5 FAQ's about your Dental Health
Many times we hear or have heard different recommendations about the best way to take care of our teeth, how to keep them clean or even how to whiten them at home, however, many of the things we hear are not completely correct. This is why we leave you with the 5 FAQ’s about your dental health that you should read to keep your teeth healthy.
1. What causes tooth sensitivity and how can it be treated?
What causes tooth sensitivity and how it can Dental sensitivity can often be an indication that there is something wrong with the teeth or a specific tooth.
It does not always mean that this is the case, but when you have sensitivity, it is advisable to consult or visit the dentist to avoid complications.
Some of the reasons why sensitivity is generated in the teeth:
- Brushing teeth too roughly: Contrary to what many of us believe, brushing teeth should be done in a gentle manner, similar to massaging the teeth. The fact of brushing them roughly does not mean that they will clean better. It is recommended to do it gently and from bottom to top for the lower teeth, and from top to bottom for the upper teeth.
- Type of food: Sensitivity is often related only to the type of food consumed. If we eat very cold, hot or acidic foods, we may begin to feel sensitivity in our teeth.
- Teeth whitening: This type of treatment usually causes sensitivity in the teeth, however, this may vary depending on the method used, that is, if it is done by laser or if it is done by home method. This is normal after the treatment so there is no need to worry.
- Tooth enamel wear: If our teeth have worn tooth enamel, which is their protective layer, they are more prone to feel sensitivity. If this occurs, it is important to visit the dentist since the enamel is one of the protective layers to avoid more severe complications.
- Grinding teeth when sleeping: People who have bruxism, grind their teeth constantly when sleeping, promoting the wear of the pieces, which can generate more sensitivity in the teeth. Similarly, there are some solutions that can be done to avoid this type of wear.
2. Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes and why?
The main advantage of certain electric toothbrushes is that they can further reduce bacterial plaque, which is responsible for the production of caries and gingivitis.
When using an electric toothbrush the risk of tooth abrasion is lower, because these devices have a pressure control mechanism that makes them less likely to erode the tooth surface.
A bad manual brushing, which exerts too much pressure on the tooth, can file the tooth enamel.
In general it is much better to use an electric toothbrush for these reasons, however there are cases where manual brushing is better such as after surgery where there are stitches to take care of or with orthodontics that can damage a wire.
3. How often should I replace my toothbrush and what are the signs that it is time to change it?
There are 3 scenarios when you should change your toothbrush to ensure proper cleaning:
- Replace your toothbrush approximately every three months to avoid bent bristles and bacteria buildup.
- Don’t apply too much pressure. A toothbrush often wears out too quickly as a result of applying too much pressure or poor cleaning technique.
- Replace your toothbrush immediately after an illness. After a common cold or other infectious illness, it is advisable to replace your toothbrush because of the amount of bacteria or viruses that may be present.
4. What are the best practices for maintaining healthy gums?
Undoubtedly the best way to maintain healthy gums is to use dental floss.
The accumulation of plaque or food debris on the teeth promotes the proliferation of bacteria between the teeth causing the gums to become diseased and therefore inflamed.
This is why when this happens, they tend to bleed when brushing their teeth. If this is not treated in time, it can generate gingivitis or, in worse cases, periodontitis, even leading to the loss of a tooth.
Dental floss is the way to give a deep finish to dental cleaning.
5. Is it normal for gums to bleed during brushing and when should I be concerned?
This is not normal, it is indicative of a gum problem. Usually this occurs due to plaque buildup from not cleaning teeth effectively.
For this reason, as in the previous question, it is extremely important to use dental floss to keep the gums clean and avoid complications that can lead to tooth decay and having to have a root canal.
Dental cleaning in Costa Rica
In order to ensure a proper dental cleaning and correct teeth cleaning, it is advisable to visit your dentist at least every 6 months or even every 4 months if your dental health is not so good.
Maintaining this on a routine basis also allows us to avoid more costly complications due to “invisible” problems we have in our teeth.
At Lamicq Dental Care we like to recommend to our patients the best practices to ensure their dental health after a dental cleaning. If you have any questions about dental treatments, do not hesitate to contact us on our WhatsApp and let’s schedule an appointment.