This month, we want to answer your questions. Here is a list of questions we receive at our Ardmore and Wynnewood dental clinic.
How do I choose the right toothbrush?
In general, toothbrushes are available in two primary categories: electric and manual.
An electric toothbrush typically requires charging or batteries and does some (but not all!) of the work for you. Electric toothbrushes also come in multiple varieties based on their movement type. For example, some rotate (like the spin brushes), others oscillate (like the Sonicare line), and a few even do both. A manual toothbrush relies more heavily on elbow grease to get the job done, as it features no moving parts. Usually, toothbrushes come with one of three bristle types: soft, medium, or hard. However, by and large, choosing soft bristles is the best course of action.
Is flossing really that important?
While brushing your teeth can clean the majority of your tooth surfaces, it isn’t very effective at getting in between the teeth. That means bacteria and plaque may still exist in these spaces, even after a thorough brushing, leading to tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis). Dental floss is designed specifically to clean these hard-to-reach spaces, ensuring that plaque is removed from every part of your teeth. Gum disease has been associated with increased risks of developing a range of dangerous health problems, including heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Largely, this is because bacteria in the mouth can enter the body, especially if you experience bleeding gums. By flossing, you can keep bacteria at bay, lowering your chance of developing one of these potentially deadly health conditions.
Why do I have bad breath?
Food particles and other debris can break down in your mouth and, as they do, release a less than pleasant odor. Your first line of defense against this form of bad breath is to brush for at least two minutes twice a day and make sure you floss daily. When you brush, take a moment to scrape and brush the surface of your tongue as well, as bad breath-causing bacteria can cling to its surface. And don’t forget to follow it up with a quick rinse using mouthwash. Certain foods and beverages automatically up the halitosis factor, including onions, garlic, and coffee. Often, brushing and flossing can keep this at bay, as well as chewing sugar-free gum after every meal. Drinking plenty of water can also help, especially after meals. Smoking or using other tobacco products, like smokeless tobacco, can leave you with bad breath that isn’t easily cleaned or washed away. Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke not only coats the mouth but also gets into the lungs, creating an odor that can’t be addressed by brushing and flossing alone.
If it has been a while since your last visit to the dentist’s office in Wynnewood, be sure to schedule an appointment with us today! We also have an office in Ardmore. So, two convenient locations for you.