Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy
from Alexander City Family Dentist Dr. Wendy Holder
We are always happy to see our patients, and we are especially proud when we can give them a great report of No Cavities and No Gum Disease!
Committed to increasing knowledge at home and abroad!
You can actually prevent or minimize many dental problems by keeping your mouth as clean as possible. Try these tips and let us know how we can help:
Brushing & Flossing
We recommend that adults brush their teeth twice a day, for at least 2 minutes. Use a soft bristle brush held at 45 degree angle, and rotate the brush in small circles as you move over the teeth. Be sure to pay special attention to the gum line.
Watch the ADA® video on proper toothbrushing technique.
How to Floss Your Teeth
Brushing cleans the outer surfaces of the teeth, flossing cleans between the teeth. There is an old saying, “you should only floss the teeth you want to keep”. It's true! Harmful bacteria left between the teeth can lead to dental decay and gum (periodontal) disease. Periodontal disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss.
Watch the ADA® video on proper flossing.
We prefer waxed floss as it is easier to slide between the teeth. Wrap a section of floss around your fingers and control it by holding it with your thumb and forefinger. Slide the floss between the teeth and form a ‘C’ shape around the tooth; move it gently across the tooth surface, including under the gum line, to remove any food debris. Be sure to floss each side of each tooth and work your away around the mouth; rotate the floss as needed so that you always use a clean section. And, don't forget to clean the back of the last molars in each arch.
Automated Brushing and Flossing Options
For those who hate to floss, we like the Sonicare® Air Flosser!
We have recommended OralB® electric toothbrushes for years. Electric toothbrushes have also been shown to be more effective than manual toothbrushes; especially as we get older and lose dexterity. Remember, a dab will do it with toothpaste, if you have fluoridated water you don't need it at all.
Dealing with Dry Mouth
Many medications cause a condition known as ‘xerostomia’, or dry mouth. Mouth dryness can lead to problems with tooth decay; a lack of saliva in the mouth makes it easier for oral bacteria to organize and develop into harmful decay-causing plaque.
For patients that suffer from dry mouth, there are a few things you can do:
- Drink plenty of water, or melt ice chips in your mouth (never crush ice cubes with your teeth!)
- Try Biotene® rinse or gel to alleviate dryness
- Maintain a strict brushing and flossing routine
- Ask us about other fluoride rinses, toothpaste or products that might help
- Ask your prescribing physician about options to relieve dry mouth and any other medication side effects
- Stay on track with regular dental preventive care visits
Dental Emergencies
If you are experiencing tooth pain, please Call Our Office 256.234.6841. If you are calling after hours, we will provide emergency instructions in our message.
Tooth Knocked Out
- If you or your child have knocked out a permanent tooth, speed of response is important to save the tooth. Place the tooth in a cup of milk (or cool water if milk is not available) and apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling. Call our office right away for instructions.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Please call our office for instructions. If the tooth fragment can be found, place it in a cup of milk or water and bring it with you.
When to go the Emergency Room
- If you have or a loved one have suffered a hard blow to the head or mouth, please go to your closest emergency room for immediate care. This type of trauma can be very serious.
- When you are away from home and cannot find a dentist, in cases of severe swelling or tooth pain, the ER is your best bet. This is especially true for young children, a severe dental infection can be life-threatening.
If you have questions about your dental health, please Contact Dr. Wendy Holder and Team. We are always glad to be of assistance!