10 Secrets Your Dentist Wants You to Know
When we think about oral health, we usually limit our concerns to brushing, flossing, and dental visits every six months. But dentist Berwick knows secrets that can make all the difference in your oral health and save you money on treatments. Here are 10 secrets your dentist wishes you knew but might not necessarily tell you outright.
- Flossing Is Just As Important As Brushing
Brushing teeth removes plaque and bacteria from the surface of teeth but cannot remove them between the teeth. That is where flossing comes in. Failing to floss leaves around 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and halitosis.
- Your Diet Plays More of a Role in Your Teeth Than You Know
It's not just tasty candies that cause cavities—starchy foods like chips, crackers, and bread can also. They break down into sugar and stick to your teeth, fueling the bacteria that cause decay.
- Your Toothbrush Has an Expiry Date
If you're using the same toothbrush for more than three months, you might be doing more harm than good. Worn-out bristles don't clean your teeth effectively and can even make bacteria nest.
- Whitening Toothpaste Won't Whiten Teeth Overnight
Too many people believe whitening toothpaste will give them pearly whites overnight. The reality is that most such toothpaste merely removes surface-level stains without changing the colour of your natural teeth.
- Mouthwash Isn't a Substitute for Brushing
Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen breath, but it doesn't remove plaque or clean teeth like brushing and flossing do. If you're only use mouthwash, you're not really cleaning your teeth.
- Bleeding Gums Are a Red Flag
If you bleed gums while brushing or flossing, don't simply ignore it! This is often a sign of gingivitis or early gum disease. Many people think that this is natural, but the gums of a healthy person don't bleed.
- You Might Be Brushing Too Aggressively
Brushing aggressively doesn't necessarily mean cleaning better. In fact, brushing aggressively can wear down enamel and lead to gum recession, making teeth sensitive.
- Toothaches Don't Always Hurt—Until It's Too Late
Most folks believe if they don't hurt, their teeth are fine. But cavities, gum disease, and even infection can develop undetected for months or even years before you feel anything. By the time you do hurt, the problem may be severe.
- Bad Breath Could Be a Warning Sign
Persistent bad breath is not only humiliating, but it can also be a sign of tooth decay, gum disease, or gastrointestinal disorders. Mouthwashes, mints, and chewing gum will not fix the issue.
- Shying Away from Dental Visits Will Pay More Expensively in the End
Most individuals avoid the dentist because they're scared or don't want to pay for it, but putting it off only makes things worse. Small cavities turn into root canals, and small gum disease results in tooth loss. Preventative care is always cheaper than emergency care.
Final Thoughts
Your dentist Sunshine coast is your friend for good oral health. By employing these behind-the-scenes secrets, you can maintain healthy teeth, avoid unnecessary dental work, and enjoy a healthier, whiter smile.
