Five Common Questions A Dental Hygienist Hears

Dr. Firoz Lalani

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Firoz Lalani

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People have many concerns regarding their oral health and hygiene. As a Dental Hygienist, I come across many questions by patients about which toothpaste to use, the correct time of brushing, how often do I need to brush, etc. Being well informed about oral health is better than not knowing anything and letting your teeth decay.

Below are some of the common questions asked to a Dental hygienist?

Brushing and Flossing

Can Brushing and Flossing regularly removes Calculus and Tartar formation?

Some of my patients complain that they are brushing and flossing their teeth regularly, still, they have Calculus and Tartar build-up. This is quite common. Calculus is made from a combination of protein materials in our mouths. Our Saliva contains high levels of minerals, which contribute to Calculus and Tartar formation. Calculus is hardened plaque formed on teeth, especially on the backside of the front teeth, because of the salivary glands under the tongue. So even if you brush and floss multiple times, your saliva’s certain properties will lead to more calculus and tartar formation. You can consult a dentist near Houston if the build-up is more than normal.

Which toothpaste is better?

One should choose a toothpaste that specifically targets their problem area. If you have plaque build-up or tartar, a dentist would recommend a tartar control toothpaste. Patients suffering from tooth decay are prescribed toothpaste containing sodium fluoride, which is an anti-cavity ingredient and helps slow down the tooth decay process. Also, check the ingredients of your mouthwash if you use one. It should have anti-cavity ingredients in it, to be effective against tooth decay. Find a Dentist or Hygienist in Houston near you who can prescribe you a toothpaste specific for your mouth after a full dental check-up.

Can I get whitened teeth by using a whitening toothpaste?

Whitening toothpaste only removes surface stains. Also, some of their ingredients might be abrasive for the tooth enamel. Discuss with your Dentist which teeth whitening treatment is suitable for you, as the whitening toothpaste has limited results. Your Dentist may recommend, whitening trays or in-office whitening procedures which are the fast, effective, and safest way to whiten teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What are the Cosmetic Dentistry Options to fix my teeth?

There are many options in Cosmetic Dentistry that work towards giving you a beautiful smile and healthy teeth. One of the most popular Cosmetic dentistry options is teeth whitening. One should opt for In-Clinic treatments as they produce quick and safe results. Also, it would be better to consult a doctor before considering teeth whitening, because the acidity of some whitening agents might harm your already decaying teeth. This may result in tooth sensitivity and an aggravated decaying process. Some of the teeth get discolored because they need restoration. A visit to a Dentist hence is a must before opting for any whitening treatment.

Also, dental veneers are a good option, for misshapen, crooked, chipped, or stained teeth. A Cosmetic Dentist makes you custom-made thin shells to fit over your tooth, to give an appearance of whiter and straighter teeth.

bleeding gums

What do the bleeding or itchy gums signify?

If you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, the bacteria on your teeth stay on. These bacteria can get settled under your gums and lead to inflammation. Patients with tooth restorations like fillings, crowns, or bridges are more prone to bacterial build-ups. It is difficult to clean poorly contoured restorations and crowded or tilted teeth. This leads to increased bacterial formation and inflammation of gums. It’s important to get deep teeth cleaning professionally, at least twice a year, so that the bacterial build-up can be removed and any infection thus caused can be controlled.

Bleeding gums can also be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy as the gums get tender during that period. One should visit a dentist regularly and have good oral hygiene to have proper oral health.

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