At Future of Dentistry we always remind our patients to brush and floss their teeth after every meal. And most of our patients take that advice to heart.

But what are you supposed to do in the middle of the day? You’re out and about, and your usual stuff – that favorite toothbrush and paste, the container of dental floss – is at home in the bathroom.

What’s the best way to keep your teeth clean between meals?

One of the best things you can do is rinse your mouth with water after you eat. It’s no substitute for brushing, of course, but will give your whole mouth a quick cleansing.

A quick brushing is good, too. One trick is what we call dry brushing. That means brushing your teeth without toothpaste. Yes, it sounds a bit strange – but it’s effective, especially if you can use a little water, too. It isn’t the way you would brush at home, of course, but it’s going to clean the surfaces of your teeth – and that’s half the battle.

The other half of the battle is the stuff that gets between your teeth. A good solution here is using floss picks. In the short-term they’re a good stand-in for regular dental floss, and because they have a little handle, you can do it one-handed and without the aid of a mirror. (Just be sure you use regular floss later on, before bed.)

Another effective trick is chewing sugarless gum. It only takes about five minutes of chewing to get the benefits. The gum will remove a lot of the surface debris from your teeth. It also gets your saliva going, which in turn promotes re-mineralization, the process of replacing minerals in your teeth.

At Future of Dentistry we want all our patients to keep their teeth clean btween meals, and between regular brushing. Our patients come from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley for general and family dentistry and restorative dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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Regular exercise is essential to good health. When you’re physically fit then you look better, and more important, you feel better! And as we remind our patients here at Future of Dentistry, that goes for keeping your teeth in good shape, too!

If your eyes are the window to your soul, then your mouth may well be the window to your overall health. Research has shown there is a clear link between your dental health and your general health. It is safe to say that good dental health is necessary to your physical well-being throughout your life.

Here’s just one example: bacteria that starts in the mouth can cause infection in other parts of the body, especially if your immune system has been weakened by illness.

When you take good care of your teeth, you’re doing more for your well-being than you may ever have realized. So brush and floss every day, without fail, and see us for regular cleanings and checkups.

At Future of Dentistry we want you take keep yourself in shape with plenty of exercise. But never underestimate the importance of good dental health! Our patients come from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley for general and family dentistry and restorative dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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At Future of Dentistry, providing first rate dental care is much easier when we have thorough information about the dental health of our patients.

Pictures are more accurate than written notes. Since they show what’s going on below the surface, they’re worth even more than a thousand words. Along with a thorough visual oral exam, most dentists want complete and up-to-date X-rays.

There are several types of X-rays:

• Bite-Wing X-rays give us a picture of the upper and lower back teeth. We can see how they touch each other and see if there is any decay.
• Panoramic X-rays give us the big picture: a view of the teeth, jaws and jaw joints, nasal area, and even the sinuses. These are especially useful if we think the patient may need orthodontics or a dental implant.
• Occlusal X-rays show us the floor of the mouth, and the bite of the upper or lower jaw. They’re good for showing the development of children’s teeth, both the baby and permanent teeth.

How often we take X-rays is largely determined by your age, as well as the state of your dental health. Because children are growing and experience more changes to their teeth, they usually need X-rays more frequently.

Should you worry about X-rays? They use radiation, but are designed to minimize patient exposure. Patients only get negligible amounts, making them safe. The latest generations of X-rays reduce radiation even more. Still, we take the added safety measure of covering the patient with a heavy leaded apron and collar.

At Future of Dentistry, we are committed to providing the best possible dental care. Our patients come from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley for general and family dentistry and restorative dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

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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 Future of Dentistry reminds all of our patients to brush and floss their teeth twice a day.

Plaque forms when foods with sugars and starches aren’t 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.
• Use a light touch.
• 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 twice a year at Future of Dentistry should be part of your strategy for beating plaque and having a beautiful, healthy smile. Our patients come from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley for general and family dentistry, restorative dentistry, and much more. Call our office today to schedule your next appointment!

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