Real Answers to Your Burning Dental Questions

How do I keep my teeth clean when I have braces? Maintaining great oral hygiene is especially important with braces to prevent cavities and gum problems. Use an extra soft brush and floss threads or floss threaders to gently clean between wires and brackets. Rinsing with mouthwash also helps. Ask your orthodontist at Discovery Dental & Implants for any specific cleaning tips.

How long should I brush my teeth? Dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth thoroughly for two minutes twice per day. Using an egg timer can help ensure you dedicate enough time to properly clean all tooth surfaces. Circling your brush in various sections of your mouth and brushing along the gumline are most effective.

What’s the best toothpaste? Look for a toothpaste containing fluoride as this is key for strengthening enamel and fighting cavities. Many also include ingredients like stannous fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or xylitol for additional protection. Some incorporate moisture-enhancing compounds if you suffer from a dry mouth. Electric toothbrushes paired with fluoridated toothpaste maximize cleaning capabilities. 

A young Woman holding a brush with toothpaste and smiling

How important is flossing? Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas that toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Leaving debris in these locations increases the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Make flossing a non-negotiable part of your daily routine for optimal oral and total body health.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned? Most dentists recommend cleanings twice per year since plaque and tartar can build up on teeth within this timeframe if not removed professionally. Those with gum disease, new dental work, or risk factors may need to be seen more frequently. Schedule regular cleanings to identify problems early before they worsen.

What causes bad breath? Halitosis can stem from several issues like poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, food traps, gum disease, tonsilloliths (tonsilloliths), postnasal drip, or stomach ulcers. Make sure to brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily, stay hydrated, and see your dentist regularly who can examine thoroughly to diagnose any underlying cause.

Do I need a night guard? Wearing a night guard is recommended if you grind or clench your teeth at night which can cause excessive wear, fractures, and pain over time. It’s also important after receiving dental work like crowns, fillings, or new appliances like Invisalign that may be at risk during bruxism. Night guards protect enamel and restoration investments.

How long do dental implants last? When placed by an experienced dentist who provides follow-up care, high-quality dental implants enjoy extremely high long-term success rates, often functioning well for 20 years or longer. With proper ongoing cleaning and maintenance, implants can provide a foundation for replacement teeth that lasts the rest of your life.

We hope these answers helped provide some clarity around common oral health questions. Please let us know if you have any other queries – We would be happy to discuss further at Discovery Dental & Implants. Maintaining strong communication is so important to support patients overall.

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