Breaking Bad Brushing Habits

Brushing your teeth is something you (hopefully!) do every day, twice a day, which means the habit can become so ingrained in our daily routine, that it can be easy to just go through the motions and get sloppy, which can lead to poor brushing habits. And you guessed it! That leads to cavities, gum disease, and a host of other oral health problems that Krengel Dental tries to protect you against.

Here are some common bad brushing habits and how you can break them:

1. Not brushing long enough. Most people bush their teeth for only a minute, but experts say you need at least two minutes to eliminate the entire bacterial film in your mouth. Nowadays many electric toothbrushes are timed. To ensure you are getting to two minutes, time yourself. You may need two cycles of the automatic setting.

2. Only Paying Attention to One Side Right -handed people tend to clean the right side of their teeth better and left handers the left side. Make sure you are giving equal attention to both sides no matter which hand you brush with. And don’t ignore the gum line because that’s where the most tartar and plaque buildup.

3. Using a side-to-side motion. A side-to-side or sawing motion can actually hurt the enamel of your teeth. Instead, use a circular motion.

4. Being too aggressive. Be gentle but energetic while brushing. Having a heavy hand can again damage the enamel or irritate your gums.

5. Using the wrong toothbrush. You should use a toothbrush with soft bristles with a head that fits into your mouth and can reach back to those hard-to-reach places. Having a toothbrush that is the right size and with a comfortable handle will make you more likely to use your toothbrush regularly and use it properly.

With these helpful tips, we know you’ll be better equipped to tackle that plaque and protect your teeth! Visit West Bloomington’s Kengel Dental if you need a refresher on how to brush. We’re glad to give you a few pointers! 

Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of the Dentist

It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That's about 30 to 40 million people. In a survey by the British Dental Health Foundation, 36% of those who didn't see a dentist regularly said that fear was the main reason. Some common reasons for dental phobia and anxiety are:

• Pain- there are many causes of dental anxiety and phobia. Many people are scared of the pain that they might encounter at the dentist.
• Feelings of helplessness and loss of control- When you’re in the dental chair, you have to stay still. This may make you feel like you can't see what's going on or predict what's going to hurt. It's common for people to feel helpless and out of control, which may trigger anxiety.
• Embarrassment- People may feel ashamed or embarrassed to have a stranger poking around in their mouth, or they may be self-conscious about how their teeth look.
• Negative Past Experiences- anyone who has had pain or discomfort during previous dental procedures is likely to be more anxious the next time around.

Here’s why you shouldn’t fear the dentist:

We’re Here to Help

We’re not here to hurt you! When you come visit us, our main goal is to help you achieve overall oral health and make sure that the proper procedures are being performed so that you can have a healthier mouth, gums, and teeth. Going to the dentist means you are entrusting your oral health to a professional.

Regular Dental Visits are a Necessary and Vital Part of Maintaining Your Overall Health

It’s recommended that you visit a dentist twice a year, or every 6 months. If you’re scared of the dentist, odds are your visits will be much less frequent. It’s important to overcome that fear because regular dental check-ups play an integral part in maintaining not only your oral health, but also your overall health. Regular dental visits prevent the build-up of plague and prevent things like tooth aches, cavities, bad breath, and many other oral and health issues. Break the fear and do what’s right for your teeth and your body!

 It Could All Be In Your Head

Dental phobias and anxiety stem from a variety of things. From a psychological standpoint, this fear could result in a “conditioned” response. Perhaps you had a bad experience when you were a child so now every time you have to go to the dentist, you experience anxiety. Dental anxiety or fear of the dentist usually prevents people from optimizing and maintaining their dental health. To overcome this, identify the issue that is causing your anxiety and address it with your dentist. A good relationship between you and your dentist, with good communication, is the key factor in overcoming dental anxiety. You should feel comfortable discussing anxieties with your dentist and should be confident that he or she will do everything possible to reduce your anxiety. 

Tooth Decay: How to Prevent it and Spot it When it Occurs

If you’re reading this, you most likely have had or know someone who has had a cavity. Cavities are so common that they affect approximately 90% of the population. 

To prevent cavities, you have to start at the root of the problem (pun intended): tooth decay.

Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth makes acids that eat away at a tooth. It can cause many problems from pain to infection and even tooth loss if not treated properly.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by a combination of bacteria and the food you eat. Bacteria are always forming on your teeth and gums through plaque. When you eat, the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat and turn to acids. That’s enough to make you rethink your decision to eat candy! The acids then attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over time, these acids destroy your tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay does not usually show any symptoms until you have a cavity, making it that much harder to diagnose yourself! When you get a cavity, the symptoms are:

·      Toothache (usually from infection)

·      Bad breathe

·      White, gray, brown, or black spots on the teeth

·      Loose fillings

·      A broken tooth or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure

How To Prevent Tooth Decay

You can easily prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly,  seeing your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.

How To Treat It

Treatment for tooth decay depends on the severity of the case.  Come see us if you think you are displaying symptoms of tooth decay. You may need fillings or, in severe cases, a crown or root canal. In the most extreme cases, tooth removal may be necessary.