Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Have you ever thought of using an electric toothbrush? Is it better than a manual toothbrush? Many dentists say, “yes” for several reasons.

However, it should be noted that just buying an electric toothbrush will not keep your teeth clean. You need to brush three times a day for at least two minutes per brushing session using the right technique. By brushing correctly with an electric toothbrush, you can keep plaque and its damaging effects away.

Electric toothbrushes aren't the same as battery-powered toothbrushes, which use a AA battery to make the bristles vibrate. Electric toothbrushes are rechargeable devices that plug into the wall.

Electric toothbrushes often come with special speeds/modes for sensitive teeth, gum massage and whitening. Some electric toothbrushes come with pressure sensors that even alert the user that she or he is brushing too hard. Some include digital reminders to replace your brush head.

If there is no digital reminder, then it is recommended to change the brush heads every three to six months. Brush heads come in different shapes and sizes to suit everyone’s preferences.

For some people, the one drawback for electric toothbrushes is the price. They can range from $25 to $100 depending on how many extra features you want. An electric toothbrush could easily earn its keep by saving you money on your dental bills, in the long run.

Visit our website to learn more about the main benefits of electric toothbrush or call 702-997-7707 today to make an appointment with a caring dentist who can advise you on the best type of toothbrush for your teeth and gums

Adult Braces

Braces aren’t just for teens these days; adults wear them, even famous adults.

First, there are traditional steel braces, which are attached to each tooth. Singer Gwen Stefani wore them in 1999. The No Doubt singer says that she always wanted braces as a child, but finally got them as an adult: "I could afford them at that point, and that's when I went and got them."

If the idea of wearing metal braces doesn’t appeal to you, then another option is ceramic braces. These braces are similar to the stainless steel kind as they are attached to each tooth and hold a wire, which applies the pressure.

But unlike the stainless steel kind, ceramic braces are "tooth-colored" and appear much less noticeable in the mouth. Some ceramic braces also hide the metal color of the metal wire.

Tom Cruise reportedly wore ceramic braces to premieres of the 2002 film "Minority Report" and country singer Faith Hill wore them earlier this year to the Grammy awards. Due to their camouflage qualities and affordable price, ceramic braces are the most popular choice among adults and some celebrities. 

Another option is clear aligners, which are custom-made trays that people wear to help their teeth get aligned. A person uses several clear aligners over a period of time. Each aligner slowly pushes the teeth into the right position. Minor aligners may need three to four trays, where more crooked teeth will need 20 to 30.

Reports say that singer Justin Bieber and TV star Katherine Heigl chose clear aligners to straighten their teeth. Aligners can be taken out as needed because they do not attach to the surface of the teeth.

Everyone’s teeth are different, so there is no one style fits all. To find out what type of braces would be the best for you visit our website or give us a call at 702-997-7707 to make an appointment with an experienced orthodontist who can examine your teeth and give you the best plan of action. 

Choosing the Right Family Dentist

Some reports say that thirty two percent of Americans haven’t visited a dentist in a year and a half. The reasons for not going may be because people are scared to go, have not found a dentist or do not know how to find a dentist.

Start your search by asking for recommendations from friends and co-workers. If someone you know has a great smile, that’s even better. Most people don’t mind sharing the name of their dentist. Contact your local or state dental society. The American Dental Association (ADA) provides a list of local and state dental societies on its web site, ada.org.

Once you get a list of some dentists, call their offices and ask some questions. Ask how long the dentist has been in practice and their specialty. Find out where they received their training and education. Ask for referrals of current patients you can contact. Also, ask if the dentist does teeth cleanings or if there is a hygienist who does. You want a dentist office where the hygienist does the cleanings.

You can learn more about choosing the right family dentist on our website and set up a consultation by calling our office at 702-997-7707. 

The Truth About X-Rays

If you've been to the dentist enough, you have probably wondered if the radiation from the x-ray machines is anything to be concerned of. You may not be sure if x-rays are all that important, and wonder if they are necessary. After all, you don't feel the pain of a cavity, right? Even if this is true, it's better to be safe and take x-rays. Did you know x-rays can help dentists see the beginnings of a cavity before it has caused enough damage to be noticed? Did you know that radiation from dental x-rays has decreased by about half in the last 30 years? We've had many patients ask us questions about dental x-rays out of concern for their health, so we've created an FAQ page to help you sort through the confusion. 

TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joints are located in front of the ears and are used when you chew. Sometimes these joints are strained from stress induced grinding, commonly referred to as TMJ. TMJ disorders can cause headaches, and you may not even be aware that you have the disorder. People who suffer fro TMJ usually grind their teeth in their sleep, waking up in the morning with soreness in the jaw and migraines, sometimes not knowing what caused the discomfort. Some medications are available to help alleviate symptoms of TMJ, but the best solution is to get a mouth guard. Mouth guards create a barrier between the teeth, protecting them from being worn down by grinding in the night, and preventing the user from biting down with too much pressure. Visit our site for more useful information about an exam to diagnose TMJ, mouth guards, and other treatment options. 

Summer Vacation Dental Health

Summer is here with its warm days, pool parties, bar-b-ques, and long vacations. While you’re thinking of what to pack for your next trip, clothes, bathing suits, sunscreen, books, and other necessities may make the list, but do you always remember to pack your dental hygiene tools? It is important to maintain your daily hygiene regimen even when on vacation, and with the occasional summer treats like velvety ice cream, crunchy kettle corn, and fruity cocktails, it is even more important to keep up the brushing and flossing.

Here are some helpful tips to maintain those pearly whites that compliment your summer tan.

Keep a separate overnight toiletries set.

This nifty kit by Ogio is closet friendly.

We all know how it feels to realize we forgot to pack a toothbrush during a vacation. Stopping by the store for a toothbrush is an unwanted interruption to your relaxation. Avoid the inconvenience and maintain your hygiene by investing in a small toiletries bag with a set consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. You won’t have to settle for whatever is available where you happen to be vacationing (we all have our preferences), and it is much easier to pack when it is organized in a set and ready to grab and go. 

Schedule your next check up before your vacation.

Schedule your next check up by calling Floss Dental at 702-997-7707.

The last thing you will want to worry about is toothaches or other dental problems during your vacation.  Change in pressure during air travel can cause pain in sensitive teeth. Schedule a check up before your next vacation to resolve any minor issues and avoid discomfort, especially if six months have passed since your last check up. It is much easier to take care of your dental health at home than in an unfamiliar city.   

 Know your dental policy coverage.

Confirm your dental coverage with your insurance provider.

If you do happen to have a dental emergency, it is good to be prepared with information on where your insurance will cover you, where you can find in-network providers, and what the policy is for non-network dentists during an emergency. Always carry your insurance card and be prepared even when chances of a dental emergency are low.

Enjoy your well earned vacation.

Relax and have fun!

Everyone takes time to plan for the exciting places and activities they want to experience during vacations, but don’t forget to take a little time to prepare and keep up your dental hygiene too! With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your vacation with the added peace of mind about your dental health and comfort. Enjoy your vacations and have a fun and relaxing summer!