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Hours and Location:
859-291-8600
Monday: Noon-7PM 324 Greenup St
Tues thru Thurs: 8AM-5PM Covington, KY 41011

Toothbrush Care 101

toothbrush care 101 Using a tooth brush to clean your teeth on a regular basis is a broadly practiced method of caring for your teeth. But with such an important job entrusted to it, your toothbrush needs care as well! For starters, did you know that your toothbrush can become contaminated with the same bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay? Do you know how often you should replace your toothbrush or how to store it properly?

Welcome to Toothbrush Care 101 where you will learn the simple basics of taking care of one of the most important tools you'll ever own -- your toothbrush.

  1. Do not share toothbrushes - period. The exchange of body fluids that such sharing would foster places you at an increased risk for infections. This is a particularly important consideration for people with compromised immune systems or infectious diseases.
  2. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water to ensure the removal of toothpaste and debris. Allow your toothbrush to "air-dry" and then store it in an upright position. If multiple brushes are stored in the same holder, do not allow them to come in contact with each other.
  3. It is not necessary to soak toothbrushes in disinfecting solutions or mouthwash. This practice actually may lead to cross-contamination of toothbrushes if the same disinfectant solution is used over a period of time or by multiple users.
  4. It is unnecessary to use dishwashers, microwaves or ultraviolet devices to disinfect toothbrushes. These measures may actually damage your toothbrush.
  5. Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. This creates a humid environment which is far more conducive to bacterial growth than open air.
  6. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles appear worn or splayed*. This recommendation of the American Dental Association is based on the expected wear of the toothbrush and its subsequent loss of mechanical effectiveness, not on its bacterial contamination.

*Splayed: 1. to have an oblique or slanting direction. 2. to spread or flare.

Preventing Jaw and Headache Pain

When you wake up, do you feel fabulous? Or instead do you have a painful, aching jaw or sore sensitive teeth? Stiff neck? Tension headache? If you suffer from these problems you should know about a major breakthrough that will help stop headaches, sore jaw, stiff neck, and sensitive teeth.

Read More...

Toothbrush Care 101

Using a tooth brush to clean your teeth on a regular basis is a broadly practiced method of caring for your teeth. But with such an important job entrusted to it, your toothbrush needs care as well! For starters, did you know that your toothbrush can become contaminated with the same bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay? Do you know how often you should replace your toothbrush or how to store it properly?

Read More...

Pregnancy and Dental Health FAQ

It is especially important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. Studies indicate that pregnant women who have severe periodontal (gum) disease may be at increased risk for pre-term delivery, which in turn increases the risk of having a low birth weight baby.

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What is Periodontal Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater...

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Oral Care for People with Diabetes

There are over 20 million people in the United States who have diabetes. And, due to increased bacterial production from higher glucose levels in saliva, diabetics often times have one of the highest rates of periodontal disease and oral infection. Other oral complications including bleeding gums, hard to heal mouth sores, tissue sensitivity, inflammation, bad breath, and dry mouth may also develop in a large number of people with Type I, Type II or gestational diabetes. These oral complications...

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Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder, commonly known as TMJ, describes a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans; the conditions appear to be more common in women than men.

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Child Dental Emergency Tips

When dental emergency situations arise that involve your child, here's some helpful tips on how to handle them:

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Cavities Are Not Just Kid Stuff

Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of periodontal (gum) disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay.

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Senior Oral Health

Incidences of tooth loss generally increases with age. Whether caring for natural teeth or dentures, seniors face a range of special oral concerns, including root decay and periodontal disease. You can keep your smile healthy by following a routine of proper oral care and making regular visits to your registered dental hygienist and dentist.

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Oral Cancer: Importance of Early Detection

We have good news about the progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years.

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Contact Us

Barry Applegate859-291-8600
324 Greenup Street
Covington, KY 41011

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