Think your teeth and gums are healthy? If you want to be certain, you need to ask your toothbrush for advice

You don’t need to a “Toothbrush Whisper” to know when your toothbrush is trying to send you a message. If it does, it’s a good idea to listen. The state of your teeth’s BFF can provide important information about your teeth, gums and overall dental health.

# 1. If you see blood on your toothbrush

It’s trying to tell you: You could have gingivitis!

Warning signs of gingivitis include puffy gums, changes in the color of your gums and traces of blood on your toothbrush. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. In addition, studies have shown that individuals with periodontal disease have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

The good news is that gingivitis is 100 percent reversible.

What you need to do:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss daily
• Have regular checkups and dental cleanings
• Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid excess sugar.

#2. If your toothbrush is an odd color after brushing your teeth

It’s trying to tell you: Possibly those jelly beans weren’t as harmless as you thought.

Candy residue lingers on your teeth in the form of sugar and obviously that Technicolor red color you see on your toothbrush.

What you need to do:

• For the sake of your pearly whites, cut back on your candy consumption. Instead, snack on foods that contain natural sugars such as grapes and apples.
• If you just can’t say no to candy, save it for dessert. After eating, your mouth has plenty of saliva to help wash away the residual sugars acids.
• Be consistent with your dental regimen. If that colorful residue is on your toothbrush, just imagine what is on your teeth!

# 3. Your toothbrush is having a “bad hair” day

It’s trying to tell you: “Hello? It’s time to meet my twin!

The ADA recommends that we replace our toothbrushes every three months.

What you need to do:

• Replace your toothbrush pronto!
• Also remember to replace your toothbrush if you’ve recently had a cold or the flu.
• If you are having a hard time remembering the three-month mark, write the first date of use with a permanent marker as a friendly reminder.

Keeping your teeth happy and healthy is as easy as listening to your toothbrush. So, the next time your teeth’s BFF wants to have a heart-to-heart, sit down and listen up!

 

 

Is it your new year’s resolution to take better care of your dental health? Or maybe you just moved to a new town and you’re looking for the right dentist to visit? Regardless of your reasoning, your search for the right dentist is important and should yield care that makes you feel confident in your smile. Here are 3 key factors to help you find the best dentist near you.

 

Privately Owned

It is important when choosing a dentist, or any healthcare provider for that matter, to understand the difference between corporate and private practices. There are some really crucial factors that make a private dentistry stand out above corporately owned dental practices. Dentists who own their own practices are able to make better, more independent decisions about your oral health and care. You’re more likely to get to know your doctor better and have more in-depth, comprehensive visits if you visit a private practice than if you visit a corporate business whose main goal is to get you in and out as quickly as possible. Choose a doctor you can trust. So, how do you determine whether or not a practice is privately owned? It’s as easy as calling to ask: those offices that have doctor owners will be proud to let you know and to invite you for an initial visit.

Friendly, caring people

Sometimes visiting the dentist can be uncomfortable. Usually, even just for routine cleanings, there is some discomfort involved in sitting in a chair and having someone put their fingers and dental tools in your mouth. If you’re going to undergo this type of procedure or more in-depth, potentially painful circumstances, it may as well be at the hands of doctors and staff who you can trust. It’s much better to be surrounded by friendly people who make you feel genuinely cared for and heard when you have to visit the dentist. The purpose of visiting the dentist, anyways, is to improve your smile- it helps when the staff, doctors, and even other patients are smiling (because smiles are contagious!)

History of success

Choose a doctor who has been doing his or her work and doing it well for a long period of time. Very experienced dentists can diagnose problems more quickly and have more experience with giving the best care. You can rely on online reviews or ask around with your friends and neighbors to determine which doctor in your town has the best history and reputation. Especially for detailed procedures, make sure you visit a dentist who has a complete understanding of the process and who exudes confidence in his or her methods.

If you are searching for a dentist is Greenwood, Indiana, we hope you’ll think of Dr. Matt Wittrig. Dr. Matt is an experienced professional who treats all of his patients with gentle, individualized care. Dr. Matt and his staff will make you feel welcome and comfortable – you can trust that their work will leave you with a healthier smile. This Greenwood, Indiana Dentist treats patients of all ages!

Your smile is one of the most important ways you communicate with the world. You smile when you meet someone new, when you hear your favorite song, and when you just feel good. Keep your smile healthy with these 5 quick tips:

1. Drink a glass of water

Water is good for your teeth in many ways. First and foremost, staying hydrated is good for your overall health, which is an important foundation for a healthy mouth. A benefit directly for your teeth is that drinking water can help clear away unwanted debris from food. It is left behind sugar and food particles in your mouth that allow cavities to develop. Drink more water, get fewer cavities. Drink up!

2. Eat an apple

Apples are a health no-brainer. You’ve heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” There is some truth to this statement! Apples are such a healthy fruit, providing a filling, delicious snack with healthy calories and essential vitamins. Because apples have a slightly acidic makeup and a crunchy texture, they can help gently clean your teeth. That doesn’t mean you should skip brushing, of course!

3. Make a dentist appointment

Have you been putting off making a call to your dentist? You should get your teeth cleaned at least 2 times per year to keep your mouth at its optimal health. Call, right now! If you need a trustworthy dentist in Greenwood, Indiana or the surrounding areas, contact us and let Dr. Matt and our staff take care of your teeth!

4. Floss

Of course you have been told before that you should brush and floss your teeth daily. Unfortunately, most people only brush and don’t keep up with flossing. Flossing can help remove buildup between your teeth in places where a toothbrush won’t reach. It also can help prevent against gum disease and many oral discomforts. Buying floss and actually making yourself use it is a relatively low price to pay for the innumerable benefits.

5. Smile more

Smiling releases chemicals in your body that tell your brain you feel happy. People who are happier tend to have better life experiences, live longer, and make a better impact on the world. Smile more, friends!

Having a healthy smile is possible and important! A healthy mouth can support the health of your entire body and make you feel better all-around. Please try these 5 things now to take a few steps toward a healthier smile.