upper westchester orthodontist

Dr. Glaser wants to remind Westchester County NY patients of the importance of mouthwash and other dental hygiene products when living with braces. Often times, many patients seem to neglect the use of floss products due to their difficulties with fitting it between braces. However, floss and mouthwash are still very important. Many people use mouthwash only occasionally, specifically to mask bad breath. They swig a capful after they’ve eaten food with garlic, for example, swirl it around their mouth for a few seconds and spit it out. But mouthwash shouldn’t be used merely for social acceptability, says Dr. Glaser. It should be part of a regimen of good oral hygiene in Westchester County NY.

An antiseptic dental rinse can help minor gum inflammations and irritations from orthodontic appliances. It can also promote natural healing of canker sores, minor wounds and other mouth and gum irritations by removing debris. Mouthwash, ADA approved antibacterial ones especially, reduce the bacterial count and stop bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis, an early, reversible form of periodontal (gum) disease. Dr. Glaser and his team recommend consistent use of mouthwashes, twice daily for best results, in Peekskill NY. For more information contact the Glaser Orthodontics offices at (914) 739-6400.

By now we all know that you’re supposed to be using dental floss on a regular basis. Flossing helps remove debris left behind by food, and helps clear out some of the plaque your toothbrush may miss when brushing. The bottom line is that Dr. Glaser recommends you floss on a daily basis in order to maintain your oral health.

There are different types of dental floss though, so you’ve probably found yourself wondering which one is best. The short answer is that there really isn’t one type of dental floss that’s drastically better than the other: the effectiveness of the floss is determined by whether or not you actually use it. The ADA agrees. However, there are differences in terms of which type of dental floss may be most comfortable for you or which has the most appealing flavor. Let’s review the different types of floss available.

Dental floss can be divided into two categories: multifilament and monofilament. Multifilament floss is the traditional type, and is usually made of nylon or silk. Nylon is the cheapest type, and is the most generic. It’s available in various flavors, such as mint, cinnamon or bubble gum, and various thicknesses.

Monofilament is a newer type of floss, and is usually made of rubber or a sort of plastic. Many users say that it slides between the teeth more easily than traditional nylon floss, and it’s also stronger. Like multifilament floss, monofilament floss comes in multiple flavors and thicknesses.

Now you’ve probably been at the store and seen both waxed and un-waxed floss. So what’s the difference? Well, waxed and un-waxed only refers to nylon floss. Many feel that waxed floss slides in-between the teeth easier and makes for a more comfortable flossing experience. It comes down to a matter of personal preference really, so give both a try and see which one feels better for you.

Finally, there’s dental tape. Dental tape is a wide ribbon of nylon, available in waxed or un-waxed, and essentially does the same thing as dental floss. It’s thinner than traditional floss, and some find it easier to use.

So now you know the difference between the various types of flosses. No one floss is superior to the other, and the most important thing is that you actually use whatever type you buy. It doesn’t hurt to try a couple different types, either, in order to find the one that works best for you. And if you have any questions, feel free to contact Glaser Orthodontics at their Cortlandt Manor office today!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

Braces can straighten and transform your teeth in dramatic ways, and can leave you with a stunning smile. Braces do take some time before the results will show, and there are certain steps you’ll need to take to maintain them during your orthodontic treatment. If you don’t take proper care of your braces, it could result in repairs and orthodontic setbacks, which cost time and money. Here are some helpful tips from Glaser Orthodontics on how to care for braces and your teeth.

Adhere to Food Guidelines

When undergoing an orthodontic treatment, such as braces, you need to be mindful of the type of foods you eat. Avoid foods that are particularly chewy or tough, like taffy and other candies.

Brush After Each Meal

When you have braces, brushing after every meal and before bedtime is a necessity. Try using an interdental toothbrush to get all the hard-to-reach spaces an ordinary toothbrush would miss, along with a fluoride toothpaste.

Floss Multiple Times Per Day

Even if you don’t have braces you should be flossing every day in order to clean in between the teeth and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If you have braces you should be flossing after you have your lunch and at night before bed. Try using a floss threader to help you get around the braces.

Deal with Damage Right Away

If any damage occurs to your braces, be sure to see an orthodontist right away to have the appliance repaired.

Yes, braces do require some work and maintenance on your part, but the result is ultimately worth it. Consider each of the suggestions above in order to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is as quick and successful as possible, and be sure to contact Dr. Glaser if you have any questions!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

We all have been told how important it is to brush our teeth regularly. Every day, there are naturally hundreds of microorganisms in our mouth. This is fine, as long as there doesn’t become an unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. When you brush your teeth, the toothbrush’s job is to get rid of plaque and plaque is bacteria. So, you’re putting bacteria on your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth.

Fortunately, the human body regularly fights bacteria and your body’s natural defenses make it highly unlikely that that you’ll catch something simply from brushing your teeth. But, there are ways to make sure your toothbrush stays as bacteria free as possible.

• Store it as far away as possible from the toilet — Every toilet flush sends a spray of bacteria into the air. You don’t want the toilet spray anywhere near your open toothbrush. Better yet, store it in the medicine cabinet.
• Keep it rinsed — Rinse off your toothbrush thoroughly with water after using it.
• Keep it dry — Bacteria love a moist environment. Make sure your brush has a chance to dry thoroughly between brushings. Avoid using toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria.
• Keep it upright — Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down.
• Keep it to yourself – Don’t use other family members’ toothbrushes. Don’t even store your toothbrush side-by-side in the same cup with other people’s brushes. Toothbrushes can swap germs when they touch.

Caring for your teeth while wearing braces or Invisalign is very important. Doing a thorough job brushing your teeth, with a healthy toothbrush, should be at the top of the list. Contact Dr. Glaser at his Cortlandt Manor office if you have any additional questions about your toothbrush during your orthodontic treatment.

For a free consultation in our Northern Westchester Orthodontist Office, please call for an appointment today!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor
New York New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com