Hi Ellie, Hope is all well.
Can you tell me what your opinion is on using an electric toothbrush? My husband switched about 3 yrs ago and his cleanings are better and the hygienist said it is due to the electric toothbrush. He has crowns and so far they haven’t loosened up. I as you know from my many emails to you, have veneers on the upper front and crowns upper left and right. I would love to switch over but fear that
the constant vibration from the electric toothbrush will eventually loosen my very expensive dental work. In the past when I asked this question I was told, well the only way you are going to find out is to try using one. Not the answer I was looking for. Since I value your opinion tremdously, please tell me what you think. Are they good to use, and would recommend your patients with crowns, etc to start using one? I have seen a few models in the stores that have variable speeds and sensitive option, which may be a good option, just not sure. Your input is appreciated.
Thanks
M
Hi M,
The most important things about toothbrushing are:
1) to have a spotlessly clean brush
2) Your gums must “end up” clean.
No matter what brush if the brush is infected you will re-infect your mouth each time you brush.
The blame for tooth decay has been put on sugar but I blame dirty toothbrushes for at least 80% of the disease in people’s mouths.Use a UV system to clean your brush or use Listerine to swish the brush head
each time, rinse off under running water and allow to dry between uses.
Successful tooth brushing your gums must finish clean ( no bacteria/plaque/germs).
If you have never used my system, maybe different brushes help remove plaque better, BUT if you are using my system of care with Closys, Listerine , ACT plus adequate amounts of xylitol then your mouth will be virtually germ free BEFORE you brush!!
I use a Zellies manual brush, because I do not like the vibration of the electric. I am delighted with my oral health.
I suggest you use the brush you prefer but with veneers you may be better with a manual brush.
Have you tried Zellies toothbrushes? they are very good and very popular!
http://www.zellies.com/catalog.asp?prodid=493511&showprevnext=1
Hope this explains the position!
Ellie
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
Categories: Uncategorized
M "In the past when I asked this question I was told, well the only way you are going to find out is to try using one. Not the answer I was looking for"Wow, that's a terrible answer, I hope it wasn't a dentist who told you "well the only way to find out is to try using one." Ellie "The blame for tooth decay has been put on sugar but I blame dirty toothbrushes for at least 80% of the disease in people's mouths.Use a UV system to clean your brush or use Listerine to swish the brush headeach time, rinse off under running water and allow to dry between uses."I've been plagued with dental problems for years. Before, I read about the zellies system I used to share toothbrushes or switch toothbrushes with my parents. Even at a very young age I used to use my parents toothbrushes that had only been washed with water, often still wet. I'm too lazy to put my toothbrush in a solution of listerine after each time I use my brush. My gums keep hurting, maybe I'll try switching to a new toothbrush and try dipping in an antiseptic solution for 10 mins and then air drying the toothbrush like the zellies.com site states.
This maybe the easiest way to clean your toothbrush. :Get a spray bottle and put Listerine into it and spray your toothbrush, then rinse out and then store it in a cup- so that it can DRY out. Bacteria die when they dry!!! Your idea to "soak" in Listerine is not the best – you just need Listerine to loosen the bacteria – then rinse it off under running water.You can put it in the dishwasher from time to time for a deep cleaning with your dishes! Think about your toothbrush – imagine it covered in bacteria – and toilet bacteria have been shown in studies to become gum disease bacteria!Move your brush into a safe place – and worry if you travel in hotels! I am a fanatic after being in hotels – I throw my brush away each time before I return home! (Get a six pack of Zellies toothbrushes from our website!!)Disease bacteria float in the air around a toilet – and also in the air in your dentist's office…… It's time for our conversation about disease bacteria – and how xylitol will eradicate them – this must become a nationwide conversation! This is more than just "tooth health". Your general health is affected by oral disease. Get your mouth healthy and just see what happens!!! So glad you found our blog and that it has been helpful to you!Ellie Ellie Phillips DDSwww.CleanWhiteTeeth.comwww.Zellies.comDental Health for Everyone!author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye26, Corporate Woods, Rochester NY 14623585-272-1270585-272-9910585-272-0705 (Fax)