Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- celebrity smiles (75)
- cosmetic dentistry (12)
- gum disease (14)
- oral health (33)
- oral cancer (3)
- x-rays (1)
- sleep apnea (3)
- oral hygiene (29)
- invisalign (1)
- clear aligners (5)
- orthodontics (9)
- jaw surgery (2)
- Veneers (10)
- Resin Veneers (1)
- Porcelain Veneers (5)
- mouthguards (5)
- dental injuries (3)
- dental implants (17)
- dentures (4)
- Implant Dentistry (1)
- tooth decay (7)
- nutrition (2)
- orthodontic treatment (15)
- crown (1)
- smoking (5)
- jaw pain (2)
- tmj (1)
- tmd (1)
- Dentistry (1)
- bridge (1)
- pregnancy (4)
- snoring (2)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (3)
- root canal (3)
- chipped teeth (2)
- bonding (3)
- braces (9)
- lichen planus (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (2)
- Healthy food (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- crowns (4)
- palatal expander (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- fillings (3)
- TMJ/ TMD (1)
- infection control (1)
- sedation dentistry (3)
- removable dentures (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- root canal treatment (8)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (5)
- mouthguard (1)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- apicoectomy (1)
- bad breath (2)
- teething (4)
- pediatric dentistry (11)
- teeth whitening (4)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- dental exam (1)
- space maintainer (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- trigeminal neuralgia (1)
- facial pain (1)
- adult braces (1)
- air abrasion (1)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- flossing (1)
- Dental Crowns (1)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- Sedation (1)
- Nitrous Oxide (1)
- Dental Fear (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- Family Dentist (1)
- retainers (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- root resorption (1)
- gerd (1)
- bone loss (1)
- toothache (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- tmj disorders (3)
- dental cleaning (1)
- Root Canal Therapy (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- extraction (1)
- Tooth-Colored (1)
- composite resin (1)
- White Smile (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- vaping (1)
- General Dentistry (1)
- Family Dentistry (1)

If you’re the kind of person who can’t do without a smart phone, you’ve probably heard the expression “There’s an app for that!” These nifty little programs let you get directions, check the weather, watch stock prices… even optimize your sleep patterns and make high-pitched dog whistles. And shortly, you’ll be able to check how well you’ve been brushing your teeth.
News reports have mentioned a soon-to-be-available toothbrush that will interface with an app on your smart phone. The brush has sensors that record how much time you spend brushing, whether you reach all parts of your mouth, and whether you brush correctly (with up and down motions, not just side to side). It charts your oral hygiene habits, scores your brushing technique — and, if you allow it, shares information about how well (or poorly) you’re doing with your family, friends… even your dentist.
So do you need to run out and buy one of these gizmos as soon as they’re available? Of course not! However, anything that encourages you to take better care of your oral hygiene can’t hurt. A wise dentist once said: The important thing is not the brush, but the hand that holds it.
If you’re a “gadget person,” you may be intrigued by the device’s high-tech design, and the fact that it interfaces with your phone. Plus, maybe the idea of compiling (and sharing) your brushing record has a certain appeal. On the other hand, you might prefer a sleek, light electric brush that doesn’t keep track of your movements. Or maybe the simplest brush of all — a manual one, with soft bristles and a comfortable handle — works best for you.
The most important thing is that you regularly practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and floss once a day. Use whichever brush is best for you, and be sure to change it every three months, or when the bristles get stiff. Stay away from sugary snacks between meals (they contribute to decay by keeping your teeth bathed in acidic byproducts). Don’t use tobacco in any form, or chew on things that don’t belong in your mouth. And remember to come in for regular exams and professional cleanings. If an app helps you do these things — we're all for it.
If you would like to learn more about maintaining good oral hygiene, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. For more information, see the Dear Doctor magazine article “Top 10 Oral Health Tips For Children.”