Toothbrush Germs and Toothbrush Care

Toothbrush Care Guidelines

You know that your mouth is one of the dirtiest places in the human body. Your mouth could be teeming with hundreds of different bacteria at any given time. Certainly, they can easily transfer onto your toothbrush. Also, you may not want your toothbrush to be attracting germs from outside the mouth. So does it make sense to cover your toothbrush for its own protection?

According to the American Dental Association, even though bacteria accumulates on your toothbrush, there is no indication they can negatively affect your oral or general health. The body fights off infections by its own natural defense mechanisms. Your skin and mucous membranes keep germs out of the body, and If they have been compromised, your circulation uses antibodies, and your digestive system has digestive acids and enzymes. Otherwise healthy people may not have to worry about bacteria in their toothbrush. However, if a person is immuno-compromised or has a disease that is transferable by blood or saliva, taking extra precautions to reduce bacterial contamination on their toothbrush may be considered.

You can sanitize or sterilize your toothbrush in different ways.

To sanitize or disinfect your toothbrush with solutions like antimicrobial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide is commendable, though that does not mean your brush is entirely germ-free. Sterilizing your toothbrush is different and provides that all bacteria are eliminated. However, it’s important to not put your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave which will likely damage your brush. The ADA says that there isn’t conclusive data on the effectiveness of disinfecting your toothbrush.

Can using a toothbrush cover reduce the amount of bacteria on your brush?

It’s a good option, however closed containers create a moist environment that actually promotes the growth of bacteria. Just be careful where you store your brush.

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CBCT Technology: More Than Just a Dental X-ray: Part Two

Cone beam CT is not the same as conventional CT. It has the advantage of lower radiation exposure compared to conventional CT. Total radiation doses from 3D dental CBCT exams are 96% lower than conventional CT exams, but deliver more radiation than standard dental 2D x-ray. It provides detailed images of the bone and is performed to evaluate diseases of the jaw, teeth, bony structures of the face, nasal cavity and sinuses. It does not provide the full diagnostic information available with conventional CT, particularly in evaluation of soft tissue structures such as muscles, lymph nodes, glands and nerves.

Patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the exam. Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, hairpins, and piercings, including women’s wired bras, may affect the CT images and should be removed prior to your exam; also includes hearing aids and removable dental work.

CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate. It’s major advantage is its ability to image bone and soft tissue at the same time. No radiation remains in a patient’s body after a CT examination. X-rays used in CT scans should have no immediate side effects. Today, CBCT has been described as the gold standard for the imagining oral and maxillofacial area, a dentist real best friend.

Dental Technology at Bellevue Overlake Dental

At Overlake Dental, the CBCT is integral to the practice of modern dentistry here. Your Bellevue dentist uses state-of-the-art technology to bring the benefits of his expertise and knowledge in oral care management to a wider community in Bellevue.

CBCT Technology: More Than Just a Dental X-ray: Part One

Why the CBCT Can be a Dentist’s Best Friend

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. The dentist may use this technology to produce 3D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography

CBCT has become increasingly important in treatment planning and diagnosis in implant dentistry, but also in other fields – ENT, orthopedics, and interventional radiology, among others. Due to increased access to such technology, CBCT scanners are finding many uses in dentistry, such as in oral surgery, endodontics and orthodontics. Cone beam CT images allow for more precise treatment planning.

During dental/orthodontic imaging, the CBCT scanner rotates around the patient’s head, obtaining up to nearly 600 distinct images. CT scans and cone beam CT both produce high-quality images. Dental cone beam CT was developed as a means of producing similar types of images but with a much smaller and less expensive machine that fits in an outpatient office.

Why Teeth Grinding Can Be A Serious Matter

Causes and Consequences of Teeth Grinding

Unawares, you might be sweating or tapping your foot, or worst grinding your teeth at night. All these might be happening while you are sleeping. And you don’t have the slightest idea; unless your bed partner says something about it. Or that you might have paid your dentist a visit, a rare occasion for you, and you’re told something is happening to your teeth. Then you’ll realize that these are your body’s responses to stress. The most worrisome of these symptoms must be teeth grinding. It can have some very serious side effects.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism is the involuntary grinding, gnashing, or clenching of the teeth, at night or during the day. There seems to be no direct cause, but problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be one; it could be caused by orthodontia (like braces or retainers), or it could just be related to stress. The only sure way to find out the cause is to visit the dentist and have a mouth examination. If the condition is ignored, consequences can be long-term and damaging.

One of bruxism’s consequences are chronic muscular pain and joint discomfort, particularly in the TMJ. Grinding your teeth nightly will surely, slowly wear down enamel, compromising your teeth’s integrity. The eroded surfaces can be prone to small fractures which can render teeth more sensitive to cold or hot foods, especially when dentin is exposed. Chewing properly can be difficultas the jaw can sometimes become stiff. Headaches, earaches and even migraines can disrupt your sleep.

A treatment plan that suits you can be drawn out by your dentist. That will depend if your teeth grinding is muscular, joint-related, or a combination of both. These options are designed to give protection to your teeth and stop the escalation of the grinding.

Bruxism Treatment

There are several options for treating bruxism. Facial massages can help. A customized mouthguard worn at night can be helpful in preventing the contact of opposing teeth. Some get Botox injections to to relax the muscles around the jaw and provide relief. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the budget, you can avail of the one most suited to your condition. The thing is to take action as soon as possible to avoid the consequences of of bruxism. Otherwise, there will be more grinding and, hence, more treatment.

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Consulting About Bruxism in Bellevue

Do not ignore your teeth grinding and see us as soon as you are aware. Know that your our dentist at Overlake Dental can help you overcome this condition and prevent it from getting worse.

Holiday Sweets and Your Teeth

Watch Out for Holiday Sweets

We’re deep in the holiday season now, which is a time when most of us take the opportunity to indulge in candies and other sweets. Needless to say, this can be fairly tough on your teeth. Not all sweets are created equal, though, and some are worse for your oral health than others.

Candies that are easier on your teeth include anything that doesn’t linger on your teeth for too long. Chocolate and peanut butter cups, for example, are fairly easy for your saliva to flush away from your teeth shortly after you are finished eating.

It’s the hard and sticky candies that you need to look out for. Chewy caramels and candy canes get stuck in the tops of your molars, and can linger there for a long while as your oral bacteria feast upon their sugars. Anything that you suck upon for an extended period of time, like lollipops, pose a similar problem.

You can minimize the effects of the candy you eat by limiting your consumption to after meals. It is at this time that your saliva is already hard at work. Avoid snacking in small amounts throughout the day, and contact our Bellevue dentist to learn more.