Friday 30 October 2015

20 Mistakes You're Making With Your Teeth

Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.

Multitasking while you brush
Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.

Overcleaning your toothbrush
Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.

Using social media as your dentist
The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) 

To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com 

San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com

Antibiotics & Your Heart

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about antibiotics and your heart.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com

Friday 23 October 2015

More Than a Quarter of Americans Have This Untreated Disease

Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked.

It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.

And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be.

To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com

San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com

Power Toothbrushes

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about power toothbrushes.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com

Friday 16 October 2015

Risks to Oral Health During Pregnancy

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about risks to your oral health during pregnancy.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com

Friday 9 October 2015

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 6: Floss Every Day

Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com

Sunday 4 October 2015

Best and Worst Halloween Candy Options for Children’s Teeth

Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. 
  
"Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids' teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD. 

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com

Friday 2 October 2015

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 5: Brush Daily, Brush Right

Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com