For many people, dental care is second nature. But, no matter how long you have been going to the dentist, it is important to not only develop good oral hygiene habits, but also to adapt your morning and nightly routine as needed. As our teeth get older, it is important to look into different techniques that can make those pearly whites look the best they can be. Good life-long dental care can help prevent unnecessary discomfort and the need for oral surgery.
Considering that 32% of people say they’re concerned by the look of their teeth, here are some things your dentist wants to tell you before you come on in for that next appointment.
Plaque grows very fast during the night After all, plaque is the reason you have morning breath! Some people believe it’s pointless to brush in the morning after brushing just before bedtime. Since their teeth feel nice and clean, they think they don’t need to brush again. But the reality is that plaque is still forming as you sleep. So don’t forget to brush both morning and night, and your teeth will thank you.
Waking up with chronic headaches isn’t just a conicidence If you’re waking up with headaches and an aching jaw every morning, chances are you could be clenching your teeth during the night. This may also be a sign that you have a problem with your jaw’s joint and need TMJ treatment. Talk to your dentist about the ways your jaw and head pain could be connected to your oral health.
Plaque never just goes away There is no way to remove plaque from your teeth besides brushing and flossing. If you go without flossing and brushing regularly, the plaque will just sit there and build up into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist.
Wisdom teeth aren’t created equally While it is common for most people to have their wisdom teeth pulled, usually in adolescence, everyone’s mouths are different. Some people may need wisdom teeth removal during their teenage years, or they may not pose a problem until they are in their 40s. Or, they may not cause problems and won’t need to be removed at all. However, if you’re suddenly experiencing mysterious pain in your mouth, this may be the cause.
You may be flossing the wrong way A common way to floss is to move the floss up and down and in between teeth. But this isn’t the best way to remove plaque. Instead, make sure to wrap the floss around the tooth and move from side to side.
When it comes to dental care, there is so much your dentist wants you to know! If you have any questions about your dental care, feel free to call your dentist and book an appointment.