Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

Your smile is one of the first things that a person will notice about you. A missing tooth or two can easily make an initial meeting stressful and leave you feeling uneasy. Though nothing can replace your natural teeth, dental implants come very close. An implant will look and feel like your natural teeth enabling you to talk and chew with ease.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are an effective method in replacing missing teeth. A dental implant functions as an artificial tooth root that is surgically inserted into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth securely. Dental implants can even support dentures or bridges and are indistinguishable from your natural teeth once properly fitted for your mouth.

Implants can be an excellent option for those who have missing teeth due to disease or accident/injury. It may also be an alternative for those who find wearing dentures uncomfortable or have difficulty keeping their other teeth intact due to missing teeth.

There are two general types of dental implants:

• Endosteal (in the bone)- This is the most common dental implant. It is surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone and can hold more than one tooth if necessary. This implant is typically used for implant-supported bridges and dentures.
• Subperiosteal (on the bone)- These implants are placed onto the jaw with their posts protruding through the gum to hold the replacement teeth. These types are often used for those who are unable to wear conventional dentures.

Why should you replace your missing teeth?

Though a gap in your tooth may not bother you as much, there are other reasons why you should consider dental implants.

• Missing teeth may affect how you eat and speak
• Teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift affecting your bite leading to other dental issues
• Bone loss may occur due to surrounding teeth becoming loose over time
• Loss of teeth and bone may change your facial structure

Benefits

Dental implants offer firm support similar to that of your natural teeth; they will not shift or slip once properly applied by your dentist. This secure fit allows for a more comfortable experience than dentures or bridges.

Other benefits include:

• Improved confidence-With implants that look and feel just like your own teeth, so no need to hide that beautiful smile anymore!
• Improved comfort- Dental implants are securely anchored into your jaw, so there is no chance of slippage that can lead to irritation and other discomforts.
• Improved health- These implants will help prevent the deterioration of the jawbone caused by missing teeth so that your face retains its natural shape.
• Convenience- Unlike dentures, implants are permanent, and you can treat them the same as you would your other teeth.

Are you the right candidate?

Good general and oral health are essential when it comes to considering dental implants as a treatment for your missing teeth. Your health is more important than your age when it comes to implants, as adequate bone health is needed in your jaw to support implants. The best candidates are those who are free of periodontal disease (gum disease).

You will have to be medically evaluated by a physician before any surgery can be scheduled. Those who suffer from chronic illness may not be ideal candidates as slow healing may make patients more prone to infections.

Procedure

Various kinds of dental implants are available, depending on your needs. Treatment can take a day or several months, so it is important to speak with your dentist to discuss which type of implant is right for you.

The procedure for dental implants has three general steps:
Placement of the implant

• Your dentist will determine where the implant should be installed with the help of x-rays and other tests. He will then surgically place the implant into the jawbone. You may experience swelling and tenderness after the surgery. Your doctor may prescribe you medication or recommend over-the-counter medicine to ease the discomfort. A limited diet of soft foods may be required during recovery.

Healing process

• A dental implant is secure because the post is fused to your jawbone. This allows your bone to grow around the post as it heals, creating a firm and sturdy bond similar to that of your natural teeth. Bones take time to heal, so it may take several months before you can receive a replacement tooth. However, some may receive temporary replacement teeth earlier. The healing process is different for everyone because it depends on the patient, condition of the jaw, location of the implant, and type.

Placement of prosthesis (replacement tooth/teeth)

• Once your jaw has healed, your dentist will remove the temporary teeth and replace them with custom-made teeth designed to look, feel, and act like natural teeth. These custom-made dental crowns or teeth will match in size, shape, and color to your other teeth for a natural appearance.

After-care

Dental implants should be treated the same as your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly at home, along with routine exams by your dentist will help keep your teeth plaque-free and clean.

If you are interested in dental implants or would like to receive more information, ask your dentist during your next appointment or contact our office today.

Both dental crowns and porcelain veneers are used to improve the overall appearance of one’s teeth. These dental procedures are performed in order to make desired adjustments to the color, shape and position of the teeth. Even though dental crowns and porcelain veneers are used for the same purpose, their procedures and attributes are slightly different from one another.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin translucent shells of porcelain that are usually about 5 to 6 mm thick. Also referred to as dental laminates, veneers are made of dental ceramics used to bond on the front side of the teeth. A veneer is used only to cover the front side of the teeth. It acts as a sheet type coating on the tooth. The well-crafted porcelain usually gives a natural, life-like experience. The glass-like surface of a porcelain veneer resists stains and discoloration, which results in a longer life and better resistance to germs and decay.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are placed over the teeth to equally cover all sides of the tooth. Unlike porcelain, crowns are usually made of metal, ceramic, alloy, or gold, and are placed on the damaged tooth. A dental crown is also referred to as a “cap” or a “tooth jacket,” and acts as a new outer surface of the previously affected tooth. It functions as a natural tooth after it is permanently placed on the damaged tooth. A crown is not a filling or a repair to the tooth, in fact, it is the complete opposite. Once placed, it functions like a natural tooth and can easily be brushed, washed, rubbed, and cleaned just like the other teeth inside the mouth.

The Main Differences Between Veneers & Crowns

Since dental crowns are more firm and thick, they have a longer life as compared to porcelain veneers, which only cover the front side of the teeth. In most of the cases, a dental crown is deeply connected with the roots to give a natural look and to blend well within the other teeth. Dental crowns are four times thicker than porcelain veneers. To be exact, a crown’s thickness is usually around 2mm whereas a veneer is a mere .5 or .6 in total. In some cases, a thicker veneer may be used, but a crown is still typically thicker.

Porcelain veneers are a great choice for making minor changes to appearance, such as shine, size, and color. Whereas, having dental crowns is more like having a brand new set of teeth or a tooth in most cases. With veneers, mostly 3-30% of the original tooth is trimmed or reshaped. On the other hand, with crowns, almost 80% of the teeth or a tooth is restructured from scratch, which gives the tooth a natural look and shape. In simpler words, a porcelain veneer only improves the appearance of the teeth, whereas a dental crown completely restructures the teeth to result in greater strength and durability.

To learn more about either of these procedures and which one is right for you, schedule an appointment today at Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.

If you suffer from missing teeth or severely damaged teeth that are simply beyond repair, it’s likely that you’ve done some research and want to know if there’s a solution for you. After all, a damaged smile can take a dramatic blow on your confidence, and nobody deserves to feel like they can’t smile to the fullest simply because of the way their teeth look!

If you find yourself in this predicament, dental implants may be an option you should consider. Dental implant surgery is a great way to efficiently replace all missing or damaged teeth to get your smile back to looking its best. Better yet, this procedure can be completed in a single day! Before booking your appointment, you should take into account the various factors that may affect your candidacy, however.

Let’s take a look at some of the questions you should ask yourself to identify whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants.

How Dental Implants Work

In case you’re relatively new to the topic of dental implants, let’s discuss precisely what the procedure is and how it works.

Dental Implants are used for replacing a single tooth, several teeth, and or replacing all of your teeth. This is, in fact, a great option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to many factors. Our dental implants can be used for patients with bridges or removable dentures as well. Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone. Becoming a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, called crowns. They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth and match the strength of a natural tooth.

Now on to the questions you should ask yourself.

Do You Have Damaged or Missing Teeth?

It goes without saying that to be considered a candidate for a dental implant procedure, you have actually to be in need of implants. This means that you should have damaged or missing teeth.

Additionally, those that are missing only a single tooth or only have one tooth in need of replacement aren’t candidates for this procedure. The dental implant procedure is meant to deliver drastic results to those in need of treatment for the entire upper arch, lower arch, or both.

Are You in Good Health?

The next question to ask yourself is whether or not you’re in good health. If your dentist doesn’t believe you to meet reasonable health standards, it is unlikely that they will recommend the dental implant procedure for you. In some cases, they may even directly prevent you from receiving this treatment. Your provider will take your past medical history into account when you inquire about booking an appointment for the procedure.

Some health conditions that could affect your candidacy for this procedure include:

• Diabetes
• Autoimmune deficiency
• Osteoporosis

Do You Have Present Bone Mass in Your Jaw?

Past dental implant procedures require that the bones of your jaw possess proper mass and density. Some patients have such existing damage to their jaw through the process of losing their teeth that they would not be eligible for these procedures.

If this is a concern to you, we have good news! Dental Implants do not require that your jaw fit a certain standard in regards to damage because it can directly fuse implants with stronger bone tissue. This is a huge plus as it eliminates the need for any form of bone grafting- saving you time and money!

Want to Learn More About Dental Implants?

Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? If so, Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry is here to help! Our knowledgeable specialists can answer any of your questions. We’ll help you determine whether or not you are a candidate for this procedure and help to create a specialized treatment plan with your unique needs in mind!

Contact Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry today or stop by our office in Winter Haven to book an appointment today!

Our mouths are something we use every day, so taking care of it should always be a top priority. Taking care of your mouth means you should routinely brush, floss, use mouthwash, and even visually check the appearance of your mouth for anything out of the ordinary. Believe it or not, one can tell a lot about the overall health of an individual just by looking into their mouth. When your dentist peers into your mouth they aren’t just looking at your teeth – instead they are looking outside the box as well for anything out of the ordinary that may signal a more serious underlying health condition – including things such as redness, swelling, bumps, bad breath, sores, and more. Just by looking inside the mouth, dentists can tell how well an individual is hydrated, and if they are showing signs of oral cancer, diabetes, anemia, autoimmune diseases, acid reflux disease, or kidney disease.

Amazing, right? Issues within the mouth can indicate a variety of underlying health conditions, and with your routine dental exam, you may be able to catch them early and intervene before the illness spirals out of control. Now that you know this, please don’t keep rescheduling your next routine office visit for cleaning because your oral health is essential. Keep in mind that oral issues can develop quickly and progress just the same, and the scary thing is you may not even notice them until maybe they cause you pain – which then may be too late.

Good oral health not only involves brushing your teeth daily, but optimal oral hygiene also includes using mouthwash, flossing, and even doing a visual check of your mouth and gums on a routine basis to make sure everything looks “normal” for you. The benefits of brushing the teeth are obvious, but why is flossing so important? I mean it is two more minutes of your time that could be spent elsewhere since you’re probably always in a hurry – plus what does flossing do anyways? Listen up, because there are some reasons why you should never skip out on flossing.

One. Flossing does about 40 percent of the work that is required to remove all that sticky, harsh bacteria from your mouth and teeth that can turn into plaque. plaque is that nasty substance that settles quickly onto your teeth causes cavities, irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease. Plaque starts to harden within hours of that last time you ate, and once 48 hours have passed, that nasty substance will be stuck to your teeth quite firmly, leaving a professional cleaning the best way to remove it. Each one of your teeth has a total of 5 surfaces, and if you skip out on flossing at least two whole surfaces do not get cleaned, and over time all that bacteria builds, and builds, and builds and – well you know – causes bad things to happen.

Two. Your gums really will stop bleeding. Are you hesitant to floss because you see blood each time you do? The truth is if you routinely floss the bleeding will stop because if the bacteria around your gum line is kept to a minimum, the fewer blood cells your body will have to send to the area to fight off the bacteria. Therefore, the more you floss, the less blood you’ll see. Try it for yourself!

Three. The rest of your body will thank you. The more clean and healthy your mouth is, the better off you are at reducing your chances at predisposing yourself to more severe health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Also, if you’ve already been unfortunate enough to have one of these illnesses, improvement of your oral health may help to improve and maintain your overall health, and possibly even slow the progression of the disease.

Four. “Cavity” is that word you hate to hear when you are the one laying in the dentist chair. Well, not only can cavities form on one tooth, but they can also develop in the crevices between your teeth. That is why flossing in between your teeth to clean out all that unwanted bacteria is so important, because a cavity between two teeth can lead to even more damage to your teeth and lead to more pain, dentist visits, and money spent for you.

Five. Pregnant or plan to become pregnant? You’ll be flossing for two; gum disease puts you at risk for prematurity and low birth weight in your vulnerable infant. Being a great mom doesn’t start when your child is born. Instead, it begins even before you conceive. You must take care of your body as well as you can to provide for a healthy environment for your offspring.

So now you can decide, is there anything satisfying or rewarding that comes from flossing your teeth? The final decision to floss your teeth is ultimately up to you, but the benefits of taking that extra couple minutes in front of the mirror could do wonders for your oral health and your overall health. Make flossing a part of your routine and schedule a routine checkup with Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry today. Your body, your health, and even those around you will greatly appreciate it!

How often do you use your mouth in a day? How often do you eat, drink, or speak? How often do you smile? These sound like silly questions, right? But we often underestimate and undervalue the importance of our mouths and oral care. This is probably why oral cancer is often overlooked until it is, unfortunately, too late.

This April, dentists across the country are spreading awareness to keep our nation’s mouths cancer free.

Oral cavity cancer (oral cancer, for short) is a cancer that starts in the mouth while oropharyngeal cancer begins in the soft part behind the roof of your mouth and includes your tonsils and throat.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 53,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2019—1 in 5 of these cases will be fatal. The death rate has generally been decreasing over the past 30 years, but there is still a long way to go before we have it beat.

The reason these two cancers have such a high mortality rate is that they are often discovered too late in their development. That is why recognizing the causes and detection methods are so important!

Causes of Oral Cancer

While scientists are still researching the exact cause, they have pinpointed several lifestyle actions that significantly increase oral cancer risk.

Both tobacco and alcohol use skyrocket the chances of tumors developing in your mouth. Tobacco directly damages the DNA in your cells, causing them to be malformed when they reproduce. Alcohol, on the other hand, does not directly damage DNA but instead helps damaging chemicals (like those in tobacco) to access cell DNA more easily.

Doctors have also discovered that human papillomavirus (HPV) produces proteins that cause abnormalities in cell growth. For that reason, oral HPV infection is understood to be a third contributor to oral cancer after tobacco and alcohol.

Detection

Like with any illness, early detection of oral and oropharyngeal cancer is critical. The two most common symptoms you may notice is a mouth sore that does not heal for at least two weeks or persistent mouth pain. Some other things you may notice are trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw and tongue. Lastly, as with most cancers, a lump forming in your mouth or throat is another possible sign.

While these are some of the more common symptoms, a complete list can be found on the American Cancer Society site. If you show any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, you should get screened.

Our smiles are important. It’s how we make friends, strike impressions, and communicate feelings. Our mouth is what lets us eat, breathe, and live. With proper knowledge and early detection, we can go from 1 in 5 cases of oral cancer being fatal to zero. Contact Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry today to schedule your oral cancer screening.

World Oral Health Day is celebrated around the world every year on March 20. It is a day to raise awareness of the importance of keeping our mouths healthy. It does not matter how young or old you are – oral health should always be a priority!

The History of World Oral Health Day

The FFDI World Dental Federation first launched World Oral Health Day in 2013, but it was declared 6 years earlier. Dr. Charles Godon founded FDI, and he was hoping that this campaign would be able to improve the oral health of thousands of people around the world.

When the campaign was first launched, it was on September 12. Since that was also during the time of the FDI World Dental Congress, they decided to move the date to March. Much consideration went into this date. The following is why they decided on March 20:

• Older individuals should have 20 natural teeth by the end of their life.
• Children should have 20 baby teeth.
• Adults should have 32 (3 for the 3rd month – March and 2 for the 20) teeth and 0 (the 0 in 20) dental cavities.

The campaign was promoted through local and national dental associations. More than 140 countries were part of the launch and it was regarded as a great success the very first year.

World Oral Health Day in 2019

A theme is identified for each yearly campaign. In 2019, it is “Say Ahh: Act on Mouth Health”. This theme encourages people to take action on their oral health. Since millions of people worldwide suffer from poor oral health, this theme seeks to encourage people to make an appointment with their dental provider for a checkup and cleaning.

In addition to regular dental checkups, taking care of teeth every day with regular brushing, flossing and healthy eating will decrease the risks of oral diseases. Many people do not think about the risks often, but this campaign is a reminder to take action.

How To Participate in World Oral Health Day

If you’re reading this article on World Oral Health Day and you haven’t been taking good care of your oral health, contact a dental health professional now. Those who are in the Winter Haven, Fl area can contact Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry at (863) 294-4484. It would be a privilege to help you improve your oral health, so you can live a happier and healthier life.

If you want to keep smiling with a healthy and well functioning set of pearly whites, follow these easy tips to help you keep your teeth healthy.

1. Brush at least twice a day.

The best time to brush teeth is at the start and end of each day or after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristle toothbrushes are kinder on your gums. Toothbrushes should be changed 3-4 times a year.

2. Start kids on a dental regimen early on.

One in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities. Start with a regimen when the first tooth appears, using a super soft brush or cloth to clean teeth until the age of two when they can begin brushing for themselves, under your careful supervision.

3. Use fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay. Many people drink water that is fluoridated, but if yours is not there is a specialized fluoride application that can be placed on your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses contain fluoride – but be careful not to use too much as it can cause white spots on teeth.

4. Seal your teeth.

Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can significantly reduce caries. Yet only one in three U.S. kids receives dental sealants. Talk to your dental professional.

5. Floss your teeth daily.

Use a slow and gentle sawing motion when flossing at least once, if not twice a day and especially when recognizing food debris in your teeth.

6. Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices.

Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries). In severe cases, teeth may be ‘eaten’ right down to the gum.

7. Limit sugary foods.

That gummy worm and all the sugar gets lodged in your teeth and creates a cavity playground.

8. Protect your teeth from injury.

Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

9. Try to save a knocked out tooth.

If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental help as soon as possible.

10. Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food.

If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.

11. See your dentist for regular check-ups.

You should also book an appointment at Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums. Dental health doesn’t have to be difficult, following these simple steps you can ensure your best dental health and smile for years to come!

Having a dry mouth can be uncomfortable, but you can usually solve this problem by drinking water. However, xerostomia, a condition that causes sufferers to experience constant dry mouth, does affect some of the population. Many of the causes of xerostomia are relatively benign, but it can be a cause for concern in certain situations. If you have been suffering from a chronic dry mouth, there are several reasons as to why it may be happening.

DEHYDRATION

Dehydration is the most common cause of dry mouth, and fortunately, it is easily fixed. When your body is not properly hydrated, your mouth becomes dry, which signals that it is time to drink some water. If you have been sweating from working out or if you have simply failed to stay hydrated that day, fill a glass with water and drink up!

MEDICATION

Another extremely common cause of persistent dry mouth is the use of certain medications. Medications can have certain pharmacologic effects that both reduce your ability to produce saliva and cause overall dehydration. The medications that are most likely to cause dry mouth are generally those that are used to treat anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and allergies. Muscle relaxers and painkillers are also known to have dry mouth as a common side effect.

AGE

Many people suffer from dry mouth more and more as they age. This increase can be simply because the body is changing, or it could have to do with long term use of medication or other more serious health problems.

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USE

Alcohol is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration very quickly. Dehydration causes your mouth to become dry during and after the consumption of alcohol. When combined with tobacco use, this effect can become even more severe. The nicotine in tobacco reduces your saliva flow, which can exacerbate an already dry mouth. The best way to combat dry mouth caused by tobacco use is to quit smoking entirely. If you do drink alcohol, try to alternate every drink for a bottle or glass of water over the course of the night.

NERVE DAMAGE

Injuries that cause nerve damage in your head or neck can also lead to dry mouth. Certain nerves in these areas control the production of saliva, and if they are not functioning properly,you may experience reduced saliva production and a dry mouth.

PROBLEMS WITH DRY MOUTH

A dry mouth may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can lead to several bigger problems. Having proper saliva production protects your tooth enamel. A dry mouth can lead to dental problems such as gingivitis, tooth decay, and mouth infections.

TREATING DRY MOUTH

In addition to drinking more water, there are a few additional ways to promote proper saliva production. These include chewing sugar free gum, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and using a humidifier in your room. You should always visit Dr. Viet Ho if you feel that your dry mouth is becoming a problem.

To determine specific causes and solutions for your dry mouth, schedule an appointment at Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry to discuss any dental issues that you may have!

The winter season is upon us, which often means dealing with potential health issues. Colds, flus, and winter woes galore are all aspects of this season that may pose difficulties. It’s important, however, to remember that your teeth can be affected, too. Teeth are very sensitive and exposing them to extremely cold weather can cause problems. There are lots of ways you can focus on keeping your teeth safe even during the very cold weather.

Continue With a Proper Oral Hygiene

You need to make sure that you prevent any cavities from appearing. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is extremely important to avoid dental issues. You should also focus on flossing and using mouthwash often.

If You Vomit, Wait Before Brushing Your Teeth

An already unpleasant part of the flu, vomiting brings danger to your teeth, as well. Why is it important to wait before you brush your teeth? Because vomiting brings lots of stomach acids into your mouth. The last thing you want is to add more opportunity for abrasion into your mouth via brushing your teeth.

Use Sugar-Free Cough Drops

Sugar-free drops don’t have corn syrup or sugar, both of which are very bad for your health and your teeth in particular. Natural, sugar-free products are more than welcome. But avoid anything sugar-based.

Hydrate As Much As Possible

If you’re sick, you need lots of fluids to keep your body and, more particularly, your mouth hydrated and protected from any issues. Without the right amount of hydration, you will create the perfect environment for bacteria to spread into your mouth and cause cavities. Hydrate and brush your teeth as often as possible.
When you are sick and it’s cold outside, it’s incredibly tempting to drink hot chocolate or other sweet drinks like cider and eggnog. However, it’s important to always drink water and not sugar-filled juice. As we mentioned earlier, sugary drinks and other sweet treats will lead to cavities. Your primary focus here has to be on staying as healthy as possible, and the way you do that is by using these tips!

When sick, most of us tend to focus a lot more on getting rid of the flu instead of keeping your teeth safe. But these simple tips will help you keep your teeth clean and away from any problems as you work on regaining your health. There are always going to be challenges, as every person has a unique set of teeth and level of dental hygiene. Even so, these ideas will help you a lot and they will give you all the value and benefits you might need.

An additional part of maintaining your dental health is getting regular check ups at Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry. Be sure to call (863) 294-4484 to schedule your next appointment with us today to keep your smile bright all season long!

You’ve spent all week preparing for your vacation. You wrote a checklist, triple-checked your luggage, and brought all of your toiletries in the recommended 3.4oz containers. After hours of sitting in a plane, you finally arrive at the hotel, open your suitcase, and––gasp––realize that you forgot your toothbrush. The hotel doesn’t have any and no nearby stores are open. Of course, you should always use a toothbrush, but if worst comes to worst, what should you do?

How to Clean Your Teeth When You Don’t Have a Toothbrush

Paper towels
Using a paper towel instead of your toothbrush one option. Just wrap the paper towel around your finger and use it as a brush. Even if it doesn’t have the efficiency that a toothbrush has, this type of approach does work fairly well to clean the surface of teeth. And most have some type of towel or napkin lying around, however, nothing can fully replace your toothbrush.

Water
Pour some water in your mouth and then swish it around every part of your mouth. This method will remove most of what’s accumulated on the tooth’s surfaces, and when you spit, you will also be removing some of the plaque. It’s a great option and a very simple one too. However, it works best if you do it just after eating.

Baking soda
This option is widely used across the globe. You might even have seen or used toothpaste that has baking soda in it. Baking soda has tooth whitening properties, and this makes it a popular ingredient in many dental hygiene products. If you’re out of toothpaste or can’t find your toothbrush, baking soda is something you may want to consider!

Flossing
Flossing is an essential part of any dental hygiene routine. Maybe you remembered to bring the floss but forgot your toothbrush. Or maybe you’re at home but you’ve misplaced your usual toothbrush. Flossing helps to remove the plaque that sits between your teeth, that not even a toothbrush can reach!

Oil Pulling
In this method, one places a teaspoon of oil into the mouth and swirls it around. Some suggest that this maybe the best method out there to remove the toxins and it will help you clean your teeth fast. This method of is not a replacement for regular dental care.

As you can see, there are still ways to clean your teeth without a toothbrush if you need to. The idea is to have a creative mind and to use whatever you can to make the cleaning process as and as comprehensive as you can.

It’s important to always take care of your teeth and to receive regular dental care, so give us a call today at (863) 294-4484 to schedule an appointment! We here at Viet Ho Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry are happy to help you achieve a clean and healthy smile.