Dentist Dundas Advice
Advice changes over time. This is partly due to the situation changing, partly due to an improved understanding. The dental advice we probably received from our parents was a mixture of simple dependable ideas (brush twice daily) and simple misconceptions (clean your teeth straight after a meal). Our evolving understanding has dispelled a few of these misunderstandings.
Only cleaning our teeth in the morning.
We probably want to clean our teeth in the morning to be rid of bad breath. But the bad breath is most likely caused by not cleaning out teeth the might before. If we have left food on our teeth overnight then our breath will suffer. This is all the worse if we sleep with our mouth open.
We have to brush at night before we sleep.
Hard Scrubbing
Maybe this is a hangover from when our families cleaned the floor with hard bristle brushes. Hard scrubbing works for tiled floors. But this same hard scrubbing is very bad for teeth. We will wear the tooth enamel away after a few years. This will leave the teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. It can also lead to a receding gumline.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush, and brush thoroughly yet gently. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor is one good option.
Using mouthwash instead of floss
While it is good to use mouthwash before or after flossing, we can never use it instead of flossing. The action of using floss will remove physical debris; mouthwash cannot perform this function.
Mouthwash and flossing perform different functions, and we should do both after brushing.
Using floss or floss picks inadequately.
We need to use floss to physically clean the space between teeth. This takes a minute or two to do correctly. But many people just run the floss quickly between the teeth. We need to rub it up and down against each side of the tooth surface.
It is a mistake to skip flossing if you see blood.
If our gums bleed we almost certainly have a gum infection. Some people think that blood means they have flossed too hard. It actually means we have not been flossing enough.
Rinse with mouthwash first, then floss. This prevents bacteria getting in the bloodstream. The bleeding will subside after a few days as we continue to floss. The gum infection should clear up over a few weeks.
Brushing after eating
This was a game changer when people finally saw the pattern around the year 2000. We now understand that many drinks and foods, especially anything acidic, will soften tooth enamel. If we brush too soon we will quickly wear away the softened enamel.
Drink water after eating, then wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Cheap toothpaste
Look for toothpaste with a seal from the Australian Dental Association. Cheap toothpaste and toothbrushes perform poorly. This cost us in the long term as our teeth will not be adequately clean.
Stock up on some quality toothpaste and toothbrushes when they are on sale.
Waiting till a problem is obvious.
If we suffer a toothache or any dental pain, we have waited too long to see the dentist. Regular appointments every 6 months, and daily cleaning, will mean fixing or preventing any issues before they become serious.
Dentist on Victoria believe in preventative dentistry. This includes regular dental check-ups and cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, oral hygiene instructions, and (perhaps most importantly) patient education on proper oral care practices. By emphasizing preventive care, dentists can identify potential issues early on and provide appropriate interventions to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This proactive approach helps patients maintain optimal oral health and prevent the need for extensive dental procedures in the future.
A healthy set of teeth and gums goes a long way towards a healthier life. Visit the Dentist on Victoria and have the smile you always deserved.
Information Disclaimer
The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.