- With Mayo Clinic prosthodontist
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
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Alan Carr, D.M.D.
Alan B. Carr, D.M.D.
Dr. Alan B. Carr, Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic, is a consultant in the Division of Prosthodontics and a professor of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Carr, a native of Hattiesburg, MS., received his prosthodontics training at Mayo. Following his training he has was an assistant professor at Marquette University and then became a full professor at Ohio State University where his clinical duties included Director of Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the James Cancer Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 2000.
Dr. Carr is board certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. He served in the Air Force and has degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. He also is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. He has made dozens of international and national presentations, and is author of a dental textbook.
His clinical practice focuses on combined prosthodontics and reconstruction of patients with disabling oral conditions. His research interests include oral and craniofacial endosseous implants, tobacco cessation, and the impact of oral health on general health, especially for patients with chronic illness and the elderly.
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Question
When to brush your teeth
When and how often should you brush your teeth?
Answer
from Alan Carr, D.M.D.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day.
When you brush your teeth, you help remove food and plaque — a sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria. After you eat a meal or snack that contains sugar, the bacteria can release acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can break down tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Plaque that isn't removed also can harden into tartar, making it harder to keep teeth clean.
In choosing when to brush your teeth, you might also consider your diet. If you've eaten an acidic food or drink, avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes. These acids weaken tooth enamel, and brushing too soon can remove enamel. If you know you're going to eat or drink something acidic, brush your teeth beforehand.
In addition to brushing your teeth, the American Dental Association recommends that you:
- Floss daily
- Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed
- Schedule regular dental checkups
Heart disease prevention: Does oral health matter?
- Plaque. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/plaque.aspx. Accessed Feb. 1, 2013.
- Brushing your teeth. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth.aspx. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
- Diet and dental health. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diet-and-dental-health.aspx. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
- Wiegand A, et al. Toothbrushing before or after an acidic challenge to minimize tooth wear? An in situ/ex vivo study. American Journal of Dentistry 2008;21:13.
- Lussi A. Dental erosion — Novel remineralizing agents in prevention or repair. Advances in Dental Research. 2009;21:13.
- Hooper SM, et al. The protective effects of toothpaste against erosion by orange juice: Studies in situ and in vitro. Journal of Dentistry. 2007;35:476.
- O'Hehir T. Evidence-based or just a tradition? Dental Abstracts. 2005;50:264.
- Toothbrushes. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/1321.aspx. Accessed Feb. 28, 2013.
- Floss & other interdental cleaners. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/1318.aspx. Accessed Feb. 28, 2013.
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