 (425) 883-8333
15613 Bel-Red Rd., Ste. A, Bellevue, WA 98008 |
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Posted on 1/30/2016 by Janie Bell |
 The way that you brush your teeth will make a big difference in your dental health. While your dentist will give you tips on how to properly brush, there are some signs that you can look for that might indicate your technique needs work.Your Toothbrush Looks Beat UpYour toothbrush should last for about three months, but if it begins to look beat up after six weeks, you could be brushing too hard. Some dental patients feel that they need to scrub hard when they brush in order to clean their teeth, but in reality, brushing should be more of a gentle process. You should consider the type of brush that you use wisely, as soft and rounded bristles will be your best option.Your Gums Are Red and PuffyDo your gums appear inflamed? This can be a good sign of a problem, especially if they bleed when you brush your teeth. All of these issues are signs of gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, and the condition is caused by plaque that isn't removed from the teeth and gums.You See Signs of Tartar and Plaque BuildupIf you don't clean certain foods off of your teeth, plaque germs will start to feed on them. Carbs and sugars are especially problematic, and an acid can form that could cause gum disease and tooth decay.While plaque is colorless, you can generally tell when it starts to accumulate on your teeth, and if you don't do anything about it, tartar buildup could result. If you notice plaque or tartar accumulating on your teeth, this is usually a good sign that you need to adjust your brushing strategy. If you have additional questions on how to better clean your teeth - or if you notice a problem like swollen gums and tartar buildup - please contact us to set up an appointment. |
D. Ian Bell, D.D.S.
Advanced Aesthetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry Bellevue-Redmond Professional Center 15613 Bel-Red Rd, Suite A (425) 883-8333
Bellevue, WA 98008-2348 Map
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