There are dozens of toothbrushes to choose from in stores these days. So how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some steps to help you choose the best type of toothbrush for your oral care needs.

The steps:

Step One – Decide on Manual or Electric: As long as you brush for two minutes twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, it doesn’t matter which one you choose. However, you might be better off with a powered toothbrush if you:

• Have limited manual dexterity
• Tend to brush too vigorously
• Need help ensuring you brush for the proper amount of time
• Get advice from your dentist to do a better job of cleaning your teeth.

Many powered toothbrushes alert you when you’ve brushed for two minutes.

Step Two – Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance: It’s always best to use a toothbrush backed by the American Dental Association. The standards ADA-approved toothbrushes meet often go beyond what government regulations require.

Step Three – Select the Best Type of Bristles: Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled toothbrush is best for teeth, especially for removing plaque and debris. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel.

Step Four – Choose the Size of Toothbrush Head: Small-headed brushes can better reach all areas of the mouth – including hard-to-reach back teeth. For most adults, a toothbrush head a half-inch wide and one-inch tall will be the easiest to use and the most effective. You might also check with your dentist to determine if you need any particular toothbrush.

Step Five – Pick Out a Brush Handle That’s Best for You: Depending on your situation, you might require a non-slip grip or flexible-neck handle.

Step Six – Opt for Your Favorite Color Toothbrush: This is the fun part. Once you narrow down your choices pick your favorite color!

Taking it step-by-step, choosing the most effective and most comfortable toothbrush should be a breeze. Unless you select a powered brush, the manual toothbrush you use will most likely be an ADA-approved small-headed, soft-bristled brush with a proper grip in your favorite color.

Contact us at Fox Dental for any questions on toothbrushes or to make an appointment!

Drinking water benefits your health but it’s also one of the best things you can do for your teeth especially if it’s fluoridated.

Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow, and keeps your muscles moving.

Why water is always a winner for your dental health:

It Strengthens Your Teeth

Drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter and occurs naturally in varying amounts in water sources.

It Keeps Your Mouth Clean

Drinking juice or soda leaves unwanted sugar behind on your teeth. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer shell of your teeth. Many of these drinks also have added acids to make them taste less sweet, but those acids also cause trouble by eroding away enamel.

Water cleans your mouth with every sip. It washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria are looking for. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.

It’s Calorie-Free

Sweetened drinks that are high in sugar and calories, create a perfect storm that puts you at risk for cavities and other unhealthy consequences like weight gain. In fact, studies have shown that drinking water can actually help you lose weight. So the next time you need a drink, pick water to take care of your body and your smile.

It Fights Dry Mouth

Saliva is your mouth’s first defense against tooth decay. When your saliva supply runs low, dry mouth may put you at risk for tooth decay. Drinking water can help cut your risk as you and your dentist work to find the best long-term solution for you.

Again, drinking water throughout the day will go a long way toward keeping your smile cavity-free. Contact us at Fox Dental for any of your dental questions or concerns!

A sealant is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can help keep cavities from forming.

According to the ADA, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important when it comes to your child’s dental health. In October 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released a report on the importance of sealants for school-aged children, of which only 43% of children ages 6-11 have.

Who can get sealant?

Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. Your first molars appear around age 6, and second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start.

Ask your dentist if sealants are a good option for you and your family.

How are sealants applied?

It’s a quick and painless process. Your dentist will clean and dry your tooth before placing an acidic gel on your teeth. This gel roughs up your tooth surface so a strong bond will form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, your dentist will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth again before applying the sealant. Your dentist will then finish the procedure with a special blue light to harden the sealant.

Sealants will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular dental visit, your dentist will check the condition of the sealant and can reapply them as needed.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Feel free to call Fox Dental at 717-761-0341 if you have any more questions about sealants.

A cavity is a permanently damaged area in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes.

Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors. Cavities are common in children, teenagers, and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of cavities can vary. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain when you bite down
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Toothache, spontaneous pain, or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth

When should you see a dentist?

You may not be aware that a cavity is forming. If cavities aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss.

Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. However, if you experience a toothache or mouth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Treatment options:

Treatment of cavities depends on how severe they are and your particular situation. Treatment options include:

• Fillings. Fillings, also called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage.
• Crowns. For extensive decay or weakened teeth, you may need a crown — a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth’s entire natural crown.
• Root canals. When decay reaches the inner material of your tooth, you may need a root canal. This is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it.
• Tooth extractions. Some teeth become so severely decayed that they can’t be restored and must be removed. Having a tooth pulled can leave a gap that allows your other teeth to shift. If possible, consider getting a bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.

Prevention

Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Consider dental sealants
• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping

Visit Fox Dental regularly to prevent cavities! Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

Most people have a good understanding of when it’s time to get emergency treatment for medical conditions, but it can be less clear when it comes to your oral health. Knowing which symptoms justify a trip to the ER can help you avoid unnecessary trips.

Fractures:

By far the most commonplace dental emergency is a fracture of the tooth. Dental fractures occur when something impacts the tooth and commonly occurs as a result of contact sports. This can also occur following certain dental procedures like a root canal. If the chip in your tooth is slight, it’s usually fine to wait until your next doctor’s visit. However, if the fracture is causing severe pain or if shards from the fracture are causing issues inside your mouth. 

Knocked Out Tooth:

If instead your tooth is knocked out entirely, it’s important to seek care immediately as your dentist may be able to save your tooth. Attempt to put the tooth back in it’s place, lifting it by the side you chew with, and make sure it’s facing the right way. If you’re unable to put it back, placing it in milk can help to preserve it until you get to your dentist. 

Bleeding:

It’s also important to seek immediate care if you have bleeding in your mouth that doesn’t show signs of stopping. Bleeding in any part of your mouth isn’t normal and should be checked as soon as possible. 

Pain:

Extreme pain is another reason to get emergency help. If the pain you’re experiencing is interrupting normal activities, like sleep, and taking over the counter pain relievers isn’t helping, it’s important to seek care as quickly as possible. 

Infections:

Finally, if you experience an infection in your mouth, such as an abscess, this is a reason to get urgent dental care. An abscess may look like a pimple, but it’s important not to pop it. There are other infections if left untreated could cause breathing problems and spread to other parts of the body.

If you experience a dental emergency after hours, call us at Fox Dental and you’ll be connected with an on-call doctor to discuss next steps with you.