Brushing up on good oral care – your teeth and gums, thank you!
Dental checkups or the recall hygiene service should be scheduled at least once every six months, even if your teeth and gums are healthy and you do not have any risk factors for oral disease –at Scott and Derry Dental Care, we want to keep it that way! That said, oral hygiene should never start and stop with your routine dental visit. This healthy habit must be combined with healthy practices forged and sustained at home. Our team in Milton, Ontario, is pleased to answer your common questions about caring for your teeth and gums. And we look forward to providing specific tips and guidance on oral care tailored to your needs at your next visit!
Should I still brush my teeth even if they feel sensitive?
Post-cleaning, your teeth may feel a little different. But you still need to clean them. This won’t further hurt your teeth and gums; it only reinforces our hygienists’ work at cleaning your teeth. If you continue to experience ongoing sensitivity, please contact us immediately, as there may be a serious underlying cause for this change.
Is there a “right way” to brush my teeth?
Yes. You should brush at least twice daily. We also recommend using an electric toothbrush. It’s generally advised to brush for at least two minutes, taking great care to glide over each side of the tooth. Soft bristles are largely gentler on your gums, and all it takes is a light touch. Aggressive brushing can actually damage your tooth enamel and gingival tissue.
Why do I have to floss?
If you don’t floss and only brush, you are potentially missing around one-third of the surface of each tooth. When these parts of the teeth are not cleaned, food particles, harmful bacteria, and plaque build up accumulate. This process increases your risk of developing the two leading causes of tooth loss: dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease. So, just do it! Like with brushing, all it takes is a gentle hand. Do not aggressively snap the floss against your gums and teeth.
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Are some foods and drinks worse for your mouth than others?
Definitely! Some popular grocery choices can do considerable damage to your teeth and gums. We ask that you avoid or limit highly sugary or starchy foods/beverages. These options promote the development of plaque and tartar because the bacteria in such harmful substances flourish off the sugars and starches. Opt instead for healthier alternatives to the following not-so-teeth-friendly food choices:
- Sodas and soft drinks
- Acidic drinks and fruits, such as citrus and lemonade
- Teas and coffees that contain added sugars
- Juices that are less fruit than sugars
- Starchy snacks like potato chips
- Gum
- Candy
Prioritize your oral health by scheduling regular checkups at Scott and Derry Dental Care
And, even if you follow all of the tooth-friendly suggestions here, it is crucial to maintain recall hygiene appointments at the Scott and Derry Dental Care office. Notably, Dr. Jameela Jifri and associates can identify asymptomatic early-stage problems and address them before they cause damage. Our hygienists also remove hardened plaque that doesn’t budge with standard toothbrushes and OTC products. Call (855) 438-4999 to schedule your visit in Milton, ON today.
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