Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Friday, July 31, 2015

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy with Orthodontics



One of the best things you can do to improve your dental health is to keep your teeth straight with orthodontics. Teeth that are properly aligned are much less likely to have spaces where your toothbrush can’t reach, will wear down much more slowly, and give you some extra incentive to keep your new, straight smile nice and bright!
However, keeping your teeth healthy while your orthodontic devices are on can be a little more difficult. Orthodontic devices can inhibit tooth maintenance if you don’t take proper care. Braces block large portions of your teeth from a toothbrush, and it’s easy for bacteria to settle into the space between the braces and the teeth. Invisalign allows you to take your trays off to brush your teeth twice a day, but if any food or bacteria is left on your teeth when you put the trays back on, it’s going to be sealed in for the next ten to twelve hours.
This means that you need to be extra thorough when taking care of your teeth while you are using orthodontics. In addition to a regular regimen of brushing and flossing, you may wish to use a few extras that help your teeth get even cleaner:

  • Interdental brush
  • Power toothbrush
  • Floss threader
  • Mouthwash
  • Prescription fluoride toothpaste

To learn more about practicing proper dental hygiene, contact the dental practice of Dr. Michael P. Folck today. You can reach us by filling out a New Patient Request form above, or by calling (877) 206-3444. We serve patients in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach.

posted by Admin at 7:06 PM

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Dental Hygiene in America



We don’t tend to think of tooth decay as a particularly serious problem facing our country on a national level. After all, any Norfolk general dentist can tell you how to treat and prevent it. But the numbers don’t lie: tooth decay is the most common childhood illness in America, and a 2014 study revealed that 42% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have had cavities. USA Today called it “an epidemic.”
Adults in the United States are no better off. Approximately 5% of adults aged 20 to 64 in the U.S. have no teeth at all. Of the adults who do, 92% have had cavities in their permanent teeth, and a full quarter have tooth decay that is going untreated. “Epidemic” almost seems to understate the nature of the way basic dental problems have become so commonplace.
Why are there so many cavities in the United States? Part of it is the extremely limited access many of our citizens have to dental care. But another important issue is that people are not properly educated on the basics of dental hygiene and do a poor job of preventing tooth decay through their cleaning habits.
To prevent many common dental problems, you should:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day
  • Floss your teeth daily
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Get two dental checkups and cleanings every year

To learn more about dental hygiene, contact the offices of Michael P. Folck, DDS. Our Virginia Beach offices are within driving distance of Chesapeake and Norfolk. Give us a call at (877) 206-3444 to start working on your dental hygiene today.

posted by Admin at 7:02 PM

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