How to Find the Right Toothbrush For You

With so many different options out there, picking the right toothbrush can actually be a confusing process. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD wants to make sure that her patients here in the Holmdel, NJ area are taking proper care of their mouth with the right toothbrush.

The first difference many notice about toothbrushes is that some of them are electric. Patients want to know which is better, electric or manual. The truth is that studies are showing that manual toothbrushes do the same job cleaning the mouth as the electric ones if used properly. The only differenceis electric can produce lot more vibration than your hands to remove sticky plaque, meaning more efficient. Also for those who cannot use their hands as well, like patients with arthritis. it can be very helpful. . However with either electric or manual, proper technique is very important.

A small head is recommended for reaching those hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. You want to make sure you can reach your back molars and a small head makes it easier to navigate to them. As far as bristles go, softer bristles are best for removing plaque. Bristles that are too stiff can irritate gums and hurt enamel. 

When brushing your teeth you want to make sure that you are doing good for your mouth, not causing more harm. To find out more ways to keep healthy teeth and gums, call Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Ceramic Braces for Less Noticeable Teeth Straightening

Are you looking to straighten your teeth but do not like a metal smile? We have good news for you. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD is offering ceramic braces right here in her Holmdel, NJ dental practice. Ceramic braces blend right in with your teeth for a less noticeable teeth straightening process.

Ceramic braces are translucent, so they blend right in with the color of your teeth. Advancements in technology have also allowed these brackets to become stain-resistant. So with a good oral care routine, the brackets will stay nice-looking and translucent throughout the whole duration of the process. Ceramic braces are available for both teens and adults. They are a great option for those who are worried about the appearance of traditional metal braces.

Ceramic braces work the same as traditional braces. The brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth and a wire is used to connect the brackets and slowly move the teeth into the direction Dr. Shah sets. Every few weeks, the wires are changed and tightened to gradually shift the teeth. Process duration will depend on each individual case.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth with less noticeable braces, come in to find out if ceramic braces could work for you. To schedule with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD in our Holmdel, NJ practice, call us at (732) 264-8180 or www.dentistnj.com. 

Proper Teeth Brushing

A proper brushing technique is like having a dentist take care of your teeth every day. Dr. Dipika Shah wants to remind her patients about the correct way to brush teeth and how much time you should spend on them every day.

Brushing your teeth should be done for two minutes, twice per day.Brush after first and last meal of the day. Night time brushing is the most important one as we do not move our lips, cheeks as much at night and food stays in one place feeding bacteria also  the mouth dries out overnight, bacteria left in the mouth can multiply much faster and sit in your mouth all night! So make sure to brush at least afetr dinner. .

Brushing should be done with circular motion or with short up-and-down strokes. Make sure to hit the front, inside, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. For the back molars, make sure to get the backs of those teeth.

As for using an electric or a manual toothbrush, most studies are showing that both can do the same job. However, for those who have trouble using their hands, an electric toothbrush may clean teeth better, as they do a majority of the job. A small toothbrush head will be best to reach every surface in the mouth. Make sure to brush lightly, there is no need to bear down hard on teeth. This could irritate gums and wear away enamel.

To schedule a dental cleaning with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ call our office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com.