Why Use an Electric Toothbrush?

We all know that brushing our teeth correctly is so important in keeping our smiles healthy and white.  Many people today are using electric toothbrushes.  Dentists overwhelmingly recommend them as the best way to keep your teeth free of harmful plaque.  Our team at K&L Family Dental strongly recommend using an electric toothbrush, but why?

For our patients who use them, we generally see cleaner teeth and healthier gums. Electric toothbrushes remove plaque faster and more effectively.  They are able to reach hard-to-clean areas like the back of molars and at the gum line, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease.  In fact, 80% of users said they improved their oral cleanliness when changing from a manual toothbrush (source:Electric Toothbrush Review).

The electric toothbrush can help prevent "overbrushing" or brushing too hard, which can have damaging affects to the gum tissues.  Most often, this means you can injure your gums and possibly cause permanent recession.  Brushing too vigorously can also cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away, leading to possible sensitivity to cold and heat.  It is very difficult to brush too hard with an electric toothbrush because you simply hold the brush and let the moving bristles do the work, without any need for pressure.

Because the handles of electric toothbrushes are more comfortable and ergonomic, they can be used by people who have difficulty brushing their teeth.  People who have physical conditions such as arthritis, or limited mobility in their hands or arms (such as MS, MD, or Parkinson's disease) should consider using an electric toothbrush.  The easy-to-grip handle allows better access to tricky areas that generally require fine motor skills.

The team at K&L Family Dental recommend brushing your teeth for two full minutes, twice a day.  The average time that Americans spend is only 31 to 65 seconds, depending on the sex and age (source:Radius Toothbrush).  Many electric toothbrushes come with timers to help keep patients on track.

Even though electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual ones, they do last longer.  In the long run, they need to be replaced far less often.  We feel they are an investment in your oral health.

Which ever toothbrush you choose to use, it is important to brush correctly.  Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make sure you don't forget about the inside of your teeth and to brush your tongue.  And as always, if you have any questions about taking care of your teeth, brushing, flossing or which products to use, give us a call or visit us at www.klfamilydental.com.

Can A Sinus Infection Cause Your Teeth to Hurt?

September 20, 2012

It seems that we are hearing more and more patients complain of allergies. There doesn't seem to be an "allergy season" anymore- we hear it all year long.  As dentists, we see our fair share of toothaches. What  patients don't realize is that an infection in your sinus cavity can actually cause one or more of your teeth to hurt.

Your sinus cavities are air-filled pockets in your upper jaw. Your maxillary sinuses are located right above your upper teeth. They are lined with a pink membrane similar to the lining on the inside of your mouth. When the nasal passages are infected with a pathogen, they become irritated and inflamed.  This inflammation can then place pressure on the upper teeth, leading to facial tenderness and what is often described as a toothache.

Sinus infections can be tricky.  Not everyone experiences them in the same exact way.   Nasal congestion, cough, pressure along the forehead, cheeks, nose or eyes are common complaints.  You may also find yourself having a sore throat, bad breath, nausea or ear pain.

When a patient presents with a toothache, we normally take an x-ray and perform a regular check-up to rule out decay or an infected nerve as the cause.  We also feel around the tooth for infection, tap on the tooth, and/or place ice on the tooth to better understand the source of the pain.  At this time, we can then recommend treatment, or suggest consulting with a physician.

Some simple things that can give you a clue whether it's a sinus infection causing your teeth to hurt:
   - a change in position, tipping your head forward and back, and your teeth hurt
   - going down stairs and your teeth hurt
   - standing on your toes and forcefully dropping on your heels and your teeth hurt

Treatment revolves around relieving the pressure and inflammation in your sinuses.  Nasal irrigation with saline rinses (neti pot), nasal spray decongestants (for a short time), oral decongestants and anti-inflammatory drugs can all help relieve sinus pain.  Occasionally, oral antibiotics are used if the sinus infection is believed to be caused by bacteria and not a virus.

Having a toothache is never a pleasant feeling, but getting the proper diagnoses is important. Of course, if your teeth hurt and you have any questions about whether it is a cavity, the nerve of the tooth or your sinuses, call for an appointment at www.klfamilydental.com.

Xylitol: Not Just Another Sugar Substitute!

Xylitol is something we produce in our own bodies...up to 15 grams per day. It occurs naturally in foods we commonly eat, such as strawberries, pears, cauliflower, lettuce, mushrooms. The source it's taken from,  for sale and consumption is either corn cobs or birch trees. Table sugar comes from sugar beets or cane, but now we have an all natural sweetener that comes from plant sources and is already known to our bodies.

How Sugar Harms Teeth

Sugar causes an acidic condition in our mouths. Acid changes the tooth surface by stripping minerals from the tooth enamel(de-mineralization). The tooth becomes more vulnerable to decay-causing bacteria. When saliva turns acidic because of too many sweets,oral bacteria take over. These bacteria, combined with carbohydrate waste, stick to the teeth and tongue keeping the acid close to the teeth where it can erode tooth enamel.

Benefits of Xylitol

So how does xylitol differ from sugar?

• It has a sweetness level similar to sugar, but it is not a sugar. It is a polyol and, as such, it doesn't promote tooth decay.
• Harmful bacteria cannot digest xylitol. Because they cannot use it as an energy source, they stop producing acids.
• Xylitol enhances mineral absorption in tooth enamel, thus increasing its strength

How Much  Xylitol is Effective?

To help prevent cavities, you need approximately 6-8 grams of xylitol throughout the day.
Use xylitol three to five times per day and for at least five minutes, right after meals. Xylitol is found most often in chewing gums and mints. For the amount to be at decay-preventing levels, it must appear as the first ingredient.


We now carry Epic brand Xylitol gum and mints! Get some today to keep away tooth decay!