Dental hygiene

Mar30

Is Mouthwash A Must? Dental Hygiene in Comstock Park

Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Walker after hours dental

There’s a bewildering selection of dental hygiene products on the market, from mouthwashes to rinses to plain old toothpaste. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening breath.

It can make you wonder whether you’re doing enough to keep your mouth clean. Brushing and flossing have the greatest impact on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we tell our patients that as long as they follow the instructions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can’t hurt your teeth. Leaving a bit of diluted toothpaste on the surface of your teeth after brushing probably has the same benefit.

Individuals who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the problem. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can make it worse because they can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are generally more effective for freshening breath. These products are commonly called fluoride rinses.

If you have severe bad breath, however, you should have your teeth examined for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to identify the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon.

Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. If you use mouthwash, pick a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we like to tackle critical issues such as dental hygiene, cosmetic dentistry, oral care habits, and more!

We provide premium dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call our office and a member of our friendly and thorough staff can answer any questions you have. Our services include cosmetic, general and family dentistry.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

Mar16

Dental Hygiene in Comstock Park: When You’re Too Tired To Brush

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental hygiene, Gum Disease, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening

Rockford gentle dentist

Too tired to lift a toothbrush? We’ve all been there. But does anyone really want to sacrifice dental hygiene?

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we are committed to helping patients maintain balanced dental hygiene and correct imperfections that can lead to inhibited confidence and self-assurance.

Here are two quick ideas for overcoming exhaustion in favor of brushing and flossing late at night.

Idea #1 Drag Tongue Along Teeth
After a long day, as you lie in bed and realize you forgot to brush, drag your tongue over your teeth a few times. As you do, think about how plaque and tartar form. Within 48 hours they can start the dirty work of eating away at the teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease can begin to develop. So jump up and give your mouth just 2 minutes of gentle, thorough cleaning.

Idea #2 Scrutinize the Food You Eat
Another convenient and manageable approach is to pay attention to what’s going into your mouth throughout the day. The higher the sugar content, the sooner your teeth need a brushing to avoid harm. Swish with water after coffee, tea or soda if brushing isn’t going to happen soon. Chewing sticky candy, or dried fruit like raisins, leaves debris in the mouth, as does bread and crackers. Keep this in mind and commit to take care of the particles as soon as possible.

Shredded meat can remain lodged between teeth for days if you don’t pull it out with floss. Plan to floss or brush after eating if possible. With each particular type of food, learn to assess the effect it could have on your teeth. Make the decision to brush before you are tired. By simply visualizing and committing, you reduce the likelihood of hemming and hawing when you’re yawning and fading, and have to choose between settling into bed and spending 2 minutes cleaning your teeth.

A long day of work or play can wear out anyone. Consistent brushing and flossing reduces buildup and helps prevent decay and gum disease.

Some smile problems can be prevented, but in spite of our best efforts, some just cannot. A complimentary consultation with one of our dentists can open your eyes to the unique possibilities for your stunning smile. A few options for cosmetic dentistry that we offer at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry are porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear braces, and Zoom! teeth whitening.  If we each do our part to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, then all of us can sleep at night.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321