5 Things Dentists Wish Patients Knew

One of the roles of a dentist is educating patients about oral health. Below are just 5 things dentists wish their patients knew about dental health and oral hygiene.

Your diet affects your teeth

Brushing after a meal is a great way to avoid future dental problems—but the contents of that meal are just as important. Food rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C can strengthen enamel and promote healthy gums.

Turns out apples can save you a trip to the dentist too. On the other hand, the acids and sugar present in your favorite coffees, sodas, and sweet treats can wear down enamel and discolor your teeth. What you eat and how you eat will affect the results of your next dentist’s appointment.

Foods to include in your diet:

Leafy greens – These have calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin C. It’s a full recipe for healthy teeth.
Cheese – Cheese contains casein, a protein that prevents decalcification. That’s the loss of minerals in bones and teeth. Cheese also enhances the production of saliva, meaning fewer bad bacteria.
Yogurt – This one is tricky. It’s got calcium and it’s got phosphorus, but it’s also got sugar and acid. Go for unsweetened natural for best effect.
Apples – Consider them nature’s toothbrushes. The fibers in apples scrub your teeth of plaque and get rid of the bacteria that cause bad breath. However, apples also contain acid. Follow with a glass of water.

Foods to take with caution:

Coffee – Coffee is highly acidic and weakens your enamel. If you must have a cup before heading to work, we recommend you wait a full hour before brushing.
Tea – Did you know tea stains worse than coffee? It has a higher concentration of tannins, which are substances that stain your teeth.
Soft bread – Bread is jammed with starches. Not only does it stick to your teeth, it turns into sugar once your saliva breaks it down.

There’s a right way to brush and floss

Despite how intuitive brushing and flossing may seem, there’s a method to efficient cleaning. As you brush, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gumline and use strokes as wide as your teeth. This makes sure you catch all the plaque and food debris.

Brushing too hard will instead damage your teeth and cause your gum to recess.
If you’re having trouble controlling your pressure, switch to your non-dominant hand.
When flossing, never pull straight towards your gums. Slide the floss under the gum line and around your tooth.
Floss thoroughly and floss only once a day.
Use a new part of the string for different areas in your mouth. You’ll spread bacteria otherwise.

Just finished a soda? Munched on a lemon? Wait thirty minutes before brushing. Acids react as soon as they come in contact with your teeth. Don’t do them a favor. Better yet, skip the soda next time.

Your toothbrush has an expiry date

A toothbrush can only last so long before it’s badly in need of replacement. The most generous window is four months, but switch earlier if you notice signs of wear. The best time is around twelve weeks.

Reasons for a change:

Bacteria sticking to the bristles counter the purpose of brushing.
Worn bristles are ineffective and abrasive. You may damage your tissue.
Mold may grow with enough time. Replace your toothbrush right away if you notice black spots.

Your tongue is also part of your mouth

The tongue is often neglected when it comes to brushing. Unfortunately, it’s also the area most prone to bacteria. When you brush, carefully run over your tongue and scrub.

Brush your tongue after your teeth and before rinsing. Take advantage of toothpaste residue.
Don’t apply too much force or you’ll break the skin.
Toothbrushes are fine, but tongue scrapers were made for the job.

Your mouth can reveal a disease

Periodontitis and gingivitis (stages of gum disease) are not the only diseases your mouth can predict. Your mouth is the entryway to the body and symptoms such as jaw pain, bleeding gums, and loose teeth can point to oral disease or a problem elsewhere. Examples include:

Diabetes – glandular dysfunction and high glucose levels decrease saliva production. This results in a dry mouth and eventually, tooth decay and increased plaque.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease – oral lesions, swelling, scaling of the lips, dry mouth, and bad breath are all possible signs of IBD.
Sjögren’s syndrome – the inflammation of salivary glands can lead to decreased saliva, drier mouths, increased plaque, and increased chances of cavities. If a person also has a rheumatic disease, another symptom would be jaw pain.

Want to learn more about oral health?

Contact us at 541-708-6288, and book an appointment today! Aside from these 5 things dentists wish patients knew, there are so many more oral care health tips we’d love to give you while we’re taking care of your teeth.