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Most our patients at Koch Park Dental brush their teeth (at least we hope so). However, there are some who don’t do a very good job of it, and put their dental health at risk.

They may pride themselves on their diligence, but frequency does not make up for an incorrect approach. One of the most common errors—especially for teenagers—is speedy, aggressive teeth cleaning with a hard bristle toothbrush.

There is a certain logic to this technique. When you want to clean smooth surfaces like bathroom tiles, you scrub with a hard brush, right? The trouble is that teeth and soft tissue have different characteristics. While enamel is durable, the soft tissues in the mouth are not designed for intense scouring.

If you use hard bristles against possible cavity makers, froth at the mouth, speed through those 30 inches of tooth surface, and spit everything out in less than a minute, this message is for you.

Effects of Quick, Hard Brushing:

• Tooth decay caused by bits of food left between teeth
• Damage to teeth through abrasion
• Weakened enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• receding gums
• Damage to existing dental work
• Tartar build-up

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant we encourage proper brushing. If you have any doubts about your technique, just ask, and we’ll give you some tips. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

Plaque is that sticky, filmy stuff that forms on teeth. It is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. For the best dental health, the team at Koch Park Dental in Florissant reminds all of our patients to brush and floss their teeth twice a day.

Plaque forms when foods with sugars and starches are not brushed away. The bacteria that naturally occurs in your mouth thrive on these sugars and starches, and produce acids. Over time these acids destroy tooth enamel, leaving you with a cavity. Or maybe two.

Plaque is mostly colorless. When it isn’t brushed away, it leaves you with that rough or fuzzy feeling on the surface of your teeth.

Take Care Of Your Teeth!

You probably know where this short article is headed: keep your teeth clean! That means brushing and flossing.

• Brush at least twice each day, for two minutes.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Be sure to get along the gumline, that place where your teeth and gums meet.
• Use a toothpaste with fluoride.
• Floss between the teeth to get bacteria and food debris.
• Ask us whether dental sealants are a good idea for you.

Plaque is always going to be there. But brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can keep it under control, and greatly reduce your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. If it hardens into tartar it can only be removed with a professional cleaning.

Having your teeth cleaned and examined at Koch Park Dental in Florissant should be part of your strategy for beating plaque and having a beautiful, healthy smile. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Call our office today to schedule your next appointment!

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

Everyone wants nice, pearly whites, so we should brush our teeth more, right? At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we think only issue with that is many people brush too aggressively, leading to receding gums.  You don’t want that.

Gum recession is when your gum line exposes too much of your teeth, or in severe cases, your tooth root. It results in a pocket of space between your teeth and gum line.  Decay-causing bacteria can grow and fester in that pocket. This leads to serious issues down the line. Even tooth loss.

Longer or Harder?

A common misconception is the idea that if you want to brighten your teeth, you should scrub them really hard.

The best way to get pearly whites (and prevent decay) is to brush longer, not harder. Gently brush your teeth until they’re squeaky clean. Run your tongue over them. Doesn’t that feel great?

When you are finished brushing, it’s time to floss. Be sure to get the floss down into the pocket between the gum and teeth.

Why?

Brushing longer, not harder, is the key. When you brush your teeth swiftly, you may not be getting all the bits of food off. You don’t want the bits of food to turn into plaque.

If you truly want whiter teeth, be certain you brush your teeth in a slow, circular motion for as close to five minutes as you can. Methodically go over each tooth on every surface. Plus your tongue. If five minutes is impossible, make sure you brush for at least two minutes. Set a timer on your phone. Play your favorite two-minute song.

Use a whitening toothpaste with fluoride. That way, you get all the recent gunk off and your teeth get a little bit whiter each time you brush. And the fluoride helps your teeth remineralize after eating or drinking enamel-weakening acidic foods and beverages.

Let’s Review

If you’re not careful, the way you brush your teeth can lead to gum recession. Gum recession can (and most likely will) cause a space to form between your teeth and gum line. This pocket collects bacteria. Bacteria causes tooth decay. Plus, if the gums continue to recede, the tooth can become loose.

Next, we discussed the appropriate motion and duration to brush your teeth. Finally, we went over the reasoning behind why all the aforementioned things are so important. Remember, you want a slow, circular motion for two to five minutes.

If your gums are already showing signs of recession, don’t despair. Pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with Koch Park Dental in Florissant. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

This dental health message from Koch Park Dental in Florissant is about xylitol.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. It is used in certain brands of chewing gum as an alternative sweetener. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth.

Numerous clinical studies have established that xylitol inhibits the growth of the bacteria that initiates tooth decay. It also minimizes plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For those who cope with frequent dry mouth, xylitol gum or mints can stimulate saliva production while protecting against tooth decay.

Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your family dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings.

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental troubles before they start. We offer general dentistry, and special services like dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033