Electric Toothbrushes vs Manual Toothbrushes

There is often a debate about whether or not electric toothbrushes clean your teeth better than manual ones. As it turns out, the American Dental Association says manual toothbrushes can do just as good of a job as electric ones. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we want all of our patients to know how to take good care of their teeth. Check out the differences between electric and manual toothbrushes.

As previously mentioned, the ADA has said that manual toothbrushes do just as good of a job at cleaning teeth as electric toothbrushes. It is mostly about the job the brusher is doing. However, this may change for those who have trouble using their hands. Those with conditions like arthritis may benefit from using an electric toothbrush since they do almost all of the work; you just need to hold them at the correct angle.

Electric toothbrushes do have other benefits, like timers and music. They let you know you are spending enough time brushing and also get kids more interested in brushing.

So while either toothbrush has the ability to do a good job, it really depends on the brusher and their needs. To set up your next dental exam and cleaning at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at (716) 877-2275. For more information about us, visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Gum Disease: How Does it Develop?

We all hear about how we need to avoid gum disease, but do you know what it really is and how it develops? Knowing may be the difference between developing it or not. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we strive to educate our patients on oral health. Read on to learn more about gum disease.

Gum disease refers to infected gum tissue in your mouth. This tissue is what creates a strong foundation for your teeth, so when it becomes diseased, it can weaken and cause teeth to call out. It can also spread infection, cause deformation of the jawbone, and increase the risks of heart attack and stroke.

Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar irritate the tissue around teeth. If not treated, the gums begin to separate and pull away from the teeth causing deep pockets to form where bacteria can collect deep down. This is the most difficult stage of gum disease to treat.

In order to prevent gum disease, you need to brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day. When brushing, be sure to pay special attention to the gum line. Make sure you angle your toothbrush so that the area where your teeth meet your gums gets attention. In addition, brush your tongue, your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. There are areas where bacteria can also hide.

Routine visits to your dentist can also help keep away gum disease. To schedule a cleaning and examination at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at (716) 877-2275. More information about us can be found on our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Dental Sealants for Extra Protection

When it comes to dental care and kids, we can plead and plead them to take good care of their teeth. However, kids do not always brush and floss as they should. Even with good brushing, especially during the cavity-prone years, kids can still sustain cavities. This is why here at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we offer dental sealants.

Sealants are a great way to protect the molars from decay. Since the molars have pits and grooves in them, food, bacteria, and other debris can become stuck in those hard-to-reach places. Sealants literally “seal out” the bacteria to protect the teeth during the cavity-prone years of six to fourteen.

Sealants are a plastic coating that is painted on and hardened over the pits of the molars. They are great for children but can also benefit adults who have never had a cavity or a filling. Fillings can last for over ten years, depending on chewing habits.

To apply a sealant, the teeth are cleaned and dried. An acid solution is then placed over the tooth to roughen the surface. This aids a stronger bond. The tooth is rinsed and dried. The sealant is then painted over the tooth and hardened. Patients are able to eat normally very soon afterward.

If you are looking for some extra protection, sealants are a great idea. To schedule an appointment here in our Kenmore, NY dental practice, call Advantage Dentistry at (716) 877-2275. To learn more about sealants, visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com.