Dentists have a wealth of knowledge to share with their patients. The problem is, with limited time, they tend to focus on the concern at hand or issues concerning the patient rather than give them a full-on educational briefing. Yet, dentists wish they had time for heart-to-heart moments to tell their patients the steps to pristine oral health. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the information dentists worldwide wish their patients knew.
Brushing Technique Matters
Everyone knows brushing their teeth twice daily is the best way to keep teeth healthy, but there’s more to it than sticking a toothbrush in your mouth. Improper brushing leaves your teeth, mouth, and gums in danger of oral problems. My dentist explained that I should choose a toothbrush and toothpaste carefully, and follow the proper brushing technique to get impactful results.
- Use a medium-bristle toothbrush
- Always use fluoridated toothpaste
- Brush gently, never push the toothbrush on your teeth
- Brush for two minutes
- Don’t forget to brush the back of your teeth and your tongue
- Replace your toothbrush when the bristles look worn down, or every three months.
Brushing two minutes, twice per day using gentle, circular motions with fluoride toothpaste is your best defense against tooth decay, plaque, and other dental problems.
Occasionally Only: Treat Yourself to Coffee, Soda
Many people start their day with a piping-hot cup of coffee. It wakes them up and gives them the energy to make it through the day. Others indulge in soda and similar acidic drinks for a nice caffeine fix and to experience the beverages' delicious taste. While an occasional coffee or soda will not impact your teeth severely, regular consumption can be haphazard to your oral health.
Your Dentist Isn’t Judging You
Dentists want to see everyone with a healthy, bright, beautiful smile. It affects their health, confidence, and overall well-being. When you schedule a visit, rest assured your dentist is happy to see you and gladly treats your problems, never judging your habits that led to oral health problems.
Life Happens, But Update The Office
If you can’t make it to your scheduled appointment for any reason, give the dentist as much of a heads-up as possible. A missed appointment is missed money for the dental practice, and many charge a fee if you do not cancel.
As a courtesy, ring the dentist if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late. Some dental practices can see you, but that may not always be the case. Calling can save trouble for everyone.
Your Diet Affects More Than Your Physical Appearance
‘You are what you eat’ is a popular phrase suggesting food impacts the body as a whole. It certainly affects our physical health and well-being, including our oral health. It’s important to carefully consider the food and drinks put into your body, not only for weight management, but your oral health.
Eating highly acidic or sweet foods or drinks is bad for your oral health and may leave your teeth in pain, filled with cavities, or other problems.
- Sugary foods and drinks erode the enamel on the teeth. Once the enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced.
- Consuming sugary foods increases your risk of diabetes and periodontal disease.
- Aim to eat more fruits and veggies and get a little natural sugar in your life.
Talk To Your Dentist About Dry Mouth
Everyone experiences bouts of dry mouth now and again, but when it becomes a regular issue, it’s time to see your dentist since it can signal underlying problems.
Salvia contains minerals that protect the teeth from harmful bacteria. If there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth, your teeth are vulnerable to tartar, plaque, and cavities. Visiting your dentist can help resolve problems before they start.
Teeth Cleaning & Teeth Whitening Are Different Procedures
Many people mistakenly believe teeth cleaning and whitening are the same, however, the two are completely different procedures.
General dentists perform teeth cleaning to remove tartar, plaque, and surface stains from the teeth. The procedure doesn’t visibly whiten the teeth but benefits your oral health. Dentists perform teeth cleanings at every preventative visit, so it's needed once every six months to one year.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that removes stains and discoloration using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide. This procedure lightens the color of the teeth. Dentists recommend teeth whitening once every year or two.
Tongue Talk
Sudden changes in your tongue’s appearance could signal trouble. Contact your dentist if your tongue changes color or appearance because this may signal underlying health concerns. For example, white patches on your tongue can indicate a build-up of bacteria. A webbed or striped look indicated a high risk of oral cancer. Your dentist can identify tongue trouble during regularly scheduled preventative care visits, giving you the needed information to better care for yourself and your oral health.
An Unhealthy Mouth is a Sign of an Unhealthy Person
If you have gum disease, gingivitis, or other severe mental problems, it increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, and health conditions in other parts of the body. Bacterial infections may accompany these health conditions that can spread to your heart and other organs, leading to many health problems.
Take care of your mouth to stay healthy! Maintain regular visits and do not put off visiting a dentist if you notice oral health problems. The quicker you visit the dentist, the better the odds you can maintain your beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Dentists wish they had more time with patients. With unlimited time, dentists could fill every patient with an encyclopedia full of information. Since this is not possible, use the information above to your advantage. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist all those questions in your mind. Your oral health and beautiful smile are worth caring for your teeth and the information you learn might very well surprise you.
