Author Archives: Sixth Avenue Dentistry

Many people come to our SoDo and International District dentist with questions about how frequently they should be replacing their brushes. This is a valid question, as your brush can often become a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, the bristles of your brush are getting warped and worn out, gradually losing their ability to effectively strip plaque from your teeth. Not being mindful of a proper replacement schedule eventually leaves you with a brush that does more harm than good.

The common wisdom is to get a new brush once every three months. However, this number can vary, depending on your circumstances. If you brush particularly hard, for example, you may see your bristles splaying every which way long before your three months are up. This is a clear sign that you’re due for a fresh brush. If you’re suffering from gum disease, you might want to change your brush every few weeks or so. This helps you to avoid cleaning with a bacteria-stained brush.

On top of this, you can keep your toothbrush cleaner for longer by following some simple sanitation practices. Remember that bacteria cannot thrive in dry environments, and so storing your brush upright to let it dry out between brushings is a good idea. For further peace of mind, consider periodically soaking the bristles in either hot water or an antibacterial mouthwash. Never microwave your brush or wash it in the dishwasher, as this can destroy the fragile material of the bristles.

If you have other questions about your brush, consult Sixth Avenue Dentistry.

Selecting the right floss is not as simple a matter as you might think. There is a number of options available to you, any one of which may represent the best selection for your own particular needs.

First of all, consider the gaps between your teeth. Do you frequently find yourself wrestling with your floss to get it in or out from between certain teeth? You may want to look for a finer floss. However, if you can accommodate a thicker thread, then you’re probably better off with a floss that will offer you a superior coverage.

Secondly, take a look at your floss’s fluoride content. This material, found in most toothpastes, serves to re-mineralize your enamel. Some people are getting enough fluoride from their paste or from conventional tap water, but others can benefit from a little extra help.

Finally, if you have trouble maneuvering your floss in your mouth, you might consider a flossing aid. Whether you lack a good manual dexterity, or you simply have large fingers that don’t reach your back teeth too well, check your local drugstore for an appropriate flossing tool. You can also consult our International District dentist for more information.

It’s not uncommon to experience a debilitating anxiety when you need to visit the dentist. This is a phenomenon that occurs in between ten and twenty percent of the population, serving to prevent many people from seeking the dental care that they need. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome your anxiety so that you can be comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

When you come in to our International District dentist office, try discussing your fears with our staff. Communication is a big concern when it comes to anxiety; the more you feel like you understand what is going on, and the more power you feel like you have over your treatment, the less anxiety you will experience. Further, you may be surprised at how little pain is associated with many dental procedures; though you may have developed your anxiety due to an early dental-based trauma, modern advances allow us to conduct even a root canal with little or no discomfort to you.