What Kind of Toothpaste is Right for You?

Toothpaste serves as a vital component to oral hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth four times a day and what do you need to brush your teeth? (other than a toothbrush and floss) TOOTHPASTE!

While shopping we're sure you have noticed that there are different types of toothpaste available from different brands all promising different results. So how do you pick toothpaste? …well it all depends on what your teeth need.

Types of toothpaste:

Anti-decay toothpaste
This toothpaste contains Fluoride Compounds such as Sodium Fluoride , Stannous Fluoride, or Monofluorophosphate.  If the fluoride content is 1,000 ppm (parts per million) or above. they are all effective in preventing tooth decay.  Children toothpaste contains 500ppm fluoride and is usually flavored, e.g. fruit flavor, candy flavor, which is more appealing to children.

Anti-plaque toothpaste
This kind of toothpaste inhibits plaque accumulation, reduces the toxic effects of the bacterial toxin on the tooth surrounding tissues, and thereby reduces the chances of getting gum disease. In the market, different anti-plaque toothpastes contain different active ingredients. For example, Triclosan or Zinc Citrate.

Desensitizing toothpaste
The active ingredients provide relief from dentine hypersensitivity symptoms in 2 ways.  First, they interrupt the neurone response to pain stimuli; second, they occlude the dentinal tubules of dentine. There are many different types of desensitizing toothpastes marketed by different brand names. Their
various functions on different active ingredients they contain. Therefore, you are advised to consult the dentist and undergo a thorough check-up to explore the cause of tooth sensitivity before using desensitizing toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste
This kind of toothpaste contains relatively coarse abrasives which function by abrading the stains on the tooth surface, giving a whitening effect.

Natural toothpaste
Natural toothpaste is that it does not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. Instead, it uses natural ingredients such as xylitol and stevia for sweetness, herbs, fruits and spices for flavor and naturally occurring titanium dioxide for a white color. They may or may not contain fluorides and some of the surfactants found in conventional toothpastes.

If you need help choosing which toothpaste is best for you please consult with us or your dentist during your next visit to find out which areas your teeth can improve in.

Homemade Gifts from the Heart

Valentine’s Day is a few days away and love is in the air. Celebrated every year on February on the 14th, Valentine’s Day has become a popular day in the United States and other places around the world. On this day chocolates, treats and flowers are exchanged in efforts to show love and appreciation. Whether your Valentine is young or old you want to take the time on this to let them know they have a special place in your heart.

So what’s the best gift to give?

The best gifts are those made with love, so why not create your own gifts this year. Here are 3 fun DIY ideas for Valentine’s Day:

Creative Mason Jars

Mason Jar Candles

 Mason Jar Snow Globe

 Candy Jar

Valentine's Day Deserts

Valentine Fudge 

Strawberry Brownie Kabobs

 Valentine Popcorn

Favorites Basket 

Create a custom basket filled with your Valentine's favorite items, they be sure to love it. For basket ideas visit The Ultimate Baskets.

Spread the love this holiday and use one of these ideas to give gifts to friends and family. We love all of patients here at Dr. Poser’s office and we hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Remember if you do eat a lot of sweet treats this Valentine’s Day be sure to brush and floss!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

For many years every February has been used to raise awareness, not about love and chocolate, but about the dental health of children.

National Children’s Dental Health Month is sponsored by the ADA (American Dental Association) which promotes creating lifelong healthy habits starting at an early age. When good habits are developed early it is more likely that the child will able to look forward to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. It is very important that parents know that a balanced diet, limiting snacks, brushing and flossing are key to healthy teeth and avoiding cavities. Along with healthy habits, regular dental appointments will help you keep your child on track.

This year's NCDHM campaign slogan "Defeat Monster Mouth" is displayed on the eye-catching children's posters that feature the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck, along with their best friends and next-door neighbors, Den and Gen Smiley and K-9 the dog.  They are fighting to defeat Plaqster the Monster for good oral health. 

For more information about National Children’s Dental Health Month please visit Ada.org.