Frequently Asked Oral Health Questions

Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience for some people, but if you don’t go regularly, you won’t know if anything needs sorting before it gets too late. Asking questions whilst you are there is important so you understand what you are doing wrong. Many of the same questions get asked time and time again, so in this article, we will go through some of the most frequent oral health questions asked when they go to the dentist after a while. 

What should I do if I have bad breath?

Halitosis, also known as bad breath can be a seriously embarrassing condition to have. It is even worse when you don’t realise you have bad breath, and someone points it out, but the truth is, everyone has it at some point in their life, especially in the morning. There is a range of different reasons why one may have bad breath, but for those who are healthy, the main cause of smelly breath is the deposits of microbes on the tongue. By cleaning the back of your tongue, you will be able to reduce the smell by up to 70%. 

Causes of bad breath

Morning – Saliva flow reduces when sleeping which promotes bacteria growth and hinders cleaning actions which causes bad breath. 

Gum disease – Bacteria and food that reside in your mouth can get stuck in your gums which can result in gum disease if not treated. 

Certain medical conditions – Pneumonia, diabetes, bronchitis, liver and kidney problems and sinus infections are all conditions which can cause bad breath. 

How often should I brush and floss?

Brushing and flossing your teeth are proven ways of controlling the amount of plaque and bacteria that is left on the teeth which can result in tooth decay. Plaque is simply a layer of debris that is a combination of food, bacteria and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in the plaque convert into acid which in turn damages the tooth. If the plaque is not removed, it can create tartar which will destroy your bones and gums. The only way to control this from happening is by brushing and flossing regularly at least two times a day.

What type of toothpaste and toothbrush should I use?

Buying toothbrushes can be a complicated task if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but normal toothbrushes are actually bad for your teeth and gums. So instead, opt for a soft-bristled brush and use soft pressure for 2 minutes, twice a day. Both powered and manual toothbrushes work well with manual brushes having different length bristles to get into certain areas and are better than all flat same length bristles. Whereas an electric toothbrush can be easier for people who find it difficult to use their hands or do the circular motion. If your bristles are bent, they won’t clean them as well, so it is best to change your brush every 3-4 months. 

Most toothpaste will remove bacteria and acids from the teeth and contain fluoride. Fluoride strengthens your teeth, but if your teeth require less fluoride, there are powdered alternatives that do just as well with more natural ingredients. 

Do I need to floss? 

Some children, pending on when you were born were never told the importance of flossing. Flossing is just as, if not more important than brushing your teeth and there is no getting away from that fact. Flossing helps to clear food and plaque from the gaps in your teeth and under your gum line. If you don’t floss, plaque will become hard in the gaps and will in turn act like wedges which separate your teeth and gums causing pockets. Over time, gums will recede from the tooth and loosen. Flossing regularly can help to reduce this from happening and can sometimes help your teeth t become healthy and your gum stronger. 

What are early signs of dental trouble?

There are many signs that you should pay close attention to if you feel that you are having trouble orally. If you are having any of the following issues, then go to a dental professional at Leamington spa orthodontics for the best service for treating and preventing tooth decay and other damage. Symptoms include:

• Mouth ulcers
• Bad breath
• Nasty tastes in your mouth
• Broken teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Swollen face/gums
• Jaw pain

How often should I visit the dentist?

To maintain good oral hygiene, it is essential that you have regular visits to your dentist for a clean and checkup. It is recommended that you go to your dentist at least once every six weeks which is not that often in reality. If you can go once every 3 months, this is much better as you can have plans and recommendations to follow. A regular dental cleaning can help to remove stains and plaque buildup which in turn prevents tooth decay and gum disease. If you have sudden sharp pain in your teeth or gums, you should book an appointment immediately. 

Why do my teeth bleed?

There are many reasons why teeth bleed such as a build-up of tartar around the base of teeth, using a hard bristle toothbrush, certain medications and brushing your teeth too hard can all be causes of bleeding teeth. If you swap your toothbrush and this persists, then speaking to your dentist is going to help detect the cause and give you an action plan to help treat and prevent bleeding teeth from happening again.

Is removing your wisdom tooth painful?

When removing any kind of tooth, you are under local anaesthetic meaning you will be numb. If you do feel anything, speak to your surgeon and they will be able to put give you some more numbing solutions. Wisdom teeth grow differently compared to normal teeth as they grow posterior which causes the risk of infection spreading into areas of the tooth. Often, this requires removing due to the route it is growing and the shape of the tooth. 

Is sugarless gum healthy for your teeth?

Sugar in gums can remain on your teeth much longer after you have finished with the gum which can in turn lead to gum disease and cavities that result in you having to go to the dentist. Chewing sugarless gum can benefit you. Sugarless gum helps to stimulate the flow of saliva which is incredibly important for your oral health. Saliva neutralises acids that are produced from plaque and bacteria. It also acts as a mouthwash by dissolving molecules that create bad breath. 

How Is smoking bad for your teeth and gums? 

Smoking is bad for a range of different reasons including the promotion of certain illnesses. Smoke inhalation increases the risk of certain illnesses each and every day, so it is essential for your health to stop. Other side effects of tobacco include the staining of teeth, increased gum disease and also delays in any oral healing from wounds.