Blog

The Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush

When it comes to brushing your teeth, it’s most important to your dentist in Douglasville that you do it twice a day. However, choosing which type of toothbrush to use can be confusing. While both electric and manual toothbrushes can get the job done, when it comes to keeping your teeth clean, there are some advantages to using an electric toothbrush.

• May Be More Effective

While the jury is still out on whether or not electric toothbrushes are officially better at removing plaque and bacteria, studies have shown that this just may be the case. Since electric toothbrushes pulse at such a fast rate, they can flush out hard-to-reach areas. 

• A Two-Minute Timer

Your dentist in Douglasville recommends that everyone brush their teeth for two minutes every single time. This is best broken out into 30-second increments for each section of your teeth – the lower left quadrant, upper left quadrant, lower right quadrant, and upper right quadrant.  However, it’s really easy to lose track of time and cut a brushing session short. Most electric toothbrushes have built-in timers to help guide you through a thorough, two-minute cleanse. 

• Under Pressure

Many patients believe that the more they scrub their teeth the cleaner they’ll be. However, using too much pressure to brush your teeth can actually cause more harm than good. A tough scrub can weaken tooth enamel and also cause gum recession. Some electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors to keep you from brushing your teeth too hard. 

• Easy To Use

Some people, such as those with mobility problems or arthritis, may find a traditional manual toothbrush too hard to use properly. However, with an electric toothbrush, the brush does most of the work for you so you can still get a good, clean mouth. 

• Consistency is Key

Did you know that you may be using different levels of pressure to brush different areas of your mouth? In fact, it’s not uncommon to brush the first section of your teeth harder than that last section. An electric toothbrush can help keep a consistent pressure in all areas of your mouth, ensuring an even clean. 

Some Disadvantages

It wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t also talk about some potential disadvantages to using an electric toothbrush, so let’s take a look at a few. 

• Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual toothbrushes
• If you’re someone who travels a lot, some electric toothbrushes can be hard to pack 
• They require regular charging which can be inconvenient for some people
• If you don’t use the toothbrush properly, it can damage your teeth and gums, just as a manual toothbrush can

Selecting the best toothbrush for you can seem intimidating, however, your dentist in Douglasville is here to help. Schedule an appointment today!

Is Fruit Good for Your Teeth?

Teeth are one of the most important aspects of your body and your overall health, and it’s essential to take care of them with good oral hygiene practices. This means regular brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist in Douglasville twice a year. However, what you eat can also play an important role in keeping your teeth healthy and cavity-free. When it comes to fruit, could this healthy snack actually be bad for your teeth? 

Sugar & Acid

Two of our teeths’ worst enemies are sugar and acid, and some of the most popular fruits contain high levels of both of these. When you eat foods that are high in sugars, even natural sugar like many fruits, bacteria in your mouth use those sugars to produce acid. This acid can weaken tooth enamel. Additionally, some fruits are both high in sugar and are naturally acidic, making them a double danger to teeth. 

Signs of Weakened Enamel

When tooth enamel weakens, it leaves teeth at increased risk for decay and cavities. Some signs of weak enamel include: 

• Sensitive Teeth
• Cracking
• Discoloration
• More Transparent Teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist in Douglasville.

Best Fruits for Teeth 

When searching for the best fruits that will give you a boost of valuable nutrients and protect your teeth, consider choices that have high water content, such as apples, melons, and pears. Another surprising beneficial fruit is strawberries. Even though they’re bright red and can stain, they contain malic acid, which has been shown to help whiten enamel. 

Worst Fruits for Teeth

Some of the worst fruits for teeth are probably obvious as they’re citrusy and may even make you pucker when you eat them. Others may come as a surprise. Two of the worst fruits for teeth are lemons and pineapple. Both of these sour snacks are acidic and damage enamel. Another fruit that can also be bad for teeth is bananas. Although bananas pack a valuable nutritional punch, they’re also high in starch. Starch can linger around in the mouth and between teeth, encouraging bacteria development. 

Fruit vs. Fruit Juice

When it comes to choosing to get your vitamins through fruit or fruit juice, your dentist in Douglasville will always recommend whole fruits over juice. Fruit juice, even fresh-squeezed juice, usually contains higher levels of sugar and acid compared to raw, whole fruits. 

Eating fruit is a necessary part of a healthy diet, and you should incorporate it into your meals. To help protect your teeth in the process, enjoy acidic or super sugary fruits in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.