’re brushing with your kids.

Start With Variety

An easy way to get a child excited about grabbing that toothbrush is by giving them an option. Buy an assortment pack of toothbrushes that are multicolored or have different characters from their favorite story or movie on them. Every time they go to grab their toothbrush, they get to choose a new fun color. Already, the child feels as if they’re in control and that they can make brushing their teeth just a little more fun.

Brush With Them

Children learn from a good example, so at first, always brush your teeth with your children. Show them how fun it can be. A client of ours once told us of how his grandfather used to brush his teeth with him when he was a child. Halfway through the brushing, his grandfather would always stop and show him a big, foamy smile. That stuck with him, and every time he brushed his teeth, even as an adult, he would give himself a big foamy smile halfway through the brushing.

Tasty Toothpaste

Many toothpaste companies make toothpaste specific for children that often have a sweeter taste that a child can enjoy. Look for safe and non-abrasive toothpaste approved by the ADA.

Get the Timer

Any parent knows children have a tough time staying still for more than a few seconds. To help condition your child to brush their teeth for more than a blink of the eye, grab a timer. At first, set the timer to twenty seconds and challenge your child to brush until the timer goes off. Gradually increase the time until you’ve reached two minutes.

Dance While You Brush

If your children don’t seem to take to the timer experience, find a fun song they love that’s around the two-minute mark. Let them listen to the song as they brush their teeth and let them know they can’t stop until the song is over. Let them get funky with the song, even dance with them a little, just make sure they keep brushing their teeth.

Reward With a Sticker

A simple reward for a job well done is a sticker. It can easily be put on a board or poster that the child can then see and feel proud of whenever they finish their brushing.
It’s important to start your children early with proper oral hygiene as they adapt habits much easier when they’re younger. If you’re consistent with your education and participation with your teeth brushing, it will have a lasting effect on their care for their teeth. Make sure to consider taking your child to the dentist as early as age 2. If you have any more questions, contact Water Tower Dental today.