Top Dental Hygiene Questions Answered

Am I brushing and flossing enough? In the right way? How do I know if I’m brushing correctly? These are just some of the burning questions that patients have following a checkup. 

We’ve enlisted the help of our hygiene team to answer some of the most popular questions so you can feel confident you aren’t missing anything important when it comes to caring for your teeth. If you still have questions at the end of this article, we encourage you to book an appointment so we can help you to get to the bottom of these concerns. 

What is the best way to brush?

Although it may seem counter intuitive, it is important not to brush your teeth too aggressively or use a toothbrush that is too hard as this can lead to enamel abrasion. Brush for two minutes twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste and soft toothbrush.

If you’re using a manual brush, make sure you cover all surfaces, including the front, back and top of the teeth. You should also vary the brushing style, going back and forth and in circular motions to ensure you reach all surfaces.

Do I need an electric toothbrush?

No, it is more important to ensure that you are using a proper brushing technique. Position your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Move it back and forth across one quadrant in gentle tooth wide strokes. 

Brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of each tooth, focusing on one quadrant at a time. If this seems too much, then it may be worth investing in a good electric toothbrush. The important thing is to ensure that you are brushing regularly using a proper technique to remove plaque and bacteria build up.

Whichever toothbrush you have it is important to replace the toothbrush or the head, every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn to ensure that you are brushing effectively.

What is the best toothpaste to use?

The most important thing when choosing a toothpaste is to ensure that it contains fluoride and that it is one that will make you want to brush. If you dislike the taste or if it causes any kind of irritation in your mouth, this isn’t the toothpaste for you. If you have sensitive teeth, a toothpaste specially developed for sensitivity can help. Otherwise, any generic toothpaste will do.

Do I really need to clean interdentally?

It is important that you use interdental cleaning aids once a day. It may feel like a chore, but it’s essential for removing food particles and bacteria trapped between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. 

To get the most out of flossing, do it before you brush. That allows your toothpaste’s fluoride to seep in and strengthen enamel between teeth and any plaque you’ve unearthed gets brushed away.

Should I use a mouthwash to improve my dental hygiene?

A mouthwash is not necessary if you are brushing and flossing effectively, unless you suffer from a high rate of tooth decay, in which case your dentist may prescribe a fluoride rinse. You should never use mouthwash as a replacement for brushing. Also avoid using a mouthwash that contains alcohol, as this can dry out your gums and leave your teeth vulnerable.

How often should I visit the dental hygienist?

Most people can benefit from a dental hygiene cleaning at least once a year, but some may be able to get away with less than this, while others might need more treatments. It’s really about your individual case and the condition of your teeth and gums. With active gum disease, you might visit for a deep cleaning every 2 – 3 months until the issue is under control. 

How can I support my oral health at home?

Education is one of the best ways to support your oral health. The more you learn about the risks in everyday life, the easier you will find it to make decisions that prioritise your oral health. When you learn more about dental health, you’re more likely to quit things like snacking between meals, smoking, vaping, drinking fizzy drinks and eating sweets.

Why are my teeth so sensitive?

Sensitivity occurs when the small pores in the teeth are open, which leaves the nerves in the tooth exposed. This can occur due to loss of tooth enamel, or temporarily due to treatments like teeth whitening. Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth helps to remineralise the tooth surface and close these pores. This is one of the few specialist toothpaste types that is actually worth the investment.

What is the best way to tackle staining?

This all depends on the cause of the staining. With surface stains, the best approach would be an Airflow polishing treatment. This is a kind of scale and polish that removes all traces of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. With deep-set stains from food and drink, your best choice would be professional teeth whitening. This uses chemicals to break down the bonds between the staining particles so that they are small enough to be flushed away.

Why do my gums bleed?

If you have red or bleeding gums, this is often the first sign of gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria build up on the teeth. It’s often a sign that you need to brush your teeth more carefully, or it could be linked to secondary conditions such as diabetes. If you’re struggling with bleeding gums, we recommend booking an appointment with our team so we can arrange a deep cleaning. This will put your oral health back on track.

Where can I turn for advice?

Here at Leigh Dental Centre we are dedicated to making sure you have all the techniques to look after your teeth in between appointments! If you have any oral hygiene questions do not hesitate to ask at your next appointment. Call us today on 01702 472929 to book!