Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Health Care

Dental health care is an essential part of your overall well being. The earlier you start with oral hygiene habits like flossing, brushing, limiting sugar intake, the easier it will be to avoid complex dental procedures in the future. Good oral health also helps boosts confidence and improves self-esteem. Below we have answered a few of the frequently asked questions on how to improve dental health. These will help prevent common dental problems. And, if you have any other queries, get in touch with us for further information.

A] Dental Health Care: Commonly Asked Questions

1. Why is dental health care important?

Good dental health care is vital to prevent dental problems like cavities, periodontal disease, bruxism-related conditions, gingivitis, and bad breath. Oral health also affects general health. So, if you neglect oral care for the long term, even a minor dental problem can culminate into a fatal health condition. For example, if you have an untreated tooth cavity, you are at risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes.

2. What are the different types of dental problems?

The different types of dental problems are toothache, tooth decay (cavity), tooth sensitivity, tooth erosion, discoloured teeth, gum disease, mouth sores, dry mouth, bad breath, root infection, chipped/broken/cracked tooth, impacted tooth, teeth grinding, crooked teeth, and teeth crowding. To learn more about dental problems and are their solutions, check out our infographic!

3. What are some of the early signs of dental issues?

Some early signs of dental issues are jaw, gum or tooth pain, bleeding gums, recurring bad breath, irregular patches or lumps in the mouth and mouth sores.

4. What are some of the ways to improve dental health?

As a family-friendly dentist in Sunshine Coast, this is the most commonly asked question by our patients. Thus, we have listed some of the best tips for healthy teeth and gums.

• Gently brush your teeth twice a day for approximately 30 seconds in every area of the mouth.
• Choose the right toothbrush, preferably the soft-bristled one that helps clean the root surface, gums and teeth enamel without any damage.
• Change your toothbrush after every three months.
• Use fluoride toothpaste as it helps prevent bacteria and plaque formation. It also helps strengthen the teeth enamel and provides a fresh minty breath.
• Plaque can build up on the tongue, leading to bad breath. So, gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
• Use mouthwash to reduce the amount of acid in the mouth and clean hard-to-brush areas around the gums. It can also help re-mineralise the teeth.
• Visit the dentist regularly, as preventive dental care can help discover minor issues before they become significant problems.

 

5. Are they any benefits of good oral health?

Some of the dental health benefits that you can obtain by practising good oral hygiene are:

• A bright and confident smile
• No bad breath
• Less chances of tooth decay and gum disease
• Improved general health and well-being

 

6. Is flossing important?

Flossing is a great way to improve dental health as it helps dispel the food lodged between teeth, preventing plaque. The general thumb rule is to brush twice a day and floss at least once (preferably at night).

7. Are sweets and ice really bad for my teeth?

Yes, they are! Sweets contain sugar that tends to stick to the teeth for longer durations, leading to the build-up of plaque. Plaque can damage your tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Chewing on ice can also damage your tooth enamel, making it brittle and leading to chipped, cracked or broken teeth. Citrus fruits, potato chips, and sugary drinks are some other food items that are bad for the teeth.

8. What foods are good for my teeth?

Green leafy vegetables, fruits, cheese, milk, yoghurt, nuts, meat and fatty fish are some food items that are good for the teeth.

9. What are some of the effective brushing techniques?

Brushing teeth helps eliminate plaque and bacteria from the mouth, keeping it clean and healthy. Here are some effective brushing techniques to improve oral hygiene.

• Hold the toothbrush correctly: An ideal angle for holding the toothbrush is 45 degrees, as it guarantees the bristles are pointed where the gums and teeth meet.
• Stillman technique: This technique focuses on cleaning the chewing surfaces using short circular strokes. Next, tilt the brush to clean the underside of the gum line - utilise half the brush to clean the tooth surface and the other half to clean the gums.
• Bass or secular technique: This two-step brushing technique includes holding the brush at 45 degrees. Move the brush in a circular motion under the gumline. This helps prevent gum diseases. The next step is to place the toothbrush in a vertical position and brush the outer surface of the teeth. This helps remove the food particles lodged between the teeth.
• Charter technique: This technique is mainly for people with gum recession, exposed roots, or those with spaces between their teeth. It is suggested to patients with fixed or partial dentures or adults with braces. While using this technique, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Now use gentle, circular motions for at least 15 to 20 counts. Keep repeating the same till you’ve covered all chewing surfaces.

 

10. How often should I get a dental check-up?

If you suffer from dental problems, it is advisable to visit the dentist every three to four months. For others, visiting the dentist twice a year is enough.

11. How does poor dental health affect overall health?

General health and dental health are co-related. Here’s how poor dental health affects overall health.

• Cardiovascular health: Inflammation in the gums can increase inflammation throughout the body, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Poor dental health can also increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in those suffering from hypertension.
• Diabetes: Periodontitis (a severe gum infection) can cause your blood sugar level to rise. This, in turn, can make managing diabetes more difficult. Periodontitis can be prevented through regular teeth cleaning.
• Teeth grinding: Poor dental health can also lead to teeth grinding (Bruxism). This condition can damage the enamel of your teeth, causing teeth sensitivity.

 

12. Is smoking bad for my teeth?

Smoking can damage your teeth, causing teeth discolouration, bad breath, inflammation of the salivary glands, and delayed healing after tooth extraction. It increases the loss of bone within the jaw, builds up tartar and plaque, and lowers the success rate of dental implants. Plus, it increases the risk of developing oral cancer and white patches in the mouth and can lead to gum disease.

To learn more about how smoking affects teeth, check out this blog.