Do You Need Help Choosing A Dentist

If you consult your dentist regularly, then it's probably someone you've been seeing for a long time and trust completely to take good care of your oral health. If you have been avoiding the dentist for many years, however, or have recently moved to a new town, or are simply looking for a home teeth whitening kit, you may find yourself in a position where you know you need to find a suitable dentist, but do not have a clue as to how to choose this particular person.

Rather than picking someone at random, it's best in this situation to speak to friends and to get a referral from someone you trust, preferably someone who feels the same way you do about going to the dentist. Your doctor, or even a dental specialist, may also be a good place to find out about a reputable dentist in your area. Dental specialists such as orthodontists (who perform laser tooth whitening procedures) and maxillo-facial surgeons deal with dentists on a daily basis, and know who's doing a good job, and who is not.

Before you book your appointment and seat yourself in the dentist's chair, ensure you have chatted to the person concerned, and communicated any expectations and fears you might have. You should feel completely comfortable asking whatever questions you may have about your treatment.

Having this chat is important, as you will be able to determine whether or not you are likely to have a rapport with the dentist you've chosen, and are comfortable with his or her philosophy of treatment.

Also discuss costs: you need to ensure, firstly, that your new dentist understands what your budgetary constraints are, and secondly, that the services offered match the price being charged. Most countries have a dental association or society of some sort that  will be able to advise you on standard rates for common procedures.

You also need to ensure that the dentist is scrupulous about sterile working conditions. Gloves and masks are a must, both for the dentist's protection and yours, and don't be afraid to ask how frequently his tools and instruments are sterilized. You need to be sure that your health is safeguarded at all times.

You should also ascertain whether or not an emergency service exists. While dental emergencies rarely happen, they are certainly a possibility, and a dentist who has an emergency service as a backup, or has at least considered what his plan of action would be in case of an emergency, is a good choice.

Finally, watch those leaving the consulting room for an idea of your dentist's skill: the expressions on their faces can be a good indicator of what to expect in the consultation!

Effective Flossing Techniques

Flossing is one of those areas where many of us need improvement. It can seem like too much of an effort to floss when all you want to do is brush your teeth and fall into bed at the end of a long day. Taking care of your teeth is far more important than any oral cosmetics or buying the best teeth whitening products.

Flossing, however, is one of the most common and effective ways of getting rid of plaque and food debris between your teeth; that's why your dentist or oral hygienist flosses your teeth at every visit.

There are many kinds of dental floss on the market, so if you are at a loss as to which one to use, consult your dentist, or try a few different brands until you find one that works well for your teeth. Also ensure you are using the correct technique, as flossing incorrectly can actually damage your teeth. Again, your dentist or oral hygienist can help you here, and demonstrate correct techniques if necessary. Here's a basic guide:

Cut off a good length of dental floss, about 50cm (20in), and twist it around the middle or index fingers of both your hands, so that you have about 10cm (4in) of floss pulled tightly between your hands. Supporting the floss with your index fingers or thumbs, guide it between the teeth, and use a gentle sawing motion to move it back and forth from the base of the tooth to its crown. Take care when pulling the floss: use your other teeth to support your fingers as you can cut your gums if your hand slips.

It's vital that when you insert the floss between your teeth you curve it into an arc around one tooth, which you clean thoroughly, and then clean the adjoining surface of the adjacent tooth. Don't simply place the floss between your teeth and slide it to and fro. You need to ensure you clean each tooth individually.

Flossing is a very important part of looking after your teeth. For more teeth care tips including reviews of the best teeth whitening products and home teeth whitening kits visit TopTeethWhiteningTips.com today.