How Often Should My Toothbrush Be Replaced?

 

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? We toss out old meals, resupply vitamins supplements, and refresh our cosmetic products periodically, but when it comes to beauty and health, our oral/dental hygiene does not get the same kind of attention or thought. People offer less heed to visit a dental clinic in Dombivli for their oral health.

However, here are some key regulations and guidelines to follow to maintain excellent dental health.

 

When Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

The Indian Dental Association (IDA) and the best dentist in Dombivli recommend changing your toothbrushes every three months. Brushes lose their effectiveness at removing plaque from gums and teeth over time due to regular wear and tear. According to studies, the bristles disintegrate and lose their potency after 3 months.

Another factor we do not usually consider (and definitely do not want to take into consideration) is that bacteria can hide and accumulate in toothbrush bristles. Because of this, it is critical to change your toothbrush after a cold to avoid reinfection.

If not properly cared for, bacteria and germs can grow in the bristles. After each use, properly rinse and dry your toothbrush before storing it uncovered in a vertical position away from other toothbrushes. When travelling, keep your toothbrush head covered to protect it and prevent germs from spreading.

If you are not sure how long it has been since you last changed your toothbrush, look at the state of your toothbrush head, especially if the bristles are worn out, fanned out, or frayed, or if you see dark colour changes (which are an indication of mould growth), it is high time to change it.

 

What Tends to happen If I Do Not Replace My Toothbrush Regularly?

If the fact that bacteria and fungi grow on your toothbrush bristles over time is not enough to convince you to change your toothbrush more frequently, there are a slew of other hazards and unpleasant consequences to consider. 

One concern is that your gums will be damaged as outdated toothbrushes become ineffective at eliminating plaque from your teeth, resulting in gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to infection, leading to tooth loss.

Even more undesirable, overused toothbrushes can get you sick (bacteria and fungal buildup), your toothbrush can have mould, and, perhaps most unappealing of all, you can eat unwelcome particles if stored near a toilet.

So, if it has been a long time since you replaced the brush, then consider changing it right now. Also, make an appointment with the best dental clinic near me for deep cleaning.

 

What to Look for When Buying Dental Supplies (Toothbrushes)

During your next visit to a dental clinic in Dombivli for examination and cleaning, ask your dentist for recommendations on what you should buy depending on your specific needs, dental health, and other factors.

• Look for soft bristle toothbrushes, as hard bristles can damage your gums and teeth. 

• Choose a toothbrush head size that only brushes one or two teeth at a time.

• Use a toothpaste containing fluoride that has been approved by the Indian Dental Association.

• Consider using mouthwash to help fight plaque and gingivitis, and do not forget the floss!

Consider purchasing an electric toothbrush, which has been shown to improve oral health beyond that of a manual toothbrush by removing plaque, lowering gingivitis, and removing tooth stains. They have also been found to help persons with periodontal disease reduce the amount of plaque on their teeth.

Do your research on which products are best suited to your needs, and do not forget to seek advice from the best dentist near me.

Are you in need of the best dentist in Dombivli? We would be delighted to see you. Make an appointment with Dr. Pratik's Dental Clinic, Dombivli, today! Call 98207 91708.

Bad Breath

The New Normal for Dental Consultations

Most dental clinics have been working online/offline to ensure that their patients do not suffer during the lockdown. The Government of India has advised the Dentists to treat only the dental emergencies at the clinic and recommended them to consult patients (emergencies/non-emergencies) over the phone to curb the spread of COVID19. Most of the clinics in the city are still closed. If you are facing any dental concern, you can reach your dentist on their mobile/telephone.

Dr.Pratik’s Dental Clinic has been providing telephonic consultation to its patients throughout the lockdown. They have been giving medicine prescription and necessary treatment advice over the phone to help alleviate patients discomfort. They  have been keeping an update on their patients to see if the issue has been resolved. Not all dental treatments can be done over the telephone, some patients are required to visit the clinic physically post lockdown.Such patients would be appointed later ensuring all the safety measures are in place.

PPE kit 
<a href="http://www.freepik.com">Designed by Freepik</a>

Most dentists have utilized this period to procure all necessary equipment to ensure the safety of the patients. Dr. Pratik’s Dental Clinic has used this time to obtain N95 masks,surgical masks, disposable drapes, disposable PPE kits, HEPA air purifier, and UV-C light sterilizer. They have made the necessary changes to eliminate the chance of spread of infection at the clinic.

HEPA Air Purifier

In case, you are facing any dental issues and want to consult a dentist.
Call 98207 91708 to book an appointment at Dr.Pratik’s Dental Clinic.

6 Most Common Brushing Mistakes

Everyone expects to have a Bright and Sparkling Smile, though most of us choose to ignore our oral hygiene/dental health checkups. Knowingly/unknowingly a lot of us have been brushing our teeth in the wrong way. It is essential to use the right brushing techniques and right brush design to get the perfect result. Here are a few common mistakes that most of us make

1. Using the Wrong Toothbrush: The one thing that we insist is using a medium or soft bristle toothbrush. Soft and medium bristles clean teeth effectively, as compared to hard bristles. Sometimes, hard bristles can wear down the tooth structure and damage gums. Also, choosing the right size of a toothbrush is crucial.

Use the Right Brush

2. Using the Wrong Technique: There are many recommendations on how one should brush teeth. But, we suggest to start from the gums, up and down, and move in little circular motion. We recommend brushing at a 45-degree angle from the gum line to clean teeth effectively and ask people to be soft on the teeth as brushing hard may damage the teeth or gums.

Use the Right Brushing Technique

3. Brushing Teeth for a Shorter Time: An average person's brushing time is just 45 seconds. It is ideal for a person to brush teeth for at least 2 minutes. Because brushing teeth for less than 2 minutes may not give adequate time for fluoride in toothpaste to work on teeth. We suggest people use a timer to brush their teeth or at least stand in front of a mirror and brush your teeth.

Brush for 2minutes

4. Forgetting the Tongue: Most of the people ignore to clean their tongue. It can hold a lot of bacteria that may lead to bad breath and poor oral hygiene. So, we advise you to brush or gently scrape the tongue with the toothbrush after brushing teeth to get complete oral care.

Clean Your Tongue

5. Not flossing Teeth: Flossing needs to be part of your oral hygiene regime. Flossing teeth removes plaque from places where the toothbrush cannot reach. If it stays in between your teeth, it can turn into a hard-calcified deposit on your teeth. And let me tell you, it is not ideal for your teeth as well as your gums

Floss Your Teeth

6. Not Brushing Twice a Day: Most of the people only brush their teeth once in a day, when they get up in the morning. But we recommend brushing at least twice a day to keep up with oral hygiene. Brushing teeth twice reduces the bacteria and plaque build-up. It also reduces the risk of gum disease and staining of teeth

Brush Twice once in morning and once at night


So why wait, Call Dr. Pratik’s Dental Clinic at 98207 91708 today to help you have your BEST SMILE

What are Dental Emergencies ?

1.DENTAL EMERGENCIES:

include dental conditions leading to impairment of basic functions like breathing and swallowing.

Following are the Dental Emergencies:

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Diffuse soft-tissue bacterial infection with intra-oral or extra-oral swelling that potentially compromises the patient’s airway
• Trauma involving facial bones, potentially compromising the patient’s airway

Intervention:

These conditions are Life-threatening and require Immediate treatment.

2. URGENT DENTAL PROBLEMS: 

are those that affect the normal functioning of the patient like moderate to severe pain/infection.

Severe pain may be described as constant pain or pain increasing in intensity. 

Urgent Dental Problems include:

•  Severe dental pain from pulpal inflammation
• Wisdom tooth pain, pain due to infected/ inflamed gums
• Post-surgical pain
•  Abscess, or localized bacterial infection resulting in localized pain and swelling
• Tooth fracture resulting in pain or causing soft tissue trauma
• Dental trauma with avulsion/luxation
•  Dental treatment required prior to critical medical procedures
•  Final crown/bridge cementation, if the temporary restoration is lost, broken or causing gingival irritation
•  Biopsy of abnormal tissue

Intervention:

Your Dentist will prescribe Antibiotics and Painkillers, that will help to relieve severe pain and/or risk of infection. 

If symptoms are relieved/not relieved post pharmacological management, you will be scheduled for a physical visit to the dental clinic at the earliest convenience.  

3.OTHER URGENT DENTAL CARE: SCHEDULED /ELECTIVE PROCEDURES includes :

• Extensive dental caries or defective restorations causing pain
• Suture removal
• Denture adjustment on radiation/ oncology patients
• Denture adjustments or repairs when function impeded
• Replacing temporary filling on endo access openings in patients experiencing pain
• Snipping or adjustment of an orthodontic wire or appliances piercing or ulcerating the oral mucosa

Intervention:

Such patients should be  tele-counseled and scheduled as a priority when regular dental services are restored.

 4.DENTAL NON EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: 

 Routine or non-urgent dental procedures include but are not limited to:

• Initial or periodic oral examinations and recall visits, including routine radiographs
• Routine dental cleaning and preventive therapies
• Initial or periodic oral examinations and recall visits, including routine radiographs
• Routine dental cleaning and preventive therapies
• Orthodontic procedures other than those to address acute issues (e.g. pain, infection, trauma) or other issues critically necessary to prevent harm to the patient
• Extraction of asymptomatic teeth
•  Restorative dentistry including treatment of asymptomatic carious lesions
• Aesthetic dental procedures
• Orthodontic procedures other than those to address acute issues (e.g. pain, infection, trauma) or other issues critically necessary to prevent harm to the patient
• Extraction of asymptomatic teeth
•  Restorative dentistry including treatment of asymptomatic carious lesions
• Aesthetic dental procedures

 Intervention:

Such patients should be  telecounselled and scheduled as a priority when regular dental services are restored.

Appointment Protocol for Dr Pratik's Dental Clinic

Root Canal Treatment After Care