You should get a new toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles show signs of wear. A good “rule of thumb” is to replace your tooth brush at the minimum each time you get your teeth professionally cleaned. If you use an electric tooth brush please replace your brush heads at the same interval. Children's brushes may wear out even more quickly so please examine your toothbrush each time it is used to determine if it is time for a new one!


When looking for a toothbrush, or any type of dental product, you may be overwhelmed by the choices available. To choose a good product, start by looking for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the label. Please also ask your dentist or hygienist for their recommendation of which type of toothbrush your mouth would benefit from. Different brands, shapes of heads, and strength of the bristles are all taken into consideration with this recommendation as well as the individual’s dental needs.

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How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?

Regardless of how well you brush and floss at home, your teeth need to be professionally cleaned every three to six months. Your dentist or hygienist will recommend how often you should return for your cleanings based on the condition of your gum tissue, amount of plaque in your mouth, and your oral hygiene habits. Having your teeth professionally cleaned will allow the hygienist to effectively remove the plaque, calculus, and tartar that build up on and between teeth. In addition your teeth, gums, mouth and throat and neck should be examined to check for oral cancer, facial structure and the condition of your temporalmandibular (TMJ) joint.

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Are x-rays necessary? Are they dangerous?

Dental x-rays should be taken once a year to get a better look at the structure of your teeth and mouth. These x-rays are not dangerous. The film that we use in our office is the most advanced film available and the amount of radiation you are exposed to from the film is less than the radiation received from sunlight and other environmental factors to which you are exposed on a daily basis. X-rays show what is going on in between the teeth as well as underneath existing restorations which is extremely important because these areas are not able to been seen with the naked eye alone. We understand of patients being concerned about the amount of radiation exposure so please speak with us regarding your individual needs in this area.

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What is the proper brushing technique?

You should brush twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Be sure that your toothbrush is the right size and shape to fit into all corners of your mouth. Your hygienist can recommend which brand and type of toothbrush you would best benefit from. The proper way to brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush is to move the bristles in a circular motion and not in a sawing motion, making sure a portion of the gum tissue is covered as well. Improper technique can lead to gum recession and also leaves behind harmful plaque and bacteria.

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Why is flossing so important?

We feel that flossing is the most important tool you have to maintaining a healthy mouth. Flossing allows you to remove plaque, bacteria, and food that are in between the teeth and in the pockets which can not be achieved with brushing. If the bacteria are not removed over time it turns into plaque. Over time the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Dangerous bacteria develop in tartar which is what leads to gingivitis and gum disease. This bacterium produces toxins which cause irritation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. When the toxins penetrate the gums, supporting structures of the teeth, and bone it turns into periodontal (gum) disease.

When you floss another benefit is removing bacteria from the pockets which contribute toward bad breath. Food that is left between the teeth gets broken down by the bacteria in your mouth which creates a foul smelling odor.

If you haven't flossed in a while, you may see a small amount of blood on the floss after you use it. This bleeding indicates that your gums are slightly inflamed. This is a good sign. With a regular regimen of flossing this bleeding that occurs during flossing should go away.

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What is the proper flossing technique?

To floss properly, follow these simple steps:

1. Break off about 18 inches of floss.

2. Wind most of the floss around your middle finger on one hand.

3. Wind the rest of the floss around a finger on the opposite hand.

4. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

5. Use ½ inch at a time and gently glide the floss between the teeth. (Be careful not to force it and cause trauma to your gums!)

6. When the floss has reached the gum line, bend it into a c-shape against the first tooth.

7. Slide the floss gently into the space between the tooth and the gum (the pocket) and gently make sure it goes all the way down.

8. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and rub the side of the tooth gently to remove the food, plaque, and bacteria from the pocket and the tooth.

9. Move to the adjacent tooth and repeat.

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What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because early periodontal disease is painless and shows few symptoms, patients are often unaware that there is a problem. For this reason, regular dental visits are essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.



The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss.

The first type of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

More information regarding periodontal disease, treatments, and risk factors can be obtained from www.perio.org.

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What is the proper care of my retainer?

Wear your retainer as instructed!

Lifetime: You will need to wear your retainer for the rest of your life. Ask your doctor for specific wearing instructions that apply to you.

For those with Hawley Retainers - Remove your retainer from the back hook - not from the front.

Take care of your retainers: Clean with soap, water and Q-Tips. Efferdent® works fine, too. Don't brush the appliance with toothpaste; it dulls the brilliance. Keep them away from pets - they love to chew on them. Don't use hot water or place near hot surfaces; this can distort the shape of your retainer. You may remove your retainer while swimming in a lake or ocean.

No flipping: Avoid flipping the retainer with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth and retainer.

NEVER wrap the retainer in a napkin or tissue, as they may be thrown away. Always store the retainer in its case (not your pocket).

Speech: You may notice a difference in your speech at first. However, in 2 or 3 days, your speech will become normal. The plastic taste of the new appliance will soon disappear.