Don’t Believe Everything You Hear!

Here’s an interesting quiz for you.

 

Who originally dispensed the famous recommendation to “see your dentist twice a year?”

 

We all know it’s true (or do we???) – so when and where do you think that bit of advice originated?

 

a)      The American Dental Association in 1933

b)      The world’s first dental college – The University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1845

c)      An article in The Journal of Oral Surgery by Dr. Henry Horseacre in 1909 entitled “Proper Protocol for Dental Cleanings.”

d)     A radio ad for Pepsodent Toothpaste in 1929

 

Believe it or not, if you guessed “d” you are correct!

 

Most of us know the famous order to “see your dentist twice a year.” Some insurance companies even use that interval to define their standards for payment. But the fact is that phrase was developed with no scientific basis at all – and to sell toothpaste!

 

Another example of this logic was the ad campaign for Pear’s Soap in the late 1800s. The slogan “Have you used Pear’s soap today” ushered in the habit of daily bathing! And while that was certainly a good thing, the fact is that we are all different and to expect that everyone requires the same schedule for their health needs just doesn’t make sense.

 

When you wash your hair, do you “rinse and repeat?” Do you associate diamonds with engagement rings? Are you convinced that Volvo builds the safest cars? If so, you’ve been influenced by advertising, not necessarily facts. Don’t worry – we are all guilty of it!

 

At the Ocean Springs dental office of Edward Banas DDS, we don’t believe in a cookie cutter approach when your health is involved. In order to determine the correct dental treatment for you (including how often you should have your teeth cleaned) we perform a thorough examination, checking your teeth, gums, medical history, bite, jaw muscles and more. We even do an oral cancer screening at every check-up.

 

Everyone is different, so despite what the ad men from Pepsodent once said, let’s scientifically determine the correct schedule for your dental visits by looking at the facts, not an ad slogan. Then you can look forward to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums – and keep smiling forever!

 

If you have any questions or you would like to schedule a visit, please call 1-228-826-3811 right away. We are here to help you!

The Most Confusing Aisle In The Store??

If you have been shopping for toothpaste lately, you know that it can be very confusing.

Unlike the old days when the choices were few, these days it seems that there are way too many options! Whitening toothpastes, tartar control, paste or gel, gum health, desensitizing, – which is best? This is a question we get asked all the time. Sometimes it seems like the best thing to do would be to forget the labels and buy whatever is on sale!!

The fact is – buying a particular type or brand of toothpaste is usually not as important as the way you brush and how often you do so. But in any case, here is a quick run-down.

Tartar control toothpaste:  Tartar is calcified plaque which naturally forms and can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. While tartar control toothpaste has been shown to reduce the formation of new deposits, it can’t remove current ones and does nothing to prevent these formations where they are the most dangerous – underneath the gum line.

Paste vs. gel: No significant difference here; it’s more of a personal preference.

Desensitizing toothpaste:  These pastes have ingredients in them which block the small tube-like channels that connect to the nerve tissue inside of your teeth. If you have exposed roots due to gum recession or teeth that are generally sensitive to hot and cold, this may be a good solution for you. But please be patient – it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the magic to kick in.

Whitening pastes:  The abrasiveness of these products may reduce surface stains, but they do little to treat the actual yellowing of teeth from the inside. The good news is that most teeth can be whitened with the right treatment. Be sure to ask us what the proper whitening method is for you.

“Gum Care” toothpaste: Studies have shown these to be questionable at best, and they may not be as valuable as standard toothpastes in preventing cavities.

Expensive or bargain brand? The good news here is that price doesn’t seem to be related to effectiveness when choosing a toothpaste. As a matter of fact, recently Consumer Reports magazine rated an expensive paste near the bottom of their list with bargain basement Ultra-Brite near the top in several categories!

So which brand should I use?

Most studies are fairly inconclusive on this one. Your best bet is always a brand that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval. And if that brand happens to be on sale – all the better!!

In the end, the most important thing is to brush often (morning, night-time, and after every meal), use a soft brush, try to reach every surface of every tooth, and spend two minutes doing so.

The proper technique is important as well, and we will be glad to demonstrate this to you at your very next visit to Ocean Springs Dental/Edward Banas DDS! If you have any more questions or would like to set up a visit, please give us a call at (228)826-3811. We are here to help you!

Did you know that we are now on Facebook? Please “like” our page at www.facebook.com/oceanspringsdental for great dental health tips, contests, giveaways, and great special announcements!

Even Your Best Friend Won’t Tell You!

Even Your Best Friend Won’t Tell You!

It’s a situation that has happened to us all.

A friend or relative comes close to talk to you, and when they open their mouth an odor comes pouring out that could knock out a racehorse from a mile away! But besides backing up a few feet and ending the conversation as soon as possible, what do you do?

 

Of course you could just do nothing. But that is doing your friend a huge social disservice – and possibly not telling them of a negative health issue as well.

So how do you say something so uncomfortable to someone you care about? Here are two great answers we found while researching this question.

“As your friend, it’s important to me that we’re always able to say the things that are hard to say, because that’s what real friends do for each other. I’m not comfortable mentioning this, though if it were me, I’d certainly want someone to say something. I don’t know if you’re aware – but sometimes your breath is quite noticeable. I read somewhere that this can be the result of a dental or medical problem, so I felt it was important to tell you.”

Or how about this one:

 

“I just wanted to let you know that you’re just like me — we occasionally have bad breath! Here’s what I’ve found that helps.” Then give them mints, gum, or mouthwash. Then add, “The only reason I’m telling you this is that someone once told me the same thing and I realized how much it helped me. Fortunately I was able to find a great dentist who helped me take care of the problem!”

Of course so many things can cause bad breath – all the way from pungent foods like onions and garlic all the way to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, diabetes, and liver or kidney ailments.

Some of the most common causes of bad breath, also known as halitosis, are seen every day in our dental office. Here are some examples:

• Dry mouth (which can be caused by many common medications, mouth breathing, or lack of saliva flow
• Gum disease – this normally does not hurt or have obvious symptoms, but is extremely common and can cause unnecessary tooth loss
• Cavities or ill-fitting dental restorations such as fillings and crowns
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Improper cleaning of the tongue, teeth and gums

Whether it’s you or someone else you are concerned about, even periodic bad breath warrants a visit to the dentist. Usually the solution is a simple one, and it is just about always one that brings about better health as well.

So feel free to carry gum, breath mints, or small bottles of mouthwash with you wherever you go, either for you or to help (and drop a hint) to a breath-challenged friend. But please remember, a dental evaluation is always the best move when bad breath is around!

 

At the dental office of Edward Banas DDS, our goal is to keep you as healthy as possible at all times. Whether it is an issue with bad breath, beautifying your smile, or anything else, we are here to help you! Please give us a call at (228)826-3811 for an appointment or visit us on the web at www.banasdds.net . Let’s make sure that every conversation you or your friends have is a breath of fresh air!

Ten Fun and Crazy Dental Facts

At Ocean Springs Dental, the office of Edward Banas DDS, we take dentistry very seriously.  But believe it or not, teeth can be fun!  Here are ten wild and crazy dental facts that will make you smile and improve your health as well.

1)  The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime.  That is enough to fill 2 swimming pools!

2)  You should not keep your toothbrush near a toilet.  The airborne particles from the flush can travel up to a distance of 6 feet.  Yuck!

3)  People who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have 62% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than others. Put down the pop and sports drinks and pick up some nice fresh water instead.

4) In 1994, a prison inmate in West Virginia braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall and escaped.  (We suggest that you floss to clean between your teeth instead of climbing prison walls!  If you don’t you are missing 35% of your teeth’s surfaces.)

5) You should replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months, and ALWAYS after you have an episode of flu, cold, or viral infections.  Notorious bacteria can implant themselves on the toothbrush bristles leading to re-infection.

6) Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.  However, we do not recommend that you use your pearly whites to open bottle caps!

7) The standard advice to “see your dentist twice a year” was actually invented by an ad agency for Pepsodent toothpaste!  Your dental professional should recommend the correct schedule for your dental visits.

8) A recent poll has shown that health professionals (physicians, dentists and nurses) were among the most trusted people in the United States.  The least trusted?–Lobbyists and congressmen of course!

9) According to a recent survey done by Time Magazine, 59% of Americans would rather have a dental appointment than be sitting next to someone talking on a cell phone.  Maybe some of us should take a hint!

10) Over three out of four people in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease.  It is the leading cause of tooth loss in people over age 35.  The good news is, in most cases gum disease can be prevented or controlled!

At the office of Edward Banas DDS, we are here for you, and want to help you achieve the best smile possible.  If you have any questions about your dental health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call today at (228)826-3811.  We can help you!

Also– did you know that we are on Facebook?  Please go to www.facebook.com/OceanSpringsDental and “like” us for more dental health tips, community news, contests, special offers and all kinds of other fun stuff!!!  And remember our office donates $5 from every initial exam to The Lord is My Help food pantry in Ocean Springs.

Beware Of Valentine’s Day!

 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you may be getting ready for some big fat kisses to come your way.

So even though at the Ocean Springs dental office of Edward Banas D.D.S. we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this month’s blog entry to gross you out about kissing. But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your kissing partner right after they smack one on you!!

Anthropologists have argued for years about the origin of kissing. Many now believe that it has evolved from the time when mothers chewed food for their babies and then went mouth to mouth at feeding time. (Well, okay – we might gross you out a little bit!) This action became so comforting to babies that the habit continued even after they could chew for themselves, and then developed into a sign of affection.

Nowadays kisses aren’t just about romantic love. Of course parents kiss their children. Worshipers often kiss religious artifacts. Some people kiss the ground when exiting an airplane. And who doesn’t want to have a “boo boo” kissed when they get a bruise?

But February 14^th is a day for the romantic kind of kiss, and if you are craving one, there may be a scientific reason. While this action can promote a psychological response of warmth and affection, it also causes your brain to secrete some important and productive chemicals, such as:

• Oxytocin, which helps people develop feelings of attachment, devotion and affection for one another
• Dopamine, which plays a role in the brain’s processing of emotions, pleasure and pain
• Serotonin, which affects a person’s mood and feelings
• Adrenaline, which increases heart rate and plays a role in your body’s fight-or-flight response

 

But along with that, when you kiss, hundreds or even millions of bacterial colonies are transported from one mouth to the other. And let’s face it – no one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth. So let’s start with the basics:

• Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss once per day – if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask! We’ll be glad to show you the ropes.
• Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy. (Okay – we won’t tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentine’s Day!)
• Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.
• If you need to slip in a piece of gum or breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay.
• Drink plenty of water! This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath.
• See your dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect there are any problems with your oral condition.

Here at the office of Dr. Edward Banas, we want you to have a kissable February 14^th and a lifetime of excellent dental health. If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at (228)826-3811. We are here for you!  And remember that our office donates $5 to the “Lord is My Help” Food pantry from every initial exam fee.

 

You Say You Want a Resolution?

Ring out the old, ring in the new…..

As 2012 approaches, you have probably already started your list of New Year’s resolutions.  If you are like most people, this list includes going on a  diet, losing weight, going to the gym,quit drinking, etc…… but let’s face it– EVERYONE has those resolutions, and they are usually broken before the end of January!  So for 2012, let’s shake it up a little and try our ten “Dental Resolutions” which are not only easy to keep but can lead to a lifetime of excellent health.

Here they are:

1) CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Most people hang on to their toothbrushes as if they have long-standing sentimental value.  But the fact is, you should replace your brush every 2 months or so.  If the bristles don’t look almost brand new, chances are the brush is not cleaning very well and your toothbrush is harboring LOTS of yucky and gross bacteria.

2) FLOSS EVERY DAY

Hey, we are dental professionals.  We know for a fact that MOST PEOPLE DO NOT FLOSS!  But if you knew what we knew about teeth and gums, you would realize that this is such a shame.  Flossing every day will dramatically help to prevent gum disease– so not only can you keep your teeth for a lifetime, your chances of heart disease and other illnesses which are linked to unhealthy gums will SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASE.  If you have trouble flossing or are not sure how to do it, don’t be embarrassed!  Our fantastic dental team will be glad to show you how.

3) WEAR YOUR SEATBELT

We all know that seatbelts save lives, but even in a minor car accident teeth can be shattered or damaged if your body is flung forward.  So buckle up and save your smile!

4) USE A MOUTHGUARD

Dental damage from sports is extremely common and just about always preventable.  There’s a reason everyone in the NFL wears a mouthguard– and it is not to scare the opponents.  Give us a call and we will fit you with a beautiful custom mouthguard.

5) NO SODA/NO SPORTS DRINKS

We all need to hydrate, but we certainly don’t need excess sugar, acid, and artificial chemicals.  These drinks are not only bad for your body but destroy and disfigure teeth.  Switching to water will not only be a big boost to your overall health, but will also save you tons of money!

6) TEETH ARE FOR CHEWING, BITING, AND SMILING

Please don’t use your teeth to open bottles, packages, or anything else.

7) SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYE TEETH

As if cancer, heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy issues and a host of chronic illnesses aren’t reason enough to stop smoking, please be aware that this nasty addiction stains your teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and makes your breath smell like the monkey cage at the zoo.  There are many reasons to quit smoking– so please make this the year!

8) BUT THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOU!

The battle cry of mothers all over the world is true for your oral health as well.  Yes– eating your veggies, fruits, legumes, and nuts not only increases your overall health, it also boosts your immunity which is great for your teeth and gums.  Added benefit:  crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

9) WHITEN YOUR SMILE

There is no question that a nice white smile increases your confidence and makes you more attractive to to others.  If you’ve been putting this off, make 2012 the year that you will finally be showing your beautiful smile to the world.  There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to make your smile the best that it can be– give us a call or stop in and we will be glad to show you how.

10) DON’T PUT OFF YOUR DENTAL VISITS

We know that visiting  Edward Banas DDS/Ocean Springs Dental may not be at the top of your “things to do” list for the New Year, but by seeing us on a regular basis you can prevent huge (and expensive) dental problems from even occurring. It’s a small investment with a big payoff– a better smile, increased overall health, beautiful teeth and gums for life, fresh clean breath, and so much more.  Please give us a call at (228)826-3811 and get 2012 off to a great start.

Ocean Springs Dental CHRISTMAS MYSTERY GIVE-AWAY

WIN FREE TICKETS TO BELLINGRATH

……….OR A ROTADENT ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Our dental office in Ocean Springs will be ending the year with a contest!  Our Christmas Mystery Give Away “Sweepstakes” begins on December 12, 2011 at 8 a.m. Central Standard Time (“CST”) and ends on December 21, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. CST. There will be eight (8) drawings to award eight (8) prizes. The Sweepstakes is open to legal Mississippi,U.S. residents , who are thirteen (13) years of age or older at the time of entry.

HOW TO ENTER:  You need to have a Facebook or Twitter account. You are allowed to enter on Facebook (1) time daily AND you are allowed to enter one (1) time daily on Twitter. Just visit Facebook or Twitter and log into your account. Go to our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/OceanSpringsDental or Twitter Page at http://www.Twitter.com/DrBanas and click on the Sweepstakes tab. You can then enter the Sweepstakes through the application located in the Sweepstakes Tab.  As a part of your entry, you must complete the entry form with all required information which will include your full name, state, email and age on the entry submission page, and agree to the Official Rules. Entrants are encouraged to make posts or comments on Ocean Springs Dental Facebook page, or tweet on Twitter for every time they enter. The comment, post or tweet can be about the contest or it may be something about Christmas or dental….or whatever.  Make it fun!  The purpose of this give away contest is to engage the community in our Facebook and Twitter social media sites and introduce our dental practice to newcomers. We will draw 8 entries randomly, and of  those drawn entrants, those with the most posts and comments will win the prizes with the greatest value.  You are allowed to enter once a day on Twitter and once a day on Facebook. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win something. And you may win up to eight prizes if each of your entries is randomly selected for each of the eight drawings.  We will be giving away: One Rotadent Professional Rotary Toothbrush, a pair of tickets to Bellingrath Gardens for viewing the beautiful Christmas lights, and six other prizes which consist of gifts and gift certificates from area merchants and businesses.

Once you get on our Facebook or Twitter site, you can view the directions and rules for the contest.  If you have any questions, call our office at (228)826-3811.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Have a Joyful Kwanzaa, and Wonderful New Year to everyone!

Season’s greetings from Dr. Banas, Lea, Lorrie, and Charlotte!

Protect Your Child From this Dreadful Disease

The Dreaded Dental Disease

You’ve seen it before–an innocent child with a mouthful of rotten teeth!  Oftentimes  the child will develop extreme pain and/or swelling and may require  special dental  treatment or extraction.  Besides causing unnecessary pain and trauma for your child, this disease can be very debilitating in that it very often  has a harmful effect on the eruption of permanent teeth, causes oral infection, and can have a deleterious effect on speech. This dental disease is known by many names: Bottle rot, baby bottle tooth decay, nursing bottle syndrome, tooth rot—whatever you call it,  parents dread it and it is not pretty to look at for sure!

When your child’s teeth are exposed to any liquid containing sugars ( this includes breast milk, formula, juice, Kool-aid, soft drinks, etc) for extended periods of time, the teeth will eventually decay or “rot”.  Bacteria that are commonly found in a child’s mouth cause  cavities or rot by breaking down the sugars found in the liquids to acid by-products.  It is these acids that cause the damage to the teeth.  The teeth most at risk are the upper front teeth and the children most at risk are the babies who fall asleep with a bottle in the mouth.

As a parent, you can prevent this dreadful tooth rotting disease by NEVER putting your child to sleep with a bottle filled with anything except water.  Furthermore, never dip a pacifier in anything sweet like honey or syrup. Remember that sugars breakdown to acids in the mouth and it is the prolonged exposure to acid that causes cavities.  It is important for parents to use a damp gauze to wipe their sleeping baby’s teeth and gums.  This is a great way to introduce your baby to oral hygiene.  As the child gets older and more accustomed to hygiene, the parent can introduce a tooth brush.   Your favorite drug store has many styles of specially designed toothbrushes for kids.   See what works good for your family.  Nevertheless,  it is so important to brush teeth daily from the first time teeth erupt.  And by cleaning your child’s teeth and gums, parents have the perfect opportunity to look at their child’s teeth and gums on a regular basis:  Look for dark spots or pits that don’t rub off and  look for holes along the gum line of the front teeth– these may be cavities that are forming.

So how about it Mom and Dad?  Be vigilant with cleaning your baby’s teeth and NEVER put them to bed with anything except water.  Remember sugar>acid>tooth decay!   An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you have any questions or concerns about dental health for you or your kids, give Dr. Banas a call:  (228)826-3811.  And remember that our dental office is now in our new Ocean Springs location at 2113 Government Street, suite K-1.  Same phone number, but a new location.

 

 

Moving on UP….

It seems that nothing endures but change.  The year 2011 has certainly been filled with many changes for our dental home.  The year started on a sad note as  our dental assistant Lorrie Caillouette learned that her husband Rocky had liver cancer and only a short time to live.  By March, Rocky passed away, leaving behind his widow Lorrie with two young children, Amanda and Allison.   http://www.cfhsmg.com/sitemaker/sites/coasta0/obit.cgi?user=333960CaillouetteIII

As the year progressed, our long time neighbor Sav-Rex announced that they were moving to a new location down the street to where the former Movie Gallery was located.  We felt devastated by the news.  After all, they have been our neighbors forever and now they were leaving! It seems that the several armed robberies their store experienced took their toll and they really needed a safer location. And unfortunately, the armed robber is still on the loose!

In June, Charlotte in her doings stumbled upon a once in a lifetime opportunity.  There was a vacant dental office in Ocean Springs just sitting there in the upscale Government Place begging for a new dental tenant.  By this time, we were not at all happy in our Vancleave location after the multiple armed robberies; and losing Sav-Rex made us more the miserable.  Besides, we really needed a bigger and brighter location anyway so we made the decision to move.  Dental offices are traditionally very expensive to construct due to  unique and extensive plumbing and electric, but this vacant spot was basically ready to go from the previous dental tenant, thus saving us tons of money.  All we had to do was  some minor electric, plumbing, painting and carpentry….then we rented a UHaul… and four strong young men later, we were relocated to Ocean Springs in 3 weeks time!

We have been up and running in our new location for a month now.  Initially we were dealing with the learning curve of our new VOIP phone system and the transition to Windows7 from XP, but now that is all getting gradually behind us.  Vancleave’s own Colton McMillan from TechCurity has been very patient with us as we all revisit Computer Technology 101.

So if you happen to call our Ocean Springs dental office and Lea Weizer accidentally cuts you off, please understand that we are still learning a new system.  We have freed ourselves from Ma Bell but are still a little awkward with the new VOIP technology.  And speaking of phones, our telephone number is still the same:  228-826-3811 and we have been able to introduce a toll free number as well: 1-855-843-5235.  We have also introduced WiFi– you can use our “tablet” or bring your own device.

We have also implemented many of your suggestions into our new dental office location.  For instance, many dental patients used to complain that we needed to show “regular” TV vs. dental educational TV.  So we now have regular TV programs playing on new flat screen HDTV’s in each room.  But we can still access the dental program if we need to. Everyone loves it!

We want you to make us your permanent dental home.  And that goes for all of your friends and family, too.  Come in to chat or for treatment, we’re here for you!  

 

Denture breath? Nuke it!

Many of our patients wear removable dentures (also known as “false teeth” or “plates”) .  Dentures are considered “full” whenever they replace all teeth on one or both arches; they  are considered  “partial” whenever they replace one or several teeth and often have hooks, clasps, gaskets, etc.  Either full or partial dentures may contain metal, porcelain, silicone, or nylon components.  Oftentimes they are entirely acrylic based with plastic teeth.

Today I am going to discuss cleaning your denture because proper cleaning of your denture will keep it looking white, prevent bad breath and prevent denture stains from becoming permanent.  And dentistry is all about PREVENTION.

Most importantly, handle your dentures with great care.   Stand over a towel or a sink full of water because if you accidentally drop your dentures, this will cushion the dentures from breaking. And don’t bend or damage the attachments when handling.

Your dentures MUST be thoroughly brushed at least once a day to remove food debris and plaque.  They are not self- cleansing!  And in between brushings,  rinse your dentures after every meal. Many people like to use tablets or soaks to clean their dentures.  It is okay to soak your false teeth, but just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding soak time and YOU MUST RINSE off the solution thoroughly afterwards with plenty of water.   A lot of these soaks and tablets contain bleaching agents, which will whiten the pink gum parts of your dentures overtime.  They can also weaken the gaskets and often tarnish or corrode metal components. If you choose to soak your plate with tablets or solutions, you must still use a brush to mechanically remove the plaque (if plaque is not removed, it will eventually harden into calculus or tartar that can only be chipped off safely by the dentist).  Plaque naturally forms on your denture every time you put it in your mouth.  Therefore soaks and tablets aren’t as wonderful and simple as manufacturers claim them to be since YOU MUST STILL USE A BRUSH to thoroughly clean your denture.  At Vancleave’s Dental Office, we instruct our patients to clean their dentures the cheap and safe way– use regular liquid hand soap with a specially designed denture brush (you can purchase these specially designed denture brushes at any drug store– a regular toothbrush is only designed for natural teeth).  Scrub your denture with a brush, soap and water–rinse it off and you’re ready to go.  Nothing is more simple and it is a lot cheaper than buying tablets or soaks that contain chlorine or peroxide agents that might damage your denture.  Never use toothpaste to clean your denture– toothpaste might scratch the denture and make it look dull overtime.

You might be enticed to purchase an expensive ultrasonic cleaner for your denture, but don’t waste your money.  Research shows this method as very ineffective– you still must use a brush!

When the denture is not in your mouth, brush your gums and remaining teeth with a soft toothbrush.  This will help to remove plaque and stimulate circulation in your mouth.

Are you prone to yeast infections in your mouth?  Many denture patients are!  For this problem, follow this easy microwave regimen:  Put dentures (must NOT have metal components) into a microwave container at least twice as tall as the dentures, with vents in the cover; fill the container with tap water and put a tablet of denture cleanser in the water; cover with a towel and microwave for 2 minutes.  Allow dentures to cool and rinse before using them.  According to the the Academy of General Dentistry, this two minute microwave treatment combined with soaking is much more effective at eliminating germs on dentures than just brushing.  Try nuking your dentures if you have a stubborn yeast problem or people complain about your “denture breath”.  Once a week in the microwave is all that it takes.

Visit Vancleave’s dental office to get your dentures professionally checked and cleaned.  Remember dentures need to be relined or replaced every 5 years.  Your mouth changes constantly and bone and gum tissue shrinks so that your dentures will begin to feel loose and unstable.  Call us (228)826-3811 for questions about your dentures or any other dental matters you may have.  Our dental office serves Vancleave, Ocean Springs, Jackson County and surrounding areas.