Kingston TN
Dentists are asked a lot of questions regarding general and cosmetic dentistry. At LakeView Dental Arts, we welcome questions from our patients because it allows us to better serve you and helps you make the best decision for your oral health care. When you understand the reasoning behind our recommendations, you’re more likely to understand the value behind what we share with you. However, there are three questions that we get asked a lot and we want to make sure that everyone understands the importance of these topics so that they can have the best oral health possible.
Do I really need to floss?
This is one question we get a lot because many people don’t like to floss their teeth. It’s possible you’re looking for a specific answer to justify not having to do this little tedious task every night. But the truth is, yes, you need to floss! Flossing is the only way to clean between your teeth, which are areas that bacteria lurk and buildup forms that’s responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When you only brush your teeth and not floss, you are skipping cleaning one-third of the surfaces of your teeth. You’d never skip washing one-third of your body when showering, so why should your teeth be any different? Ideally, floss after your last meal of the day or before bed to remove food particles and bacteria that may cause bad breath or worse!
How often should I brush my teeth?
You probably have heard answers like once is enough or that you need to brush three times a day. The truth is that twice a day will suffice for most people. You can definitely overbrush, which can thin your tooth enamel. We don’t recommend brushing too much, but twice a day is the magic number. It takes approximately 12 hours for oral bacteria to adhere to your teeth and start doing their dirty work. Therefore, we recommend brushing in the morning and before bed, which should be enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Remember to floss, too! Feel free to throw in an extra brushing session if you eat something that fouls up your breath, but as far as making it a habit, aim for twice a day.
Does mouthwash help my oral health?
It depends. Mouthwash is available in many different varieties including with and without alcohol. We personally prefer alcohol-free mouthwashes because they do just as good of a job as the rinses that contain alcohol but without the burn. There is no reason to suffer with a burning mouth for the sake of no additional benefits. However, we also want to point out that using a mouthwash is not a requirement for healthy teeth and gums. It can, however, help give your oral care a boost and freshen your breath. So, if you like using mouthwash, go for it, if you don’t like it, skip it!
Family Dentists in Kingston, Tennessee
Taking care of your oral health by committing to the recommended oral hygiene regimen every day is the best way to keep your teeth and gums in check. If you would like to learn more about maintaining your oral health or schedule an appointment, contact LakeView Dental Arts by calling (865) 248-2199.
