• The type of toothbrush IS important. There are many types of toothbrushes, but you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, it is time to buy a new one. If you have been sick, make sure you replace your toothbrush after you become well and also every three months.
• Most toothpaste has fluoride but some don’t. Choose toothpaste with fluoride. This can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.
• Take the time to brush your teeth properly. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion using short, gentle strokes. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Spend at least three minutes brushing.
• You MUST floss. Brushing is not enough. Gently insert floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and then the other. Get a recommendation from your dentist on the best type of floss – they may even have some samples!

If you have been searching for the best dentist for you and your family, why not visit our office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. Our Plymouth family dentistry offers general dentistry for your entire family plus cosmetic treatments to get your teeth in tip-top-shape. You can even make an appointment online!

One of the goals is to treat cavities without the use of fillings that contain mercury. Many dentists are changing their viewpoints on mercury and practice alternatives to traditional root canals. There are also cases where in natural dentistry, the dentist treats secondary concerns, such as nutrition and other physical problems, which may be linked to dental problems.

The goal of many family dentists is to help patients become and stay healthy. As for cavity fillings, most dentists would agree that the amalgam fillings, commonly used to treat cavities in standard dentistry, can pose a health risk by exposing the body to mercury. To avoid any problems with mercury, these dentists fill cavities with composites made from resin.

Also a part of this type of dentistry is making the patient feel less like he or she is in a dental office. Keeping the patient comfortable and happy, with music or even video, soothes them and prepares them before/after treatment.

If you are looking for a Minnetonka dentistry, consider coming to our office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. Our office is comfortable and our staff is knowledgeable about modern dentistry. We treat patients of all ages too!

What is an Oral Irrigator?

An oral irrigator, water piks or water flossers are devices that use a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and food debris between teeth and below the gum line and improve gum health. These devices have been around for close to 50 years and was developed by a dentist and an engineer. Since that time, the water flossers have been evaluated in many studies which have shown effective on people in periodontal maintenance, and those with gingivitis, diabetes, orthodontic appliances, crowns, and implants. In fact, studies have demonstrated that it is superior to dental floss in reducing bleeding and as effective in reducing plaque.

How to Use a Water Flosser/Oral Irrigator

Most dentists will recommend beginners using a home dental irrigation to start on a lower power setting and then gradually increase the power as comfortable to at least the medium setting. Also, you should direct the water at a 90 percent angle to the teeth.

When you use this tool, you need to concentrate on the hidden areas between the teeth. Make sure you keep increasing the pressure higher and higher over time until you can comfortably use it at full power. It is most effective used at full power.

If you have questions about this type of treatment or whether you can benefit from it, you should consult your family dentist, like Wayzata Dental and SmileSpa. Come in for a consultation with our staff including our dentist, Dr. Jason McDowell. We are a Plymouth family dentistry that will make your dental check-ups and cleanings something you will actually look forward to.

Not brushing your teeth
We have all done this before, skipping brushing can ruin your teeth. It’s a bad habit that should be broken.
Brushing your teeth gently twice a day, using a fluoride-containing toothpaste, is an easy solution.

Not flossing your teeth
Brushing is not enough. Really. Not flossing is not an option but a priority and just as important as brushing. Tooth brushing doesn’t reach the spaces between teeth, but plaque does. Daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque. If you don’t floss, you will ultimately face tooth decay. In fact, flossing cleans plaque at the gum line and help fight periodontal disease.

Skipping or not going your dental visits
Visiting the dentist is on the top of the list of “Things we hate to do.” Maybe you think you can avoid the dentist because you brush and floss. But, even if you take care of your teeth, you’ll miss plaque. Plaque turns into tartar — which can only be treated at the dentist.

Plus, once a year teeth cleanings are considered the minimum. Most insurance companies even will include two cleanings per year because it is needed for your dental health.

Eat better
This will go along with the people who are trying to eat healthier. Eating crunchy vegetables or fruits can help to brush off plaque. Plus, fruits and vegetables do not have as much sugar as some other processed foods.

Lay off the sweets
After a month of candy-canes, January may be a great time to cut back on sugar for your physical and dental health. Too much sugar in any form will ruin your teeth because bacteria love simple carbohydrates, like sugar. Think of sugar as the enemy. Have in occasionally and make sure brush afterwards.

Go ahead and make those New Year’s promises to yourself . . . including the one to take better care of your teeth.

Contact us at Wayzata Dental and SmileSpa. We are a Minnetonka family dentistry that will guide you in the right direction in 2012. With our cosmetic dentistry treatments and wonderful staff, you can start the new year with the very best smile.

Medications you take for preexisting health conditions can cause problems with dental health. As always, you should talk with a family dentist. Wayzata Dental and SmileSpa is a Minnetonka dentistry that not only specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, but knows to watch for certain indicators or links between your mouth and your body’s health.

Here are some signs for you to spot and talk with your family dentist or doctor about:

• Bad breath can indicate a respiratory, gastrointestinal or other health problem.
• Fruity breath or a sweet smell from the body or mouth can be a sign of diabetes.
• Dry mouth can be caused by Parkinson’s disease.
• Burning mouth can be caused by taking medicines for high blood pressure but also can be the result of anxiety, depression, stress and hormonal changes.
• Canker sores can be caused by allergies, celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine. Canker sores can also be caused by Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease.
• A white fungus that coats the tongue, called Thrush, can be caused by chronic diseases like HIV or diabetes.

Visiting your family dentist regularly will help pinpoint any problems with your teeth and maybe your physical problems as well.

If you are looking for a family dentist in Plymouth or Minnetonka, contact us at Wayzata Dental. We specialize in your dental health and needs as well and overall physical wellness.

Most people can connect a personal characteristic inherited from a family member. Whether its eye color, height or personality, we all know that genes are somewhat responsible for how you turned out. But have you ever heard someone say, “I inherited my bad teeth from my mom?” Can dental problems really be inherited? The answer is yes, no and maybe.

Yes, certain dental issues are inherited. Problems such as overbites, underbites, missing or extra teeth, jaw, teeth and facial irregularities such as tooth or jaw size are all could “run in the family.” However, don’t point your finger at a family member if you are encountering dental problems such as dental disease or premature loss of teeth to disease. These dental issues are not inherited and require prompt evaluation and treatment.

Studies are showing that people may inherit weak enamel, which is the thin outer covering of the tooth. Enamel covers the crown or the part of the tooth that’s visible and protects teeth from daily use such as chewing, biting, crunching and grinding. Although enamel is a hard protector of teeth, it can chip and crack.

If you have weak enamel and have dental issues such as cavities, talk with your dentist. Aside from recommending daily maintenance of your teeth, your dentist can offer proactive steps such as using sealants. Sealants provide a smooth surface covering over the fissured areas of your teeth, making it flatter and easier to care for. Other things your dentist may recommend is changing your toothbrush and/or prescribing special toothpaste.

Whether you inherited dental problems or just need proper advice and direction, Dr. Jason McDowell at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa can help you. We are a family dentist that can provide the best dental care for you. Call us at 952-473-4900 or use our Request an Appointment link. We are conveniently located in the Wayzata, Plymouth and Orono area.

Recent studies have found that the bacteria that cause gum disease can lead or worsen atherosclerosis, which is arterial disease that leads to heart attacks and strokes. Studies also have found that people, with the highest level of bacteria that causes gum disease, also had the worst atherosclerosis. Every day, more and more cases come up testifying to the fact that dental health is vital to your overall health.

For some, it’s hard to accept the idea that if you don’t take care of your teeth, you may end-up having heart disease. It may sound like a marketing ploy for the dental community to drum up business. But research is showing that this is indeed true.

But how?

Here’s a fictional scenario of “Joe.”

Joe is a busy fellow. He works all day and then has activities in the evening. He forgets to brush his teeth and avoids the dentist. He knows he has an infection brewing in his mouth but believes he has no time to make a dental visit. He endures the pain, which comes and goes, by taking over-the counter pain medication. Within time, the bacteria continue to grow in his mouth which triggers an inflammatory response that promotes a gradual thickening of his artery walls throughout the body. Without realizing this, Joe begins a path toward arterial disease – later ending his life with a heart attack.

Joe and many others can avoid this problem by getting a regular dental checkup, especially from a doctor that specializes in dental prevention and preservation. With proper treatment, gum disease can be identified and treated right away. If Joe would have realized this, his infection could have been found immediately and treated with a deep cleaning and antibiotics.

So go ahead and go for that run or stay at the gym for a bit longer. Just don’t forget to come home and give your heart a break by flossing, brushing your teeth and most importantly, visiting your family dentist.

Drink tea but clean your mouth afterwards. Tea contains fluoride, which is good for your teeth. Tea, like water, keeps your mouth hydrated thereby preventing oral problems. Don’t forget to clean your mouth well after finishing your cup of tea.
Eat citrus fruits. Fruits like lemon, guava, orange, grapefruit and tangerine provide the necessary vitamin C required by the body. The deficiency of vitamin C causes gums to bleed. It is important to make citrus fruits a part of our daily diet. The vitamin C comes from the citric acid in the fruits.
Say cheese with cheese! You will be happy to know that cheese is very good for you – of course, when consumed in moderation. Cheese provides the necessary calcium to keep your teeth and bones healthy. If you dislike the taste of milk, go for cheese.
Step out. Vitamin D is an important vitamin for maintaining overall health. It also helps prolong the life of your teeth. So, just step out into the sun and you have got an important vitamin in your body. Take all the necessary precautions to make sure the sun does not burn you. What you need is 10 minutes of exposure to the sun twice a week.

Hope you enjoyed the new kind of dental care tips today. Keep smiling!

• Brush after every meal. Brushing only in the morning won’t help. It just freshens up your breath. Brushing after meals is what helps keep the teeth clean.

• Floss everyday. Flossing is as important as brushing. While brushing takes care of the surfaces of the teeth, flossing ensures that the spaces between the teeth are cleaned.
• Clean your tongue everyday. Do not clean your tongue too frequently. Cleaning your tongue once a day is more than enough. Too much scraping can make cracks on your tongue, making home for bacteria.
• Rinse your mouth after consuming anything. A sip of juice or a bite of chocolate can help bacteria grow and flourish inside your mouth if you are hours away from your post-meal brushing. You cannot possibly brush every time you put something in your mouth. However, you can rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
• Visit your dentist twice a year. A dental check-up every six months is mandatory. Don’t wait for a symptom of a problem to show before you make the appointment with the dentist.

Coming back to spas, you an try the smile spa once in a while for a rejuvenating dental experience.

Happy smiling!

Brush after every meal. Brushing just once a day is not enough. It is important to clean the mouth off all the food debris that remain in the mouth after a meal. Just make sure that you wait an hour after a meal before you clean the teeth.

Floss everyday. Flossing is as important as brushing. While brushing takes care of the surfaces of the teeth, flossing ensures that the spaces between the teeth are cleaned. So, floss once a day, immediately after you have brushed your teeth.

Clean your tongue. You just need to clean it gently once everyday. Too much scraping can make cracks on your tongue, making home for bacteria.

Rinse your mouth after consuming anything. You cannot possibly brush every time you put something in your mouth. Rinse your mouth at such times. Rinsing helps your dental health in two ways. First, it cleanses your mouth. Second, it hydrates it and thus avoids problems borne out of a dry mouth.

Visit your dentist every six months. Not everyone takes this advice seriously. Why would you visit the dentist if you don’t have a problem? Well, first, you may not find out you have a problem until it’s late. Second, visiting the dentist regularly will make sure you don’t get a dental problem.

So, now that you know the basics of dental care, we expect to see warm smiles from you soon.

Happy smiling!