Americans Confused About How to Brush Teeth

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Dr. Alina Krivitsky & Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam

A hard-bristled brush, coupled with overenthusiastic brushing, can cause the gums to recede over time.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 27, 2014

A recent University College London (UCL) study published early this month found that the dental community disagrees on the best way to brush teeth, resulting in confusion for their patients. Analysis of dental advice suggested that some six different tooth-brushing techniques are promoted as “correct,” with no one technique more popular than the rest.

“The easiest way to avoid gum disease is to brush and floss your teeth regularly,” said Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam, DDS, of Brentwood’s CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy. “However, the wrong tooth-brushing technique can be ineffective and even harmful to your teeth and gums.”

At the CENTER, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky frequently treat patients suffering from various stages of gum disease. Gum disease, often characterized by swollen, red, bleeding gums, is the second most common illness in the world, second only to the common cold.

“In its later stages, gum disease causes gum recession, tooth loss, and even bone loss,” noted Dr. Krivitsky. “Some studies even suggest the inflammation associated with gum disease can contribute to higher rates of seemingly unrelated diseases such as heart disease and dementia. Therefore, it’s difficult to overstate the importance of great dental health.”

But what is the best way to brush your teeth? A visit to the local supermarket or drugstore only compounds America’s confusion. Toothbrushes come in many different shapes and sizes, with bristles ranging from soft to hard.

“We recommend that most patients brush twice a day, for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush; a hard-bristled brush, coupled with overenthusiastic brushing, can cause the gums to recede over time,” advised Dr. Aalam.

For unlucky patients who do contract gum disease in Brentwood, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky offer restorative and cosmetic treatments to restore their oral health and address any cosmetic issues. However, the periodontists, both USC professors, are quick to remind that prevention is the best cure. “If you are diligent about tooth brushing and dental check-ups, your odds of avoiding gum disease are much better,” said Dr. Krivitsky.

Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky are board-certified periodontists specializing in dental implants and gum and tissue diseases. They opened The CENTER, a periodontal office focused on providing patients with excellent and skilled care at affordable prices, with the goal of restoring oral health and aesthetic appearance. They are alumni of the prestigious Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC and are still heavily involved in academia and giving back to future periodontists at USC. They are also the only two board-certified periodontists in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles.

If you or someone you know is interested in scheduling an appointment with the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy, we encourage you to contact (310)-826-8242 today.

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