An answer for inquiring minds…

My dad tells corny jokes. Lots of them! He gets to telling so many that he makes himself laugh so hard that you have a difficult time understanding him.  He is a hoot!!  In his stash of jokes he will slip in a riddle.  ”There are two barbers in town, one with beautiful hair the other with hair not so nice.  How do you determine which one to get your haircut from?”

Here is a question I get asked a lot,  ”Where does a dentist go for dental treatment?” Let me tell you…

About six weeks ago, I started to have a “sensation” in my lower right molar.  It was not a pain, it was a odd feeling. I am a trained professional.  I don’t just play one on TV. (Though I have recorded a few videos and have posted them on Youtube and for my facebook page. But, I digress!)  I knew this was not “normal”.  I kept track of this and all other symptoms.  With time that transient “sensation” turned into pain with cold and hot and pain when biting anything harder that bread.  This all happened at a time when I had so much going on.  I called a dentist friend and set a time three weeks into the future.

He offered time that week, but I just could not do it.  I was traveling to Columbus, OH and Provo UT.  It needed to wait for this past Friday. Dr. Brad Laird is not just any dentist, he is an endodontist. (He wears an “E” on his chest!) He specializes in root canals. His practice is in Joplin, MO.  (I would attach a link, but he does not have a big online presence, yet–I will work on him about that!)  I know what you are thinking… dentist love to inflict pain, so an endodontist must specialize in inflicting pain!  I humbly submit you are wrong on both counts!!

Dr Laird told me that he was going to treat me like a regular patient.  He wanted me to experience everything a non-dentist would experience. He explained every step to me.  He treated me quite gently.  He was thorough and well-versed in the use of high tech equipment.  I am a difficult patient to numb and he had to go through an extended list of numbing techniques, but he got me numb! With the use of his microscope he was able to determine that my existing crown was leaking and that the bacteria was infecting my nerve tissue. He removed my decay and my infected nerve, and filled my tooth. I was done in about an hour and a half from when I arrived at his office.

Wow!  A root canal without any pain!  That may seem strange to you, based on the horror stories that everyone shares.  With today’s improvements in medicines and techniques there is no reason to panic. Pain control is important to dentists. In dentistry, you can’t always see the results: but you can feel them.  You need to feel comfortable. This past week’s experience was good for me.  It helps for me to “get it the chair” from time to time.  I now have a renewed empathy for my family of patients.  I can learn first hand who the best specialists are, so I can refer to them with confidence.

If you have any dental questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (620) 231-6070. You can also find us at our website, www.pittsburgkansasdentist.com. We want to be your family dentist and we want you to feel comfortable!

Oh yes, you go to the barber with the bad hairdo, he got his haircut by the least talented barber!! (Think about it.)  Everyone go out and have a great week.

 

Toto, I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore.

Last week I posted a blog entry about tooth whitening. I was going to write about a different topic this week.  My plans changed as I have been observing an interesting situation brewing.  You may not even be aware of it.  It has ruffled some feathers in the dental community. A few weeks back, one of those TV doctors was talking about dentistry–actually, about tooth whitening. This doctor was recommending using a homemade whitening formula consisting of baking soda and lemon juice.

I was just going to let the situation slide.  No one would really listen to a medical doctor about tooth whitening, would they? As I listened to the social media chatter among members of the dental community, it seemed to me that maybe there was something going on here.

As a kid, I remember times when we were out of Crest toothpaste (before gels even existed).  Mom would make us use baking soda to brush with until she went to the store for more toothpaste.  It tasted awful, but it worked just fine. Today, baking soda is one of the ingredients in many toothpastes. In small quantities, it is a very effective stain remover. It has just the right abrasiveness to gently clean teeth without doing damage to the enamel (outer portion of the tooth.)

Lemon juice.  Now that is a “horse of a different color.” It is an acid.  Acids cause a lot of damage to teeth.  In fact, acids produced by the bacteria in the mouth is what causes cavities.  Some people suck on lemons.  I have witnessed the damaging effects of lemon juice on teeth. The enamel gets thinner and they begin to experience sensitivity and eventually need crowns or veneers.

So if you find yourself in the magical land of Oz and you can’t seem to find your way home, don’t rely on the Wizard to help you.  Don’t be confused by smoke and mirrors.  When you have dental question, I recommend you seek professional advise from a dentist.  Call Albert Mendez DDS PA  at (620) 231-6070 if you have questions, or visit us online at www.pittsburgkansasdentist.com.  We are here to help you and your family enjoy a beautiful smile and healthy teeth and gums.

 

Does the whiteness of my pearly whites affect my piano playing?

In our practice, Albert Mendez DDS PA, we are asked quite regularly abut tooth whitening.  The questions are usually the same.  How does it work? How long does it take? How long does it last? Are there any side effects? Will I be able to play the piano after the procedure is done?

There are three major ways to whiten teeth. The first involves using a “white strip”.  It requires you to wear a very clear, thin plastic that is impregnated with whitening material.  You wear the strips for about 30 minutes, twice a day for up to three weeks  If you have relatively light teeth with very little surface stains these work great. We have many patients who use these are are quite satisfied with the results.  They come in a variety of brand names.  The most common, being Crest White Strips. These can be purchased at your local store where dental care products are sold.  Crest also has Professional Crest^® Whitestrips^® Supreme that are only available in dental office.  They are stronger than the ones bought in stores, and hence, tend to be more effective. We have these on hand and available for our patients. The results of this method are good under the correct situations. Heavy tea, coffee and dark cola drinkers may notice an improvement, but not as much as those who do not partake in these activities.

The second method of whitening makes use of custom-fitted trays.  After taking an impression of your teeth, a plastic tray is made.  Whitening material is placed in these trays and worn from 30 to 60 minutes each day. The average patient will notice significant shade change in as little as 2 weeks. These materials contain a peroxide-type material.  You can feel the bubbling action as the stains are removed from your teeth.  These are stronger materials and are more effective, however, some patients report a temporary cold sensitivity.  As soon as the product is discontinued this sensitivity goes away. We proudly recommend and provide the Opalescence Tooth Whitening System.

The third method involves the use of an in-office technique. After isolating your teeth a thick material is applied to your teeth and is light activated. This 60 minute, Zoom technique is performed in one visit.  You can go here to see a video about this procedure. The results are amazing.  Like the custom tray technique, there are some reports of a transient cold sensitivity. This is usually short term.

Your lifestyle determines how long the whiteness will last.  EACH will require periodic touch ups; how often is up to you.  Most people report a one week reapplication each year is all that is required to maintain a beautiful, youthful smile. Call our office at (620) 231-6070 to schedule an appointment to determine which technique will work for you.  You can also check us out online a www.pittsburgkansasdentist.com to learn more or to schedule an appointment.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Note: Your ability to play the piano will not be affected in any way as a result of using any of our whitening materials!! (This can be either good news or bad news for you!!)

 

Whatever it takes.

You can make your own happiness!

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a wonderful educational meeting to learn about improving my online presence.  I wrote about it in a previous blog entitled, “So when does the future officially begin?  At that meeting I met a fellow dentist from the Pacific Northwest, named Dr. Brad Larsen. He and I learned many things and during our meeting we decided to guest blog for each other.  You read his blog in my last posting.  I wrote for him and he posted it on his blog. I am posting it here for you to read too.  I hope you enjoy

I know what I am about to say just might sound ironic.  I write a blog and I Facebook, and yet I consider myself a somewhat private person. How is that possible?  I suppose I consider myself private because I do not “confess” past or current “sin and shortcomings” in public.  I grew up the son of a hardworking steelworker in a middle class community in the south suburbs of Chicago. It was not uncommon for Dad to work 12-16 hours per day. Throughout my growing up years, Mom was a stay at home mom.  She ran a very tight ship. I admire my parents for all they did for my siblings and me. I am the person I am today mostly because of their attitude and teachings.  Do whatever it takes!!!

My common, everyday life was never much to talk about; after all every one lived that way, right? It was nothing to be ashamed of, nor was it much to brag about.  Recently I was talking with one of my team members about working my way through college and dental school.  I told her about how I worked in a meat processing plant moving product from storage to the processing floor and back.  I helped in the “ground beef” room–pushing the meat into the grinders, extruding it into one to ten pound chubs, boxing the chubs, etc. On occasion I would drive a refrigerated flat truck to pick up or deliver the meat all over Nebraska, Iowa, and even Minnesota.

I also mentioned doing custodial work.  I had a couple of different custodial jobs.  One required me to keep tiled floors and stairways clean.  I was responsible for sweeping, mopping and stripping and waxing these floors. Yet another job consisted of pulling trash and vacuuming carpets in office buildings around Lincoln, NE.  She was amazed at the things I did.  It was neither glamorous nor demeaning work.  It just needed to be done!

As I reflect on my past, I am reminded of my attitude then. The things I did were neither demeaning nor degrading; they just needed to be done.  Do I still have that same attitude?  No matter what your current circumstances, do you have this same attitude?  Are you willing to do whatever it takes?

This applies to all parts of our lives.  Professionally, have we developed a “that’s not in my job description” attitude?  In our family relationships, do we think “Why should I even try, when I know they aren’t?”  Do we shun doing the chores we may think are “beneath us” for fear of what others may think?

Take time think about the things that are important to you.  Are you willing to do whatever it takes?

 

Those “dang good feelings”!

Dr. Brad Larsen is a dental practice management consultant in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR area.  Dr. Larsen had a private practice in Southwest Washington for thirty years.   In addition to consulting he works part time for a non-profit health care organization providing dental care for the disadvantaged.  He and his wife are parents of four grown sons and have six grandchildren.

Recently all four living former presidents of the United States were gathered to honor former President George H. W. Bush for his lifetime of service.  During his presidency, in a speech highlighting volunteerism, President Bush noted, “I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. I will go to the people and the programs that are the brighter points of light, and I will ask every member of my government to become involved. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.”

Former President Bush has distinguished himself through countless hours of service, freely given without expectations of reward or recognition.  Through that service, President Bush and a one-time political rival, President Bill Clinton have forged a friendship that has been mutually rewarding.  President Clinton spoke with genuine emotion as he spoke of his friend and the impact that he has had not only on him but the nation and the world.

As I watched the televised program, I remembered “one point of light” that impacted my life many years ago.  Over 35 years ago, my wife Cindy and I moved to Chicago as I began my freshman year of dental school. Not only was I about to embark on an adventure that would prepare me for a career that has been as fulfilling as it has been challenging, but Cindy was pregnant, so dental school was not the only challenge that we faced. Being somewhat naive, we had begun our family before we had secured health insurance. Fortunately for us there was a “point of light” in our future. A local obstetrician offered free prenatal care and delivery care to medical and dental students.

Over the past 35 years, that single act of generosity has had a profound effect on me both professionally and personally. I have appreciated the financial security that dentistry has provided my family. But just as my obstetrician friend taught me many years ago, the “dang good feelings” that I get when I give more than is required with no expectation of reward are priceless.  Martin Luther King, Jr., shared some valuable insight: “We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service relationship to humanity.”

When I was in private practice, I looked forward each year to our free dental day. It was an amazing day. We published the event in the newspaper and the local radio station the day before the event. The phones would ring off the hook for a couple of hours as we filled the schedule. The day’s schedule was filled with patients who had needed care for months but were unable to afford treatment. It was an extremely busy day, the staff loved the opportunity to make a difference, and it just “felt dang good.” The last two and half years I have been working part time for a non-profit at a low income dental clinic.  While the services we provide are not the “high-end” type of services I did in private practice, the “dang good feelings” that I get now are frequent and rewarding.  I have been given the unique opportunity to share my professional expertise with my fellow men.  But no matter what our situation in life is, we have the opportunity to share our light.  Perhaps it is as simple as volunteering at a local hospital, school or food bank; or it may be a visiting a homebound friend.  President Bush’s example teaches us that we all have the opportunity to touch another life and in so doing share the light.

A big “Thank You” to my new friend, Brad, for his contribution today!

 

So when does the future offically begin?

Columbus, Ohio. Have you ever been there? Until this weekend I could answer that question with a “That’s one of the major cities in Ohio that start with a ‘C’, right? Never been there.” (Cleveland and Cincinnati are the others.) I am writing this entry from my hotel room in Columbus. I am attending an excellent “2 Day No Fluff Social Media Extravaganza”.  This event is being presented by two amazing gentlemen, Dr. Jason Lipscomb and Mr. Stephen Knight.  It is hosted by the very capable Lisa Rager of Dependable Dental Staffing. (More about these three individuals in a moment.)

I must confess something right now, I love the internet. It is an amazing source of information.  If I am curious about something, I will “google” it.  My Droid X is my constant companion when I need an address, directions or a phone number. (I sometimes even use it to make a telephone call!) On this trip to Columbus, I had the “pleasure” of an extended layover in Nashville.  Weather conditions in Florida delayed my flight about 3 hours. In the Droid Market, I found and downloaded an app that allowed my to pass some of the 4+ hours at the airport watching the British version of the TV show, “Being Human”. (Being Human is one of my guilty pleasures!)

I am currently working to develop a coordinated online presence for my practice.  Officially my practice is called Albert Mendez DDS PA, unofficially, Pittsburg Kansas Dentist. My initial dive into this thing called Social Media occurred when I set up my personal Facebook account.  I did it as a result of a “challenge” from one of my patients. At the time, she was a student at Pittsburg State University. She mentioned the benefits of Facebook.  I was starting to think about my high school reunion (which was several months off at that time) and she talked about how Facebook could be a way of reconnecting with my classmate from high school.  I told her I would set up an account, and did that very day! The rest is (as they say) history. Thank you, Emily!

In addition to reconnecting with friends and classmates from high school and dental school, I have met, and become closer to some amazing people.  These are people I would never had met, if it were not for this Social Media thing! In becoming Facebook “Friends” with some dental superstars like Rich and Dave Madow I have learned great things that have helped me serve my family of patients better. I have also met some amazing people from many places like Oregon, California, Ohio, and Florida!  Each has played a key role in helping me to be a better dentist and business owner.

Jason (Virginia), Stephen (Massachusetts) and Lisa (Ohio) are three specific examples of how social networking can bring people from various parts of the country together to learn and grow.  I am sold on this Social Media and will continue to learn more and apply it to my practice.  There is still much for me to learn, but with excellent mentors as these three and Rich and Dave mentioned above, I am confident in the future of business (generally), and dentistry (specifially). I really enjoy making and developing relationships.  I am committed to learning how a unified Social Media campaign can do this with my patients. I want to express a public “Thank you” to Jason, Stephen and Lisa for all your help.

The way I see it, the future is now.  Social Media is here to stay.  As humans we have a desire to be social and communicate. When the need arises and you have any questions about your dental health be sure to connect with us on our website or by phone at (620) 231-6070.  If you are “being human” and want to socialize we are also available on Facebook at PittsburgDDS and Twitter at PittsburgDDS.

 

“Do you ever %*#@?”

Back in 2008, I was fortunate enough to spend about 2 weeks with two of my sons, Jordan and Jason, in Taiwan.  My oldest son, Jordan, lived there for nearly 2 years, so he is fluent in Mandarin–the language of Taiwan and mainland China. It was an amazing adventure. I took lots of pictures.  You can see them here and here. He took us to places that only the local residents know about.  We immersed ourself in the culture as much as possible.

Because the Mandarin language and “alphabet” are so different than English, Jordan had to translate everything.  From conversations with the local people to signs, everything was, indeed, foreign to Jason and me. Occasionally we would come across a college aged person who enjoyed practicing their English, but for the most part, Jordan was our only tie between the Taiwanese culture and us. If we needed to know anything, we asked Jordan.  He graciously kept us informed of what was going on.  He even helped us to be able to recognize an occasional word on a sign.  He was amazing!  I look forward to my next trip to Asia!

Recently, I overheard something in the office that made me reflect on that trip.  One of my team members said something like this, “I am going to place this topical so we can give you LA and do that prep.  Afterwards we will take an impression and cement a temp on that tooth.”  To all my friends in the dental world that sentence makes perfect sense. To most of you it may as well be Mandarin!

In the medical/dental world, we speak a special language that has it roots in Latin.  We don’t speak this language to hide anything from you; we do it so we can have some consistency in the medical/dental world. Consistency is critical when communicating with other healthcare providers. It allows all your providers to be “on the same page” when giving you the care you need and desire.

When you seek dental care at the office of Albert Mendez DDS PA  or any medical office and you ever have a question about what is being said or done on your behalf, please speak up.  If you don’t understand what is happening, ask. We don’t want you to feel like a stranger in a strange land. We are here to serve you and help you have great dental health.  If you have any dental questions or concerns, call us at (620) 231-6070.  You can also find us on facebook, twitter, or visit us on our website,  www.pittsburgkansasdentist.com.

 

My faith in humanity.

This is Bryan.  He is the fourth of my five children.  Everyone who knows him is captivated by his smile.  As a dentist, I would love to take credit for that infectious smile.  I chalk it up to good genes–his mother’s!

This is one of his Senior pictures. He is a 2010 graduate of Pittsburg High School.  He played football his freshman year, ran Cross Country his sophomore through senior year, ran track sophomore through senior year, and played basketball all four years. He loves life, and is respectful of it–as much as a teenager can be.  I remember being his age many years ago and feeling invincible. Like many people his age, he also has that tendency. He loves his truck!

I have always considered myself an adequate parent.  I never felt worthy to receive the “Father of the Year” award. Maybe ’Better than Average Father” award would be mine some day. This weekend has caused me to really think about life and what is truly important.

There come times in our lives when we think about things–the deep “meaning of life” things.  I had one such experience recently. Mine began late Friday night.  While I was out picking up my daughter from her babysitting job at midnight I received a call.  I have always heard that as a parent, midnight calls can never be good.  Bryan had been in an accident.  The details were sketchy, but the best I knew at that point, it was a roll over accident.

I went to the scene of the crash and found that red Toyota truck you saw in the above picture, in the ditch.  It was upright, and the top was in good shape, so no rollover was evident–thank goodness! (Or so I thought).

Bryan was being strapped down to a board and his head and neck were being braced. That is a scene no parent ever wants to see. Trust me on this one!

At the scene, he was his usual jovial self.  He was trying to be positive in the situation.  When he realized I was there, he said to me “Sorry about the truck, Dad.” To which I replied,”Don’t worry about that, it is only stuff, and stuff can be replaced.  You cannot be.”

Now, I don’t consider myself a materialistic man, but I could not help but think that maybe I failed to teach that to my kids. Note to self–teach your children the things that really matter to you.

After the situation was stabilized, I took a walk around the accident scene and tried to imagine what really happened. It was dark, and so I could not see everything, but a couple of days later, I went back during the day to see what Bryan hit to cause the crash.  He reported seeing something dart out in front of him and the next thing he knew he had stopped.

At sixty miles per hour, a concrete wall will cause a lot of damage when it is hit straight on.  As best I can tell, he hit this culvert.  It essentially shattered.  He finally came to a stop about 30 feet beyond it. Shattered concrete and rebar was everywhere–even at the place where his truck finally stopped. His beautiful truck was a mess.

At the Via Christi Emergency Department, a CT scan and X-rays showed 2 fractured vertebrae and no other broken bones. His face was stitched upand he was admitted into the ICU. The next day he was transferred to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin, MO.  Dr. Brian Curtis, the neurosurgeon, reviewed the digital CT scan and the x ray and confirmed the fractures. He assured us there was no immediate concern for major problems like paralysis. An MRI was performed and confirmed no major problems.  The small fractures would heal over time and Bryan would make a complete recovery!  The best news ever!!

Bryan is home now. He will need to wear a neck brace for ten to twelve weeks, and avoid sports and activities that could cause him more harm for a full six months. He was instructed that there would be no driving either for the time he wears his neck brace.  He will need to learn patience. (Don’t we all from time to time?)

I must make a  confession here and now. I am a social network lurker (that is less threatening than a stalker, right?) On Facebook and Twitter, I read the posts and tweets of others. It is as though I can peek into the lives of my “friends” and those I “follow”.  This weekend, I broke with that tradition. I broke my silence and posted about Bryan’s accident. I did it at his request; so his friends could stay updated on his situation.  In the process I received an unexpected benefit.  I never sought it out, but it came nonetheless.

I am sharing this experience because I have re-learned that we all need each other.  My friends on Facebook expressed concern for my family and me.  They offered prayers on our behalf.  I felt their strength. I benefited from their faith in God.  My local friends all banded together.  Dinner was sent over on Bryan’s discharge day. We did not “need” it, but I came to realize that by allowing it to happen, I was allowing a concerned person the opportunity to serve and be bless by God for that service. I am thankful and will always be.  My faith in humanity bumped up a few notches.

So, to each of you, I express a heartfelt “Thank You” for helping me become a better person.  You helped me learn (and re-learn) some very important lessons; and because of you, who knows, maybe I will have a chance at that “Father of the Year” award in about 125 years!!

Go out and do your part to make this world a better place.  Remember to treat each person you meet as though they are in the middle of a struggle, because there is a good chance they just might be.

 

What, another holiday?

Approximately 2 hours north of my house is the headquarters for Hallmark. There, in the heart of Kansas City Missouri, is an office, in a modern building where holidays are invented!  Can imagine the large table where “the powers that be” sit and think of the latest way to celebrate. I am trying to be grateful for Hallmark, because if it were not for them, I would have no reason to mail a card to my grandparents in the month of September.  (In case you forgot, National Grandparents day is September 11.) I know this sounds a tiny bit cynical.  Ok, maybe a LOT cynical; but it did cause me to do a Google search and I am now aware that March is “Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month”.  Rather than bore you with all my new-found holiday smarts, I encourage you to go to this site and see all your reasons for celebrating!  You will be amazed!

Seriously, this week there are two events I wanted to discuss.  The first is Severe Weather Awareness Week. Here in the Midwest, we are hit by the extremes when it comes to weather. Late February to Mid March can deal us almost everything from blizzards and tornadoes.  This seasonal variety is what amazes me.  I love storms.  I could easily become a storm chaser.  I have always enjoyed the amazing power of nature.  So this week, if you live in an area prone to severe weather, take the time to learn how to stay safe when severe weather threatens.

The second topic is even more important to me.  This week is also National Dental Assistant Recognition Week.  I know this is meant to recognize my clinical assistants, and I definitely do not want to take away from their week.  However, I am blessed to have an awesome team in my office.  From the front desk assistants to my chair side assistants to my Hygienists,  I have a group of wonderful, hard working, conscientious team players.  I want to extend a great big “Thank you” to each of them for all they do to make me love my profession.  To my Clinical assistants–Tammy, and Micah–Thank You for keeping my day full of variety. To my front desk assistants–Karen and Shari–Thank You for keeping the business side of dentistry manageable.  To my Hygienists–Brittanii, Kristal, and Rachel–Thank you for helping our family of Patients keep healthy smiles.

I am sure that by now you want to meet these awesome ladies. Give our office a call at (620) 231-6070 to schedule a time for a dental visit.  You can learn about them and our practice at www.pittsburgkansasdentist.com.  Go out and celebrate a great week!

One more thing. Mark your calendars because March 28 is an important day.  Not only will Dr Mendez be celebrating his birthday, but that will be the early part of “Root Canal Awareness Week”!!

 

Is it best up and down or round and round?

I recently read an article from Woman’s Day Magazine.  Before you jump to conclusions about my reading habits, be aware the article was a reprint on the internet.  The dental theme of the article is what caught my eye.  We live in a numbers/statistics world, and I keep hearing that women make about 90% of the health-related decisions in a family.  With that much “health clout” I can only assume they read a lot on health topics. And so it would make sense that women’s magazines have lots of health-related articles.

The first part of the article is about toothbrushes.  Most people I know own one. Some, even use it at times.  (I have had to remind a pre-teen boy or two to remember to use the fuzzy end! By the time they discover girls they usually figure it out!)  Today I present a few simple ideas to make a part of your dental health routine.

• Use a toothbrush. Electric or manual is up to you.  My experience has been the electric brushes tend to be used more diligently. I am not sure if it is because of its novelty or ease of use.  Electrics tend to stall out if too much pressure is applied to the teeth and gums, preventing damage to these areas.
• Two minutes is a great amount of time to brush. Many electrics have a two minute timer. Nicer rotary brushes such as Sonic Care, have a reminder that alerts you when 30 seconds has passed and it is time to move to the next area of the mouth.  If you brush with a manual toothbrush, an egg timer helps.  You can also brush while listening to a song, and brush for most of it.
• A soft-bristled brush is recommended. Stiffer bristles will damage the tooth and irritate the gums.  The foaming tooth paste does most of the work. Harder is definitely NOT better.
• Brush at a 45 degree angle towards your gums. This angle allows for better removal of plaque and food debris that is left behind.  Brush with a gentle back and forth AND round and round motion to prevent notching of the enamel.

These are a few simple reminders. If you have any dental questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at (620) 231-6070.  You can also learn more at our website, www.pittsburgkansasdentist.com.  Feel free to find us and like us on facebook for more dental tips.  We are here to serve you.  Also, if you have any questions that could be of interest to others, leave a comment and we may use it in a future post.