Aug 08 2010
Dental Care Questions
Dental care is supposed to be straightforward, and yet there are questions that bother us every now and then. The other day, a friend’s 10-year old daughter asked me as to which toothpaste she should use. Later, I came to know that she was pestering her parents to get her a certain fruit-flavored toothpaste. As adults too, we have questions like this. In today’s post, we will try answering some of such frequently-asked questions.
What toothpaste should I use?
The recommended toothpaste is the one that contains fluoride. However, if you are getting your dose of fluoride through the water you drink, you can use any toothpaste you like. If your teeth are sensitive, ask your dentist to prescribe an appropriate toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Why should I wait a while between eating a meal and brushing?
Every time you eat or drink something, you expose your teeth to acids. These acids make the teeth tender and vulnerable. If you brush immediately after a meal, you are likely to erode the enamel of the teeth. That is why there should be a gap of at least one hour between eating and brushing.
How often should I visit my dentist?
Ideally, you should visit your dentist every six months for regular dental check-ups. However, you should see your dentist sooner if you experience any kind of dental discomfort or pain. Rush to your dentist right away if you have a dental accident.
Why is tooth-picking not recommended?
You should pick your teeth only when it’s required and only with a toothpick. Using anything else for picking the teeth causes damage to the gums.
What should I do if my gums bleed?
Make sure you are not brushing too hard. Brushing the teeth and gums too hard is one of the reasons behind bleeding gums. However, if you gums bleed too frequently, visit your dentist right away. It is important, however, that you do not stop brushing if your gums bleed. Maintaining dental hygiene ensures that the condition is not aggravated.
Let us know if you have more questions.
Happy smiling!
No responses yet