Even if you see the best dentist in town, chances are you or they don’t have enough time for a good, long chat. It works out for them because you will book an appointment faster, but the advice you miss out on can prove heavy on your wallet. Here are some secrets that dentists may keep from their patients unless they are asked:
Flossing Is An Integral Part of Dental Care
Contrary to popular belief, flossing should not be left out of oral healthcare and there is a very good reason for this. If you don’t use that string every day at least once, you will leave bacteria and acid from the food you eat stuck on that enamel. If that gunk and germs are not disturbed or dislodged regularly, you will get cavities and even gum disease.
Even if you don’t have the time to floss right after brushing, you can use floss while you are going about your day. Use it while you are taking a shower or when you are watching TV. The aim is to ensure that the bacteria are not given time to adhere to the enamel and cause damage.
Mouthwash May Do More Harm Than Good
If you have bad breath, that mouthwash you are guzzling down every day may be doing more harm than good. Sure, your mouth will smell minty fresh for an hour, but it won’t prevent your breath from turning nasty again. In fact, you may have halitosis and not even realize it but your dentist can if you ask.
While bad breath can result from several things, it can go away with regular flossing and brushing. If you brush your tongue after rinsing out the toothpaste in your mouth, it will smell better for hours. That is if the odor is not due to an excessive smoking habit or an underlying condition.
You May Not Need a Root Canal
Root canals, while necessary in serious cases, can lead to chronic health conditions as well. So if your dentist recommends one for you, it should definitely be up for discussion. For example, discuss whether a different oral hygiene regime can act as a preventive measure.
Of course, you can avoid the procedure altogether by maintaining a healthy diet and brushing thoroughly. If your teeth have rotted to the point that extraction is necessary, make sure you go to a dentist who has a positive track record for this procedure.
Excessive Fluoride Can Damage Teeth
You can develop fluorosis if you use too much fluoride. This is commonly found in large amounts in some toothpaste, and it can deform the teeth with time. Since most people don’t take it seriously, dentists rarely mention the dangers of this condition unless they are asked.
Your Saliva Is Extremely Important
A dry mouth is an unhealthy mouth. Saliva has a huge role when it comes to keeping teeth and gums healthy and free of bacteria. Rather than working your mouth to produce more while you are not eating, chew gum to stimulate production.
Besides this, saliva neutralizes the negative effects of sugar, which can erode enamel and cause cavities. If you have a condition that causes dry mouth, counter it by drinking plenty of water and/or get products that won’t harm your teeth.
White Teeth Are Not a Sign of Healthy Enamel
Contrary to popular belief, stark white teeth are not a sign of good health. For one thing, no one should have teeth that sparkling white. Plus, the products that are used to bleach them can take off healthy enamel, thus exposing your teeth to bacteria. Some teeth whitening products also contain hydrogen peroxide that is equally bad for teeth.
Toothpaste Foam Doesn’t Clean Teeth
No matter how much your toothpaste foams when you are brushing, it does nothing to clean teeth. It is produced because of a foaming agent called sodium lauryl sulfate, and it only allows you to spread the paste evenly across your teeth.
Most people prefer foaming toothpaste over the no- foaming variety because they claim it makes their mouth feel cleaner, but it’s all a matter of perspective, really. It doesn’t do any harm either, so you don’t need to put it in the trash.
If you think your teeth are not as clean as they should be, your toothbrush may be the culprit. Replace it with a smarter solution such as the Denticare Smart Sonic Toothbrush from Quek. This electronic toothbrush will let you know if you missed a spot while brushing.
About the Author
Emily Scott is a dental hygienist who has years of experience helping patients improve their oral hygiene. As a mother of two beautiful children, she spends her free time taking scenic vacations with her family, hiking, and camping.
