It's not unusual for adults to neglect their oral hygiene, as they may be too tired at night to brush their teeth or to do it properly and thoroughly or may think they're too busy during the day to do the same. It's never good to neglect your oral hygiene, as doing so can lead to tooth decay and even eventual tooth loss, and seeing a dentist regularly should be part of that routine. Note a few answers to frequently asked questions about oral hygiene and the care of your teeth and gums.
1. What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
You may hear a lot about both plaque and tartar and how important it is to remove these from your teeth but may not know the difference between the two. Plaque is a sticky film that is created by saliva and food particles that are left behind after eating. You can remove plaque by brushing and flossing. If you don't remove plaque with regular oral care, this then hardens into tartar. Only your dentist can remove tartar with dental tools and the proper skill. Tartar can lead to tooth decay and other complications, so it's best to do what you can to remove plaque from your teeth as it forms.
2. Why visit the dentist if teeth don't hurt?
It's important to note that tooth decay doesn't actually hurt until the decay exposes the pulp or fleshy substance underneath the tooth's surface. You may also have tooth decay to the point of exposing a nerve, which creates sensitivity. However, once decay has reached this point, you may then need a root canal, cap over your teeth, or other such extensive procedure. If a dentist notices slight tooth decay during a regular exam, he or she can fill that cavity before it becomes severe.
3. If sealants are applied over the teeth, doesn't this protect them?
Sealants are thin coats of a very light plastic that is applied over teeth, and these coatings do protect the teeth from erosion, cavities, and the like. However, sealants don't protect your gums from potential gum diseases, and they can eventually wear away or erode, so that you need to have your teeth recoated. This erosion of the sealants can also allow food particles and plaque to form. Rather than thinking that sealants are a permanent solution for protecting teeth and that they allow you to neglect your oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly to have them checked and ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.
For more information, contact a dentist in your area.
Share11 December 2015
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
