CREDIT RIVER DENTAL CENTRE Because no two smiles are alike
CREDIT RIVER DENTAL CENTRE Because no two smiles are alike
All patients visiting our clinic are required to complete the Patient Screening Form before their visit.
Just like any other type of hygiene, oral hygiene is incredibly important for one’s health and well-being. One way to ensure that your dental health is the best it can be is to regularly visit a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist will help provide you with preventive measures to keep your teeth nice and healthy. To help support our patients at our Mississauga family dental office, we are sharing 5 questions you should ask your dental hygienist on your next visit.
1) Why do my teeth feel sensitive?
Asking your dental hygienist about teeth sensitivity is important because the cause of your sensitivity may be treatable. Symptoms of sensitivity could also because of a more serious underlying oral health condition. Sensitive teeth become more common in adults aged 20 to 40 years old. They can stem from a variety of factors including:
If you experience sensitive teeth, we recommend bringing it to your dental hygienist’s attention. There are many ways to treat these symptoms that they may recommend, such as a new toothpaste, toothbrush, brushing style, tips and tricks or dietary changes to protect your teeth.
2) Which areas get missed when I brush my teeth?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, you should be brushing your teeth for two to three minutes, 2-3 times a day. Even with this rule in place, there are some spots in your mouth that are easier to miss than others. A great question to ask your hygienist is: “Which areas should I try to focus on more while brushing?” This will help you to determine which areas to spend extra attention to during brushing to help avoid excess buildup and cavities.
3) Should I be using a different toothbrush?
Your dental hygienist can help you pick a toothbrush that works best for your individual needs. The right toothbrush can make all the difference in how well you brush your teeth and which areas are missed. There are times in your life where you may need a toothbrush different from your regular everyday toothbrush, such as when you have wisdom teeth, braces or deeper gum pockets.
4) How often do I need professional dental cleanings?
Your dental hygienist will be able to assess your overall health status and determine what interval would be most suitable for you. Most cleaning intervals range from 3 to 6 months, based off of your periodontal status. If gum disease is present, a patient may be recommended more frequent visits to arrest progression and to stabilize the disease.
5) Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Gums bleed for many reasons, such as plaque and tartar buildup under the gum line, under-brushing, over-brushing and gum inflammation. One of the most common reasons for bloody gums is not brushing enough or missing certain spots while brushing. This causes buildup beneath the gum line resulting in excess inflammation and irritation. Building up your gums by flossing and brushing more regularly will help decrease the risk of bleeding. If bleeding persists, it is important to speak with your dental hygienist, as it could be caused by underlying health issues that should be treated.
Interested in learning more ways that your dental hygienist can help? As your Mississauga family dentist, we invite you to contact us here at Credit River Dental Centre and speak to a member of our experienced team today. Give us a call at 905-278-4297 to book an appointment.