8 Bad Brushing Habits to Break in 2019 (Part 2 of 3)

Brushing Right After Eating 

If you feel the need to clean your teeth after eating or drinking, wait at least 60 minutes before brushing—especially if you have had something acidic like lemons, grapefruit or soda. Drink water or chew sugarless gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to help clean your mouth while you are waiting to brush.
   
Storing Your Brush Improperly
 
When you’re done brushing, keep your toothbrush upright and let it air dry in the open. Avoid keeping your toothbrush in a closed container, where germs have more opportunity to grow.

Using a Brush with Hard Bristles
 
Soft bristles are a safe bet. And be mindful to be gentle, especially where your gums and teeth meet, as you brush. Talk to your dentist about what kind of toothbrush is best for you.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Dentist Tinley Park
North Creek Dental Care
18425 West Creek Drive • Suite I
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-4131

8 Bad Brushing Habits to Break in 2019 (Part 1 of 3)

Keeping Your Toothbrush for Too Long 
 














The ADA recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so make a resolution to change your toothbrush with every season this year. Frayed and broken bristles won’t keep your teeth clean—these are signs it’s time to let go. When you’re shopping, look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Not Brushing Long Enough 

Speed demons, listen up! Your teeth should be brushed for a full two minutes, twice per day. Most of us fall short —the average time most people spend brushing is 45 seconds. If you’re racing through cleaning, try setting a timer. Or distract yourself by humming your favorite tune!

Brushing Too Hard 
 
Be gentle with your teeth. You may think brushing harder will remove more leftover food and the bacteria that loves to eat it, but a gentle brushing is all that’s needed. Too much pressure may damage your gums.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Dentist Tinley Park
North Creek Dental Care
18425 West Creek Drive • Suite I
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-4131

Learn more about the importance of saliva.

Learn more about the importance of saliva.

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

Dentist Tinley Park
North Creek Dental Care
18425 West Creek Drive • Suite I
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-4131

Why Do Gums Recede?

Learn more about why gums recede.

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

Dentist Tinley Park
North Creek Dental Care
18425 West Creek Drive • Suite I
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-4131

Treatment for Abscessed Teeth

Learn more about the treatment for abscessed teeth.

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

Dentist Tinley Park
North Creek Dental Care
18425 West Creek Drive • Suite I
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-4131

Dysphagia (Trouble Swallowing)

Those suffering from dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, can reduce their risk of chest infection or other serious issues by maintaining good oral health by keeping their mouth clean. Other medical issues include neuromuscular conditions, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancers of the head and neck and certain respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aspiration pneumonia can also be caused when saliva, food or liquid goes down the trachea into the lungs, instead of the esophagus and into the stomach.

Risk of dysphagia increases with age and frailty, as well as smoking, excessive alcohol use, certain medications and poor oral hygiene including your teeth and dentures.

To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

Dentist Tinley Park
North Creek Dental Care
18425 West Creek Drive • Suite I
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-4131

Pregnancy & Oral Health

Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy.

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

Dentist Tinley Park
North Creek Dental Care
18425 West Creek Drive • Suite I
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-4131