Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?

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Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?

If you’re asking this question, that means that you’re brushing your teeth. Way to go! It’s great that you’re practicing good oral hygiene habits at home. However, when brushing one’s teeth, is it possible to try too hard?
Yes, it is possible – and actually quite easy – to brush your teeth too hard. When you use too much pressure and brush too vigorously, you can actually do quite a bit of damage, harming your enamel and weakening your gums.

5 Signs You're Brushing Too Hard

1. Gum Problems

If your gums look swollen or red or bleed after you brush, then you’re likely pressing too hard. Eventually, brushing too hard will cause your gums to recede.

2. Sensitivity

Brushing too hard can lead to receding gums and wear out your enamel which can cause severe sensitivity to temperature, pressure, and sugar.

3. Cavities or Abscesses

Worn enamel and receding gums put you at increased risk of tooth decay and infections along the gum line.

4. Teeth Appear Darker Near Gums

When gums recede as a result of brushing too hard, it will expose the dentin of your teeth. Dentin appears slightly darker than the portion of teeth covered with enamel.

5. Pain

Brushing your teeth should never be a painful experience. If you ever feel any pain while you’re brushing your teeth, then you’re probably applying too much pressure or you might have a dental problem.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly

If you’ve been a bit overzealous about brushing your teeth, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 20% of Americans brush too hard. If you have any of the above symptoms, now is the perfect time to learn proper brushing.
First, start with a toothbrush that has soft or extra-soft bristles. Next, only grasp the toothbrush using three fingers (thumb, index, and middle). Hold it at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and focus on just one tooth at a time. Spend 30 seconds on the back and front of your top and bottom rows of teeth for a total of two minutes brushing.
If you have trouble only applying light pressure when brushing, Dr. Mott recommends switching to an electric toothbrush that will do the “brushing” for you while you simply glide the brush head over your pearly whites.

Schedule a Dental Exam in Kenmore

To learn more about the proper way to brush your teeth or to schedule a dental checkup to address some of the dental issues you’ve been experiencing, we welcome you to contact Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry today.
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Is It Safe to Go to the Dentist During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

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Is It Safe to Go to the Dentist During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Last August, the World Health Organization released a statement recommending that people postpone their routine dental visits to reduce the risk of potentially being exposed to or spreading the novel coronavirus. Shortly thereafter, the American Dental Association responded by stressing the importance of routine dental care in the prevention and early detection of serious oral health problems, which can significantly affect systemic health. For example, routine dental exams help prevent things like root canals and advanced periodontal disease.
In addition to these conflicting statements, the entirety of the pandemic has presented an ever-shifting landscape of changing rules, regulations, and recommendations.
Our dentist and staff are taking increased precautions to keep patients safe at this time. We have increased cleanings between patient visits and all patients are required to wear masks when not seated in the dental chair. Our staff continues to wear the personal protective equipment needed to keep the office a safe environment and help prevent the spread of infection.

4 Tips for Deciding Whether You Should Visit the Dentist During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic

1. Is It an Emergency?

If you’re in pain, have an infection, or are experiencing another type of dental emergency, you should not hesitate to visit the dentist.

2. Are You in a High-Risk Health Category?

If you have a medical condition that puts you at increased risk of severe illness, then you might consider postponing your dental exam. We recommend discussing this with your physician or contacting our office.

3. Have You Been Sick or Exposed to Coronavirus Recently?

To keep our dental office safe for everyone, we’re asking anyone who has tested positive, has had symptoms, or has been exposed to coronavirus to delay their appointments until they are no longer contagious.

4. How Does Your Oral Health Risk Compare to Your General Health Risk

If you have an ongoing oral health concern, such as periodontal disease, then it’s essential for you to continue regular dental cleanings to prevent the infection from worsening and leading to systemic health issues.
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Contact Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry about Dental Care During COVID-19

Deciding whether you should visit the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic is a personal choice that every patient should while keeping their own comfort, safety, and doctor’s advice in mind. That being said, we are following all COVID-19 safety rules and taking several precautions to keep everyone healthy while continuing to offer dental care to the Kenmore community. To learn more about the safety precautions we’re taking, we welcome you to contact our office.

Are You a Good Candidate for Clear Orthodontics?

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Are You a Good Candidate for Clear Orthodontics?

If you’ve always dreamt of having a straighter smile, but haven’t wanted to commit to months or potentially years of sporting a shiny set of metal braces, then you’ll be happy to know that there’s a better alternative. Clear orthodontics (Invisalign), could be the perfect way to finally get the smile of your dreams.
Although they aren’t the right solution for everyone, clear aligners can offer many people the best of teeth straightening without having to deal with the downfalls of metal braces. Keep reading to find out if clear orthodontics are right for you.

Are Clear Aligners Right for Me? - 7 Signs You're an Invisalign Candidate

1. You Have Good Oral Health

Serious problems like tooth decay or periodontal disease need to be addressed and resolved before beginning treatment with Invisalign.

2. You Don't Use Tobacco

With clear aligners, tobacco use of any kind will interfere with your treatment.

3. You're Responsible

Clear aligners give you the freedom of taking them off to enjoy meals. Ultimately, their effectiveness depends on the patient’s ability to responsibly wear them for about 22 hours every day.
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4. You Don't Have Severe Alignment Issues

Clear aligners can correct tooth gaps, misaligned, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, they’re usually only recommended for patients with minor to moderate alignment concerns.

5. Your Teeth Are Fully Developed

A patient’s teeth and jawbone must be fully developed before clear aligners can be used effectively.

6. You Want a Discreet Treatment Option

Wanting straighter teeth without conspicuous orthodontic appliances is the primary reason patients choose clear orthodontics. They’re barely visible when worn and can be taken out for important events like a public speaking commitment or even a first date. As long as you wear them for 20 to (ideally) 22 hours each day, they should work as intended.

7. You Want to Continue Eating Your Favorite Foods

Metal braces require you to give up certain foods, but with clear orthodontics, you can remove them to eat and drink anything you want – as long as you brush your teeth after meals and put your aligners back on.
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Find Out If You're a Candidate for Teeth Straightening with Invisalign

If you want a straighter, more confident smile and think that clear orthodontics might be right for you, we welcome you to schedule a teeth straightening consultation with Dr. Mott at Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry. Dr. Mott will discuss your goals with you and examine your teeth to help you find the best treatment options to help you achieve your dream smile.

How to Calm Your Fear of Going to the Dentist

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How to Calm Your Fear of Going to the Dentist

If you experience anxiety when you visit the dentist (or think about visiting the dentist), you’re not alone. Many adults and children fear the dentist, dental cleanings, and dental exams. However, professional dental care is essential to the health of your teeth and your general wellness. Consider the following tips to conquer your fears and finally relax in the dental chair.

5 Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety

1. Talk About It

The most important thing you can do to calm your fears is to have an open discussion with your dentist about your worries. Think about what it is that scares you at the dentist (negative past experiences, lack of control, fear of pain, fear of cost, or something else). Sometimes, simply telling the dentist and getting reassurance is enough to calm dental anxiety.

2. Distract Yourself

Most dentists welcome patients to bring headphones and listen to calming music or a podcast during the appointment. This can take your focus off of your dental exam and help you forget to feel afraid. This is especially useful if the strange sounds of the dentist’s office make you uneasy.

3. Try Meditation

Meditation can be a useful practice for overcoming all sorts of life’s stress and anxiety. However, it takes a commitment to practice daily and become proficient enough to see real results.

4. Be Diligent with Oral Hygiene

The better you care for your teeth between your dental appointments, the less work you’ll need when you get to the dentist. When you always receive a good report after a dental exam, your worries around needing more extensive or invasive treatments will eventually go away.

5. Ask About Sedation Dentistry

If your dental phobia is serious enough to keep you from visiting the dentist, you might consider sedation dentistry. Different levels of sedation are available to help patients access dental care without anxiety.

Schedule a Dentist Office Visit in Kenmore

If you’re uneasy or down-right afraid to visit the dentist, we welcome you to schedule a simple visit to our office and a consultation with Dr. Mott. Without any pressure from an actual exam or dental cleaning, you can get acquainted with our staff, our dentist, and our office’s atmosphere. We’ll be happy to talk with you about your concerns and provide you with a variety of sedation dentistry options that can help you access the dental care you need without worry.
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Bruxism: Could You Be Damaging Your Teeth While You Sleep?

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Bruxism: Could You Be Damaging Your Teeth While You Sleep?

You can brush thoroughly and floss faithfully each and every day. Though no matter what you do to care for your teeth during your waking hours, you could be doing real damage to your teeth while you sleep – if you’re one of the estimated 8% of adults or 6% to 50% of children with sleep bruxism.

What Is Sleep Bruxism?

Sleep bruxism is a condition characterized by the persistent grinding of one’s teeth or clenching of one’s jaw during sleep. Sleep bruxism differs from regular bruxism in that the clenching and grinding occur while a person is asleep, rather than awake.

What Causes Sleep Bruxism?

Sleep bruxism has been associated with stress, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, caffeine intake, changes in sleeping patterns, temporomandibular joint disorder, and malocclusion. Prior to prescribing any splint therapy to treat sleep bruxism, Dr. Mott will review the potential triggers for the behavior to be sure no other medical intervention is necessary. If it is, Dr. Mott will guide you to the proper treatment for your systemic health.
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How Do You Know If You Have Sleep Bruxism? (Signs and Symptoms)

If sleep bruxism happens when you’re asleep, then how do you know if you have it?
Sometimes people realize they have sleep bruxism because their partner or parent hears or sees them grinding or clenching their jaw at night. Most commonly, people realize they have sleep bruxism because of the symptoms they experience during their waking hours such as:
  • Waking up with jaw pain or stiffness
  • Neck pain
  • Popping in the jaw
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Earaches
  • Chipped teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
Your dentist might even detect signs of sleep bruxism, such as strange patterns of wear and tear on your enamel, during your regular checkup.

What's the Big Deal? Why You Should Take Steps to Protect Your Teeth from Sleep Bruxism

Left untreated, sleep bruxism not only causes painful symptoms like frequent headaches and musculoskeletal pain, it can also permanently damage your teeth. The clenching and grinding puts unnecessary wear and tear on teeth, leading to worn enamel, receding gums, and chipped or broken teeth.

Treatments for Sleep Bruxism

The best way to treat sleep bruxism is to address its underlying cause (if any). This might mean taking steps to reduce one’s stress using strategies like therapy, meditation, and physical exercise. Sleep bruxism can also be addressed with mouthguards and medications.
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Think You Could Have Bruxism? Schedule a Dentist Appointment in Kenmore

If you suspect you might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night, we invite you to schedule a dental checkup with Dr. Mott at Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry. We’ll take a look at your teeth, talk with you about your symptoms, and discuss strategies for eliminating your bruxism and preserving your enamel. To schedule your appointment, contact our office today.

Bad Breath: Find Out What Causes It and What You Can Do to Fix It

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Bad Breath: Find Out What Causes It and What You Can Do to Fix It

Sometimes, everyone deals with bad breath upon waking in the morning, following a garlic-filled meal, or after enjoying the occasional glass of wine, but others suffer from persistent bad breath that always seems to be there. Whether you notice the smell yourself or have a friend or relative kind enough to gently point it out to you, dealing with bad breath (also called halitosis) can become quite stressful. It not only affects a person’s self-esteem but can also indicate a more serious health concern.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Many different factors can cause bad breath including:
  • Certain Foods - Garlic, onions, legumes, broccoli, and kale can all produce gasses that cause bad breath.
  • Coffee and Alcohol - Both coffee and alcohol can cause temporary halitosis.
  • Tobacco Products - Cigarettes and chewing tobacco both lead to bad breath.
  • Bacteria - Increased levels of bacteria present in the mouth due to poor dental hygiene, periodontal disease, and other health problems cause bad breath.
  • Illness - Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis, and others cause bad breath.
  • Dry Mouth - Persistent dry mouth due to dehydration or disorders with a person's mucous membranes or salivary glands cause halitosis.
  • Medications - Many prescription and over the counter medications can cause dry mouth (as a side effect), which can then lead to halitosis.
  • Medical Conditions - Several medical conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes cause halitosis.

How to Freshen Your Breath

Most often, oral health problems cause persistent bad breath. So, the best way to begin freshening your breath is by practicing good oral hygiene.
  • Brush and floss at least twice a day (or after each meal) to eradicate bacteria from the mouth. Be sure to brush your tongue, too!
  • Morning and night, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
  • Avoid using tobacco products.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Combat heartburn and acid reflux by avoiding overly acidic foods.
  • Treat underlying medical problems.
If you’ve tried simple remedies and haven’t found relief, we strongly recommended seeing a doctor or a dentist for a checkup. Since several underlying medical conditions can cause bad breath, you should visit a medical professional to rule out or begin treatment for any health problems.

Worried about Your Breath? Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Mott, Your Kenmore Dentist

If you’re concerned about your breath, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mott at Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry. Dr. Mott will talk with you about your concerns and medical history and evaluate the health of your teeth and gums. If any signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, or chronic dry mouth are found, Dr. Mott will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for improving your oral health and solving your bad breath blues.

Are These Common Bad Habits Damaging Your Teeth?

Are These Common Bad Habits Damaging Your Teeth?

If you brush and floss each day, then you already have a wonderfully healthy habit. Unfortunately, there are plenty of bad habits that can harm your teeth, gums, and general oral health. Use the following habit-breaking advice to stop the unhealthy behavior and get back on the path to a healthy smile.

Chewing on Ice and Biting Your Nails

These bad habits damage tooth enamel, wear down your teeth, and can lead to broken or chipped teeth and tooth decay.

Habit-Breaker: Replace ice or other objects with sugar-free chewing gum that’ll be safe for your teeth. If you bite your nails, paint on a colorless, foul-tasting nail polish designed to discourage the bad habit.

Using Tobacco

Tobacco stains teeth and damages the mouth’s soft tissues. Over time, it can cause oral cancer and other cancers throughout the body.

Habit-Breaker: Patches, gums, prescription medications, and even meditation can all help with smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco cessation. Talk with your doctor about the best strategy for you.

Brushing Too Hard

It’s no surprise that many people think their teeth will be cleaner if they brush harder. Brushing hard, however, can actually damage your tooth enamel and your gums, leading to sensitivity, decay, and receding gums.

Habit-Breaker: Learn to brush softly by focusing on just one or two teeth at a time, using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Another great strategy is to invest in a high-quality electric toothbrush, which will thoroughly clean teeth by gently gliding across their surfaces.

Drinking Too Little Water

Our bodies have a built-in teeth-cleaning and bacteria-busting system – saliva. Drinking too little water and letting yourself become dehydrated will hinder your saliva production and dry out your mouth, leaving acid-producing bacteria free to break down tooth enamel.

Habit-Breaker: Stay hydrated by making sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day (more if you’re exercising, sweating, or spending time in the heat). Fill up a water bottle to have at your desk or set a timer to remind yourself. Remember if you wait until you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

Start a Healthy Dental Habit – Schedule Annual Checkups for Your Family

Along with brushing and flossing every day, one of the healthiest dental habits is to see a dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup at least once a year. To schedule appointments for your whole family, we welcome you to contact Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry. Dr. Mott can help you break your unhealthy dental habits and replace them with positive practices that’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.