National Brush Day

National Brush Day - College Hill Dental Group

Happy National Brush Day from Your Easton, PA Dentists

National Brush Day is observed each year on the 1st day of November, the day right after Halloween. Our patients will learn this is one of our favorite holidays to recognize. This spooky day is known for traditionally being the day where the most candy is consumed by children and adults alike. National Brush Day started in 2012 to bring awareness to both children and parents about just how poor dental health can take a serious toll on their overall health. 

At our Easton, PA dental practice, we love to see our patients with a healthy smile. National Brush Day serves as a great opportunity to schedule the annual checkup and professional dental cleaning for every member of the family. So, we’ve gathered these brushing tips to help keep every member of the family smiling beautifully.

Just Two Minutes, Twice a Day

Teeth should be brushed in the morning and in the evening before bed. It is important to brush teeth for a full two minutes. Any less is generally not effective enough to remove the plaque and food debris on and between the teeth. At College Hill Dental Group, we recommend using a timer to track the two minutes. Additionally, try playing fun songs about tooth brushing to encourage children to stick with those two minutes.

Your Brushing Technique is Important

So, are you using the right technique to brush your teeth? Believe it or not, many of us are not.

  • Hold the soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  • Using gentle and short strokes, move the brush back and forth.
  • Brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces.
  • Tilt the toothbrush vertically and use up and down strokes to clean the inside areas of teeth.
  • Also, be sure to brush your tongue as it can accumulate bacteria that contribute to bad breath.

Don’t forget that your home oral hygiene routine is just one part of your dental wellness. You will need to floss, use mouthwash, ensure your diet is balanced, stay hydrated, and of course, visit with your dentist every six months.

Selecting a New Toothbrush

What better day of the year to remind you that it is important to get a new toothbrush every few months. As your Easton, PA family dentist, we recommend that you select a soft-bristled toothbrush for every member of the family. Furthemore, children’s toothbrushes should be ultra-soft bristled and should be the right size for their mouths.

Ideally, Dr. Moghadam says you should replace your toothbrush every three months. Some prefer to wait to replace their brushes after their six-month checkup or professional cleaning. As your 18042 dentists, we do suggest that you replace your new toothbrush before the bristles start to show signs of wear. Our friends at Digital Doc, the #1 digital dental sensor provider, agrees that a damaged toothbrush is not going to be very effective at cleaning your teeth.

It is important to take care of dental concerns when they first become recognizable. The longer your dental problems go without being treated, the more likely you’ll end up visiting an emergency dentist in Easton, PA. So, schedule checkups and professional cleanings for the whole family with College Hill Dental Group today!

Oral Health Tips for Halloween

oral health tips for Halloween - College Hill Dental Group

Oral Health Tips for Halloween

Halloween is a night of spooky good fun. Scares are around each corner, with little goblins and ghosts running from door to door collecting their candy. If you ask Dr. Moghadam at College Hill Dental Group, he’ll tell you the scariest part of Halloween might just be those delicious sweet treats. Not only will kids come home with their Halloween buckets overflowing with assorted sugary treats, but the copious amounts of candy in stores makes it tempting for adults too. As your family dentist in Easton, PA, we are dedicated to working with you to help to achieve a healthy smile. This includes helping you to protect your oral wellness from some of the frights of Halloween. In this article, we share some simple oral health tips for Halloween.

Moderation in Treats

We all know that moderation is a key part of almost everything that we do in life, including the sweet treats we love. We aren’t saying you should completely cut out candy and other sweets from your diet.

Taking an approach that focuses on moderation is much better for all involved. Limit your treats to around mealtimes and avoid mindlessly reaching for the delicious mini candies in the bowl.

There is an increase in saliva production during mealtimes. Saliva plays an important role in helping to rinse your mouth of any remaining debris. This includes the sugar that may otherwise cling to your teeth and contribute to cavities.

Drink Plenty of Water

It’s easy for all of us to get caught up in Halloween festivities, to the degree that we neglect to keep hydrated. Keep yourself and your little ones drinking plenty of water, particularly if you will be consuming those sugary treats.

Water can help to keep your body hydrated. It can also help to rinse your teeth and your mouth’s interior when you’re out enjoying your Halloween celebrations.

Be sure to limit or skip those sugar-filled sodas and fruit punches that may flow freely with spooky regularity on Halloween.

Try to Limit Sticky and Hard Treats

If you or your child have fixed traditional braces, you know the importance of skipping those sticky and hard treats. Although these treats are tasty, they can significantly damage the brackets and wires of the braces.

There are also concerns with dental crowns. Hard candies can quickly lead to cracks or other damage to those crowns. If a crown has been damaged or dislodged, you should call before you need to see an emergency dentist in Easton, PA. Unchecked, the damage may allow decay to set in.

These same treats can also be a bad idea for those without braces or crowns. The sugar from that sticky candy may cling to your teeth. It can be hard for the sugar to be washed away without brushing your teeth. So, the sugar could sit on your teeth for hours on end.

Brush, Floss, and Maintain Good Habits

There is no better time to remind everyone in the family of just how important it is to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Children should be using a toothpaste with fluoride in it, and get frequent reminders that brushing after meals will prevent cavities.

This is also a great opportunity to get new toothbrushes. Children are often more likely to use spinning toothbrushes. Choosing a toothbrush with their favorite character on it can help them get excited about brushing again.

Dr. Cody Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, says that it’s a good idea to wait half an hour before brushing after eating acidic foods. Acidic foods can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Brushing too hard can result in damage to the enamel.

If you or your little ones need guidance about the right brushing and flossing habits, remember that your dental hygienist can offer some great tips at your next cleaning.

Skipping Those Prosthetic Toy Teeth

Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to wear fake toy teeth. Even the cutest little vampire could accidentally damage their teeth and gums. What may start as a fun night of Halloween festivities could result in a trip to an emergency dentist in Easton, PA. Some of these toy teeth are also potential choking hazards, which is an extra safety consideration.

Visit Your Easton, PA Dentist

Now that you’ve learned some oral health tips for Halloween, you can enjoy your spooky holiday. Don’t forget to keep up with your routine checkups and cleanings. Preventative dentistry is key to a happy and healthy smile! If you’re interested in dental care in Easton, PA, please contact College Hill Dental Group. Our team is here to serve you and your family.

So, what are your plans for this Halloween? No matter where your Halloween adventures may take you, we hope you stay safe! 

Celebrating Dental Hygiene Month

dental hygiene month - College Hill Dental Group

Celebrating Dental Hygiene Month

The whole month of October, we’re celebrating Dental Hygiene Month! Below are some of the ways you can celebrate your smile at home. 

Tips for a Happy & Healthy Smile

Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes

Brushing your teeth is an essential part of any oral hygiene regimen. You’d be surprised how much plaque can build up on your teeth just after one day. Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes helps reduce the likelihood of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. If you can, try to brush after each meal. Many Easton, PA dentists recommend using ADA approved toothpaste as well as a soft bristle toothbrush. 

Dr. Moghadam recommends switching out your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or as soon as the bristles start to get break down.

Floss

Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. It ensures that the small crevices in your mouth are thoroughly cleaned. Those who do not floss daily are more likely to get cavities and develop gum disease. 

Here’s how you should floss:

  1. Use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around two fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss.
  2. Holding the floss with your thumb and index finger, you will insert the floss between two teeth.
  3. Gently move the floss up and down, rubbing it against both sides of each tooth (avoid hitting your gums).
  4. Once you’ve reached your gum line, curve the floss, and move it back and forth between one of the teeth.
  5. Move the floss to the next set of teeth, repeat the steps above.

Rinse

Incorporating mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can make a world of difference. Luckily, there’s a mouthwash for everyone! Whether you’re fighting bad breath, plaque cavities, or wanting whiter teeth. Dr. Moghadam recommends finding an ADA approved mouthwash for the best results. 

Chew

Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum helps put a stop to tooth decay. Gum naturally helps produce more saliva, which fights off cavities. Harmful bacteria and food particles will be washed away. Dr. Cody Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, points out that those suffering from dry mouth would benefit greatly from chewing sugar-free gum.

Why National Dental Hygiene Month is Important

  • Encourages Good Oral Health – Good oral health takes a little bit of time each day, but it’s all worth it in the end. Without a proper oral hygiene regimen, you are at risk of developing serious dental problems. Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but you have to give them love and care. There’s an old saying, “You don’t have to brush your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.” 
  • Celebrates Hard Working Hygienists – College Hill Dental Group has been serving the Easton, PA community since 1944. We’ve had the honor of seeing generations of patients, and National Dental Hygiene Month is the perfect holiday to celebrate our hard-working hygienists. 
  • Keeps Us Accountable For Our Health – Studies have linked gum disease to other serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and more. Taking the time to take care of our smiles will have a positive effect on our overall health.

Our College Hill Dental Group team encourages you and your loved ones to take steps in the right direction. If you need a family dentist in Easton, PA, turn to College Hill Dental Group. We offer a wide range of dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and emergency dental care.