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Greenville Dental Studio, dentist, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Greenville, South Carolina

Keeping a Healthy Smile in 2021

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Keeping a Healthy Smile in 2021

We hope the new year brings health and happiness to all of you, and that includes a healthy smile. 2020 was a year like no other, and continuing to live through the pandemic is difficult. Focusing on your well being is more important than ever.
Here is what we recommend for keeping a healthy smile in 2021.  First, keep brushing and flossing.  Aim to brush twice a day and floss before you go to bed. And here’s a tip, don’t rinse after you brush in the evening. Leaving the toothpaste in your mouth will keep the fluoride around longer to penetrate your teeth to make them stronger at fighting cavities.

Visit the Dentist Twice a Year

Many people have put off dental checkups during the pandemic, but we encourage you to visit the dentist twice a year. Most dental insurance plans cover cleanings and checkups twice a year at 100%, so get the most out of your insurance. During those appointments, you’ll get a professional cleaning that only trained staff with specialized instruments can perform. Your dental team can reach areas of your teeth and gums that brushing and flossing at home just can’t do.

Greenville Dental Studio, dentist, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Greenville, South Carolina

Preventative Exams

Preventative exams can save you money in the long run, and save your teeth.  Your dentist can check for signs of gum disease, cavities and the effects of stress on your teeth and the muscles along your jawline. Clenching and grinding your teeth during the day and while you sleep can damage your smile and even leave you in pain.  A bite guard that you wear at night can protect your teeth. Your dentist may also recommend prescription toothpaste for sensitive teeth or a special mouthwash for dry mouth.
Greenville Dental Studio, dentist, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Greenville, South Carolina

Keeping a healthy smile

Build a Relationship With Your Dentist

Building a relationship with your dentist and staff, like the dental team at Greenville Dental Studio, can give you peace of mind when something goes wrong.  You’ll know who to call if you chip a tooth or develop tooth pain. You’ll also have a trusted group to work with if you’re considering cosmetic treatments like teeth bleaching, veneers and implants. In our office, you’re always in the driver’s seat of your oral health, and we’re your best ally in that journey. We want you to have a smile you can enjoy.

Healthy Smile Checklist

Follow these tips for a healthy smile:
Brush twice a day
Floss before bed
Visit the dentist twice a year

We also recommend eating a healthy, balanced diet, and drink your water!

New Patients Welcome

New patients are always welcome at Greenville Dental Studio. Dr. Bullard and his team can be reached at 864-520-2942 or click here to request an appointment.

Greenville Dental Studio, dentist, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville Dental Studio welcomes new patients

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Greenville Dental Studio, dentist, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Greenville, South Carolina

Halloween Candy and Your Teeth

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Halloween Candy and Your Teeth

With Halloween just around the corner, and lots of temptation all around us, let’s talk about Halloween candy and your teeth.  When it comes to your oral health, sweets in moderation are okay, as long as you also brush twice a day and floss before bed.

Tooth Decay

What you want to avoid is tooth decay that can lead to cavities or even tooth loss.  Bacteria in your mouth can cause decay.  And guess what? SUGAR fuels the bacteria, and bacteria produces acid that eats away at your teeth.

Best and Worst Candy

The worst candy for your teeth are those sticky ones.  Think about taffy, caramels and anything else that really hangs on to your teeth.  Candy that dissolves quickly and doesn’t get wedged between teeth is better because it doesn’t stick around for bacteria to grab hold to.
Of course, it’s not just about decay.  Hard candy can be a problem if it just breaks your teeth or dental work.

Enjoy the Holiday

Enjoying Halloween candy on October 31 and in the days before and after the holiday is something most of us enjoy and look forward to, especially the kids.  So, have fun and enjoy life, just remember to brush and floss, and visit the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups.
The goal is to form healthy habits taking care of your teeth, and helping kids do the same.  If you do that, you can enjoy those sweet treats.

Visit the Dentist

To schedule a dental visit, give us a call at 864-520-2942 or click here.  Our office is located at the corner of North Main St. and Stone Ave.

brush, floss, oral health, dentist, family dentistry, Greenville dentist

Brush twice a day

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Greenville Dental Studio, dentist, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Greenville, South Carolina

Are You Using the Right Kind of Mouthwash?

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ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT KIND OF MOUTHWASH?

There are two main types of over-the-counter mouthwash we recommend.  Are you using the right kind of mouthwash? Here’s what you need to know:  one is for your gums to fight the bacteria that cause gingivitis and the other is for your teeth to help strengthen against cavities. Both can be used as a breath freshener. There are also some mouthwashes that are only for fresh breath and have no therapeutic effect.

DECIDING WHICH ONE TO USE

In consultation with your dentist, deciding which type of mouthwash to use may depend on whether you’re more susceptible to gingivitis or decay.  If you have bleeding gums, then the antibacterial rinses to fight gingivitis would be most effective.  If you have a lot of filings and crowns, fluoride might be the best choice.  If fresh breath is all you’re after, the antimicrobials used to fight gingivitis will also work to control bad breath because bad breath is usually caused by bacteria.

AVOID MOUTHWASH WITH ALCOHOL

A common ingredient in many mouth rinses is alcohol.  We recommend finding a rinse without alcohol because it can be harsh on the tissue in your mouth and increase dry mouth.

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE MOUTHWASH?

We don’t recommend using mouthwash directly after brushing your teeth because you’ll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste.  We suggest you also read the recommendations and directions listed on the product you chose to use.

ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT KIND OF MOUTHWASH?

You will want to use mouthwashes that have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.  And remember that mouthwashes do not take the place of brushing and flossing.    It’s important to visit the dentist twice a year.  To schedule a checkup, click on the link or call our office at 864-520-2942.

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Dental Cleaning is one of the most important functions we provide is to use our instruments as a supplement to your brushing and flossing.

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Flossing Before Bed Is Important

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Why Flossing is Important

If you want your teeth to last, you must make brushing and flossing a daily habit, along with regular professional cleanings at the dentist.

There’s a saying in dentistry, “only floss the ones you want to keep.”

Take a second to think about that that.  Would you want to lose any of your teeth?

Flossing is a crucial step in the care of your teeth, because brushing twice a day is not enough.

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It’s important to floss before bed

Flossing is a must.  Why?  Because brushing does not clean the whole tooth.  Brushing alone only cleans 60% of a tooth, but flossing can reach the surfaces your toothbrush can’t reach.

Flossing Helps Fight Cavities

When food particles are left between your teeth, bacteria can use that decaying food to form cavities in those areas.

Cavities between teeth are difficult to fix and can lead to crowns and root canals.  These procedures are time consuming and costly.

Food debris left between your teeth can also lead to bad breath.

You can also make your teeth look brighter by keeping stains from developing between your teeth.

Many people may use water flossers, such as the name brand Waterpik, to clean between their teeth.  These are good for removing bacteria around your gums and under bridges and dental work, but you still need to use traditional floss to protect against cavities between teeth.

What You Should Know

Follow these steps to make sure you’re getting the most out of flossing:

Hug the floss tight to the side of your tooth
Rub the floss gently up and down against the side of each tooth
Make sure the floss reaches the base of each tooth

You can view a demonstration from the American Dental Association.

Healthy teeth increase your quality of life.  Your daily routine should include brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing before bed.  If you don’t already do this, it’s time to start.  I know it can be difficult to change dental hygiene habits, but it’s far worse to lose teeth to decay and disease.

Visit the Dentist Twice a Year

In additional to taking care of your teeth and gums at home, it’s important to visit the dentist twice a year.  You can get directions to our office and schedule a checkup on our website.  We accept all major insurance and work with your schedule for morning, evening, weekend and emergency appointments.  Call us anytime at 864-520-2942.

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Taking care of your teeth

Taking Care of your Teeth Between Cleanings at the Dentist

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Tips for Taking Care of Your Teeth at Home

It is best to get a professional cleaning from your dentist every six months.  In between those cleanings, though, what is the best way to care for your teeth?  Certainly brushing and flossing are the most important things.  Let’s talk about how to do those properly.

Brushing for the Proper Amount of Time

Two minutes is the amount of time you should brush your teeth.  Time yourself to make sure you are reaching that goal.  Sometimes it is easier to walk around while you brush rather than staring at yourself in the mirror for two minutes.  Most of us tend to get impatient, so just take a walk.

Brushing with the Proper Amount of Force

Brushing should be done gently with a soft bristled toothbrush.  You do not need a medium or hard bristled toothbrush.  Brushing with too much force can lead to gum recession and root issues.

Flossing Once Per Day

Even with great brushing, there will still be plaque and bacteria between your teeth.  Cavities between teeth are more difficult to fix.  Make sure to pop some floss between your teeth at night to break up that plague.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Simply put, fluoride is the best thing that exists to prevent tooth decay.  Use it.

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Fluoride Toothpaste Prevents Decay

Avoid Sodas and Other Sugary Drinks and Foods

Our diet plays a large role in taking care of your teeth.  What we eat can fuel cavity bugs, the bacteria that cause decay.  Drinks and foods with sugar and acid send cavity bugs into full production.

Schedule Cleanings Twice a Year 

At Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dental Studio of Greenville, we are focused on the prevention of disease and fighting decay.  To schedule a cleaning, call us at 864-520-2942.  We have flexible hours to work with your schedule.

Taking care of your teeth, brush and floss

Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dental Studio of Greenville

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Dr Andy Bullard recommends using an electric toothbrush, teeth whitening,

Is An Electric Toothbrush Really Better?

Brush and floss, Cleanings, Electric toothbrush, Taking care of your teeth , , , , , , , , , , ,

Is an Electric Toothbrush Really Better?

A lot of people ask “is an electric toothbrush really better?” Well, it is my belief that just about every adult patient (and every young patient in braces) should have an electric toothbrush. There are 2 reasons for this: time spent brushing and force of brushing. When I was a student in dental school I had a professor that said a manual toothbrush could be as effective as an electric brush if used properly, and technically that is true. What I have realized after looking at teeth for 20 years is that we are simply too impatient when we brush our teeth.  In the morning we’re in too much of a rush and in the evening we’re too tired to use a manual brush properly, and it is really difficult to change our habits.

Brush for Two Minutes

If you use a manual brush, time yourself brushing. The proper amount of time to brush is 2 minutes, at least 2 minutes. For many people this will seem like an eternity. One of the major benefits of an electric toothbrush is that most of them run for 2 minutes, so you turn it on and you know you are done when it turns off. Still, it can be a challenge to stand there and stare at yourself in the mirror and wait for the full 2 minutes, so I recommend walking around while you brush. Sometimes in the evenings, and when you are not so rushed getting out of the door to start your day, you may want to do 3 or 4 minutes of brushing, especially if you have a lot of fillings or crowns.  The dental work can hold bacteria more than tooth enamel.

Be Gentle on Your Gums

If you have issues with receding gums or have had gum grafts or have sensitive teeth, it is better to stick to the 2 minutes because you can actually brush too much (or rather too hard).  Not only can electric toothbrushes clear away bacteria well, they can also be more gentle. Most people brush way too hard, which can cause gum recession and even can wear away your teeth. With an electric toothbrush you just hold it against your teeth and gums and it does the work, removing the need for hard scrubbing.

Picking the Correct Toothpaste

Most toothpastes are abrasive, especially some of the whitening toothpastes. Most whitening toothpastes do not bleach your teeth, they make them whiter by scouring stains off. There was a study done with a toothbrush on a mechanical arm brushing against teeth for a couple of hundred thousand cycles. When only water was used there was no damage to the teeth, but when toothpaste was added large notches were worn in the teeth. Now, toothpaste is vital as a carrier for fluoride, but the plainer pastes and gels are better for you, especially if you have gum recession or sensitive teeth.

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Brush twice a day

Don’t Use Too Much Force

Many manual toothbrushes also have medium or firm bristles. Never buy anything but a soft bristled toothbrush. The brushing motion should not involve hard scrubbing. Brushing should be thorough, not forceful. Time spent brushing is much more important than heavy force. Again, brushing too hard is often a difficult habit to break, thus increasing the value of an electric toothbrush.

Start Shopping

So if you do not yet have an electric toothbrush, start checking them out. I think you’ll be pleased with the results! To schedule a checkup and cleaning, call our office at 864-520-2942 or request an appointment online.

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Checkup time!