Author - Dr Murasko

Work With Your Dental Hygienist

To DIY or Not to DIY: Should You Clean Your Own Teeth?

With so many products on the market that claim to help people clean their own teeth like a dental hygienist, it can be tempting to try and save time and money by taking teeth cleaning into your own hands. But should you do it? Before you decide, let’s take a look at some of the risks of attempting to perform your own teeth cleanings with products like ultrasonic plaque removers and metal toothpicks, as well as some healthy oral cleaning habits you can perform at home.

Risks of Using Plaque Removers and Metal Toothpicks
Using these types of products for home teeth cleaning comes with an array of risks. For starters, plaque removers use high frequency vibrations that can cause damage to delicate soft tissues in the mouth if used improperly. Additionally, metal toothpicks can irritate and injure gums if they are not used correctly. Plus, because these products are not regulated by the FDA, so your ultrasonic plaque remover may vibrate at very high levels causing instant damage or very low levels and produce no results, there is simply no guarantee that they will actually work properly or provide any health benefits whatsoever. There’s a reason why Crossings Dental invests in the highest quality tools for our dental hygienists.

Healthy At-Home Oral Cleaning Habits
Although there are risks associated with using products like plaque removers and metal toothpicks for at-home teeth cleanings, there are still plenty of healthy oral cleaning habits that you can—and should—perform on your own at home. Brushing twice daily for two minutes each time with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste is essential for keeping your teeth healthy. Flossing once a day is also recommended in order to remove food particles from between your teeth that brushing cannot reach. Often flossing at night is beneficial as it removes material from between your teeth and allows your saliva to move between these teeth and keep them clean – Yes saliva actually coats teeth and can eliminate harmful bacteria so you want it to be able to move around while you sleep!  Additionally, drinking plenty of water every day helps wash away tiny food particles left behind after eating and keeps saliva flow up which helps keep bacteria levels down in the mouth. Finally, regular visits to the dentist will help ensure that any problems or cavities are caught early on before they become more serious.

Working together with your dentist and dental hygienist is often the best way to ensure long term oral health without risking any side effects from improper use of tools like unregulated ultrasonic plaque removers or metal toothpicks sold on Amazon. Although it may be tempting to try and save time and money by taking matters into your own hands when it comes to teeth cleaning, it’s important to know the risks involved in doing so before making a decision about how to proceed with maintaining good oral hygiene habits. So remember: when it comes to DIY dentistry—it’s always better safe than sorry!

Should You Be Your Own Dental Hygienist?

DIY Your Teeth Cleaning?  Do’s and Don’ts

We get it. You want to take control over your teeth cleaning and reduce the cost of visiting your dentist and dental hygienist. But, we can’t stress enough how important it is to leave the professional teeth cleaning to the professionals. Sure, there are plenty of DIY products out there that claim they can help you get your teeth clean like a dental hygienist would— however inferior products or improper use of these products very well could result in serious side effects.  We would like to explain why “DIY Teeth Cleanings” could be damaging and how to adopt appropriate and healthy oral habits you can do at home instead.

Ultrasonic Plaque Removers, Metal Tooth Picks and More…Oh my!
One of the most popular DIY teeth cleaning methods nowadays is using ultrasonic plaque removers or metal tooth picks in an effort to clean your teeth like a dental hygienist would. While this method may seem appealing, especially if it means saving a trip to the dentist’s office, it can potentially be very dangerous. Ultrasonic plaque removers are known for being too aggressive and causing gum recession by attacking healthy tissue along with bacteria. Metal tooth picks, on the other hand, can cause damage to enamel and even lead to broken fillings or crowns if used improperly. There is a reason a dental hygienist has years of specialized training and use high end specialized equipment to conduct your teeth cleanings – because they are essential!

Healthy Oral Habits You Can Do At Home
Fortunately, there are lots of healthy habits that you can do from the comfort of your own home that will help keep your mouth clean and healthy—without having to risk any nasty side effects! Brush twice daily for two minutes each time with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Floss once per day in order to remove buildup from between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Remember when you floss to work both sides of the tooth attempting to wrap around the corners with long strokes. Consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash into your routine as well; this will help kill harmful bacteria that could lead to decay or gum disease. Finally, visit your dentist every 6 months for regular checkups so they can make sure everything is up-to-par! They can quickly identify small issues and correct them before they become BIG issues that come with expense and pain.

Conclusion:
It goes without saying that leaving professional teeth cleaning up to the professionals is always a best practice when it comes maintaining good oral hygiene over time. Sure, there are plenty of DIY tools out there claiming they can replicate what a dental hygienist does—but why risk any side effects when there are plenty of healthy habits you can do at home? Stick with brushing twice daily (for two minutes), flossing once per day, adding an antibacterial mouthwash into the rotation, and visit us here at Crossings Dental about every 6 months for checkups—and you won’t have anything to worry about! Working together with us and our friendly dental hygienists will deliver long term results without risking any unnecessary side effects or damage done in the process.

Charcoal Teeth Whiteners: Good Looking but Bad for You

Do White Teeth Mean Healthy Teeth?

In the age of social media, it’s easy to get swayed by all the people on YouTube and Instagram showing off their amazing teeth whitening results with charcoal-based products. But what they’re not telling you is that these products can have serious and long-lasting negative effects on your teeth – effects that might not be worth the risk of achieving pearly whites. Let’s dive into what could go wrong when using charcoal based products.

Tooth Damage from Charcoal Products
Using charcoal-based products on your teeth can wear down the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to damage such as cavities, sensitivity, and discoloration. Enamel erosion is caused by abrasive elements in charcoal toothpastes or whiteners that remove microscopic layers of enamel every time you brush your teeth or use the product. This kind of damage is irreversible and can lead to further health problems like periodontal diseases or even tooth loss.

Charcoal Can Stain Your Teeth
Another negative effect of using charcoal-based products on your teeth is staining. The black color of these products might make you think they are suitable for whitening, but it actually has the opposite effect because some particles can stick between your teeth and cause discoloration over time. This kind of stain may be difficult to remove, so it’s best to avoid it altogether if possible!

Health Risks from Charcoal Teeth Whiteners
Finally, there are some health risks associated with using charcoal-based products for whitening your teeth. Some studies have found that many ingredients used in these types of products have been linked to cancer, respiratory illnesses, and even neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease! It’s important to research any product before using it, especially if it involves something as important as your oral health.

Conclusion:
It’s clear that while charcoal-based teeth whiteners may seem like a quick fix for achieving whiter teeth, they could end up doing more harm than good in the long run. Professional teeth whitening treatments are approved procedures with safe ingredients applied by experts who know how to minimize any negative effects on your dental health – which ultimately makes them a much safer option than trying DIY treatments at home! So if you’re looking for a brighter smile without risking permanent damage to your pearly whites, look no further than professional treatment instead!

Charcoal Teeth Whitening

Charcoal Teeth Whitening: A Bright Idea?

If you’ve logged onto any social media platform over the last few years, chances are you’ve seen videos of people using charcoal to whiten their teeth. It seems like an easy and inexpensive way to get a whiter smile without having to go to the dentist. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that there are several potential side effects when it comes to using charcoal for teeth whitening. Let’s take a closer look at why it might be best to leave teeth whitening up to the professionals.

The first issue with charcoal-based toothpastes and whiteners is that they can be abrasive on sensitive teeth and gums. Charcoal is often used in toothpastes as an ingredient because of its ability to bind with plaque and remove it from your teeth. But it can also bind with the enamel on your teeth which can lead to them becoming thinner and more vulnerable over time. This can cause painful sensitivity as well as increased risk of cavities, tooth failure (cracked tooth) and gum disease.

Another downside of using charcoal-based products is that they don’t actually provide long lasting results when it comes to whitening your teeth. While they may appear white in the short term, they won’t stay that way if you don’t continue using the product regularly or if your diet consists of highly pigmented foods like coffee or red wine.  Using the product more frequently means an increased risk of negative results like the loss of your enamel. So if you’re looking for a brighter smile that lasts, professional teeth whitening may be your best bet after all.

Finally, there is always a risk when it comes to DIY beauty treatments like charcoal toothpaste or whitener kits, as these products are not regulated by the FDA or other governing bodies in terms of their safety or efficacy levels. Professional treatments use safe products and approved procedures for a reason; so if you’re looking for consistent, high quality teeth whitening results with minimal risk of damage then professional treatment may be right for you!

Conclusion:

Using charcoal-based toothpastes and home kits may seem like an attractive option due to their low cost and overly amazing before and after Instagram examples, but they could potentially do more harm than good in the long run when it comes to keeping our pearly whites healthy! Professional treatments are not only safer but also more likely to give us longer-lasting results without subjecting us to unnecessary risks associated with DIY beauty treatments such as tooth discoloration or even decay. So before reaching for those DIY options, consider making an appointment with the Crossings Dental instead! We will be able to advise you about what treatment is best suited for your individual needs.

Use This One Simple Dental Trick To…

Dental Myths and YouTube: Busting the Myths about Dental Health

You’re sitting in front of your computer, browsing through YouTube videos when all of a sudden, an ad pops up for a new dental product that claims to be the miracle cure for all your dental problems. After watching the ad, you’re exited that you can transform your smile so quickly and easily that you’re seriously considering purchasing this product and give it a go! But before you hit that “buy” button, there are a few things you should know. Just because an advertisement is running on a well-known social media network like YouTube, Instagram or TikTok does not mean the dental product has been reviewed and approved by any dental association. So, how can you tell if a dental product is actually effective? And more importantly, how can you protect your family from being taken advantage of by these misleading ads?

How to Spot a Misleading Dental Ad
There are a few key things to look for when spotting a misleading dental ad. First and foremost, beware of any ad that makes grandiose claims about the product’s ability to cure gum disease, tooth decay, or even fix your smile with clip on fake teeth. These claims are often unsubstantiated and can do more harm than good. Secondly, take a close look at the production value of the ad, do they use computer generated voices? Are they using animations depicting instant results? If it seems too good to be true, you know it probably is. Lastly, be careful with reviews of the product online. Often these companies hire services that create fake reviews that support their claims. If you find any reviews or testimonials read a few of them and see if there is a pattern of all amazing results. Real people write very differently from each other and they rarely are all super glowing about a product.  Thousands of all 4 and 5 star reviews can be a sign that these reviews are fake.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Family
The best way to protect your family from being taken advantage of by these misleading ads is to educate yourself and your loved ones about dental health. Talk to your dentist about which products you have seen and what they recommend. Do your own research before making any decisions about purchasing new dental products. Additionally, you can report any misleading ads that you see on YouTube so that others don’t fall victim to them. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your family’s teeth healthy (and others) and avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous marketers.

Conclusion:
We all want fantastic dental results, but don’t let your desire for quick and easy results cloud your judgment. Dental ads claiming amazing dental cures for poor gums, decayed teeth or instantly straight teeth with clip on fake teeth are doing more harm than good. Just because an advertisement is running on a well-known social media network like YouTube, Inta or TikTok,  does not mean the dental product has been reviewed and approved by any dental association. Before you buy any new dental products, be sure to do your research and talk to your dentist to get their professional opinion. And if you see any misleading ads while browsing, be sure to report them to that social media platform so that others don’t fall victim to them.

Amazing Dental Transformations From Social Media Video Ads

Dental Myths and Misconceptions Brought to You by YouTube Ads

Have you ever seen a dental ad on YouTube and thought to yourself, “Wait, that can’t be real, can it?” If so, you’re not alone. In recent years, there has been an influx of misleading dental ads running on YouTube. These ads claim amazing dental cures for poor gums, decayed teeth, or clip-on fake teeth. However, just because an advertisement is running on a reputable social media network like YouTube does not mean the dental product has been reviewed and approved by any dental association. In fact, many of these products are doing more harm than good. The worse part is these ads tend to engage our teens and young adults who may have less experience with professional dental services and may be swayed by the lure of super straight and white teeth instantly.  After all, its all about that perfect picture for your social media following, right? So, how can you tell if a dental ad is legitimate? Keep reading to find out.

3 Ways to Spot a Misleading Dental Ad on YouTube

  1. Look for reviews from credible sources. Just because an ad claims that a product is effective does not make it true. Do your own research to see if there are any reviews from credible sources (e.g., the American Dental Association) before you believe what you see in the ad.
  2. Be wary of unproven claims. If an ad claims that a product can magically cure all of your dental problems without any effort on your part, chances are it’s too good to be true. Be skeptical of any dental product that makes grandiose claims without any scientific evidence to back them up.
  3. Watch out for red flags. If an ad is using fearmongering tactics or making false claims about other products, it’s likely not a legitimate ad. Also be on the lookout for ads that feature before-and-after photos that look too good to be true or use celebrity endorsements as a way to validate the product.

Conclusion:
Next time you see a dental ad on YouTube, take a close look at it and just ask yourself a few easy questions. Wouldn’t a professional dentist already be offering this type of product or service? Is there a dental association that has approved the use of this product? Are the results too fast and or too stunning to be true? By following the tips in this blog post, follow your gut instinct and ignore the tempting “results” and you should be able to spot a misleading ad from a mile away. And remember: just because an ad is running on YouTube does not mean it’s trustworthy!

Dental Tips and Tricks on Insta and TikTok

Should You Listen to TikTok and Instagram for Teeth Care Advice?

In 2019, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reported that one in three children aged between six and eleven years old have untreated tooth decay. As parents look for ways to keep their children’s teeth healthy, more and more are turning to social media for advice. However, not everything you see on Instagram or TikTok is accurate; here’s why you should avoid taking dental advice from these platforms.

The Wrong Kind of Dental Advice
Unfortunately, not all advice out there is good advice. When it comes to teeth care, the wrong kind of advice can be downright dangerous! One example of bad advice is oil pulling—the practice of swishing oil around your mouth for 20 minutes or longer in an effort to whiten your teeth. This isn’t only ineffective, but it can also negatively affect your overall oral health as well.

Another piece of bad advice you may see on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok is brushing your teeth with activated charcoal powder or baking soda. While these ingredients are great for cleaning surfaces in your home, they’re far too abrasive to be used on your teeth! Using them could cause irreversible damage such as enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity if done over a prolonged period of time.

False Promises of Quick Fixes
One thing many people don’t realize about social media is that it tends to highlight dramatic transformations — even when it comes to teeth care! The truth is that most major changes take time — a lot more than what a few posts or videos can show you. If someone tells you they got straighter teeth in just two weeks or teeth whitening “with this one simple trick” in just minutes using some new technique they’ve discovered, it’s probably too good to be true! Unfortunately, this kind of false promise can lead people into using products that aren’t safe or effective for their oral health.

When it comes to taking care of something as important as your mouth, it’s best not to rely too heavily on sources like Instagram or TikTok for dental tips and tricks. Many posts contain inaccurate information or promises that are too good to be true. Instead, make sure you consult with a qualified dentist before making any decisions about treatments or products related to oral hygiene and health. That way, you can be sure that whatever steps you’re taking towards better oral health are safe and effective ones!

Social Media Dental Trends

Dental Advice From Social Media? Not So Fast!

You’re scrolling through Instagram or Tik Tok and you come across the latest trend in dental care. It looks so easy, so why not give it a try? Think again! While social media is full of “good advice” from users, some of that advice shouldn’t be taken seriously when it comes to your teeth. Let’s look at why you should think twice before following these trends.

The Power of Trending Hashtags
Social media is full of trends that come and go as quickly as they start. The problem is that some of these trends are dangerous and can result in serious damage to your teeth if you follow them without consulting an expert first. Some popular trends include using charcoal toothpaste, brushing with baking soda, and oil pulling with coconut oil. All three of these can have detrimental effects on your teeth if used incorrectly or too often.

Untested Home Remedies
Another issue with following social media trends for dental care is that most of them are untested home remedies. They may appear to work for one person but could cause serious damage for someone else. Before trying any new dental remedy, be sure to consult with your dentist or hygienist first! They will know what is best for your unique situation and can provide personalized advice tailored specifically for the health of your teeth and gums.

Do Your Research
Finally, remember to do your research before trying any new dental trend from social media influencers or celebrities! Find out more information about the product they are using and read reviews from other people who have tried it before you decide if it’s right for you. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is—so always err on the side of caution when it comes to taking care of your pearly whites!

Social media can be a great place to find inspiration and entertainment – but when it comes to dental care, always make sure you do your research before trying anything new! Seek professional advice from a dentist or hygienist before attempting any untested home remedies or trending products so that you can ensure the best possible outcome for both your short-term and long-term oral health goals. Don’t let social media put a smile on your face that won’t last!

What is Fluoride in Toothpaste

What is Fluoride Used For?

What Is Fluoride And Do You Really Need It?

Fluoride: it’s best known for protecting teeth, but just how does it do that?

If you have ever wondered what all the fuss over fluoride is, why your toothpaste contains it, or how much of it you really need, then you have come to the right place! We have demystified fluoride and explained everything you need to know about this tooth-loving mineral.

What is fluoride exactly?

Fluoride (often misspelled as Flouride) is a colourless, naturally-occurring mineral that can be found throughout the Earth’s surface. It can be found in solid, liquid and gas forms and, when applied in small doses, has been proven to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. It’s for this reason that fluoride is often added in very small doses to the drinking water of municipalities as it has been proven to prevent cavities when compared to areas without fluoridated drinking water.

If you have been to your dentist lately for a routine dental checkup, you likely experienced a concentrated fluoride treatment which usually comes in the form of a flavoured foam and is applied to your teeth using dental trays. What’s your favourite flavour?

How does fluoride protect my teeth?

Fluoride protects teeth in a few different ways. One way is by strengthening the structure of the tooth for small children who are under seven years of age, which is still in the developmental stages for their teeth enamel. If the right amount of fluoride is applied during this period, the actual structure of the enamel is strengthened and becomes more resistant to acids. This means that, as the child grows, they will have teeth that are better protected right from the beginning.

When plaque builds up on and around teeth, the destructive bacteria within it is in direct contact with the enamel of the teeth. The bacteria slowly eats away at the enamel and weakens it by leaching vital minerals out of it. This process is called demineralization and, while the mouth naturally fixes the weakened enamel through remineralization, the natural process can become ineffective if teeth are not cleaned properly or if too much sugar enters the mouth on a regular basis.

So another way that fluoride helps to protect teeth is through remineralization. Fluoride helps to promote the process of remineralization and makes sure that the enamel which is replaced during the process is stronger and less susceptible to breakdown.

Fluoride also works against the destructive acid produced by plaque which is extremely important in preventing tooth decay. It does this by blocking some of the most harmful enzymes found in plaque and prevents them from producing the acid that weakens tooth enamel.

There have been studies that have shown how fluoride may play a further role in the development of children’s teeth. In children who consumed the suggested amount of fluoride, the grooves in their teeth, also known as fissures, were much shallower than those found in the teeth of children who did not have fluoride in their diet. Shallower fissures mean that it is less likely that food particles and harmful bacteria will get stuck in the crevices and pits in the teeth that are difficult to clean. This can result in fewer cavities and a healthier mouth overall.

How much fluoride should I be consuming?

All water contains some fluoride, even natural spring water that has never been treated.
All water contains some fluoride, even natural spring water that has never been treated.
The recommended dietary allowance for fluoride differs depending on your age, gender, and whether or not your drinking water has fluoride in it already. In general, the amount of fluoride an adult female of 14 years of age or older should be consuming each day is 3 milligrams, while adult males of the same age range should be consuming 4 milligrams per day. Children from four to 13 years old should have one to two milligrams, while infants and small children shouldn’t consume more than half a milligram.

To compare how much fluoride is in your daily diet, consider that one conservative use of fluoridated toothpaste can contain between one and three milligrams of fluoride, depending on the brand and type of the toothpaste. Keep in mind that the suggested amounts of fluoride above are concerned with how much fluoride should be consumed internally, and that when you use toothpaste you should absolutely not be swallowing it. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep track of how much fluoride is in your diet to ensure that you are meeting but not exceeding the recommended dosages.

How can I make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?

The most effective way to ensure that you are introducing fluoride into your mouth, and one of the most important steps in general oral care, is to brush your teeth twice each day with fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure that when you are brushing, you take the time to go over and around each tooth on all sides and along the gum line to ensure that you aren’t leaving any area uncleaned or unprotected.

You can also introduce fluoride into your diet through foods such as taro root, yams, milk, eggs, cassava, red meats, and fish, especially if it’s canned. All of these foods contain less than 0.1 milligram of fluoride in them per serving.

Having a regular dental checkup every six months is also extremely important, not just because your mouth will be professionally cleaned, but also because you should receive a concentrated fluoride treatment each time. The treatment may come in the form of a flavored foam or gel that is applied using dental trays or it may just be a rinse.

FluorideTrays

However it is given, the effects of professional fluoride treatments last much longer than those of at-home products or through dietary consumption. Professional treatments are especially important for those who are more susceptible to tooth rot or cavities as they boost the tooth enamel strength and make sure that every surface of each tooth is reached.

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