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The Importance of Fluoride

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Picture of a toothbrush "fluoride is nature's cavity fighter.

What is it?

Fluoride is commonly used in dentistry to strengthen enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. It helps to prevent cavities, so it’s sold in some kinds of toothpaste, and it’s also added in small amounts to public water supplies in the United States and many other countries. But, what exactly is?

Fluoride is a chemical compound of fluorine paired with another element. It contains compounds that are used in the prevention of tooth decay.

Cavity prevention.

If your toothpaste is fluoride-free, brushing and flossing alone isn’t enough to keep the cavities away. According to a recent study done at The University of Washington, fluoride has a huge effect on helping you avoid cavities.

While brushing and flossing do help, it’s fluoride that makes the difference in getting to the plaque and preventing cavities. If you don’t use some form of it, the plaque is inaccessible and you can’t reach it.

How does it work?

Cavities start to form in tiny cracks and crevices in your tooth enamel. Exactly how fluoride helps prevent cavities is not certain, but there’s some evidence that it may inhibit the enzymes that break down the tooth.

Scientists hypothesize that the fluoride ions replace hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite in your teeth, which lead to fewer cavities. This is why it’s added to some kinds of toothpaste, and certain dentists may also give you a yearly fluoride treatment. Overall, experts believe it helps restore minerals to the enamel, which ultimately helps to strengthen your teeth.

Smiling latino boy portrait outdoors drinking water

Tap water is an important source of fluoride.

Water supply.

Besides buying toothpaste with fluoride and having yearly treatments done at your dentist, another way to get it is through your tap water. More than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Are there any side effects?

While fluoride is a naturally occurring compound, it can still cause side effects when consumed in large doses. In the United States, the amount that’s added to water is very small– about  0.7 parts per million (ppm). That’s the maximum allowed amount, as of 2015– and it’s completely safe.

Dental fluorosis happens when you consume too much fluoride while your teeth are still forming under your gums. This results in white spots on the surface of your teeth. Other than the appearance of white spots, dental fluorosis doesn’t cause any other symptoms or harm.

It usually only tends to affect children under the age of 8, who don’t have all of their permanent teeth. Kids are also more likely to swallow toothpaste, which contains significantly more fluoride than fluoridated water.

Many people have claimed that it can cause other health problems. The truth is, aside from the occasional mild case of dental fluorosis, there’s absolutely no scientific evidence that fluoride added to local water supplies causes any health problems.

Make an appointment.

The American Dental Association recommends that you have a dental cleaning twice a year. If it’s been over six months since your last cleaning, it’s time for you to make an appointment. If you’d like a fluoride rinse, please ask!

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

All About Hybrid Dentures

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What Are They?

A hybrid dental implant before it's placed in the patients mouth.

A hybrid denture before it has been placed.

Occasionally, we have a patient that’s been wearing dentures for so long that their mouth is a complete disaster. Their face has sunken in, their dentures can’t function properly, and it’s nearly impossible for them to eat. This is the result of a bone atrophy commonly known as facial collapse– which is a side effect of dentures. If you’re in this situation, hybrid dentures may be your solution. Hybrid dentures replace your missing teeth and gums, as well as the bone in your mouth. The hybrid is anchored to your mouth using dental implants.

Types

A completed hybrid implant.

Hybrid dentures look and work just like your regular teeth.

There are two types of hybrid dentures we place– fixed and removable. Both types will be anchored by six to ten dental implants. While they do replace missing gum tissue, they don’t rely on any tissue support and are entirely supported by implants. This makes them very comfortable and natural-feeling, all while being extremely stable.

 

 

Fixed

When we place a fixed hybrid denture, screws hidden inside your teeth anchor the restoration to the implants. The screws are then covered with resin so they’re completely invisible and inaccessible. However, they CAN be taken out by a dentist.

Removable

Removable hybrid dentures use the same process as fixed, but they’re anchored by fewer implants. As a result, they’re much easier to remove and replace– if needed.

Implant Specialist

There’s not a recognized specialty in dental implants, so no dentist can actually be a dental implant specialist. Yet, some dentists have had so much advanced post-graduate training, that they’re technically specialists without the title. Dr. Burba took the 3i Institute for Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry (IIRD) courses and has extensive experience and expertise in this clinical area. You can rest assured you’ll be under the best care with Dr. Burba.

Make an Appointment

If you’ve lost bone structure in your teeth because of dentures, it can be disheartening and embarrassing. If you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate for hybrid dentures, call our office or request an appointment online. We look forward to working with you and restoring your smile.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

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Pregnant? Congratulations!

A pregnant bare belly.

Being pregnant can be exciting, but it also brings on a whole new set of challenges. When it comes to your oral health, pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your chances of developing gum disease. If this occurs, it can have serious effects on your unborn baby. Luckily, there’s a number of things you can do to help reduce the risk. Here are 6 things you need to know about pregnancy and your oral health.

1.) Prenatal Care.

If your pregnancy is planned, one thing you can do for the health of yourself and your baby is to stay on top of your dental health before you get pregnant. That way, your pearly whites can be professionally cleaned, gum tissue can be examined, and any oral health problems can be addressed and treated ahead of time.

2.) Check With Your Doctor.

Routine dental care can be done at any time during your pregnancy, along with anything urgent. But, any elective dental procedures should be done after your baby is born.

According to the American Dental Association, having dental x-rays during your pregnancy is considered safe with appropriate shielding. Just be sure to let us know.

Additionally, before you have your dental appointment, talk to your OBGYN to see if they have any special instructions for you.

3.) Pregnancy Gingivitis.

When you’re pregnant, it’s important to pay even more attention to your teeth and gums. Pregnancy causes changes that put you at an increased risk for gum disease and for tender gums that bleed easily– a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding, or gum swelling occurs at any time– contact us as soon as possible.

4.) Morning Sickness.

If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, try changing to a bland-tasting toothpaste. In addition, if you suffer from morning sickness and vomit frequently– rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse. If you brush right after, you’ll risk damaging your tooth enamel.

5.) Diet.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet while pregnant is key. Believe it or not, your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into your pregnancy. We highly recommend a healthy diet that contains dairy, since it’s a great source of essential minerals that will help to develop your baby’s teeth, gums, and bones.

For the sake of your own dental health, try and avoid sugary snacks as much as possible. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy, but it’s important to keep in mind that the more frequently you snack– the greater your chances are of developing tooth decay.

6.) After Birth.

After you’ve had your bundle of joy, soon after delivery you should schedule an appointment to have your entire mouth examined and periodontal health evaluated.

From there, you can resume your normal dental care routine and continue to see us once every six months.

Make an Appointment

If you’re pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or just need a check-up– you can make an appointment here. We look forward to seeing you!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

6 Foods/Drinks That Fight Bad Breath

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Woman covering her mouth.

Combat bad breath with food.

Most people assume that after they eat, no matter what they consume- it will affect their breath in a negative way.

While it’s obvious that eating onions and garlic will contribute to bad breath, lesser-known culprits are foods that are found in many people’s daily diets. These include starches, refined foods, and candies. They all increase plaque formation, which in turn makes your breath stink.

The good news is, there are actually certain foods and drinks that can help your body fight bad breath. Let’s take a look at seven of the best bacteria-busting foods.

1.) Citrus Fruits

First, citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C are great at getting rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath. This is because bacteria cannot thrive in environments that are high in vitamin C. In addition, citrus fruits have a high water content, which helps to hydrate your mouth and keep bacteria at bay. As an added bonus, vitamin C assists in fighting gingivitis.

2.) Water

Keeping hydrated is an essential part of fighting halitosis (the medical term for bad breath). This is because dry mouth creates an environment in which bacteria thrive. Water acts as a cleanser that encourages saliva production, which is crucial for cleansing your mouth of food particles and bacteria. The next time you finish your meal, follow it with a cool glass of h20.

3.) Ginger

Ginger isn’t only good for upset stomachs– it also has the effect of neutralizing bad breath. We recommend using pressed ginger combined with lemon juice mixed in equal parts with warm water. This creates a great natural at-home rinse to keep any bad odors away.

4.) Green Tea

Next, green tea is great at fighting bad breath because it’s high in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that fight the growth of bacteria and also help reduce sulfur compounds. One downside of green tea is that it can stain your teeth. To reap the benefits of it without staining, green tea extracts can be taken as a supplement– or you can drink it with a straw.

5.) Leafy Greens

As a general rule of thumb, if a food is good for your overall health, it will be good for your dental health, as well. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and kale are great for your overall health as well as your oral hygiene. Green vegetables keep your internal pH levels balanced and alkaline levels low, which in turn help to prevent dry mouth.

6.) Apples

Finally, apples are a wonderful choice for keeping your oral hygiene in check. This is mostly because of their natural detergent properties. When you bite into an apple, you’re pushing plaque away from your teeth and eliminating the food particles that cause bacteria in your mouth.

Make an Appointment

Calendar with a reminder to make a dentist appointment every six months.

While it’s not ideal, one of the best things you can do for your breath is to brush your teeth and tongue after every meal. When foods get trapped in the pockets surrounding your teeth, halitosis can develop as bacteria grows– which can lead to gum disease.

It’s also important to remember to see us twice a year for an appointment. If it’s time for your bi-annual cleaning, schedule it today.

 

 

 

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! In his free time, he often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

The Truth About Dental Myths

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The internet is a great resource, but sometimes it gives us conflicting information. When it comes to your dental health, there’s a lot of advice– so how do you know what’s true and what’s not?

We’ve compiled a list of 8 common myths regarding your oral health.

Myth #1: Bleeding gums are healthy.

Bleeding gums are the first stage of gum disease.

Truth:

Bleeding gums are actually caused by inadequate plaque removal. Plaque contains germs which attack the healthy tissue around your teeth, and cause your gums to become inflamed and irritated. As a result, they tend to bleed when you brush or floss. This is called gingivitis, and it’s actually the first stage of gum disease.

The good news is, if we catch it early– it’s easy and painless to treat.

Myth #2: Children don’t need to see the dentist until they’re toddlers.

Your child should see a dentist by the time they celebrate their first birthday.

Truth:

The American Dental Association recommends that a child be taken to the dentist by the age of one for a quick wellness check-up.

In addition, you’ll receive advice on how to care your toddler’s teeth going forward.

Myth #3: The more I brush, the healthier my teeth with be.

More isn’t better.

Truth:

Over-brushing your teeth can wear on them due to the abrasiveness of toothpaste, which could lead to problems with your tooth enamel.

Instead of brushing every time after you eat, try rinsing your mouth out and chewing sugar-free gum to avoid plaque build-up.

Myth #4: Cavities are only caused by sugar.

Cavities develop as a result of bacteria.

Truth:

Acid produced by bacteria in your mouth is what causes cavities. Although, when you eat anything with carbohydrates (sugar is carbohydrate), these bacteria are triggered to produce acid.

Be sure to rinse out your mouth after you eat anything sugary or acidic to help avoid cavities.

Myth #5: Harder is better.

A gentle touch is all you need to clean your pearly whites.

Truth:

It may seem like brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush would clean your teeth most effectively, but the truth is it can actually hurt your gums and enamel.

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the best kind for you to use to care for your teeth and gums. Look for the “ADA Seal of Acceptance” to find a brush that’s approved by the American Dental Association.

You don’t need to press hard either– a soft touch is fine.

Myth #6: If I don’t have cavities, I don’t need to visit the dentist.

Seeing us on a regular basis will allow us to catch any issues before they develop into anything serious.

Truth:

If your teeth feel okay, great! However, regular cleanings and checkups every six months are still a vital part to maintaining your oral health. Many dental issues can be symptomless, so it’s important have a dental exam every 6 months. If we find any issues, it’s much easier and more cost-effective to treat in its early stages.

Myth #7: If I ignore my toothache, it will go away.

A toothache will only get worse.

Truth:

Toothaches are often caused by an infection, and an infection can’t go away on its own. You may need a prescription or other intervention to take care of the cause of the toothache. Ignoring it will only make the problem worse.

Myth #8: If you’re pregnant, you should avoid the dentist.

Don’t avoid us if you’re pregnant.

Truth:

It’s actually very important to continue your regular dental care while pregnant since pregnant women are more likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bones that surround your teeth, and it can lead to pregnancy complications.

Always be sure to mention your pregnancy at your visit so we can take any necessary precautions to protect your baby while providing you with the care you need.

Now You Know

Dental myths can affect your perception of the dentist and can cause you to put off going– which can lead to serious oral health issues and long-term dental problems. Education is the key to prevention.

Now that we’ve debunked these common myths, have you fallen for any of them in the past?

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Why Are Visits To The Dentist So Important?

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Twice A Year

We’ll make you comfortable.

There’s a major reason why the American Dental Association, and your dentist, recommend that you come in for a cleaning/exam every six months. Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you need additional help, we may even suggest you come in and see us even more frequently, until we can get your issue under control. In addition, in-between your exams, it’s important for you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as you can.

What To Expect

Cleanings don’t hurt, so there’s no need to be nervous.

At a typical checkup and cleaning appointment, we’ll perform an examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Dr. Burba will be looking for any signs of gum disease, loose, broken or cracked teeth, a damaged filling, or tooth decay. He will also look for any signs of oral cancer.

Once a year you’ll need X-rays taken, and if you’ve been experiencing any pain– we’ll examine your head and neck, your bite, and the movement of your jaw.

Finally, we clean, polish, and floss your teeth– leaving them fresh and beautiful.

Benefits

Taking care of your oral health means taking care of your overall health.

There’s a number of benefits that come along with seeing us regularly. Since there’s a strong correlation between your oral health and your overall health, taking good care of your mouth means taking care of your entire body.

For example, gum disease can increase your risk of serious health problems including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes– just to name a few.

Deep Cleaning

We clean the places you can’t reach with just a toothbrush and floss.

You might think you don’t need regular cleanings, but we have specifically designed tools to clean your teeth much better than you’re able to at home. During your cleaning, we’ll remove plaque from hard to reach areas, and get rid of any buildup that has occurred since your last cleaning.

Prevent Gum Disease

We can catch gum disease before it spreads.

Regular visits to see us can help to prevent the onset of gum disease. Gum disease doesn’t just harm your oral health– it can affect your entire body. One of the biggest reasons you might develop periodontal disease, is by neglecting your oral health, and missing dental visits. The good news is, even if you’re more susceptible to gum disease than others– we can usually help you prevent it through regular cleanings and proper oral hygiene.

Detect Oral Cancer

Your visits could be life saving.

By seeing us twice a year, you’re giving yourself the best shot at catching the early warning signs of oral cancer. If we do detect any symptoms of the disease, we’ll recommend you begin treatment immediately to improve your chances of beating it quicker. If oral cancer is detected early, it’s curable.

Save Money

Regular check-ups save you time and money in the future.

In addition to their health benefits, regular checkups can even be good for your wallet. Finding and treating minor problems like cavities, can spare you the expense of future complicated procedures including extractions, crowns, or root canals.

Cure Side Effects

Knocking out one problem can fix another.

Sometimes dental problems have side effects, and Dr. Burba will be able to correct more than one issue at a time. For example, bacteria in your mouth can not only cause tooth decay, but it’s also responsible for bad breath. Conquering tooth decay will help you get rid of your mouth odor as well.

Make An Appointment

Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning every 6 months!

By visiting us twice a year, and practicing good oral hygiene daily, you’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy, and prevent diseases.

If it’s been over six months since your last appointment, request one today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Sugar and Your Teeth

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Sugar, Sugar

We know it’s tasty, but it hurts your pearly whites.

Everyone knows eating too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, but many aren’t exactly aware of how and why it happens. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in your mouth that uses sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that dissolve and do damage to your teeth. Each acid attack lasts for around 20 minutes, but the good news is– it’s avoidable.

What Are The Effects?

According to the American Dental Association, your mouth is full of hundreds of bacteria. Some are helpful, but others can actually feed on the sugars you eat, and create acids that destroy your enamel. Tooth enamel is the shiny, protective outer layer of your teeth that keeps them healthy. Cavities are a bacterial infection created by acids that cause a hole in your teeth. Without proper treatment, cavities can progress past the enamel and into the deeper layers of your tooth, causing pain and even eventual tooth loss.

Avoid Sugary Drinks

That’s a lot of sugar for one drink!

 

Sugary drinks, including fruit drinks, sports drinks, sweetened waters, sugary teas, energy drinks, and sodas, have been recognized as the primary source of added sugars in American diets. Sugary drinks don’t make you feel full, so you eat the same amount of food as before– but with a lot of extra sugar calories on the side.

When you have a craving for one of these drinks, try choosing a healthy alternative, like water, milk, or 100% fruit juice with no added sugars.

The Remedy

To avoid having a mouth filled with cavities, we have several tips to prevent them.

Stimulate Saliva Flow

Make sure it’s sugar free!

In addition to cutting down on sugar, stimulating saliva flow is recommended. Chewing sugarless gum, and incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet that are high in fiber, are great ways to accomplish this. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products also contain calcium and phosphates that strengthen your teeth, and they’re much better choices than something high in sugar or starch.

Brush and Floss

Always brush after you eat or drink something with lots of sugar.

It’s important that you stay on top of your oral health by brushing and flossing twice a day. It’s even more crucial to brush after you consume sugar. Whenever you eat or drink something sweet, make sure you brush your teeth right when you’re finished. However, if whatever you have is acidic– wait at least a half hour before brushing or flossing.

Use Fluoride

Let fluoride do the work for you.

According to The American Dental Association, you should be using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to not only prevent tooth decay caused by too much sugar, but also reverses it in its early stages. The ADA also recommends professional fluoride treatments from a dentist.

In addition, you should try and introduce tap water into your routine. Fluoride is added to your tap water source and it doesn’t affect the appearance, smell or taste of your drinking water, but it does give you the benefit of helping to prevent cavities.

Finally, rinse your brush off before you add your toothpaste to avoid washing away the added fluoride.

Stay On Top Of It

Vigilance is the key to preventing the negative effects of sugar on your teeth. Limit your sugar intake, and always brush after eating anything with a high sugar content. Choose healthy foods and drinks that strengthen, instead of damage your teeth. Include regular appointments to see us and you’ll keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime.

 

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

How to Prevent Dental Erosion

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What Is It?

img_8511

Did you know?

Dental erosion is a huge problem. It occurs when the enamel on your teeth begins to erode, or disintegrate. Your enamel is a clear, hard outer layer that protects your teeth from the damages of daily life. It keeps your teeth safe from feeling things that might otherwise be too hot, or too cold for you to eat and drink. It also helps to keep acid and damaging chemicals from hurting your teeth.

If this protective outer shell starts to erode, you’re much more likely to get cavities and tooth decay. Your nerves become more sensitive, and you might not even be able to enjoy the foods and drinks that you’re used to. The good news is, it’s preventable.

Limit Your Intake Of Acidic Foods/Drinks

As you’ll see, acid is the primary cause of dental erosion. The main goal is to prevent it as much as possible from damaging your teeth. This means the less acidic foods and drinks you consume, the less of a chance you’ll have at your enamel eroding. If you do decide to indulge, there are several steps you can take to help avoid further damage to your pearly whites.

Don’t Brush After Eating Anything Acidic

If you do eat or drink something with lots of acid, make sure you wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. If you don’t, you run the risk of damaging your enamel.

Chew Sugar Free Gum

Chewing Sugar Free Gum Rids Teeth of Acid 1080x1080

Always make sure it’s sugar free!

Saliva is extremely beneficial to your oral health, and chewing sugar-free gum is the number one way to increase saliva flow in your mouth. It helps to clear out food remnants and other debris, neutralize acids, and assists in getting rid of bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Saliva also contains nutrients like calcium, fluoride, and phosphates that strengthen tooth enamel. Without a healthy saliva flow, you’re at risk for number of oral health problems including tooth decay, periodontal disease, and infections.

Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for just twenty minutes after eating meals can reduce tooth decay, while preventing dental erosion.

Use A Straw

Protect your teeth from enamel erosion by drinking fruit juice with a straw 1080x1080

Straws are your friends.

Straws are great at protecting your teeth from stains, but they also work wonders for keeping your tooth enamel in tip-top shape. Anytime you’re drinking anything acidic, it’s very helpful to your teeth to use a straw. By doing so, the acid in the beverage can bypass your teeth and leave them looking and feeling great.

Be Gentle

IMG_8154

Harder isn’t better.

Remember, when it comes to brushing your teeth, harder is not always better. A soft brush and a gentle touch is always best. You’ll clean your teeth just as effectively, and won’t wear off their protective layer.

Use Fluoride

IMG_8468

Let it do the work for you.

Select a toothpaste with fluoride as an ingredient. Fluoride has been proven to help protect teeth from tooth decay and cavities. If you’re particularly worried about the enamel of your teeth, brush more than the recommended two times daily and start brushing after every meal. This will remove sugar and starches that can turn into corrosive acid and wear away at your teeth.

Protect Them

IMG_8138

Don’t neglect your teeth.

While these are all valuable tips, the most important thing you can do for your pearly whites is brush and floss twice a day, and visit us twice a year for cleanings. If it’s been over six months since your last cleaning, schedule your appointment today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

 

 

 

 

 

Mistakes To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth

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“I Know How To Brush My Teeth.”

Your entire family can follow these simples steps to healthier teeth.

Your entire family can benefit from these tips.

You might think you’re doing everything right. After all, brushing your teeth isn’t exactly hard. What you don’t know is, unless you’ve been shown the proper way to brush– you’re probably doing it wrong. In fact, most people aren’t caring for their teeth properly.

Are you making any of the following mistakes?

Brushing too hard.

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Brushing too hard is something a lot of people are guilty of. When it comes to your teeth, rough is not better. A soft massage of the gums and teeth is enough to effectively clean them without damaging your enamel.

Brushing too long/too frequent.

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Just like brushing too hard, you also don’t want to overdo the time you spend on cleaning your teeth. You should only brush twice a day, for two minutes. Doing it any more frequent than that will harm your teeth and wear away the enamel.

Side note: this does not apply if you have braces. They require more frequent cleaning.

Not brushing long enough.

On the flip side, make sure you brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Research shows the average time people spend brushing their teeth is only 45 seconds. Not enough! Anything shorter than that won’t give the fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to attach to the enamel on your teeth.

Not replacing your toothbrush.

If you’re healthy, every three months– or 200 uses, is a good time frame to replace your brush. However, if you’re sick, it needs to be replaced as soon as you’re feeling well again. If not, your toothbrush can actually reinfect you at a later date.

Also, remember the phrase “if it starts to fray, throw it away”. If this occurs before your three months is up, replace your brush right away. Frayed bristles won’t clean your mouth properly.

Always have a few back up brushes stashed away for when that time comes.

Forgetting to clean your tongue.

Don't forget your tongue!

Don’t forget your tongue!

Your tongue is not something you should be ignoring when you brush your teeth. In fact, you should reprogram your brain to think of brushing your teeth as actually brushing your teeth, tongue and gums. All three need to be cleaned for optimal oral health.

Your tongue is a virtual petri dish for germs. If you don’t clean it, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. Expect bad breath, and bacteria build up. We recommend a tongue scraper if your brush tickles your tongue, or you don’t like the feeling.

Using the wrong technique.

If your gums are bleeding after brushing and flossing, you may have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

Are you brushing your teeth the correct way?

The correct way to brush your teeth is in circles, and not back and forth. A circular motion is more gentle and effective at cleaning your teeth.

Side to side wide strokes can scrape the soft tissue lining between your teeth and gums, causing them harm.

Finally, be sure to tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush close to the gum.

Flossing after brushing.

Always floss before you brush.

Always floss before you brush.

Lots of people make this mistake. You brush your teeth and then you floss. So, what’s the problem? You’re doing it in the wrong order. Always floss before you brush. If you don’t, you risk leaving leftover particles of food in your mouth. In addition, flossing before brushing exposes areas that need the fluoride in your toothpaste.

Just Ask!

Come see us twice a year.

If you’d like us to show you the proper way to brush and floss, next time you’re in our office, just ask and we’ll be glad to demonstrate.

If you change your dental hygiene habits, we promise you’ll notice a difference. You’ll see your teeth will be stronger and healthier than ever before.

Most importantly, don’t forget to schedule regular cleanings with us every six months.

 

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

5 Steps to Fresher Breath

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Woman covering mouth

Does your breath stink?

Are you constantly worried your breath is bad?

Afraid to get too close to someone, in case your mouth stinks?

You have one chance to make a first impression, we’ll make sure it’s a good one.

It’s to get bad breath–unfortunately. It’s not always easy to get rid of.

What’s causing your bad breath

To fix the problem, we first need to figure out the cause.

Bad breath is caused by bacteria that breed inside your mouth. This bacteria spreads and multiplies, finally breaking down to proteins which cause an odor to be released from the back of your tongue and throat. Yuck!

Let’s fix it

Here are a few of our favorite tips for keeping bad breath at bay.

1) Brush after every meal

Food for thought: Your food supply is also the bacteria’s food supply.

Leaving food particles in your mouth causes plaque, which leads to bad breath. When you floss and brush after every meal, these bacteria will no longer thrive.

2) Clean your tongue

The surface of your tongue is rough and home to a potentially gross smelling combination of dead cells, food debris and bacteria.

Brush your tongue with your toothbrush, or—even better—buy a tongue scrubber. A tongue scrubber is a small device designed to scrape the surface of the tongue. This eliminates even more bacteria.

3) Schedule regular appointments

One of the most common causes of bad breath is not scheduling regular dental appointments. This seems to get overlooked because, as we know, time flies. Our main priorities might not be our dental appointments–even if that practice is detrimental to your dental and overall health.

The professional cleaning process removes tartar from the teeth–which if left untreated could lead to periodontal disease–and identifies any infected areas potentially causing bad breath. Not only will you notice a difference, but your friends and family will too.

4) Wet your whistle

Chewing sugar free gum can help to eliminate bad the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Chewing sugar-free gum can help to eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath.

When combating bad breath, keeping your mouth wet is important. Saliva contains oxygen, and oxygen deters bacteria growth. Saliva is naturally anti-bacterial and helps to wash away bacteria.

Another way to eliminate the bacteria that cause stinky breath is to chew sugar-free gum. If none is available, sugar-free, non-sticky candy works well too.

5) Know your food

You may not realize it, but the foods you eat make an impact on your breath. We’ve all been too close to someone who’s just polished off a tuna sandwhich. Run. Run far, far away.

Even red meat can cause bad breath. Meat easily gets stuck between your teeth, breeding bad breath bacteria.

You’re not alone

Bad breath affects around 80 percent of people around the world. Some, chronically.

Don’t be known as the guy with dragon breath. Follow these tips and schedule regular cleanings every six months. If you do, we guarantee you will notice a favorable change.

 

Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.