Oral hygiene is the foundation of good dental health. Brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to keep your Copperas Cove smile healthy and clean. Consider this your personal tutorial on the art of dental hygiene, instructed by Dr. Grantham and the expert hygienists at Cove Family Dental. If you have any questions or would like to test your skills in person, feel free to give us a call!

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash

Before we get to talking technique, we need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’re going to need a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Pick whatever floss is most comfortable for you and any toothpaste that you like, provided it has fluoride. Mouthwash is not required, but some Copperas Cove folks really like the extra oral health boost you get from a good swish and gargle.

How do you pick a good toothbrush? Here are the basics:

• Always go with soft bristles. Medium or hard bristles can damage enamel.
• Choose a brush that fits your mouth. The head of the brush should be small enough to reach all the way behind your back teeth and fit comfortably in your mouth and hand.
• Electric toothbrushes are fine, but you can achieve the same results with a regular toothbrush if you know how to brush like a pro.
• Remember to get a new toothbrush every 3-4 months, every time you get over a cold, or whenever the bristles start to look mangled

Floss Like a Boss

Dr. Grantham reminds us to floss before brushing. That way you can ensure that the particles and bacteria unearthed during flossing will be removed during the expert brushing session that follows. Make sure to floss at least once a day. Read more ›

We love to talk about the fun and interesting sides of oral health, but today, there is something much more serious on our minds. We care about the health of everyone in Copperas Cove, and as dental care professionals, we feel it is our duty to educate you on how to be as safe and healthy as you can be. While you have probably heard of the human papilloma virus and oral cancer, most people don’t know that they are linked. Here is some information from Dr. Grantham about the topic. If you have any questions, please feel free to give Cove Family Dental a call.

What is HPV?

Human papilloma virus refers to a family of nearly 200 strains that infect the epithelial cells of skin and mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, throat, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis (through the urethral opening), and the anus. HPV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact (oral and genital) and it is one of the most common viruses in the country. According to the CDC, 8 out of 10 Americans will have an HPV infection at some point. However, 99% of HPV infections are cleared up by your immune system without any symptoms or any indication that you were ever infected. Read more ›

Most of us were taught when we were kids that sweets like chocolate will rot your teeth. While this may remain true for some types of our favorite sweet snack, that doesn’t mean we have to take it off the menu altogether. In fact, recent studies have found that dark chocolate, containing high percentages of cocoa, may actually be beneficial to your dental health. Dr. Grantham at Cove Family Dental wants Copperas Cove residents to know the facts so they can satisfy their sweet-tooth safely.

How does it work?

Dark chocolate is known to contain high levels of antioxidants, which work with our bodies to fight bacteria and disease. Dark chocolate can contain up to four times the amount of antioxidants found in green tea! High levels of antioxidants found in saliva have been proven to help fight periodontal, or gum disease, and slow tooth decay. Read more ›

Originally created for people that can’t consume regular sugars, alternative and artificial sweeteners have become extremely popular in Copperas Cove in all kinds of different products. From chewing gum to diet soda, Dr. Grantham wants you to know which of these options are best for your dental and general health, so here are the facts about a few of the most common sweeteners. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Cove Family Dental.

The Big Five Sugar Substitutes

The benefits of natural and artificial sugar-free sweeteners were first recognized as a safe option for diabetics, but have since exploded in popularity because food, beverage, candy, and snack companies have discovered that it is easier to sell fewer calories. In addition, Copperas Cove residents with a sweet tooth know that artificial sweeteners are notorious for their ability to ruin your portion control. All of the following substances are considered sugar-free and inhibit tooth decay because bacteria cannot ferment them into enamel-destroying acids. Despite ongoing controversy about health concerns of sugar substitutes, the FDA considers all of the following substances to be safe for regular consumption. Read more ›