Cleaning Night Guards

We at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore are glad to see that so many of our patients wear night guards to protect themselves from tooth grinding. Besides sparing their teeth, they’re also reducing their likelihood of getting aches in their heads, necks, and shoulders. However, like dentures and athletic mouthguards, night guards can become hazardous if they are not cleaned properly.

A night guard will accumulate bacteria and fungus if it is not regularly brushed. Like teeth, it should be cleaned each morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush, although it is a good idea to have a separate toothbrush for the task. Night guards do not produce their own protective membrane and can be scratched by toothpaste minerals, so do not use toothpaste with extra fluoridation. A night guard should be dried before being put into its protective case for the day, but the case should also be washed regularly and dried. Soap and water are usually enough, but there are more specialized products. It is also important to always fully brush and floss the teeth before putting a night guard back in and to not leave it in a place where it may be warped by heat.

Dr. Thomas Balcerak operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Although many people are resigned to seeing blood when they spit out their toothpaste, bleeding gums are not healthy and patients do not have to live with them. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, Dr. Seier and his staff are equipped to help patients recover from gum disease, but patients should understand their condition so they can take preventive measures.

Bleeding gums are nearly always the result of gingivitis, which is low-grade gum inflammation. This is the result of a bacterial infection. As bacteria build up in the gum pockets, they produce plaque, which clings to teeth near the gum line and hardens into tartar. Acids stick to tartar and irritate the gums. Brushing regularly helps to keep tartar at bay, but a brush with hard bristles can bruise the gums. This is why gentle, but thorough use of a soft-bristled brush is recommended.

Pregnant women are at particular risk for gingivitis due to hormonal changes. People on blood thinner medication or who suffer from dry mouth (a common medication side-effect) also are at increased risk for bleeding gums. It is especially important for these people to maintain regular appointments so professionals can clean their plaque and gum pockets.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Properly?

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine and our staff at Advantage Dentistry wants to make sure you are doing the job properly. While there are several methods of brushing teeth with a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush may be a little bit more effective depending on the severity of build-up on your teeth. Both types of toothbrushes work equally well, however, it all depends on how frequently you use them.

Using the correct techniques for twice-daily tooth brushing will help promote oral health for the long term. Keep these techniques in mind when you brush your teeth:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.


• To clean the inside surface of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

If you have questions about oral hygiene give us a call or visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.