Belmont Dental Group

Check Out These Links for Great Dental Care Tips

Your dentist can help you make the best choices when it comes to preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. From learning the best brushing techniques to any other questions you may have, contact Belmont Dental Group at (617) 209-4058 or visit us on the web. You can learn more about maintaining a healthy mouth by clicking through these resources from around the web:

• This article on WorlDental.org outlines the dental cleaning and tartar removal procedure your dentist will use, as well as provides tips for preventing tartar buildup on your teeth.
• Are you curious about the types of bacteria that live in your mouth? You can learn more about some of the most common species on Livestrong.com.
• If you grind your teeth during your sleep, you may not recognize you have a problem. You can visit the Mayo Clinic website to read through the symptoms of bruxism to help you determine when to see your dentist for a diagnosis.
• Using an electric toothbrush is slightly different than using a manual toothbrush. You can find instructions and tips for using a rechargeable electric toothbrush when you click on OralB.com.
• You can look back through time to discover the history of the toothbrush in this interesting article on HuffingtonPost.com. 

How to Choose the Best Toothbrush for You

Brushing your teeth is an essential part of your daily oral care routine. With a plethora of toothbrush options on the market today, finding the style that is right for you can be a challenge. Your dentist can help by making recommendations based on your dental care needs, so ask for suggestions during your next exam if you’re having trouble finding the right fit. In the meantime, here are a few things to consider when shopping for a new toothbrush.

Head Shape and Bristle Type
Your toothbrush will need to reach every corner of your mouth to clean your teeth effectively. Choose a toothbrush with a head that is small enough to fit around your back molars. Although bristles come in soft, medium, and hard options, dentists recommend using only soft bristles to avoid damaging the teeth and gums. Brushing too hard or with bristles that are too firm can erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums, leading to dental problems and sensitivity. Look for a toothbrush with bristles that are angled to maximize contact with tooth surfaces during brushing for more effective cleaning.

Electric vs. Manual
Dentists agree that both manual and electric toothbrushes will clean your teeth adequately as long as they are used properly. If you are not sure whether you are using your toothbrush effectively, ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper procedure. Electric toothbrushes, while more expensive, often come with added features such as built-in timers and pressure sensors. These toothbrushes may be easier to use if you suffer from arthritis or have issues maneuvering a manual toothbrush. Disposable toothbrushes can be ideal for travel and are cost-effective and easy to replace. Regardless of which type of toothbrush you choose, check the packaging for the American Dental Association’s seal of approval.

The Belmont Dental Group can help you choose the right toothbrush to fit your lifestyle and needs. You can get the answers to all your dental care questions by calling our Cambridge dental office at (617) 209-4058. You’ll find more toothbrushing tips and information by clicking over to our website. 

Are You at Risk for Tooth Decay?

Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, damage the hard surface of the teeth. Flossing, brushing, and seeing your dentist for regular exams are easy ways to lower your risk of developing tooth decay. However, other risk factors may contribute to cavity formation, including diet, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions. Read on to learn more about these common factors of tooth decay.

Dietary Risk Factors
Diets that incorporate sugary or acidic foods set the stage for tooth decay. If you prefer soda or juices to water, you may be raising your risk for developing tooth decay. Eating foods that easily cling to the teeth provides cavity-causing bacteria with easier meals. A diet low in mouth-healthy nutrients, such as fluoride, calcium, and vitamin C, can lead to poor dental health and tooth decay.

Medical Risk Factors
Medical conditions such as eating disorders, heartburn, and diabetes negatively affect your dental health. Medications or medical treatments that cause dry mouth further heighten your risk due to a reduction in saliva production. Saliva helps to wash away food and bacteria while depositing much-needed minerals on the teeth. It’s important to keep your dentist informed and up to date on both your medical history and any medications or supplements you may be taking. 

Lifestyle Risk Factors
Skipping your oral care routine or performing it inadequately, such as brushing too quickly or failing to floss, allows plaque and tartar to build up in your mouth and facilitate tooth decay. Conversely, brushing your teeth immediately after acidic meals can actually contribute to enamel erosion and cause your teeth to become more susceptible to cavities. Your age also plays a role in your overall oral health, as both young children and older adults suffer from an increased risk of developing dental caries.

You can assess your risk for cavities and achieve better dental health with the help of the dentists at the Belmont Dental Group. We provide comprehensive and comfortable dental treatment, including sedation dentistry, to ensure our patients receive the care they need for a healthy smile. Call us today at (617) 209-4058 or visit us on the web for more dental health information. 

Get The Dental Facts You're Looking For With These Resources

The Belmont Dental Group provides all aspects of dental care for you and your family. We are dedicated to the comfort of our patients and offer sedation dentistry options as well as Saturday and evening appointments to ensure you get the care you need. You can reach us by calling (617) 209-4058 or click on our website to learn more about our Cambridge dental practice. 

• What happens when you get a cavity? You can learn more about cavities and how they occur by visiting WebMD.com.
• It’s important to know the symptoms of a cavity so you can seek dental care as soon as possible. The Crest Pro Health website lists some common cavity symptoms on this webpage.
• Botox injections can reduce the urge to clench your jaw and relieve symptoms of bruxism. You can learn more about how Botox may help those with bruxism on FoxNews.com.
• Are you looking to reduce your risk of gum disease and cavities? eScienceNews.com has evidence that adding green tea to your diet can promote better oral health.
• You can find out how to put the brakes on tooth decay by reading this article on the Discovery Fit & Health website.

A Look at Plaque and Tartar

Dental plaque and tartar are the cause of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. These substances form as a byproduct of bacteria in your mouth and the sugars from the foods you eat. Regular flossing, brushing, and visits to your dentist can effectively remove plaque and tartar to keep your teeth healthy and looking their best for a lifetime. Read on for a closer look at plaque and tartar.

Plaque
There are many types of bacteria that naturally live inside your mouth. These bacteria feed off the sugars contained in foods you eat. When bacterial byproducts and sugars build up on your teeth, it is called dental plaque. Plaque forms a colorless, sticky film on the visible surfaces of the teeth as well as between teeth and along the gum line. Flossing and brushing twice a day act to remove plaque before it can cause harm. If not regularly removed, plaque contributes to tooth decay and the formation of cavities. The acids from the bacteria contained in plaque slowly erode tooth enamel, exposing the pulp to infections, known as cavities.

Tartar
Over time, plaque that is not removed from the teeth hardens into a mineralized substance called tartar, also known as dental calculus. Tartar buildup occurs most often along the gum line due to inadequate flossing or brushing. Because tartar is a hardened substance, it can only be removed with tools and techniques used by your dentist. If tartar continues to accumulate over time, it can irritate the gums and cause periodontal disease. Because tartar is porous, it provides an easier surface for plaque to adhere to, promoting tooth decay and cavities. This porous nature can also allow stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, and certain foods to accumulate on the teeth, leading to discoloration or yellowing.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are the only way to ensure your teeth are free of plaque and tartar buildup. Call the Belmont Dental Group at (617) 209-4058 to schedule your preventive care exam today. Learn more about good dental hygiene habits and how your dentist can help you maintain your smile by clicking on our website.