How Often Should I Floss My Teeth And What Happens If I Don’t?
You should floss at least once each day. If you don’t, you are almost sure to have bad breath. What’s worse is that people with bad breath usually don’t know that they have it.
Why is this so? Well we know that bad breath is the result of bacteria. Bacteria can be found in many places within the mouth and regular brushing can usually get rid of most of it. One place that brushing alone can’t get too is under the gum line. Apart from a professional scale & clean, flossing is the best way to remove bacteria from under your gum line.
Bacteria left under the gum line for too long can start the onset of gum or periodontal disease, which if left untreated can lead to the ultimate loss of several teeth.
If you are not 100% sure of the best way to floss, just ask us next time you are in and our friendly staff at Stephen Chimes Dentistry in Rose Bay will be happy to give you a practical demonstration.
I have a tooth ache what should I do?
If you are suffering from a persistent toothache it is a sign that you will need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
I have just broken my tooth – what should I do?
It is very important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Keep any fragments of teeth and bring it with you to the dentist.
I have a missing tooth – should I have the gap closed?
Your teeth support and rely on each other. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can shift out of their normal position. In most cases it is important to try to replace any missing teeth in order to balance the way your jaw bites. If you have several missing teeth, the remaining teeth are under more pressure, which can lead to broken fillings, affect jaw balance and bite problems.
Do children before the age of three need to have their teeth cleaned?
Yes, the first baby tooth will erupt at age between 4-9 months and it is important for a daily cleaning routine should be established. A soft cloth or a soft baby tooth brush can be used to gently rub the erupted teeth and gums. Parents should assist the child to clean their teeth up to the age of 7 years old to ensure that it is done properly.
At Stephen Chimes Dentistry in Rose Bay we recommend brining your baby in for their first check up any time from 12-18 months (unless a problem presents earlier) so that they can begin to have a positive introduction to dentistry.
Are electric toothbrushes better than the manual brushes?
If you brush incorrectly, it doesn't matter what kind of toothbrush you use. Using the manual toothbrush with good knowledge of how to brush can do just as well as using a power toothbrush. Flossing is just as important as brushing teeth. Food trapped between teeth is the major cause of tooth cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
How often should I change my toothbrush and why?
The life span of the average toothbrush is about 2-3 months. At Stephen Chimes Dentistry in Rose Bay we recommend to change your toothbrush at the beginning of each season (summer, autumn, winter, spring). Toothbrushes just simply wear out after all the repetitive use morning, noon and night. The bristles breakdown and lose their effectiveness in getting into all those tricky corners around your teeth.
The other reason to change them regularly is that they are a breeding ground for germs, fungus and bacteria which after a while can build up to significant levels. They can also spread cold and flu viruses through families when stored together, infecting adjacent toothbrushes.
Will whitening harm my teeth or gums?
No. Tooth Whitening has been researched for over 10 years now and the research has proven that it is safe for your teeth and gums when used as directed.