Some folks would rather mow their lawn with a push mower, drive a stick-shift vehicle, and prefer sailboats to motorboats. When faced with choosing a toothbrush, those same folks would most likely pick the old reliable, dependable, disposable, do-it-yourself manual toothbrush. But what about those people who can’t live without their smartphones, DVRs, and tablet computers? They want the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos, and are more likely to embrace new technologies.
Personal preference aside, when used properly, both manual and powered (electric) toothbrushes are great options for removing plaque and keeping teeth and gums healthy. So how do you choose the best toothbrush for you?

Here are a few points to consider:
Cost. Electric toothbrushes are definitely more expensive. While high-end options can cost close to $100, you can find some effective powered brushes in the $10 range. Remember to factor in the added cost of batteries and replacement brush heads to your toothbrush budget.
Dexterity. People who have limited manual dexterity, such as very young children, the elderly, or those suffering from injury or arthritis, might find it easier and more effective to reach and clean areas of their mouth with an electric toothbrush.
Oral hygiene habits. If you have a hard time brushing your teeth on a regular basis, and you find you like the feeling of brushing with an electric toothbrush, then you should most definitely use the toothbrush that will encourage you to brush most often.
Perseverance. No matter what kind of toothbrush you ultimately choose, it’s important that you use it properly. While some brushes may require circular motions to be effective (manual brushes) others may require an angled glide over the teeth (power brushes). Brush your teeth two times a day, for two minutes each time. Fully brush the inner, outer and top surface areas of your teeth, and brush all the way down to the gum line. Don’t forget those hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth. Please ask your oral hygienist to advise you on optimal brushing techniques considering your toothbrush selection.
Lastly, remember that while brushing and flossing daily will help you maintain good oral health, regular professional cleanings are also vitally important to keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, especially during orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about brushing habits, please feel free to give us a call. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we want to help you have a healthy, beautiful, straight smile for life!

Congratulations! You’ve finished your orthodontic treatment, and your braces have been removed. You have been educated about how important wearing your retainer is to ensure your teeth stay in place, and how often you need to wear it.

But there’s one other icky little thing you need to keep in mind is… BUGS! Yes, we said bugs. Tiny microscopic bugs that grow on the bacteria left on your retainer. Improper cleaning can lead to a build-up of microbes on orthodontic retainers (and appliances), as researchers at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute have discovered. Those researchers studied the types of microbes that live on retainers and found that microbes with the potential to cause disease were living on 50% of retainers!

Two microbes in particular were identified; candida and staphylococcus. The bacteria on the retainers live in biofilms; communities of bacteria living together covered in a layer of slime. Once these biofilms form they can be very difficult to remove, and they often have high levels of resistance to antimicrobials. The best advice would be to avoid the formation of the biofilm in the first place.

So what do you need do? To avoid infection of your retainer or plate, and, of course your mouth, be sure to thoroughly clean it before and after wear with your toothbrush and a retainer cleaner such as Retainer Brite or Fresh Guard, which is available at most retailers. You should also wash your hands before and after handling your retainer. Another important thing: Remember to also clean your retainer storage case.

By cleaning your retainer on a regular basis, you can help to eliminate these yucky bugs! If you have any questions about your retainer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for allowing Horner Barrow Orthodontics to take care of your smile!

Here’s a dental health myth from yesteryear…in olden times, people believed they could cure a toothache by pounding a nail into an oak tree. Nowadays, we all recognize that this notion is just plain silly!

Today’s dental health myths are different. There are still some silly ideas about teeth and dental health that have very little to do with the facts. While we are not your dental team, Horner Barrow Orthodontics is very invested in the health of you and your smile, and we thought it would be fun to share this information with our patients. Have you ever fallen for one or more of these modern myths? Don’t feel bad if you did…many folks have.

Dental Health Myth 1 – Cavities are caused only by candies and sweets

Technically, cavities are caused by carbohydrates interacting with the bacteria on your teeth to create acid byproducts. Carbohydrates do include sugars, but cavities can just as easily be caused by starchy foods such as bread, crackers, and potato chips, and sticky foods like dried fruits, which can remain on your teeth, and break down into those decay-causing carbs.

Dental Health Myth 2 – Children are more likely to get cavities than adults

Kids are NOT inherently more prone to decay, they’re just not as good at brushing! Teach your child proper, thorough brushing techniques—helping them until they’re proficient enough at it to brush their teeth on their own.

Dental Health Myth 3 – No pain means no cavities, right?

Decay can eat right through enamel and dentin before some people feel it at all! Finding tooth decay early usually allows more of the tooth to be saved, and can save you added discomfort and expense.

Dental Health Myth 4 – I should stop flossing if my gums bleed

That’s a really bad idea. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease (gingivitis). This occurs when bacterial infections inflame your gums due to a lack of proper, effective cleaning. Sure, floss gently if your gums are sensitive. But, do keep flossing, being thorough and extra diligent! If the bleeding continues, be sure to see your general dentist.

Dental Health Myth 5 – A tooth that’s had restoration work is stronger than ever

No, that’s not always true. One of the biggest risk factors for tooth decay is having had cavities in the past. Dental crowns and fillings are great, but they’re not perfect. They have little imperfections, those nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide, especially as your restorations age. The lesson to be learned? Have your teeth checked regularly to make sure everything is fine.

Dental Health Myth 6 – Braces are for teens only

That’s simply not true anymore. We treat a lot of adults. Many of our adult patients never had the opportunity to straighten their teeth as a teenager, or even if they did have braces, they may find their teeth shifting later in life. In any case, it’s never too late to give yourself a beautiful, confident smile with orthodontic treatment. Everyone, at any age, can benefit from a healthy, straight smile!

Remember, a great weapon against tooth decay is knowledge. If you have questions about any of the ideas above (or other questions) be sure to ask us during your next visit.

Thanks for sharing Horner Barrow Orthodontics with your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We appreciate the trust you place in us!