Month: October 2013

In our last blog, we talked about using the right toothbrush for optimal oral health. All of us at Lawrence J. Winans, DMD in Lewisburg also think it’s important that our patients know how to choose the best toothpaste to keep their smiles healthy.

With so many options to choose from, selecting the right toothpaste can be a pretty overwhelming task. From pastes to gels, flavors to fluoride and whiteners, how can you be sure you’re using the right toothpaste?

Let’s start with the basics.

Although toothpaste comes in a variety of forms, there are some common ingredients in most toothpastes:

• Abrasive agents like calcium carbonate to help remove food, bacteria, and some stains.

• Flavoring which is often added to make toothpaste taste better.

• Substances like glycerol that helps prevent the paste from drying out.

While most toothpastes have these basic ingredients, there is one all-important ingredient to look for when choosing a toothpaste – fluoride.

Fluoride is key in the fight against tooth decay and cavities, and helps protect your teeth by making tooth enamel stronger. Fluoride is a necessary ingredient in toothpaste to help maintain oral health.

In addition to fluoride-infused toothpastes, there are toothpastes that help with tartar control, sensitive teeth, and even ones that help whiten. No matter what type of toothpaste you choose to use in Lewisburg, it’s important to follow these three rules:

1) Buy a toothpaste that has fluoride.

2) Look for the American Dental Association seal of approval.

3) Make sure you like your toothpaste flavor and texture to ensure that you brush twice a day.

And don’t forget to keep up with your professional cleanings at the Lewisburg dental office of Dr. Larry Winans. If you’re due for a check up or cleaning, give us a call and schedule your appointment today!

Walking down the toothbrush aisle at the local supermarket can be an overwhelming experience – especially if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. When choosing the right toothbrush for your smile, there are a few important characteristics to take into consideration other than simply your favorite color or the one that’s on sale. Lewisburg dentist Dr. Larry Winans wants to go back to the basics and discuss a few of the things you should look for when buying your next toothbrush.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of your toothbrush is a good starting point when choosing the ideal toothbrush for you. The head of the toothbrush should easily fit into your mouth without any strain or discomfort. The toothbrush should also fit comfortably in your hand and should feel as natural as holding a fork.

Bristles

The bristles of your toothbrush are also important and should be taken into consideration. While many people tend to think that harder bristles will be better for cleaning teeth, it is, in fact, the opposite. Hard bristles can irritate the gums and even damage teeth. Our dental office in Lewisburg prefers and recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes.

Manual or Powered?

According to the American Dental Association, both manual and powered toothbrushes are effective and thorough at cleaning your teeth. However, some individuals have difficulty using a manual toothbrush to successfully reach all areas of the mouth and find that powered toothbrushes are easier and more comfortable.

Whether you decide on manual or powered, it’s ultimately more important to make sure that your toothbrush is easy to use and that you’re comfortable with it. Dr. Larry Winans also recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and to visit our Lewisburg dental office regularly for professional cleanings and exams.