What you need to know about mouthwash
Jan 04, 2020

During her most recent visit, a longtime patient of Huszti Dental Care said to us: “What can you tell me about mouthwash? I went to the store to buy one and there were so many different options, I gave up after about 20 minutes. What do you suggest?”

 

We are glad she asked.


First off, you should know that, in terms of over-the-counter products, the term “mouthwash” and “mouthrinse” are used interchangably. So don’t let that confuse you.


These products promise everything from fresher breath to tartar control to whiter teeth to gingivitis and cavity control. Anyone can make these claims, but look for the products with the ADA seal of approval, because that means the products have proven — with data provided to the American Dental Association — that their claims are true. If you start here, you really can’t go wrong.


From there, it’s all about what you, with advice from our friendly staff, might want as a result. If you are concerned about cavities, choose one with fluoride. If it says it has antimicrobials, that means it will kill the bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque, givgivitis and bad breath. If it’s whiter teeth you’re after, a mouthwash with peroxide might do the trick. Pro tip: After talking it over with us, choose a product that addresses your biggest concern. That will eliminate a lot of choices and put you on the best path to finding the right one for you.


Here are some other things you may want to know about mouthwashes.


They are not always necessary. Proper brushing and flossing might be all you need to keep your pearly whites strong and healthy.


Some mouthwashes are merely cosmetic. Fresh breath is the only benefit of these types of mouthwash, and even that is temporary.


To benefit you the most  use a mouthwash after you brush and floss. You can use it once a day or twice, but not more than twice a day.


Don’t use too much each time. You want to be able to swish it around without gagging. And speaking of swishing, plan to do that for between 30 and 60 seconds for best results.


Be consistent. You won’t see results — like whiter teeth or less-tender gums — if you aren’t as strict as you are about brushing. These products need time to do what they promise.


Sometimes the doctors at Huszti Dental Care might prescribe a mouthwash for you. This is usually a short term solution for after surgery when brushing and flossing tender gums is difficult. They may also suggest a prescription-strength mouthwash to address specific issues on a temporary or longer-term basis.


And the most important thing to know about mouthwashes is that they do not take the place of brushing and flossing.


They are used in addition to brushing and flossing.



So next time you visit our Milford Road office, ask if a regular mouthwash is right for you.

By Ron Bernas 03 May, 2024
Now that the weather is getting warmer and days are getting longer it's the perfect time to get out and take advantage of all Milford and Highland have to offer. Huszti Dental Care supports local businesses and events and we would love to see you out and about. Let's start with the big news: The long-anticipated Central Park transformation will be completed this summer. This bridge between the Southside and Downtown will feature a new pavilion that's being installed now. This will be a new hub for events, concerts and all sorts of get togethers. Check out this video and see what we all have to look forward to! The Milford Farmers' Market is back for its 15th season from 3-7 p.m. May 9. This is a great place to find fresh fare from local farmers, producers and artists. You'll also meet old friends and, hopefully some new ones. It's all on East Liberty Street between Main and Union. Find out more here . And don't forget about the great dining and shopping offered all summer long. Nothing says summer like a meal out of doors watching the world go by. Check out something new or revisit an old favorite, t here are lots of options ! Your tastebuds will be glad you did. Highland Township also has its share of spring and summer fun. The season kicks off with its annual Founders Day Parade and Festival on May 18. The parade is followed by a day full of family centered events. Highland's Downtown Development Agency also organizes concerts, special shopping days and more all year long. Check out the plans here . So whether you are a resident or not, come see Milford and Highland and find out why we chose this area to make it our home for Huszti Dental Care!
By Ron Bernas 11 Apr, 2024
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By Ron Bernas 12 Mar, 2024
The videos are all over Instagram and TikTok, which means many Huszti Dental Care patients are asking about them. In these trends, young men – mostly – chew on a flexible silicone ball and their jawlines are instantly transformed into the chiseled look of a male model. Other videos demonstrate “mewing” the practice of pressing your tongue to the roof of your closed mouth. Done regularly, it is said to reduce sagging skin under your chin, thus creating a square jawline. Spoiler alert: No matter what these videos may show, these practices don’t work and may even be detrimental. Let’s start with mewing. This has been around since the 1970s and its creators say it helps resolve issues from misaligned teeth to sleep apnea, speech disorders and more. Disorders like these, the creators – Dr. John Mew and his son Mike – say have been caused by the fact that people’s jaws are getting smaller. That part is true. Chances are it won’t hurt you, but here is very little evidence to support the doctors’ claims. The funny part is that, if not done properly, there is some reason to believe mewing can lead to the very things it was meant to fix. Give this one a pass. The more problematic of these two trends is the one often called Jawzrsize, for the product that launched the craze. Chewing on a rubber or silicone ball as a jaw workout designed to square up the jaw and reduce double chins. Doing this can strengthen your bite, but for the vast majority of people, there is no need for that. Problem No. 1 is that patients can develop temporomandibular disorders, which is pain in the jaw and the muscles that control it. Injuries can occur causing popping and clicking of the jaw and, importantly, pain. A second possibility dentists worry about with jaw strengtheners, is that the device puts force on the teeth in ways that could cause them to move, causing alignment issues and loosening of teeth. Another potential problem is that chewing stimulates the production of stomach acid because the body thinks it’s getting some food. Because it is not, the extra acid the body produces can lead to acid reflux, which erodes teeth. We’ve said this over and over , and we’ll say it again. Don’t take medical advice from teenagers on social media. Huszti Dental Care professionals can explain the pros and cons and help you to make an informed choice. And always remember, just because it’s on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true.
By Ron Bernas 28 Feb, 2024
A recent article in the New York Times about the worst food for your teeth inspired this post. But since not all readers of the Huszti Dental Care blog are subscribers to that newspaper, we thought we would write our own. We start with this: There are lots of foods that can be bad for your teeth. But the real issue comes in how people eat those foods. Sugar Bombs : Candy, pastries and sugary drinks can be a one-way ticket to a cavity. Bacteria in your mouth love to feast on sugar, leading to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Consider these treats an occasional indulgence, and always rinse with water afterward. Sugary drinks like shakes and sodas are bad because you sip on them for a long time, which means your mouth hasn't had enough time to fight off the last round of sips before take another. That means the pH in your mouth is off for a longer period of time. That bad pH means cavity-causing bacteria has a longer time to do its evil work. Acid Attacks : Foods and drinks high in acidity, like citrus fruits, pickles and sodas, can weaken your enamel over time, making your teeth more prone to damage. Limit your intake. Some people think using a straw to minimize the drink's contact with your teeth can help. It may not help, but it won't necessarily hurt. Sticky Stowaways : Sticky snacks such as caramels, dried fruit and chewy candies can cling to your teeth like nobody's business, providing a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria. If you must indulge, brush and floss diligently afterward to remove any lingering residue. Crunchy Culprits : Potato chips, pretzels and other crunchy snacks might satisfy your cravings, but they can also wreak havoc on your teeth by getting lodged between them, which promotes plaque buildup. Opt for healthier alternatives like raw veggies or nuts instead. At Huszti Dental Care, we don't recommend you completely cut out sugary foods and drinks. We just suggest you be conscious of how you take them in and rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after eating or drinking. Bottom line: what you eat matters, not just for your waistline, but for your dental health too. Choose tooth-friendly snacks and beverages, and remember to brush and floss regularly to keep your smile shining bright.
By Ron Bernas 09 Feb, 2024
Dental school these days is not only about learning biology, chemistry and chairside manner. It's about becoming part of a national and international network of dental practitioners. And, just as important, it's about being part of the community from which you draw patients. Olivia and Sophia Huszti, daughters of Huszti Dental Care owners Drs. Bill Huszti and Anna Chong-Huszti, are students at University of Detroit Mercy's School of Dentistry. It's the same school where Bill and Anna met and learned about how important organized dentistry can be in terms of networking, continued education and support of dental practitioners. Here is only a bit of what Olivia and Sophia have been involved in recently. National Leadership Conference in Chicago with ASDA (American Student Dental Association) Dental students from around the country are selected from applications to attend NLC to learn more about the dental profession and being a leader in this field. Olivia and Sophia were selected to represent Detroit Mercy's School of Dentistry. At the conference, above) they listened to various lectures, networked with other dental students and others within the dental profession.
By William Huszti 24 Jan, 2024
Lions Colors Fly High at Huszti Dental
By Ron Bernas 21 Nov, 2023
It's the holiday season and probably the sweetest time of the year. While that may be good for your tastebuds, it isn't necessarily good for your overall oral health. Here are a few things you can do to keep a little annual indulgence from becoming a problem. Watch your sugar intake. Yes, that is a little difficult when relatives and friends and coworkers share pumpkin and pecan pies, cookies, cakes and candies. Or when you have some sweet hot chocolate to wind down at the end of a long day. Look for sugar-free alternatives when possible and remember to brush your teeth after enjoying those sugary delights. Drink lots of water! It helps wash away food particles that can get caught in the nooks and crannies. That's a good thing! Another benefit of drinking water is that it helps keep your mouth moist. Both of these things help reduce tooth decay. Chew sugar-free gum. It stimulates production of saliva, which is the body's natural way of cleaning your teeth. (Chewing gum is also a way to stop yourself from having just one more sweet treat. Eat healthy foods, too. Most people graduate toward the sweets, so that leaves the path to the carrots, broccoli and other crisp veggies available. Fresh vegetables can neutralize acids in the mouth, which is what you want for health teeth and gums. Use a straw. Beverages travel to all parts of your mouth, coating your teeth with sugar. If you are drinking something that is especially sugary or acidic, using a straw will minimize contact with your teeth. Don't forget your good habits: Don't let the parties, the preparations and the work that comes with making the holidays special distract you from brushing and flossing at least twice a day. These tips should help you have a happy and healthy holiday season!
By Ron Bernas 15 Oct, 2023
It's Scary Season! So many people spend October getting ready for one of the biggest kid-centered days of the year: Halloween. They design funn or horror-inducing costumes, bake witchy cookies, decorate their homes to make them look like haunted houses and watch scary movies. Most people love a good scare every now and then -- some people even think it's a good stress release -- but there is one place you don't need to be scared of. That place is Huszti Dental Care, serving Milford and Highland. We designed our whole office experience, from requesting an appointment (see the button below) to the invoice at the end to be pain, stress and scare free. Fear of the dentist, or dentophobia, is a real thing. It's very common and often stems from a lack of knowledge about what happens during a dental visit. Huszti Dental Care even has a video tour of their Milford Road office, which should help eliminate any fears. We get it. Patients often think a visit to the dentist will involve pain. That may have been true in the past, but it isn't now, especially at Huszti Dental Care. Most of our patients come in for cleanings and, while holding your mouth open while one of our team members perform an examination may be uncomfortable, there is generally no pain. Even if you experience pain in the dental office, that can be a good thing! Pain is a sign that something needs to be addressed by our hygienists, doctors and specialists. If there is an issue, the Huszti Dental Care team has invested in the newest technology to improve outcomes, but also to eliminate pain. We use this tool instead of a needle for some anesthetics! We've even addressed the fear of a hefty bill for dental work by working with most insurances and knowing what to do to keep costs down. We all work together to ensure that you leave smiling after a good experience. Getting over your fears of dentists is an important way to keep your oral health in good shape. So this Halloween season, if you want scares, visit a haunted house. To take control of your oral hygiene, come visit us. There is nothing to fear!
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