Dentists at Direct Dental Create Beautiful Smiles

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Different Procedures Cosmetic Dentists Perform

Cosmetic dentists perform a variety of procedures to keep the appearance of your teeth excellent. While a majority of cosmetic procedures do happen to be elective, some of the treatment options can provide dental health benefits as well. Below, we will be going over some of the different procedures cosmetic dentists perform.

Cosmetic Dentists Perform Different Procedures :

1. Composite Bonding

This is perhaps one of the more popular treatments a cosmetic dentist performs. This type of treatment refers to the repair of damaged, decayed, or severely discolored teeth utilizing a material that closely resembles the natural color of the tooth enamel. To perform this procedure, the dentist removes the tooth decay (if present) and places the composite onto the surface of the tooth.

They will then shape your tooth into the usual tooth form before curing it with UV lights. This works to cover up the damage to the tooth, and it can help to improve the overall appearance of the tooth simultaneously. Bonding is one of the least expensive procedures done by cosmetic dentists, and it is available to all kinds of patients dealing with a variety of teeth problems both severe and minor including decayed, chipped, cracked, or worn looking teeth.

2. Veneers

Another procedure cosmetic dentists perform is veneer placement. Veneers are typically used for patients that have a variety of problems with their teeth. Whether the patient is dealing with damaged teeth, crooked teeth, or even gapped teeth – veneers can have a tremendous positive impact on the overall appearance of the patient’s teeth and smile. Veneers are made to look very natural, and they can last a long time. They are applied by attaching the veneer to the front surface of each tooth using an adhesive specially made to attach to teeth.

3. Indirect Fillings

This is another popular procedure done by cosmetic dentists. This is typically performed when the patient is dealing with some type of tooth decay where there is not enough structure there to fully support a regular filling. It is also known as an inlay. The inlay is placed directly on the tooth’s natural surface. However, when there is no room to fit it, something called an only is used to cover the entire surface of the damaged tooth. These are made of dental resin and attached to the teeth. They are good for helping reshape a tooth and to help strengthen a teeth to avoid further damage.

4. Teeth Whitening

Another procedure that is completed by cosmetic dentists is teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a procedure that has grown in popularity and is purely cosmetic. This is something that a lot of patients elect to do to achieve a lighter shade on their teeth. Teeth can get stained over the years from drinking red wine, coffee, and other things. Because of this, a lot of people can benefit from some form of teeth whitening treatment if the patient is looking to brighten their smile. There are a variety of teeth whitening treatments and procedures from bleaching to intense light.

5. Dental Implants

Another procedure that can be done by cosmetic dentists is a dental implant procedure. This procedure is done after a patient loses a tooth or multiple teeth. During this procedure, the dentist drills and inserts a titanium screw into the jaw where the tooth is missing. It is placed there to support a crown which is inserted. Because of the advancements in dental technology, these implants are typically indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth. Once the bone heals, it can hold the implant in place permanently.

6. Invisalign

Another procedure that a cosmetic dentist might be able to do for a patient would be Invisalign treatment. This involves the use of clear aligners to fit a variety of teeth problems including crowding, over and underbites, and more.

Overall, there are a lot of different procedures that you can get completed by a cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist primarily focuses on methods that are going to enhance the appearance of their patient’s smile. However, some of these ‘cosmetic’ procedures inherently have benefits that can help aid in dental health. If you are looking to find a cosmetic dentist in your area, you should look for a right amount of experience to find the best possible dentist.

Six Essential Things You Need To Know About Dental Implant

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Dental Implants in Pico Rivera and What You Should Know About Them!

Missing teeth can cause many problems in your mouth and make you feel self-conscious when speaking, smiling or talking. Aside from that, it can lead to issues with your oral health. However, our dentists in Pico Rivera can perform a dental implant and replace missing teeth in a way that your implant teeth, look and function like the original natural teeth. Our top quality dental implants are made with titanium and placed in the jaw to hold the new crown. They are made of materials that are compatible with your jaws. If you have never heard of implants, the chances are that you might be skeptical of having them. Here are some seven essential things you should know about them;

Parts of the Dental Implant

 

 

1. They Replace the Whole Tooth

A dental implant contains titanium material that is put into the jaw bone and functions in the same way as the root. This helps to support the entire tooth and makes it very stable. Therefore, getting an implant does not only make your teeth look great but also enables them to function normally.

2. They Last For Long

One good thing about dental implants is that they can serve you for a very long time. Their success rates are very high, and you will hear very few cases of surgical procedures that did not go as planned when an implant specialist did the work. All you need to do is to take care of them in the same way as you do with the other teeth. You should also make a point of visiting the dentist regularly to have them checked especially during your semi-annual cleaning. This way, you will find your implants staying intact for many years.

3. Are You A Good Candidate for Implants?

Before considering whether implants are right for you, a qualified implant dentist needs to assess your condition and tell you if you are a good fit. First, age is not an essential factor. Dental implants are not limited to older people as younger ones can also get them if they lose a tooth. Typically, if your gums are healthy and you have the bone that is strong enough to support the implant, you are considered to be a perfect candidate. However, the jaw bone can be reinforced with bone material before the implant. Conditions such as diabetes and leukemia can compromise with the healing process and smoking can increase the risk of losing a tooth.

NOTE: Call Dr. Winston’s office (562) 949-0177 for a free consultation to see if you are a good candidate.

4. It Is A Process

In some cases, getting a dental implant is a process that can take time for it to be complete. It can begin with removing the bad tooth, followed by grafting of new bone material and waiting for that to heal before initiating the implant procedure. Recovering from the process will take some time, and this is good since it allows the bone to fuse making it almost as strong as your regular teeth. After that, the crown will be fitted to the titanium implant and your natural smile restored.

5. They Can Replace Any Number Of Teeth

You are not limited to the number of teeth you can replace with this procedure. In some cases, people have an entire mouthful of dental implants. Regardless of how many teeth you need to replace, they will still offer the same stability and functionality as the natural teeth.

6. It Is The Most Cost Effective Option In The Long Run

People look at the initial cost for having dental implants to replace damaged teeth, but they are still the most economical option. All the other procedures used to replace missing teeth usually last for a much shorter period, and you may have to pay more every few years for a replacement or repairs. However, you will need to follow up with regular dental checkups the same thing people with normal healthy teeth need to do.

Dental implants in Pico Rivera CA from Dr. Winston are a great way of replacing missing teeth, and several good things come with it. All you need to do is to take care of the new teeth, and they can last you a very long time and maybe even the rest or your life.

Call our office to make an appointment with Dr Winston our Dental Implant specialist:

www.dentistinpicorivera.com

Contact us at:

Direct Dental
9123 Slauson Ave
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
(562) 949-0177

Cosmetic Dental Services

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Popular Services Offered By Cosmetic Dentistry

Thanks to advancements in dental technology, it is now possible for almost anyone to have a perfect smile regardless of the current condition of their teeth. There are a variety of different cosmetic procedures that cosmetic dentistry can be used to correct everything from broken or missing teeth to gaps, discoloration, or misalignment. Dentists who specialize in this field rely on a number of different treatment techniques to get the results that they are looking for.

Here are some of the most popular services offered by cosmetic dentists:

Excellent Pico Rivera Cosmetic Dentist

1. Teeth whitening

Over time, teeth can become stained and discolored. This results from teeth being exposed to foods and beverages that cause staining such as coffee, tea, and wine. There are a number of different whitening procedures that cosmetic dentist can perform that will help restore a bright, white smile.

2. Dental bonding

This procedure is commonly used to correct teeth that are chipped, broken, discolored, or that need to be reshaped. In essence, the dental bonding process involves applying a particular tooth-colored resin to the affected area to correct any cosmetic defects.

3. Beautiful Veneers

Much like dental bonding, veneers are used to correct an array of problems with teeth ranging from chips, cracks, and discoloration to abnormal spacing, misalignment, or excessive wear. Unlike bonding, however, veneers are made up of a thin layer of porcelain that is applied to the front of the affected tooth, helping to hide any damage or discoloration. Veneers can boost your confidence by giving you a bright, even smile that you can be proud of.

4. Dental implants

If you have any teeth that are missing, it can dramatically impact your appearance. It can also affect your ability to chew your food. These days, most dentists recommend using dental implants to replace missing teeth. The process involves several different steps.

The dentist first places a metal post in the jawbone that sticks up through the top of the gums. This post is designed to mimic the root of a tooth. A false tooth is then attached to the portion of the post that is protruding through the gums.

Once the tooth is attached, it is almost impossible to tell that you ever had a missing tooth. Best of all, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of dentures. Instead, you can treat your dental implant just like you would any of your other teeth. As long as you regularly brush and floss, it should last for many years before it needs to be replaced.

Modern Dentistry Can Work Wonders

These are some of the most popular services offered by cosmetic dentists. It is amazing what modern dentistry has made possible when it comes to correcting aesthetic issues.

Final Treatment Plan

If you are unhappy with the condition of your teeth, you may want to consider making an appointment for cosmetic dentistry consultation. Your cosmetic dentist can help you evaluate your smile to figure out how best to correct it. By the time you leave your appointment, you should have a solid treatment plan in place that will help you obtain the beautiful smile that you have always wanted.

Choosing The Right Tooth Brush – Electric Or Manual

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Which Toothbrush Is Right For You?

A tooth brush is one of the most valuable items that people learn to use from a very young age. Without proper oral hygiene, it can quickly lead to cavities which can, in turn, result in more severe issues. For helpful advice on what a quality tooth brush can do for you, keep on reading!

Everyone who has had mouth pain related to their teeth should by now understand the importance of proper brushing. Taking care of your teeth can not be understated since it can also be an indicator of your overall health. Many people do not realize that gum disease is caused by the lack of oral hygiene. Lack of regular dental care can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

Get A Soft Bristle Tooth Brush Every 90 Days

We recommend you get a good soft bristle tooth brush every three months to properly care for your teeth. The tooth brush that you decide to use depends on several factors such as age, gum pain, missing teeth also whether or not you prefer manual or electric.

Get A Brush You Will Use Everyday

Personal preference matters when choosing which tooth brush to use. Some people prefer the comfort of soft bristles while others like them to be stiffer. Again, this is a matter of preference and what makes you feel most comfortable. Do not be afraid to experiment with different types of tooth brushes to figure out which ones work best and what feels right. After all, brushing your teeth is a daily occurrence, and it should not be something you dread, so choose something that makes you feel comfortable.

Electric Tooth Brushes Have Their Advantages

There are different types of electric tooth brushes on the market today, but not all of them are designed the same. Even though they may claim to give you the same results, it is not always the case. Some of the cheaper electric models may not spin fast enough to be able to give you that nice deep cleaning, while others are much more powerful and clean your teeth perfectly every time. No matter which type of tooth brush you choose, remember to spend at least a couple of minutes cleaning all of the corners of your mouth.

Failure to properly brush your teeth with a good tooth brush can lead to tartar buildup and tooth decay. Eventually, after awhile this eats away at the enamel on your teeth and can weaken the bone structure which holds the tooth in place. Avoiding tooth decay and gum disease is why it is so important that you brush your teeth after every meal and before you go to bed at night.

Daily Brushing Helps Prevent Harmful Bacteria

A good tooth brush helps prevent harmful bacteria from getting into the gums. Proper cleaning each day along with a routine of using floss can help easily prevent cavities and infections from forming. Once your tooth becomes infected it can be an expensive process to get your teeth repaired, So, for a few minutes of your time each day, brushing your teeth with a quality tooth brush can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. Not to mention the pain bad teeth can add to your life.

As you are now well aware of proper brushing techniques and tooth brushes, it is important that you spend time each day paying close attention to the care of your teeth. Proper dental hygiene can go a long way to keeping you in good health, and top quality tooth brush whether manual or electric is a sound investment. Direct Dental recommends you get the toothbrush you will use each and every day for 2 minutes after each meal.

What Are The Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

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What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The third molars located in the back of the mouth are usually called wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are an excellent addition to your mouth when they have grown in properly because they can provide more chewing power throughout your life. Typically, they are the last teeth to develop in your jaw. That is why they don’t usually show up until you are anywhere between the ages of 17 up to age 25.

Painful Wisdom Tooth

 

It is also interesting that some people never develop wisdom teeth, but when they do, they may get anywhere from 1 to 4 of them. In some cases, they may even grow more than four wisdom teeth, and there is no real explanation for why these extraneous teeth take place. One thing is sure; there are a wide variety of problems.

Wisdom Teeth Need Room To Grow

Your wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is not enough room in your jaw for them to grow with proper alignment. Typically, they don’t have enough space to grow in properly, so that means they stay underneath the gums and it leads to a displacement of the other teeth in the mouth.

It may also be possible that the impacted wisdom teeth could result in damage to the soft tissue and the formation of a cyst. They create further issues, including jaw expansion, destruction of the bone and damage that occurs to the surrounding teeth. Tumors may also develop over the course of time, leading to spontaneous jaw breakage.

Healthy Alignment Is Important

If your wisdom teeth are healthy and grow in properly with correct alignment, they typically don’t need to be removed. There are many times, however, when removal is necessary. The most common reason as explained above, is they are unable to grow in because they remain trapped underneath the gums. Sometimes they partially emerge through the gums leading to an oral infection.

Xrays of Wisdom Teeth

 

Some of the issues with impacted wisdom teeth include repeated infections, pain, tumors, gum disease, advanced tooth decay and damage to the other molars in the mouth. If you experience these problems, talk to your dentist about the possibility of having your wisdom teeth removed. It may be a decision that is best for you and your oral health professionals.

Care of your normal teeth can be a big challenge but wisdom teeth are sometimes a greater challenge. These issues can effect almost all the teeth in your jaw. When they are impacted you can get a very painful infection and or even very crooked teeth. With Xrays your dentist can determine the potential problems that may arise in the future. See your dentist in Pico Rivera for wisdom teeth care.

Tips To Have Clean Smelling Fresh Breath

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Tips To Have Clean Smelling Fresh Breath

Are you dealing with bad breath or halitosis? Believe it or not, having bad breath can cause a lot of social and health problems. Not only can it be a symptom of a larger issue, but it can even cause psychological problems and anxiety. There is good news; there are several ways you can improve your breath and keep it smelling fresh all day long. First visit your family dentist in Pico Rivera. Here are some of the top tips to keep your mouth clean smelling fresh.

Tips For Clean Smelling Fresh Oral Health:

1. Brush and Floss Often

One of the surest ways to minimize halitosis and keep it smelling as good as possible is to keep your mouth as clean as you can. Plaque build up can end with collecting harmful bacteria, and can ultimately lead to foul breath. Having any trapped food around your teeth along with a buildup of plaque is typically the number one cause of suffering from bad breath. The best way to minimize this is by making sure you are brushing your teeth properly after every meal as well as flossing as so you can to avoid this kind of build up.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Besides brushing your teeth and flossing, you can also effectively reduce foul breath by rinsing your mouth out with an effective mouthwash. By using the mouthwash that is known to kill off bacteria, you should be able to minimize the amount of bacteria growth in your mouth. Along with this, you can invest in mouthwash that has a flavor to increase the fresh feeling and smell coming from your mouth. With that being said, always try to choose mouthwash that can kill off bacteria over having one that smells and tastes good. Some mouthwash products on the market do not kill off bacteria.

Great Fruits & Vegies for Healthy Teeth

 

3. Avoid Certain Foods

If you are someone that ends up with bad breath after you eat certain things, it’s a good idea to avoid them. An example of this is when you consume a lot of onions and garlic; these are known foods that cause halitosis. These foods have substances within them that can lead to bad smelling exhalation. The best way to stop them from ruining the surrounding fresh air is by avoiding them altogether.

4. Quit Smoking For Nice Fresh Breath

If people around you complain about your smelly breath and you are a smoker, it is very likely that the smoking is causing or at least contributing to your halitosis problem. Because of this, it’s an excellent idea to quit smoking altogether. Not only is it bad for your health in general, but it can lead to poor social interactions.

5. Chew Sugarless Gum To Help Clean Your Mouth

The bacteria in your oral cavity feeds off of sugar. They use this sugar to create acid which can ultimately wear down your enamel. However, it can also lead to bad breath. By chewing sugarless gum, you should be able to stimulate saliva production within your mouth and help neutralize the acid leading to tooth decay and not so socially acceptable breath.

6. Maintain Healthy Gums With Floss And Brushing

Another significant contributor to unhealthy smelling breath is improper or inadequate gum health. If you are someone that is suffering from gum disease, it is very likely you are also going to be dealing with foul breath. Bacteria can gather inside of your pockets at the base of your teeth, and it can dispel an odor that is unpleasant. The best way to counter this is by having better gum health by ensuring that you are brushing your teeth as well as possible, flossing, and perhaps using a WaterPik type of product that can help flush out your gums and teeth pockets.

Overall, there is a lot you can do when it comes to minimizing any occurrence of nasty smelling breath. Focusing on and implementing these tips, you should be able to successfully reduce any problems you have with your breath smelling unpleasant, and it should help you, in the long run, avoid suffering from halitosis-related to improper dental hygiene. Please also see our Facebook Page.

7 Reasons Dental Implant Are The Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

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Benefits Of Dental Implants

What is a dental implant? It is an artificial tooth root, which is placed into a jaw to hold a bridge or replacement tooth. They are usually the best option for people who have lost their teeth or a tooth. You may lose your teeth due an injury, periodontal disease or any other reason. There are several methods of replacing missing teeth, but the best option is a dental implant.

Dr Winston Discussing Dental Implant With Patient

The following are the best reasons why dental implant is the best option for replacing missing teeth.

1: They Are Strong and Stable

Dental implants can feel like the next best thing to natural and healthy teeth. It is secure and stable, and it is used to replace or restore a lost tooth. It looks and functions and fits like a natural tooth. The other options of replacing lost teeth may lead to deterioration, and they can interfere with speaking, smiling or eating.

2: Built to Last

These implants are a long-term solution. Dental bridges can last for 5 to 7 years if you take good care of them. However, you will have to replace them at some point. These implants can last a lifetime if they are placed and maintained properly.

3: Enjoy Life

It is hard to enjoy life when you are missing some of your teeth. You can feel confident with your great smile in social situations when you have dental implants. Your smile will never change. You will worry about tooth-supported replacement or removable dentures when you are talking, eating or laughing. You don’t need to worry about all these if your teeth were restored with dental implants.

They can help you retain natural face shape and smile. If you are missing teeth, your face can appear sunken. You may seem sad. Use them to maintain your natural shape of your face and friendly smile.

 

4: Protects Healthy Bone

Implant on front tooth

Additional health issues may arise if empty spaces are left in your mouth, especially if you lose one or more teeth. The jawbone usually deteriorates, especially when it is not supporting a natural tooth. The jawbone loses its firmness and strength. The only option that can preserve and stimulate natural bone is dental implant; hence it encourages bone growth and prevents bone loss.

5: Avoid Losing Teeth

Do you want to keep your teeth in your mouth? These beautiful implants can help you avoid losing your other teeth. You don’t even have to worry about your them, especially when you are brushing your teeth. You can brush the teeth that were replaced with these permanent tooth replacements the way you would brush your natural teeth.

6: Speak Easy

You can speak with ease when you have them installed. You will struggle to speak when you have removable dentures. They function like natural teeth; that is why you won’t have a problem talking.

7: Eat Your Favorite Food

Food is easy to eat when you have dental implants. You can taste and enjoy your favorite food. The good thing is that you can bite naturally. You will never have to stop eating your favorite foods.

These are the best reasons why dental implants are the best option for replacing lost teeth. Make sure that a professional implant specialist places the dental implants. That is why you need to do a thorough research before hiring a professional. Lastly, take good care of the dental implants.

Creating Healthy Teeth Cleaning In Pico Rivera

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Keeping Your Teeth Healthy With Dentist In Pico Rivera

Brushing your teeth should be a life priority for all families living in Pico Rivera and surrounding cities. Also regular visits to your family dentist in Pico Rivera should also be a live priority to help keep your teeth professionally cleaned and healthy. There are many ways teeth can be damaged including poor oral hygiene. Teeth dentin, gum damage, and sensitivity can be avoided by using correct brushing techniques.

Investing just 6 minutes every day brushing and flossing can go a long way to keeping your teeth healthy. Brush for two minutes in the morning and then after your last meal of the day to keep your teeth and gums disease free and healthy. You will also need to floss between your teeth at the end of the day to clean between your teeth and over your gums.

Techniques For Brushing Your Teeth

Start with brushing the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth. Clean the back and front and also the back of the front teeth. Tilt your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Soft bristled brushes are best to keep from damaging your gums and tooth enamel. This is also great for removing the debris and early stages of plaque. Another thing to consider is using a small head brush so you can reach the difficult back areas in your mouth.

Using a good quality tooth paste is just as important as proper brushing technique. You can find a large variety of toothpaste in your local store. Most include fluoride, but also help fight different oral conditions. Some toothpaste helps with sensitive teeth and others help fight tartar and gingivitis. Toothpaste enhances the cleaning abilities of the tooth brush. Ask your dentist what he or she recommends for your particular condition.

Brushing Hard Or Gentle; Which Is Better?

Some people think bushing harder makes brushing more effective, but it is better to brush in a gentle manner. This will keep you from damaging your enamel and gums. The truth is hard brushing can cause receding gums, create tooth sensitivity, and even toothbrush abrasion. This abrasion causes your tooth enamel to wear down and exposes the dentin below the enamel. This can cause pain and weaken your tooth structure.

Couple Brushing Teeth In Pico Rivera

See your dentist in Pico Rivera CA for professional teeth cleaning.

Besides tooth brushing and using good toothpaste, flossing and using a good quality mouthwash is also recommended for oral health. Another thing you can do is reduce your sugary drinks and foods. Don’t go cheap on your toothbrush and floss. Higher quality brushes and mouthwash makes a real difference.

The Importance Of Daily Flossing

Flossing your teeth once a day is just as important as brushing your teeth twice a day. If you don’t floss you leave a major part of your tooth dirty. Food debris will start rotting between your teeth, and the harmful bacteria will begin to multiply creating the perfect environment for gum damage and tooth decay. Its best to invest the few minutes a day by flossing to remove these damaging bacteria and food debris. You will notice a big difference in your oral cleanliness and fresh breath.

Using Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are also a great and clean your teeth even better. The brushing head is usually small so it can reach hard to reach areas. These electric toothbrushes also rotate from 10,000 RPM to 30,000 RPM’s. This is real cleaning power. They are also good for people who may have rheumatoid arthritis where their hand dexterity is reduced.

What about cleaning baby teeth?

Ok what about baby teeth? Starting your baby using good oral habits is an excellent way to start a great habit. It’s great to teach your child at an early age that proper hygiene is vital to good health and even healthy self esteem. Plus of course it helps keep the gums and teeth clean and healthy.
It really helps when you make brushing your children’s teeth fun. Help them understand that hidden germs are living on their teeth and that getting rid of them by brushing them away is important. Creating a song about brushing away the germs in their mouth is a can make them enjoy brushing even more. If you look online, you can find children rhymes and songs to create an enjoyable experience for your children.

Child Teeth Cleaning In Pico Rivera CA

Come to Direct Dental of Pico Rivera to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

As you create an enjoyable experience for your children while brushing their teeth, you can also teach them the proper technique. Teach them that using proper brushing techniques is as important as the brushing itself. Brushing for two minutes after each meal can be really challenging for us parents. Try playing a song they enjoy that lasts about two minutes to keep them occupied. This way when the song is over they are finished.

Here are a few baby teeth brushing tips: Use a small head toothbrush. There are baby toothbrushes that have two minute timers to help keep track of time. Use a slight angle when brushing and always brush gently to keep the gums healthy. Make sure you brush all surfaces including the back and front, the outside and inside, and the chewing surfaces. And don’t forget the back of the front teeth top and bottom. When your children start to take charge of brushing always supervise to develop great lifelong habits from the very beginning.

Finally Come See Your Dentist in Pico Rivera CA at Direct Dental

And we are always available to help if you have any questions. This should help families brush their teeth correctly in Pico Rivera and surrounding cities. Don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our wonderful dentists. Come and see our family dentist in Pico Rivera CA.