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Let's talk about brushing and flossing.

Brushing and flossing are essential daily habits to maintain good oral and general health. By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth you remove plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease and decay. Excess bacteria in the mouth have been linked to several systemic diseases including heart and kidney disease, and could also be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

To keep your mouth as clean as possible, brush twice a day, and floss every night. This simple routine will help promote healthy teeth and gums and ensure a beautiful smile for years to come.

We recommend that you use an electric toothbrush, as it removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush when using the proper technique. There are many different brands on the market; some use ultrasonic vibrations while others use an oscillating motion to remove plaque. Ask us about our recommendations for electric toothbrushes!

Whether you are using a manual or electric toothbrush, hold it at the gum line with a gentle pressure and take your time, allowing the toothbrush to do the work for you. Brush for three minutes to make sure all tooth surfaces are brushed. When flossing, gently place the floss in between the teeth and scrub the surface of the tooth with the floss. This will allow you to remove plaque from between the teeth to prevent gingival inflammation and decay.

Do you have other questions about maintaining a healthy smile? Ask Dr. Allen the next time you visit us!

Toothpaste no longer comes in simple choices of fluoride and fresh breath. Paste is not even the only option! You can choose gel forms and even some with ribbons of color and flavor. With so many varieties available, it may be difficult to know which features or combinations of ingredients are best for your mouth. Drs. Sheena Allen, Murat Ayik, and Mark Margolin and our team are here to help!

Fluoride

The majority of all dental patients should use toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth; it makes them stronger and more resistant to cavities. Even if you live in an area that adds fluoride to your drinking water, the fluoride protection in toothpaste is necessary.

Some individuals can have an allergic reaction to fluoride. Fluorosis can occur in children or adults that swallow too much toothpaste while brushing. If swallowing cannot be prevented, fluoride use should be reduced. The American Dental Association has updated guidelines that recommend fluoride be used as soon as the first teeth erupt in children. However, the amount should be minimal and swallowing should be prevented.

Sensitivity Protection

If your teeth are sensitive to temperatures, toothpaste with sensitivity protection can work wonders for your discomfort. Ingredients in these pastes or gels work to block the pathways to the nerves that react to hot or cold. Do not give up on this type of toothpaste after a few days; the full results may take a few weeks.

Plaque, Tartar, and Gingivitis Protection

Everyone has bacteria in his or her mouth, and this bacteria is normal. Unfortunately, some bacteria also cause plaque. If the plaque remains on your teeth, it hardens into tartar or calculus. Tartar is an almost cement-like substance that cannot be removed by brushing alone. When bacteria and tartar are left behind, the deposits will form under the gum line. This leads to gingivitis and gum disease.

Since there is a wide variety of toothpastes and ingredients for preventing tartar and gingivitis, ask Drs. Sheena Allen, Murat Ayik, and Mark Margolin and our staff what the best choice is for your teeth. We can help you select the right combination of ingredients.

Whitening

White teeth are desirable, and manufacturers are heavily marketing whitening toothpastes. Most brands do not contain bleaching ingredients; they use abrasives to polish stains away. Unfortunately, too much abrasive use can be damaging to your teeth. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, our Dallas,TX team can recommend a number of safe and effective options.

Feel free to ask Drs. Sheena Allen, Murat Ayik, and Mark Margolin and our staff at Dallas Dental Arts about the best choice in toothpaste to meet your individual needs. Remember to look for the ADA approval seal on any toothpaste you are considering.

If you are unhappy with the current shade of your teeth and are looking for a brighter, whiter smile, ask us about our teeth whitening services at Dallas Dental Arts! 

What is teeth discoloration? Teeth can become discolored over time, as staining from coffee, tea, or red wine builds up. Sometimes, teeth are naturally discolored. Whatever the reason, Dallas Dental Arts offers several types of professional teeth whitening that are safe, comfortable, and provide results that you’ll love.

Professional Teeth Whitening at Dallas Dental Arts

Dallas Dental Arts uses three systems for whitening, which can be used individually or together depending on your teeth-whitening needs.

In-Office KöR® Whitening

In-office KöR Whitening uses a dual-activated, Tri-Barrel™ Hydremide® peroxide whitening gel delivery system in combination with whitening trays. Super-resistant stains, like tetracycline and fluorosis, can be flooded with the concentrations of three bleaching factors necessary to obtain truly white teeth.

At-Home KöR® Whitening

At-home KöR Whitening uses a set of thin, form-fitting, ultra-comfortable trays. You only need to wear your trays, filled with KöR patented bleaching gel, while you sleep, so they won’t interfere with your lifestyle.

At-Home Phillips Zoom DayWhite

Phillips Zoom DayWhite comes in a variety of strengths, so we can customize your level of whitening and monitor your level of sensitivity. 

At Dallas Dental Arts, we genuinely care about your smile, hopes, and dreams, and try our best to help you achieve the smile you want. During your teeth whitening treatment, we’ll be here for you every step of the way, making sure you are comfortable during the process and happy with your results.

If you have any questions about how we can help you brighten up your smile please don't hesitate in contacting us. Request your appointment with us here.

Happy Self-Care Awareness Month! When you make time to take care of your teeth you are also helping maintain your overall health. Sticking to a regular oral hygiene routine helps remove daily plaque build-up by brushing twice a day and flossing once. Healthy gingiva (gums) without inflammation is a great indicator that plaque is being thoroughly removed daily. Read on to learn more about how you can keep your smile healthy and happy.

For daily oral care, Dr. Allen recommends brushing both in the morning and evening with a Sonicare toothbrush. Sonicare is her personal toothbrush of choice (she also recommends Oral B Genius). And don’t forget to floss once a day at bedtime. For toothpaste, choose an option that is both ADA approved and contains fluoride. If you suffer from teeth sensitivity, any of the Sensodyne toothpaste options will do. For patients that have fixed bridges, orthodontia, bone loss, or lack the dexterity to floss manually, Dr. Allen suggests using a waterpik for flossing.

Besides brushing, don’t forget to eat a balanced diet! Foods high in sugar can cause havoc to your teeth. The overall nutrition of your body and mouth run parallel with each other. If you have questions about diet or need suggestions for teeth health just ask Dr. Allen next time you’re in the office.

Dr. Allen makes oral care a priority because she knows and understands the importance of good daily oral hygiene habits and how it can impact overall health. We hope you feel more motivated to take care of your beautiful smile!