The health of your teeth, gums and their jawbone influences your systemic health. Problems such as decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and improper bite impact how the rest of your body performs. Dentist in Medina, Dr. Allan J. Milewski, relates the connection between dental health and systemic well-being and tells how you can be healthy from head to toe.
Medina family de
ntist, Dr. Allan J Milewski, and his staff stress preventive dentistry to preserve strong smiles and overall health. They ask patients to keep routine appointments, especially now that school is out. (more…)
Commitment is hard, especially when it comes to settling down with a dentist you can trust for years to come. These days it’s hard to find a dentist you feel excited about visiting, isn’t it? Either the team is too busy, or the office is too big — and you’re not ready to make your final choice. But did you know that one secret to having healthy, beautiful teeth for a lifetime is sticking with a dentist you trust? Today, learn more about Dr. Allan J. Milewski, the dentist that so many in Medina, OH already trust with their precious teeth.
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Recently, I visited Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. One of the items on display was a toothbrush thought to be used by
Jefferson himself. Back in colonial days, toothbrushes were made by attaching hogs hair bristles to a bone handle with copper wire. Because of the cost of hogs hair bristles, it was not uncommon for all members of a family to share a toothbrush. Many people didn’t even use a toothbrush, but instead used a cloth to wipe their teeth!
Today we have so many choices for toothbrushes. They come in a rainbow of colors, shapes and sizes. Some are electric, some are manual, some have long bristles, some have short bristles, some have Big Bird smiling up at you from one end and others have special handles for arthritic hands. The question is which toothbrush is the right toothbrush for you?
Dr. Milewski recommends a soft bristle brush in a size and shape that fits your mouth comfortably, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Many people like battery operated toothbrushes, which have the added benefit of a timer. We find that many of our senior patients find a battery operated toothbrush because it is easier for them to use.
Whatever you chose, make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Bristles that become frayed and worn with use and will be less effective at cleaning teeth. Keep your toothbrush stored in an upright position and allow it to air dry.
And remember…the most effective toothbrush is the one you use! So use it. At least twice a day!
Don’t wet your toothbrush before you brush! A dry brush removes plaque more effectively.
Our house has it, does yours? It’s “Back to Schoolitis”, you know, the change that is in the air once August hits and the return to school looms only a few weeks away. The college kids are counting the minutes until they are back on campus, the high school kids are bemoaning the start of early mornings, and the little ones are excited about new backpacks, notebooks and shoes! School marks yet another change to the routine of your family…here are some quick tips to keep your student’s smile healthy as they head back to school.
Brush at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Yes, I know those of you who hibernate when you sleep like to roll out of bed five minutes before you leave for school or class…but take a few minutes to brush your teeth AFTER you eat breakfast and BEFORE you leave for school. You need to get rid of the plaque that has built up on your teeth overnight, and no one wants to sit in class next to someone with morning breath. And remember to floss. All the cool kids are doing it!
Pack a healthy balanced lunch and snack. Too many carbohydrates can be as harmful to your teeth as candy..be sure to load up on lean proteins and healthy fruits and vegetables. Plan your lunches and snacks carefully…remember, many kids stay after school for sports and activities. They are ravenous when that final bell rings. If you haven’t provided a healthy snack for them, they will head to the vending machines. And we all know that not much good comes from a vending machine.
Stop the Pop! Soda pop and sugar laden sports drinks can contain an astounding amount of sticky sugar and acid. If your student is drinking a lot of pop or sports drinks, it will show in their teeth, often in the form of decay. Be a good role model, get the pop out of your house and out of your kids lunches. Provide them with sugar free, acid free drink alternatives.
Make your college student’s 6 month check up appointments NOW! We keep special days open in December and January for our college students, but they fill up fast! Set up your six month cleaning appointments for your busy college and high school students when they are on Christmas break…it is important to have regular professional cleanings to keep your teeth free from decay forming plaque and to take care of any dental concerns before they become big problems.
If you are in college, don’t forget to call your mom. Trust me on this one.
Back to Schoolitis is here! And whether you’re getting your PHD or starting preschool, here’s hoping you have a great school year, full of learning and fun and adventures. And smiles. Lots and lots of smiles.
