Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Electric vs. Manual...Who is the better toothbrush?

Those of us who swear by Blackberries, Ipods and Tivo's want the latest, greatest gadget and we're convinced that an electric toothbrush must be better than its manual counterpart...right?

It turns out there's not much difference. WebMD.com cites "a review of nearly 30 studies" that was unable to determine a significant difference in plaque removal between electric and manual toothbrushes. There was other research that did find that the electric toothbrushes that have the bristles move side-to-side did perform slightly better.

If electric and manual toothbrushes are so similar, how should you decide what is the best for you?

Your budget. Electric toothbrushes are more expensive however while some high-end options can cost upwards of $100 you can find some in the $10range.

Your dexterity. People who have limited manual dexterity- may find that an electric toothbrush allows them to reach spots that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Your habits. If you have a hard time brushing regularly and you find you enjoy the sensation of brushing with an electric toothbrush, then by all means use the brush that will encourage you to brush most often.

Your patience. Many people do not brush for the full 2 minutes recommended. Some electric brushes come with a timer that helps enforce the proper time of brushing.

No matter what type of toothbrush you choose, it's important to use it correctly. Brush two-three times a day for two minutes each time. And remember that while brushing and flossing daily will help you maintain good oral health, regular professional cleanings are vital in keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.

Monday, April 18, 2011

New Contest!

Can you help Finnagan match the set of eyes to the right staff member?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

What is the best age for my child to see the Orthodontist?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Mooooove over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at 704-364-6544 or visit www.valerianoorthodontics.com.