That is why our dentist, Dr. Joseph Szymczak with MI Roots Family Dental in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is happy to give you advice on the proper way to brush your teeth.

Here are some tips and tricks for brushing your teeth correctly:

-Are you using a toothbrush that has been contaminated or left on its side? It may be covered in germs and bacteria, so get rid of it.

-If your toothbrush has worn down and the bristles are no longer long enough to efficiently clean, replace your toothbrush.

-Clean your teeth twice every day. Avoid cleaning your teeth after eating.

-To keep your mouth safe from dental abrasion, avoid pressing too hard with your toothbrush.

-Generally, a good toothbrush to use is one that can reach all areas of your mouth with soft, gentle brushes and bristles.

-For additional care keeping your mouth clean, visit your dentist for biannual cleaning treatments.

Brushing your teeth will fight against cavities, halitosis, and gum disease. If you are in need of a dental checkup, or if you have questions about your oral health, please call us today at 616-453-0002 to make an appointment. Our friendly dental team is always ready to help keep your teeth healthy.

The post Brush Your Teeth Correctly first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Did you know that when you brush you only clean approximately 25% of your mouth? This is one of the reasons mouthwash is so useful. Aside from fighting bad breath, mouthwash can reach different areas of your mouth, and provide a variety of benefits.

For example, some mouthwashes contain alcohol that that kills bacteria faster and more thoroughly than some mouthwashes, though it can cause a burning sensation. Other mouthwashes have fluoride to fight against cavities, and some are designed specifically for children.

Similarly, a tongue scraper is mostly useful for removing bacteria that can cause bad breath. While some people may clean their tongue with a toothbrush, many others find it uncomfortable. Tongue scrapers also come in different sizes because wide tongue scrapers may trigger gag reflex.

But please remember, if you have chronic bad breath, you may be dealing with gum disease and you may need help from a dentist.

Would you like to learn more about what you can do to care for your smile? Are you interested in learning more about how you can hold off gum disease? Would you like to schedule an appointment with our team? If so, please feel free to contact us today. We are excited to hear from you.

The post Mouthwash, Tongue Scrapers, and Your Smile first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Effectiveness: The most important thing you can do for your smile is brush and floss every day. Your toothbrush should allow you to easily reach all of your teeth. A head that is too large may make your toothbrush hard to maneuver. You should also consider the hardness of your bristles. For most people, soft-bristled toothbrushes are the safest choice. Using harder bristles could damage your gums if you brush too vigorously.

Expert recommendation: We recommend finding a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Approval. If a toothbrush has this seal, the bristles won’t fall out, the handle will survive normal use, and the toothbrush will safely and effectively reduce plaque build-up. In electric toothbrushes, this seal means that the toothbrush is safe for the teeth and your mouth. 

Cost: Cost is an important factor when choosing a toothbrush. Typically, electric toothbrushes are more expensive than a manual toothbrush. In addition to the initial expense, the head of an electric toothbrush will also need to be replaced about every four months. However, if an electric toothbrush helps you improve your oral health, you may save money in dental bills.

Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in scheduling an appointment with our team, or if you would like to learn more about how you can choose your perfect toothbrush.

The post Buying Your Next Toothbrush first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.