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What kind of toothbrush should I use?

We all know the importance of brushing twice a day, and flossing at least once daily. So, the short answer is to choose a brush you are most likely to use!

At Queen Anne Dental, we know that it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of toothbrushes offered at your local store. Electric or manual? Soft bristles or medium? It would be difficult to give one specific answer, because everyone is different and has unique needs.

The best place to start is with your dental hygienist. He or she is specifically trained to determine which type of brush will be most effective for you. The type of dental work you have had done, the condition of your teeth, and even your age are determining factors.

For instance, very young children and older adults with arthritis will find it easier to use an electronic toothbrush that does most of the work. While high-end electronic toothbrushes have proven to be very effective, you can also find less expensive variations that work quite well.

Whatever toothbrush type you and your hygienist choose, make sure you replace either the brush or replacement head every three months. Over time, the brush will accumulate bacteria, which defeats the purpose of brushing.

Please contact our Queen Anne dental office to schedule a professional cleaning. At that time, we will be happy to suggest a brush that best fits your particular needs.

Why are dental x-rays necessary?

Dr. Goel is completely committed to helping you attain excellent oral health. Solid preventive treatments and diagnostic evaluation are the foundation of any treatment plan. At our Queen Anne Dental office, we utilize the latest technology to assist in patient treatment.

We usually take x-rays once a year, but if we encounter a problem, we may need to take additional images to provide a proper diagnose and plan for treatment. Dental x-rays are a mainstay of dental medicine, and one of our most valued diagnostic tools.

They allow us to get a view of the interior portion of your teeth, beneath your gums, and between your teeth. Using digital x-rays, we can find problems at their earliest stages, treat them as necessary, and monitor your progress after treatment.

Digital x-rays are also essential for helping us develop and place dental appliances like implants. Proper implant placement is crucial to the proper function and long-term success of these dental appliances and restorations.

Your safety and health are both important to us, and at our Queen Anne Dental office, we rely on digital x-rays, which reduce exposure to stray radiation by as much as 90% when compared to traditional x-rays. Digital x-rays are safer, and more efficient because we can see the detailed image of your teeth immediately.

We understand your concerns and want you to be completely comfortable with the care we provide. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have other questions about x-rays or would like to schedule an appointment.

What steps can I take to keep my teeth healthy?

It’s important for you to be proactive with your own oral health to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Our Queen Anne dental office has some tips to help you get the most out of your at-home hygiene and oral health care.

Brushing

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque from your mouth before acid has a chance to adhere to your tooth. If you are unable to brush after every meal, make sure to at least rinse your mouth with water to free any debris from between your teeth.

Flossing

Flossing cleans the small spaces between your teeth brushing can’t reach. Flossing is the most effective way for you to remove plaque and prevent cavities from forming in those tiny crevices.

Use a Mouth Rinse

Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse on a daily basis helps to kill bacteria and prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Mouth rinse is also helpful in cleansing the hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush can’t reach.

Watch your Diet

Stay away from foods with a lot of sugar, junk foods, and starchy foods. Instead, choose foods rich in Vitamin C, like oranges and broccoli. Calcium-rich also promote healthy teeth. Be sure to include foods high in Vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium. Crunchy foods, especially vegetables, are also helpful because they can naturally carry debris off of your teeth as you chew.

If you’d like to learn more about taking care of your oral health at home, please contact our Queen Anne dental office.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

Dental cleanings are one of the most important preventive treatments we offer because they are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. No matter how conscientious you are with your oral hygiene routine, you still need regular professional cleanings.

During a dental cleaning, we will start by visually inspecting your mouth to detect any changes and find problems that may be developing, like tooth decay and periodontal disease.

We then start the cleaning process, which consists of removing any plaque and tartar that is present on your teeth. This is especially important, because we can reach areas between your teeth that you can’t reach with regular brushing at home.

Removing these substances greatly reduces the risk of developing periodontal disease, which can significantly damage your oral health if not treated. Studies have also shown that periodontal disease can impact your overall health because of a connection known as the oral-systemic link.

Regular dental cleanings are one of the easiest and most effective ways to head off periodontal disease before it has a chance to worsen and cause serious oral health problems. If you’re due for a dental cleaning, please contact our Queen Anne dental office so that we can help you stay on the right track with your good oral health.