Brush Your Teeth, Improve Your Balance!

Everything I read about tooth brushing says the recommended time to thoroughly clean your whole mouth is to do it for two minutes.

Everything I read about senior citizens improving their balance is to practice by standing on one leg!

So, why not get an old fashioned minute timer and stand on one foot for a minute while you brush the teeth on one side of your mouth and then switch to the other foot for the second minute while you brush the other side.

Clean Teeth!  Improved balance!

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170
 Bakersfield, CA 93309

Periodontal Disease: Here's What You Can Do

Periodontal disease (gum inflammation plus loss of bone around teeth) is a bacterial infection. It affects 47% of the American population over the age of 30. The association of gum disease and systemic disease is becoming more apparent.  However, periodontal health can be established and maintained.
What can you do?

• eliminate or reduce tobacco use
• keep your calcium and vitamin D levels optimum with a healthy diet and supplements
• be aware of medications that cause dry mouth and keep your mouth moist
• be mindful of your insulin and sugar levels to prevent diabetes
• keep your mouth free of tooth decay
• fix any defective fillings or crowns
• keep your teeth brushed and flossed daily and with regular professional cleanings

You can't keep from getting older (and therefore more prone to the disease), or your genetic makeup, but you can make informed decisions about your oral health status and treat accordingly.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

TBI: Tooth Brush Instructions

Toothbrushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it.  But, as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.  There is enough written in the dental literature to point out common toothbrushing mistakes and how to correct them:  

• Not using the right brush:  Richard Price, DMD, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, says consider the size of your mouth--the brush shouldn't be too big to fit in all areas of your mouth without strain, and should have a comfortable handle.  Many brushes have padded handles that facilitate brushing at the right angle.  While electrical or manual is an individual preference, the "brusher" and technique is better than the brush.  
• Not picking the right bristle:  angled or straight bristles are just as good, but bristles that are too stiff can aggravate gums and have greater potential for creating tooth abrasion.  Soft-bristled brushes are effective in removing plaque.  "Natural" bristles (made from animal hair or boar bristle) are not recommended.  
• Not brushing often enough or long enough:  at lease twice a day is recommended, for at least two minutes.  The evidence in the literature shows tooth protection is greatly increased when that becomes three times a day, for at least three minutes.  That's why some electric toothbrushes have built in timers.  
• Brushing too often or too hard:  excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth or the gum tissues to irritation.  Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel.  

It's amazing that just a few minutes per day, well spent, can keep your mouth healthy and, in turn, treat your whole body right. 


Source:  webmd.com


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309