-Some form of a toothbrush may have been around 5,000 years. In some ancient civilizations, people used a thin stick with one end that was frayed, to clean food from their teeth. This was referred to as a “chew stick.”
-The first mass-produced toothbrush was invented behind bars. In 1770, William Addis was arrested for inciting a riot when he noticed other prisoners cleaning their teeth with a rag that was covered in soot or salt. Addis saved an animal bone from dinner, from a guard he got some bristles, bored tiny holes, inserted the bristles and sealed them with glue. When released, he made a few changes to his prototype and started a company.
-There isn’t a set order for brushing and flossing, just as long as you’re doing it.
-The lifespan of your toothbrush may be three or four months. After that, it may not clean your teeth as well and you should consider replacing it.

If you live in Maplewood, Minnesota and want more information about dental hygiene, please call Henrickson Dental today to schedule an appointment at 651-777-8900. Dr. Mike Henrickson’s number one concern is the health of your smile.

The post Fun Facts: Toothbrush Trivia first appeared on Henrickson Dental.

Preventing cavities doesn’t have to be as hard as you may think it does. Even with a minimal amount of care each day you can help keep your mouth clean and free of debris. Because plaque buildup is such a risk factor for dental erosion and cavities, it is important to always wash away any debris present in your mouth. This can be accomplished by practicing effective oral hygiene routines that includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day as well. You can also try using mouthwash and implement sugarless chewing gum routines after eating, as these products have been shown to help minimize the risk of dental abrasion.

With cavity prevention, always make sure you are getting your for routine dental checkups. Our dentistss can determine if your oral health care cleanings are effective and if there are any areas that you are failing to clean properly. If there is any signs of dental damage, our dentistss can restorations and advice accordingly. For product suggestions, Drs. Henrickson or Cha may be able to help recommend a product to suit your specific needs.

Be sure to make time in your life to visit us at Henrickson Dental for cavity prevention treatments. To schedule an appointment with our dentistss for a thorough exam of your oral health, you can contact our office in Maplewood, Minnesota, by calling us at 651-777-8900.

The post The Links Between Your Oral Health and Cavity Prevention first appeared on Henrickson Dental.

Sticky or Gummy Candy

Gummy worms, caramel, and the like are popular Halloween treats. These candies can easily stick to the teeth and stay there long after the treat has been eaten. To avoid potential damage, have your child enjoy sticky and gummy candies one piece at a time and make sure they chew thoroughly.

Hard Candy

Hard candies are among the most harmful to the teeth. This is because hard candies like lollipops linger in the mouth for the longest, thus giving the sugars plenty of time to damage the teeth.

Sour Candy

We suggest encouraging your child to limit or avoid sour candies, especially if they are sticky or coated in sugar. Sour candies are often very acidic, so they can weaken or damage the tooth enamel. This leaves the teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Popcorn Balls

If you or your child enjoys popcorn balls, make sure to keep floss handy. The kernels can easily get stuck between the teeth. In addition, they are sugary, sticky, and sometimes hard.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is one of the safest Halloween treats. It does linger in the mouth, but the gum stimulates saliva production, which rinses the mouth and keeps bacteria at bay. To even further protect your child’s teeth, choose a sugar-free gum.

Chocolate

Chocolate is also a great Halloween treat. Part of what makes chocolate so great is that it washes off of the teeth more easily than other candies. Dark chocolate is the best type for the teeth, as it has less sugar than other chocolates.

We encourage you to contact Henrickson Dental at 651-777-8900 today for more Halloween tips and to schedule a visit with our dentist in Maplewood, Minnesota.

The post Advice About Halloween Candy first appeared on Henrickson Dental.