Tooth brushing Mistake No.6: “Starting in the Same Place Each Time” 1

Tooth brushing Mistake No.6: “Starting in the Same Place Each Time”

teeth

Ask any American orthodontist, and they will speculate that most people begin brushing their teeth in the same spot every time. If this brushing technique sounds familiar to you, then you could be doing your teeth a disservice. Starting in the same place each time prevents your teeth from getting the full range of attention that they need.

Why You Should Switch Up Your Brushing Routine

When you always start brushing in the same spot, you always end in the same spot. It is normal for people to get bored with brushing before they have finished cleaning every surface. Boredom usually leads to lazily brushing those last few teeth. This means that your typical end point always receives the same amount of attention — less than what the rest of your mouth gets.

Beginning to brush in a different place corrects this problem, even if you do get careless by the end of a brushing session. Over time, the superior focus that you begin with offsets any attempts on other areas of your mouth. Although rotating your starting point is beneficial, you should also try to remain aware of where you’ve brushed and where you want to brush next. Brushing this way ensures a better clean, which is especially important if you have braces or wear invisalign.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.6: “Starting in the Same Place Each Time”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.5: “Not Brushing Correctly” 2

Tooth brushing Mistake No.5: “Not Brushing Correctly”

tooth brushing mistake

Correct brushing technique is very important in keeping a healthy, clean smile. It also keeps dental disease away, ensuring that cavity-causing bacteria are removed from your teeth at least twice per day. It’s important to brush using the correct method, timing, frequency. because not brushing correctly can cause many problems. These problems include dental disease ranging from gingivitis to cavities, and even tooth loss.

The Right Amount of Brushing

Proper brushing involves brushing your teeth for two minutes per session. Many children and adults do not achieve this duration, which can explain the high prevalence of gingivitis, and tooth decay. If your child is not brushing properly, their teeth may become damaged, misaligned, and even need extraction. To correct this, braces are often needed. This will keep your child’s teeth in proper alignment which will give them a great looking smile, confidence, and guard against biting and chewing problems.

Having dental equipment can make proper brushing even more important. You must pay attention to brush around all surface areas, including the spaces between your teeth. Remove any bands prior to brushing, and check a mirror to make sure there’s no food residue left in the brace-wires. Flossing will help remove and excess residue.

For those who don’t like the appearance of braces, Invisalign is a great option. Your orthodontist will make a recommendation about which is best for you, Invisalign or traditional braces. With Invisalign, you must remove the product before brushing and replace it when your teeth have been properly cleaned.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.5: “Not Brushing Correctly”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.4: “Brushing Too Often or Too Hard” 3

Tooth brushing Mistake No.4: “Brushing Too Often or Too Hard”

tooth brushing

If you want a gorgeous smile that will turn heads, you should think about your daily brushing routine before making an appointment to talk about braces. Though it’s important that you brush regularly, it’s also important that you do not brush too hard or brush too often. The more you brush and the more vigorously you brush, the more damage you can do to your teeth. Vigorous brushing can strip the enamel from your teeth and lead to increased sensitivity too.

The Right Amount of Brushing

You typically want to brush your teeth at least twice a day, including once in the morning and once before going to bed. Brushing first thing in the morning helps remove the scum or film that develops on your teeth, and brushing later at night is a great way to remove food particles and other debris from your teeth. Make sure that you floss at least once a day too, which removes the debris trapped between your teeth that can lead to periodontal disease.

Before making an appointment with an orthodontist to talk about Invisalign, you may want to think about how hard you brush your teeth. Using extra pressure while brushing can damage both your teeth and your gums. Some may notice that their gums bleed during regular brushing. While this can be a sign of periodontal disease, it’s also a sign that you brush your teeth too hard. Any pain that you experience during brushing may indicate that you use too much pressure.

While an orthodontist can talk with you more about braces like Invisalign, the orthodontist can also determine whether you brush your teeth too hard or too often and give you tips on better caring for your teeth and gums at home. Make an appointment today to talk with the qualified professionals working at Gorton & Schmol Orthodontics about your oral health and dental procedures.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.4: “Brushing Too Often or Too Hard”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.3: “Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough” 4

Tooth brushing Mistake No.3: “Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough”

tooth brush

Are you taking too little time to brush your pearly whites? Although your orthodontist can perfect your smile with braces and invisalign, the health of your teeth is just as important as the appearance. Brushing often enough and long enough keeps your teeth healthy and strong.

How Often Should I Brush?

It is ideal to brush your teeth at least twice per day, in the morning when you wake up, and again at night before you go to bed. People with invisalign or braces often like to brush more often to remove food particles, but brushing immediately after a meal is not recommended. Acidic foods and drinks are damaging to the tooth, and brushing too soon after eating or drinking can remove some of the weakened enamel. If you’ve just eaten, wait for at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth.

How Long Should I Brush For?

Thoroughly brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes. This equates to one minute for each row of teeth. For people who find it difficult to brush for that long, a timer or a self-timed electric toothbrush helps you to gauge the time you’ve spent brushing. Your orthodontist can make excellent recommendations for an electronic toothbrush to fit your specific needs.

Healthy Teeth Make Beautiful Smiles

Clean, healthy teeth are the foundations of smiles that WOW! As you think about how often and how long to brush your teeth, the number “two” can help you to remember:
• brush at least twice a day
• brush for at least two minutes each time

 

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.3: “Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“ 5

Tooth brushing Mistake No.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“

brush your teeth

You and your family might be careful about brushing and flossing daily, avoiding sugary drinks and eating sweets in moderation. You might have considered visiting the orthodontist and taking your children there as well to ensure that they have unforgettable smiles and healthier teeth thanks to Invisalign braces. You think you’re doing everything right, so it may come as a shock to realize that you’re doing something wrong, and that something might be using the wrong toothbrush. More specifically, you and your family might be using the wrong type of bristles.

Picking the Right Toothbrush

Making the situation even more confusing is the enormous variety of toothbrushes available. You might wonder how you could possibly choose the right bristles given the number of choices.  For most people, soft bristles are the best choice. This can be particularly important if you have braces or other cosmetic dentistry work because harder bristles can scratch or otherwise damage it. Soft bristles are also gentler on gums, so for someone who has receding gums or a tendency toward gum disease, soft bristles may be best. Some people may even need extra-soft bristles.

People who are concerned that soft or extra-soft bristles do not get teeth as clean or remove food as effectively as hard-bristled toothbrushes need not worry. Soft bristles are just as good at keeping teeth clean.  This raises the question of why medium and hard-bristled are available at all if they are not recommended. These types of brushes may have limited uses. People with dentures may prefer them, or they may help some in cleaning hard-to-reach places if used gently.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush” 6

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush”

toothbrush

What to Consider Before Buying a Toothbrush

If you simply grab any toothbrush while at the store, then you are making a big mistake while caring for your teeth. By using the wrong toothbrush, it is possible to leave food stuck between your teeth or damage your teeth’s enamel. There are hundreds of styles of toothbrushes available, and you must consider these features when selecting one:

  • Handle length and diameter
  • Size of the toothbrush’s head
  • Soft, medium or hard bristles
  • Type of material

If you have a small mouth, then choose a toothbrush with a smaller head and shorter handle length. Someone with sensitive gums should use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid abrading their tissue. Look closely at a toothbrush’s materials to determine if it contains fibers or chemicals that you are allergic to.

Choose a High-Quality Toothbrush

When you visit an orthodontist for an evaluation, they may recommend wearing braces or Invisalign aligners to repair wide spaces between your teeth. You should ask about the best type of toothbrush to use on braces to avoid damaging brackets or wires. You can remove aligners two times a day to brush and floss your teeth, but using a high-quality toothbrush can help to prevent bad breath and cavities during your orthodontic treatment.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.10: “Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough” 7

Tooth brushing Mistake No.10: “Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough”

tooth

It is an easy thing to overlook. Even if you think about it while brushing your teeth, you may still forget to pick up a new toothbrush the next time you go to the store. The standard length of time for a toothbrush to be in service is three months. If you have braces or other fixed orthodontic appliances, the metal surfaces can wear out a toothbrush much faster. Plus, you may find yourself brushing more often to remove food particles from around orthodontic appliances.

Problems With Old Toothbrushes

The first thing that comes to mind is bacterial buildup. Bacteria are microscopic and not all of them rinse away. A toothbrush is not sterilized with hot water from the faucet. The temperature needed to sterilize a toothbrush would likely destroy it. The holes that hold the bristles can be a good breeding ground for bacteria. Also, the mechanical effectiveness of your old toothbrush is affected due to wear. Over time, the bristles begin to bend and flatten, reducing their effectiveness of removing plaque at the gum line and tooth surfaces.

Partials, Bridges and Removable Braces

If you wear a removable dental appliance, such as a partial, or Invisalign braces that are in contact with your teeth for many hours of the day, you need a toothbrush in great shape to provide thorough cleaning of the gums and supporting teeth for partials and of your gums when wearing Invisalign products. Plaque can turn to tartar (calculus) in as little as 24 hours. Tartar needs to be scraped away during a cleaning the next time you visit your orthodontist. Partials and Invisalign can let the bacteria that forms plaque develop quickly on covered tooth and gum surfaces.

Your toothbrush is one of the least expensive devices you can buy to help ensure your continued good dental health. If you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can have an impact on your dental health, your orthodontist may suggest you replace your toothbrush more often than every three months. Since toothbrushes are inexpensive, keep extra ones on hand.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.10: “Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry" 8

Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry”

toothbrush

You may think that once you’ve got your kids brushing their teeth regularly without constant reminders from you, you have won the battle of teaching your kids great dental habits. If you have spent time and money at the orthodontist getting Invisalign braces for your kids, then the last thing you want to do is fail to make sure they take the best care of their teeth that they can. But there are plenty of mistakes that can be made even if you are brushing on a regular basis, and not all of them are even connected to the way that you brush your teeth.

Why You Should Let Your Toothbrush Dry

One of those mistakes is not letting the toothbrush dry. This might be one you’ve never even thought of. After all, when you hear about dental health, it’s usually all about making sure that you brush and floss regularly, avoiding too many sweets and getting regular check-ups. If you are told anything about your toothbrush, it’s usually that you need to make sure that it has the right type of bristles.

But just as leaving anything wet can lead to the growth of bacteria, this is true for your toothbrush as well. When you have finished using your toothbrush, you should rinse it and then set it someplace where it will dry. The best way to store it is upright. Even if you brush your teeth several times each day, your toothbrush should have enough time to air dry if it is left in that position.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.8: “Not Following Up With a Rinse” 9

Tooth brushing Mistake No.8: “Not Following Up With a Rinse”

rinse

There are professional opinions and studies to support both sides of this issue, so a person has to decide what the right answer is for the whole family so they can take the best possible care of their teeth.

Why You Should Follow Up With A Rinse

  1. Rinse well after brushing and flossing because it clears your mouth of all the food debris and plaque that you just removed.
  2. Do your routine the last thing before going to bed when there is no more eating or drinking.
  3. Use plain water to rinse and then use a mouthwash with fluoride, which will help against decay and help to strengthen the teeth.
  4. Do not rinse first, for brushing will take it off. The rinse is meant for afterwards so that it can continue to work its beneficial effect of the daily tooth-protecting fluoride exposure.
  5. Rinsing is important because swallowing toothpaste can irritate the stomach.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.8: “Not Following Up With a Rinse”

Tooth Brushing Mistake No.7: “Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces” 10

Tooth Brushing Mistake No.7: “Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces”

tooth

Make Sure to Brush the Inner Surfaces of Your Teeth

Skipping the inner surfaces of teeth is a common tooth brushing mistake that adults, teenagers and children make. Unfortunately, this bad habit can lead to you having tooth decay and halitosis. Get into the habit of beginning to brush your teeth occasionally on the inner surfaces to make sure food particles are removed. By using high-quality toothpaste that contains fluoride, you are less likely to have a buildup of plaque that leads to cavities and bad breath. If you are having problems brushing the inner surfaces of your teeth because there are misalignments, then invest in oral irrigators that uses pressurized water streams to dislodge the debris that is located between your teeth.

Visit an Orthodontist for a Complete Examination

When it is difficult to keep teeth clean because your teeth overlap, make sure to visit an orthodontist for an examination. It is possible to schedule appointments for children and parents during one office visit to an orthodontic facility. With a thorough examination that includes X-rays, you will learn if you need braces or Invisalign aligners. Younger children always must wear some type of braces because aligners are not designed for them. However, teenagers and adults enjoy wearing clear, plastic aligners to repair their mild malocclusions.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth Brushing Mistake No.7: “Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces”