Today’s Dental Commitment To Quality Dental Care
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Dental Wellness – You can learn a lot in just five minutes.
Brushing good. Cavities bad.
There’s a lot more to know about your dental wellness. If you’ve got five minutes, you’ve got time for a wellness scan that can tell you and your dentist just about everything you need to know about your bite, wear patterns, potential areas of concern, the health of your enamel, the condition of any current fillings and crowns – plus a lot more.
If your dentist or hygienist has noticed crowding or wear on your teeth. If you’re having pain that brought you to the dentist in the first place. Or if it’s been a long time since you’ve seen a dentist. A wellness scan lets them see what the naked eye may not be able to.
How it works.
A wellness scan uses advanced digital scanning technology to create a highly detailed, 3D image or model of your teeth, gums and bite. A small wand is moved around inside the mouth to take detailed pictures of tooth surfaces and gum tissue. These are pieced together to create the detailed model of your mouth – without the sticky, gooey impressions of the past.
One thing you might not know? A wellness scan is free as part of your overall examination.
See changes over time.
What’s great about a wellness scan is that the captured images are stored digitally. The scans are recommended every two to three years. So your dentist can compare your current scan to one taken before to see if there are any changes that require additional attention.
Easy on you.
If you can sit in a comfortable exam chair in your dentist’s office, you can get a wellness scan. In fact, you can even watch on the screen as the scan is being taken to see exactly what your dentist sees. So, it’s great for patients of all ages – children and adults.
Today’s Dental offers wellness scans using its in-office iTero® Element – a 3D digital scanner. We also use the scans to help create precision dental devices such as night guards, partial dentures, bleaching trays, and Invisalign aligners. Schedule your next appointment online or call 402-333-1120.
What is the Truth Behind Brushing with Activated Charcoal Toothpaste?
Activated charcoal seems to be all the rage lately, with claims of toothpaste infused with it being able to whiten teeth all over social media. Does activated charcoal do any real good, though? Today, we’re here to explore if it actually helps whiten your teeth and if it is safe.
Easy Tips to Take Care of Your Gums
Gums are connective tissues that protect the roots of your teeth. Without them, your teeth are far more vulnerable to decay than you’d think. When it comes to having healthy, beautiful teeth, gum health is of the utmost importance. After all, one-third of your teeth are actually hidden below the gum line, where they are secure and protected. Like your teeth, your gums need special and proper care in order to be healthy. Here are just a few ways to take care of your gums.
- Floss
The reason why flossing is so important is that it keeps your gums clean. Floss just below the gum line to dislodge any trapped food particles or areas of bacteria growth so that they don’t harden into tartar. Along with consistent brushing, daily flossing will help prevent gum disease.
- Don’t Brush Too Hard
Bacteria aren’t the only things that can cause gum recession! Many of us are prone to taking the stresses of the day out on our teeth and gums, but this can take a toll on our gum health, too. Brushing too hard can create cuts on your gums and even cause them to recede over time.
Smoking is very harmful for your health and will diminish your immune response to different bacteria and infections. This means that the bacteria under your gums are more powerful than normal if you’re a smoker. Quitting smoking can be very difficult, but always remember how much better off your oral and overall health will be if you do.
- See Your Dentist Regularly
One of the reasons why biannual dental appointments are so important is that we can carefully keep track of your gum health, and make note of any changes before any type of infection or irregularity gets worse.
We Can Help You Have Healthy Gums!
If you’re concerned about your gum health or are in need of a cleaning and examination to ensure your gums are in good shape, contact our expert team at Today’s Dental to schedule an appointment.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Are Good Teeth Genetic?
No one wants to have bad teeth or poor dental health. But how much of our oral health is determined by genetics, and how much is determined by our own actions? Can we blame genetics for everything? Or is how we take care of our teeth all that matters? The truth is, it’s a mix of the two. There are some things that are predetermined for you before you’re born, but there are other things you can take charge of yourself. Let’s break it down:
What Does Genetics Control?
- Jaw Shape — The size and shape of your jaw and teeth are due to your genetic makeup, and therefore are out of your control. This includes the size of the gaps in between your teeth.
- Enamel — The enamel on your teeth starts forming in utero and stops when you’re about one year old. This is genetics working its magic. Some people have great enamel and some have enamel that is patchy, weakening the tooth’s protection. It’s up to you to take care of the enamel you have, because your body cannot produce more.
- Misshapen Teeth — If your permanent “adult” teeth came in misshapen, or not at all, this is due to genetics and not your fault.
- Cancer Risks — While some things, like smoking, can drastically increase your risk of developing oral cancer, many cancers have a genetic component. Therefore, you’re more likely to be at risk if your parents or grandparents had it.
What Can I Do to Improve My Dental Health?
Sometimes it can seem like the genetic lottery is stacked against you, but there are things you can do to take care of your teeth that will significantly improve your dental health. Here are just a few:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes at a time.
- Floss once a day, either in the morning or at night, whichever is easiest for you to stick to.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning, even if you teeth feel healthy.
- Don’t smoke! This will hurt your dental health and also your overall health.
- Limit sugary drinks like soda and sweetened iced tea, or give them up altogether.
Oral hygiene really matters! The power is in your hands. If you have questions about how to improve your dental health, give one of our three locations a call today to speak with our friendly team.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Does Water Flossing Work?
Traditional string dental floss isn’t the only option out there. Check out our blog post to learn more about water flossing and its effectiveness.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Really Better?
You’ve seen those commercials about fancy electric toothbrushes rapidly removing plaque from teeth. But do they really work better than manual toothbrushes?
What Is an Electric Toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes are chargeable toothbrushes that essentially do the brushing for you. They’re similar to the tools your dental hygienist uses to polish your teeth. Electric toothbrushes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and functionalities, all of which are geared toward giving your mouth a better clean every time you brush. Some have timers that let you know how long you’re actually brushing for, while others let you choose the amount of pressure to apply on your gums so you don’t damage them. Dentists highly recommend that their patients go with an electric toothbrush because they’re easy to use and effective.
Why a Patient Would Need an Electric Toothbrush
When it comes to brushing your teeth, it’s all about technique. Are you actually brushing your teeth using tiny circles to lift away the plaque for two minutes each time? Are you brushing too hard on your gums, causing bleeding and sensitivity? Using an electric toothbrush can help you make sure that you’re actually brushing the way your dentist instructs you to do with very little effort on your part.
Electric toothbrushes are especially great for children with braces because they are more likely to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places, as well as for elderly patients that have issues with dexterity.
The Downside to Electric Toothbrushes
The main downside to an electric toothbrush versus a manual one is cost. Electric toothbrushes can be very expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment if they can prevent you from needing expensive procedures to save your teeth in the future.
Electric toothbrushes are also clunkier to travel with since you have to bring your charger with you every time you’re on the go. If you travel frequently, it may be best to try a few different manual toothbrushes before you settle on the best one for you.
Thinking about switching to an electric toothbrush? Our team at Today’s Dental is happy to assess your oral health and give you our recommendation what brand and model to get.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Can You Brush Too Much?
We all know what happens when you don’t brush your teeth enough: plaque and other bacteria build up, wearing down tooth enamel and making way for cavities and gum disease. But is it possible to brush your teeth too much?
What Happens When You Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth helps remove any food residue and plaque buildup on tooth enamel and also prevents bad breath. If you use a whitening toothpaste, you can also get a brighter smile by brushing your teeth regularly.
Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice per day for two minutes at a time, although some people prefer to brush their teeth for a third time in the afternoon as well, right after lunch. This is especially important if you tend to eat sugary or acidic foods, which can wear down tooth enamel faster.
What Happens When You Brush Too Much
Brushing your teeth more than three times a day or for longer than two minutes may sound like a surefire way to prevent cavities and gum disease, but consider how you brush in addition to how often you brush. Dragging the toothbrush in back and forth motions across your teeth and gums can scratch your gums, making them sensitive and painful to the touch.
Even if you have the proper brushing technique down, brushing more often doesn’t do much more for your oral health than just brushing two to three times a day. You can’t remove much more plaque if there isn’t any buildup on your teeth in the first place!
If you’re brushing your teeth more frequently than usual to remove plaque or food particles from hard-to-reach places, it may be best to opt for floss or a dental pick instead. If you’re overeager about brushing simply just to whiten your teeth, you should opt for home whitening kits or get professional whitening done at your dentist’s office. At Today’s Dental, we offer one-visit teeth whitening as well as at-home custom whitening trays with a strength that you can’t find at the drugstore.
How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly
Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth using quick, tiny circles, making sure not to press the toothbrush on your teeth too hard. This way your teeth get an effective clean without putting your gums in harm’s way.
Think you need more cleaning? Remember to schedule professional dental cleanings and exams at least twice a year. Our staff at Today’s Dental is here to help you with your smile.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
What Causes Brown Stains on Teeth?
Uncover what triggers brown stains on your teeth, from cavities and tartar to enamel erosion and certain foods. Embrace a whiter smile with Omaha Dentistry!
Oral Hygiene in Space
As kids, many of us dreamed about becoming an astronaut, boldly exploring the new frontier of space. Astronauts are pioneers who approach new challenges with a sense of adventure and a solid grounding in science. Although the Today’s Dental team grew up to pursue a different type of scientific endeavor, helping our patients achieve and maintain oral health through dentistry, we approach our work with the same passion.
Blasting into this New Year has made us wonder… how do astronauts take care of their teeth in space? As we explored this question, we realized that each of us has the opportunity to make our morning routines out-of-this world. Here are a few things to consider, as you, or your NASA-bound kids, learn to brush like an astronaut:
Astronauts Take Oral Hygiene Seriously
If you’ve ever experienced the sudden and piercing pain of a toothache, you may have called your dentist’s office immediately. In space, your friendly dentist is more than a phone-call away. Astronauts assigned to the International Space Station spend, on average, six months in space. They take their oral hygiene seriously because—in the worst case scenario—a dental problem could lead to them returning to Earth prematurely. Registered dental hygienist, Andrea Kowalczyk, recounts some of the special dental considerations astronauts face in RDH magazine.
What’s in a Morning Routine
NASA shares that a typical morning routine in space includes brushing and flossing. Astronauts aren’t allowed to bring their electric toothbrush, or anything that requires recharging, without special permission so they use a standard toothbrush. Water in the International Space Station is recycled, so most astronauts brush and swallow their toothpaste, followed by a drink of water. Flossing sometimes takes a back seat to brushing, simply because waste storage is at a premium.
Watch a Professional Brush Teeth in Space
Reading about brushing in space is one thing, but watching the process gives you an entirely new appreciation for the tips and tricks astronauts employ in space. Watch this video to see International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield demonstrate how an astronaut brushes his or her teeth in space.
Whether you’re in Omaha or the outer limits, continue to make oral hygiene a priority. If astronauts can take a few minutes a day, we can take that one small step, too! Our Today’s Dental team is excited to schedule your next adventure with us at one of our three convenient locations.