Four Essential Oral Care Insights for a Healthier Smile

Dental hygienists play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, and they encounter countless patients’ mouths each year. Each individual’s oral health is unique, but there are some common aspects of dental care that patients often overlook. Let’s explore four valuable insights that your dental hygienist wishes you knew, as they can help keep your teeth whiter, stronger, and healthier.

Grinding and Gum Recession: Contrary to the outdated belief that aggressive toothbrushing causes gum recession, recent evidence points to clenching and grinding as significant contributors. Gum recession occurs when your gums pull away from your teeth, making your teeth appear longer and exposing more of their structure to the risk of decay. Understanding the impact of teeth clenching and grinding can empower you to take preventive measures and protect your gum health effectively.

Floss Thickness Matters: When it comes to flossing, some dental hygienists emphasize the importance of floss thickness. While ultra-smooth and thin flosses easily glide between teeth, they may not effectively remove plaque due to reduced friction. On the other hand, thicker, wax-coated flosses may require more effort to navigate tight spaces but offer better debris removal. Remember, using thin and smooth floss is better than skipping flossing altogether!

Brushing Your Tongue is Essential: That white film on your tongue isn’t just an innocent coating; it’s plaque! Similar to the buildup on your teeth, bacteria-filled plaque can also accumulate on your tongue’s rough surface created by taste buds. Including tongue brushing or scraping during your regular teeth brushing routine can help eliminate this buildup. Don’t hesitate to ask your hygienist for recommendations on tongue cleaning tools and techniques during your next cleaning session.

Coffee vs. Tea Staining: For many, starting the day with a hot beverage is a must, whether it’s coffee or tea. Surprisingly, tea, despite its milder taste and appearance, can cause more severe teeth staining and yellowing compared to coffee. However, there’s a catch – black coffee alone stains worse than tea, but when milk is added to coffee, it becomes less staining. If you’re a tea enthusiast seeking a brighter smile, consider switching to white tea instead of black or green varieties.