Toggle navigation

Grosso Family Dentistry

770 Old Liberty Road, Suite 3 ∙ Eldersburg, MD 21784 ∙ 410-875-7789

11339 Liberty Road ∙ Libertytown, MD 21762 ∙ 301-898-1800

Blog Facebook Twitter Google Plus
       
Health Grades Vitals Reviews Wellness Reviews Yahoo

 

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Team
    • Libertytown Team
    • Eldersburg Team
  • Offices
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education
  • Gallery
  • Review Us
  • Testimonials

Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth

  • Blog Home
  • Oral+Health
  • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth

Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth

By Grosso Family Dentistry
October 30, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene  
GoodOralHygieneIsntJustforTeeth

In October, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association sponsors National Dental Hygiene Month to remind everyone that having good oral health is directly related to practicing good oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing twice each day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once per day. But sometimes we forget that dental hygiene applies not just to your teeth but also to anything you regularly wear in your mouth. This includes removable dentures (full or partial), clear aligners, nightguards, mouthguards and retainers. If you (or your kids, or seniors you know) wear any of these, please review the three appliance-care tips below.

1. CLEAN IT. Just like natural teeth, an oral appliance worn every day needs daily brushing. But toothpaste isn’t an appropriate cleanser for these devices; it’s too abrasive. The grainy particles it contains are great for scrubbing plaque and bits of food from the hard enamel coating of teeth—but they can actually leave little nicks in the plastic of your oral appliance, creating areas for bacteria to hide. This can eventually cause odors and stains. Instead, clean appliances with liquid dish soap or denture paste. Buy a separate brush for your appliance—don’t use the same one that you use on your teeth. It can be a very soft regular toothbrush, nail brush or denture brush.

2. RINSE IT. After cleaning your appliance, rinse it thoroughly. But don’t use hot water—and never boil an oral appliance to sterilize it! Your device was custom-made for your mouth, and it needs to fit precisely to do its job. Hot water can warp the appliance and change the fit, possibly rendering it useless or even harmful. For example, a warped orthodontic aligner might not move teeth into the correct position. Remember: the goal is to kill bacteria, not your appliance!

3. STORE IT. Keep your appliance in a safe place—away from curious pets and toddlers. When you are not wearing it or cleaning it, your device should be packed away in its case or soaking overnight in water or a cleaning solution according to your original instructions.

If you have any questions about oral appliance care or oral hygiene, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “10 Tips for Cleaning Your Oral Appliance” and “10 Tips for Daily Oral Care at Home.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Comments:






Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • It Takes Artistry and Skill to Achieve the Right Color Balance for Your Veneers
      • November (3)
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
        • Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
      • October (3)
        • The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
        • Dental Sealants Give Children an Added Boost Against Tooth Decay
        • Tooth Sensitivity Could Be a Sign of Deeper Problems
      • September (3)
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
        • Two Mouth and Face Pain Disorders and What You Can Do About Them
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
      • August (3)
        • Smoking Could Increase Your Gum Disease Risk
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
      • July (3)
        • Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
        • 3 Ways to Help Your Child Relax at the Dentist
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
      • June (3)
        • Be on the Alert for White Spots on Teeth While Wearing Braces
        • Anchorage Tools Help Orthodontists Correct Complex Bite Problems
        • Not So Fast Replacing That Tooth - Consider Saving it First
      • May (3)
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
      • April (3)
        • Your Age Doesn't Have to Keep You from a Straighter Smile
        • Pop Star Demi Lovato Pops Out Jay Glazer's Tooth
        • Your Sinus Infection Might be a Sign of a Tooth Problem
      • March (3)
        • 4 Things You Should be Doing Now for Your Baby's Long-Term Dental Health
        • Topical Fluoride can Enhance Your Child's Dental Care
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
      • February (3)
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
        • 4 Tips to Prevent Childhood Tooth Decay
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
      • January (3)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Protecting Primary Teeth from Decay Helps Ensure Future Dental Health
        • A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Don't give up on Flossing!
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • Dental Visits are Key to Detecting Early Developing Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • We can Rid You of that Lump in Your Mouth you Keep Biting
        • 4 Signs Your Child May Have a Poor Bite
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
      • October (3)
        • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth
        • Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
        • 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
      • September (3)
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
        • Anchorage Devices Enable Greater Precision During Orthodontic Treatment
        • FAQs for National Gum Care Month
      • August (4)
        • This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
        • When Summertime Sports Lead to Dental Dilemmas
        • Watch What Carbs You Eat to Reduce Your Risk of Further Gum Disease
      • July (3)
        • Lip or Palate Clefts can be Effectively Repaired
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
      • June (3)
        • Saving a Diseased Primary Tooth Could Mean Better Oral Health Later in Life
        • Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
      • May (3)
        • Keep Your New Smile After Orthodontics with a Retainer
        • Sealants Could Protect Your Child's Teeth From Future Problems
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
      • April (2)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • If You're not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants, Consider Bridgework
      • March (2)
        • Braces Take Advantage of Teeth's Natural Ability to Move
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
      • February (3)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
        • Why a Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
      • January (2)
        • Hidden Sugar Can Jeopardize Your Health
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Treating Gum Disease may Require Invasive Procedures
        • Give Yourself the Gift of a New Smile
      • November (2)
        • Orthodontics and Your Teen
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
      • October (2)
        • Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
        • New Season, New Toothbrush
      • September (2)
        • Think You Have Sleep Apnea? Find Out for Sure to Get the Right Treatment
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • August (3)
        • Be Sure to Have a Dental Exam Before Whitening Your Teeth
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
      • July (2)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • 5 Things you can do to Improve Your Child's Future Dental Health
      • June (2)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • Take Care of Your Dental Appliance to Extend its Longevity
      • May (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Dealing with the Reality of Increased Disease Risk with Braces
      • April (2)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Get a Dental Exam as Soon as Possible if you Suspect Gum Disease
      • March (3)
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • Antibiotics Before Implant Surgery Could Lower Infection Risk in Some People
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • February (1)
        • Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears
      • January (3)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Chronic Jaw Pain Could be Related to Other Inflammatory Conditions
        • A Royal Fix
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Keep Ahead of Potential Sidetracks to Your Child's Oral Health
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • November (2)
        • Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • October (3)
        • Stop White Spots Before They Appear While Wearing Braces
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Keep an Eye Out for Problems if Your Children Grind Their Teeth
      • September (2)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
      • August (2)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Lasers are Making an Impact in Treating Gum Disease
      • July (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Loose Permanent Teeth is a Problem - take Action Now
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • June (2)
        • Researchers Looking for Links between TMJD and Other Health Conditions
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
      • May (2)
        • Local Anesthesia Provides a More Pleasant and Thorough Dental Experience
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • April (2)
        • Put an End to Uncomfortable and Embarrassing Cracked Mouth Corners
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • March (2)
        • You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • February (2)
        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
      • January (2)
        • Irritating Cold Sore Outbreaks can be Controlled Through Medication
        • A Toothless Tiger?
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Your Other Teeth May Need Straightening Before Replacing a Missing Tooth
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • November (2)
        • Taking Care of Oral Health Crucial to Quality of Life for HIV Positive Patients
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
      • October (2)
        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Reduced with the Right Treatment Approach
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • September (2)
        • You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
      • August (2)
        • Keep a Close Eye on Your Dental Health While Undergoing Cancer Treatment
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
      • July (2)
        • Developing a Dental Care Strategy Could Save Long-Term Costs
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • June (2)
        • Advancing Gum Disease Requires Your Dentist's Intervention
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • May (2)
        • Regular Cleanings Benefit Both Your Dental Health and Your Smile
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • April (2)
        • Know the Facts to Reduce Your Child's Teething Discomfort
        • Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth
      • March (2)
        • Chronic Biting Habits Can Lead to Loose Teeth
        • Television Host Nancy O'Dell Provides Advice for New Mothers
      • February (2)
        • The Major Benefits of Early Childhood Dental Visits
        • How Dental Implants Saved Taylor Hicks' Smile
      • January (2)
        • Considering Bone and Gums Critical to Achieving a Better Smile With Implants
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
  • 2014
      • December (3)
        • Overcoming Your Fears Of The Dentist
        • Dental Implants Helped Rocker Steven Tyler Get Back on Stage in Record Time
        • An Implant-Supported Denture Offers a Number of Advantages
      • November (2)
        • Meet Brady Reiter and You'll Believe in the Tooth Fairy!
        • Six Ways Saliva Helps Your Mouth and Body Stay Healthy
      • October (2)
        • Reality Star Kept His Eyes on the Prize: New Teeth!
        • Why Bear a Chipped Tooth?
      • September (2)
        • What Made American Idol Finalist Elliott Yamin Smile?
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • cosmetic dentistry (6)
  • celebrity smiles (57)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • bonding (2)
  • dental implants (13)
  • saliva (1)
  • oral health (15)
  • dentures (1)
  • sedation dentistry (2)
  • oral sedation (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (11)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • mouthguard (2)
  • dental injuries (2)
  • teething (1)
  • oral hygiene (18)
  • dental cleanings (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • gum disease (13)
  • bad breath (1)
  • cancer (1)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • facial pain (1)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (10)
  • crowns (3)
  • cold sore (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • gum recession (2)
  • cracked mouth (1)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • anesthesia (1)
  • wisdom teeth (3)
  • tmj disorders (3)
  • loose teeth (1)
  • tooth decay (3)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • braces (10)
  • orthodontics (2)
  • teeth grinding (2)
  • teeth whitening (2)
  • jaw pain (2)
  • periodontal disease (1)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • oral appliance (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (6)
  • root canal treatment (5)
  • snoring (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • smile makeover (2)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • nutrition (3)
  • retainer (3)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • bridgework (1)
  • retainers (2)
  • sealants (2)
  • root canal (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • cleft lip (1)
  • cleft palate (1)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • TADs (1)
  • lump (1)
  • flossing (1)
  • composite resin (1)
  • topical fluoride (1)
  • removable partial denture (1)
  • mouthguards (1)
  • veneers (1)
  • smoking (1)
  • sensitive teeth (1)
  • crown (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Dental Procedures (79)
  • Oral Health (72)

Our Location

Our Locations

770 Old Liberty Rd, Suite 3
Eldersburg, MD 21784
410-875-7789

11339 Liberty Rd
Libertytown, MD 21762
301-898-1800

Map & directions

Eldersburg Office Hours

Monday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: Closed (Admin Team 9-12)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Libertytown Office Hours

Monday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

 

  • Home
  • Team
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dentist Web Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Site Map
  • Consent Forms and Post-Op Instructions