When it comes to oral health, your dentist should be your go-to expert. However, there are too many facts about dental care that your dentist might not share with you! Some are fun trivia, while others might surprise you…
Understanding these can develop your oral care routine and help you maintain a healthier smile. Let’s explore 29 fascinating things your dentist isn’t telling you, but definitely should!
1. Your Enamel is Tougher Than Bone
The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, even stronger than bone! However, it can still wear down over time.
The most common factors are neglect, food deposits which develop into plaque and sugar consumption! However…
2. Sugar Isn't the Only Culprit
While sugar is infamous for causing cavities, acidic foods like citrus fruits can be just as damaging. They erode enamel and create an environment where bacteria thrive.
However teeth can gain other colorings from cigarettes, coffee, fizzy drinks like coke, and alcohol! As we age, our enamel becomes thinner, hence its coloring can be the reason of many issues.
3. You Might Be Brushing Too Hard
Did you know aggressive brushing can wear down enamel and irritate your gums, leading to sensitivity, gingivitis and ultimately to the recession of your gums?
The reason you’re spitting blood might be simpler than you think. Keep in mind a gentle circular motion is most effective, named under the Bass technique. Check it out!
4. Bleeding Gums Aren't Normal
Remember, bleeding gums during brushing or flossing often indicate gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
It's a sign that you need to pay more attention to your oral hygiene in order to avoid gum recession. Should your gums be irritated, reddened or bleeding, address your dentist at once.
5. Flossing Is Non-Negotiable
Flossing isn’t just about removing food particles. It helps prevent cavities and gum disease by removing plaque where your toothbrush can’t reach.
It also helps you avoid dental cleanings as often, since flossing does a fine job at preventing plaque buildup.
6. Your Toothbrush Can Harbor Bacteria
Your toothbrush can accumulate bacteria, especially if stored in a damp environment. Replace it every three months or after an illness to avoid contamination. You’ll be able to tell from the very fried ends, the mold accumulated at the handle and the discoloration it will go through should you still insist on keeping it.
Also when you flush, make sure you close the toilet lid unless you want your toothbrush to accumulate more bacteria!
7. Mouthwash Isn’t a Substitute for Brushing
While mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath, it doesn’t remove plaque or food particles. It's an addition to, not a replacement for, brushing and flossing!
While some mouthwashes have antibacterial properties, their effects are very mild in comparison to good old regular brushing.
8. Not All Toothpaste Is Created Equal
Some toothpaste brands contain abrasive ingredients that can wear down enamel over time.
Choose a toothpaste that’s right for your specific dental needs, and make sure you read the label! Most whitening toothpastes are abrasive.
9. Your Diet Impacts More Than Just Your Weight
A diet high in calcium and vitamin D promotes strong teeth, while foods high in sugar and acid can lead to decay and erosion. Think about the health of your bones, and that will include your teeth too.
It is in your best interest to choose chewy food, those that require more mastication on your part. This will help train your chewing muscles and define your jawline.
10. Teeth Whitening Can Weaken Enamel
Frequent or improper use of whitening products can make your teeth more sensitive by weakening the enamel.
It's best to consult your dentist before using these products, because often the damage can not be reversed. Enamel cannot regenerate!
11. Teeth Grinding is More Common Than You Think
Many people grind their teeth at night, often without realizing it. This can lead to cracked teeth, jaw pain, and other issues. A night mouth guard can help protect your teeth.
There are many ways to get one, but a personalized one done by your orthodontist after a proper consultation is your best bet, as they consider teeth alignment and your palate!
12. Stress Affects Oral Health
High stress levels can contribute to teeth grinding, gum disease, and mouth sores. More and more people pick at their mouth or develop nervous ticks concerning their mouth.
Managing stress can help protect your oral health.
13. Cavities Can Develop Under Dental Work
Even with fillings, crowns, or veneers, your teeth can still get cavities. Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your dental work.
Keep in mind: cavities can develop under your gum, on your root, under a filling, in between teeth. Wherever there is a tooth, there can be a cavity.
14. Bad Breath Could Be a Sign of a Bigger Problem
Persistent bad breath could indicate underlying issues like gum disease, cavities, or even digestive problems. Gastroesophageal reflux is a common culprit amongst bad breath and cavities combined!
If it doesn't go away, book a consultation with your dentist immediately.
15. Your Mouth is Full of Bacteria
There are over 700 species of bacteria in your mouth, but not all are harmful. In fact, most are supposed to be there for your body to function normally.
Good bacteria takes care of your saliva and your overall oral pH, while some lay dormant. Good oral hygiene keeps the harmful bacteria in check.
16. Dental Care Starts Before Birth
A baby’s primary teeth begin forming during the second trimester of pregnancy.
So pregnant women should maintain good oral hygiene to protect their baby’s developing teeth, as well as mind their medication, their activities and stress levels.
17. Gum Health Affects Your Heart
Studies have shown a link between gum disease and heart disease. Certain bacteria which form in your mouth can be ingested, landing in your bloodstream and leading to a plethora of heart pathologies.
Keeping your gums healthy can have a positive impact on your overall health.
18. Tooth Decay is the Most Common Chronic Disease in Children
Tooth decay is more common than asthma or hay fever in children, making early dental care and education critical for long-term health.
Sadly, children who present poor oral health are also prone to worse school results and more absences than children who regularly go to the dentist. Parents, beware!
19. Dental X-rays Are Safer Than You Think
Modern dental x-rays emit very low levels of radiation, making them safe for regular use.
They’re an important tool in detecting issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like necessary nerve extractions, teeth inclusions, teeth and bone fractures and so on!
20. You Can Get Cavities In Your Roots
As previously stated, gums recede with age or due to poor oral hygiene, the roots of your teeth become exposed and susceptible to decay, especially if you suffer from dry mouth.
Misaligned teeth can also form cavities in between which go down to your root! Be wary of any cavity which is close to your gum level.
21. Chewing Gum Can Be Good for Your Teeth
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and clean your teeth when you can't brush. When you chew gum, especially after meals, it stimulates the production of saliva, your mouth’s natural defense against harmful bacteria and acids.
While it’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing, chewing sugar-free gum can be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine.
22. Some Medications Can Affect Your Oral Health
Medications you take for various health conditions can have unexpected side effects on your oral health.
These side effects can range from dry mouth to changes in taste, and even gum issues, all of which can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
23. Your Teeth Are Unique
Your dental profile is as unique as your fingerprint!
No two people have the same set of teeth, which is why dental records are used for identification whenever fingerprints aren’t available.
24. Dental Problems Can Affect Your Sleep
Your oral health isn’t just about maintaining a bright smile, it also plays a crucial role in the quality of your sleep. Dental issues such as sleep apnea, bruxism (teeth grinding), and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can significantly disrupt your sleep, leading to a host of other health problems.
Dentists are uniquely positioned to help diagnose and treat these conditions, improving both your sleep and overall well-being.
25. DIY Dental Treatments Can Be Dangerous
Attempting to treat dental issues at home, such as using over-the-counter toothache remedies or DIY whitening kits, can cause more harm than good.
You shouldn’t do anything to your teeth without approval, or else you risk extensive rehabilitating treatment.
26. Regular Check-ups Are Key
Even if you brush and floss regularly, regular dental check-ups are crucial. Dentists can spot early signs of problems that you might not notice, such as “white spots” and “brown spots”, the very beginning of tooth decay.
Some people are naturally prone to plaque, while others have a thinner enamel or a natural need for fluoride. All these can be told by your dentist.
27. Your Teeth Aren’t Supposed to Be Perfectly White
Natural teeth vary in shade, and perfectly white teeth aren’t necessarily healthier. Whitening treatments are cosmetic, and overuse can damage enamel.
In dentistry, there are over twelve nuances people can have, from white brownish, yellowish and even reddish!
28. Baby Teeth Matter More Than You Think
Healthy baby teeth are essential for guiding the permanent teeth into place.
Neglecting them can lead to misaligned permanent teeth, TMJ, underdeveloped maxilla and mandible, cases such as open bites and more!
29. It's Never Too Late for Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is often associated with teenagers, but the truth is, it’s never too late to straighten your teeth and achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Orthodontic solutions like braces and clear aligners are increasingly popular among adults, offering both aesthetic and health benefits that go beyond just appearance.