Similar to the rest of our body, our smiles are complex in nature while serving such fundamental purposes throughout our daily endeavours. Functioning to properly break down and consume food, boosting our self-confidence, and enabling effective speech and communication, a healthy smile is an undeniable contributor to a fulfilling life. 

With so many intricacies, it’s no wonder many readers have questions and concerns regarding everything to do with their smiles. To effectively solve the many mysteries of the smile, let’s review some of the most common dental questions that virtually all patients identify with!

What is Morning Breath?

Following a good night’s rest, many people are quick to notice a not so pleasant odour radiated from their mouth. Morning breath is different from halitosis, an oral condition associated with consistent bad breath, it still remains an uncomfortable reality- especially for someone waking up next to you. 

Bad breath is typically caused by bacteria buildup throughout the smile, and this process is accelerated when our bodies are resting. To best offset this side effect, it’s recommended to brush and floss before bedtime, which graces your tongue and teeth with a clean palette. It’s also crucial to consume lots of water to encourage saliva production. To best eradicate morning breath, give your smile a nice brush first thing in the morning, ensure to also clean the sticky-film buildup along the tongue- which is usually a major culprit of odour. 

Do Teeth Need Fluoride?

The infamous fluoride treatment is universally under-appreciated by almost every patient. Being coerced to swoosh around this funky substance which inhibits you from eating and drinking for a half hour afterwards is definitely annoying, but it serves a crucial purpose.

Fluoride is a fundamental element utilized to strengthen the teeth, notably their durable outer white layer referred to as the enamel. This is why virtually all toothpaste brands are infused with it, and also why most of the world’s governments have long opted into infusing drinking water with fluoride for public health measure.

How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?

Varying from person to person, your smile’s specific needs may deviate from the norm. With that said, it’s recommended as a fundamental rule that all of us should visit our dentist twice per year unless instructed to do so more often. It pays to always have a one-on-one talk with a dentist like the dentist in ballantyne, that way they could recommend the check-up frequencies based on your individual case.

Dental checkups allow our smiles to receive a deep cleaning unparalleled to what can be achieved at home, while also granting our mouths the opportunity to receive professional attention, identifying and rectifying any potential issues before they worsen!

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive? 

Tooth sensitivity sparks pain or discomfort when patients consume substances which vary in temperature or acidity. A result of the tooth’s outermost layer, the enamel, beginning to thin and exposing the more delicate areas of the structure below. Sensitivity is almost always the result of poor oral hygiene, but is also associated with;

  • Receding gums
  • Chipped or fractured teeth
  • Teeth whitening products
  • Orthodontics and fillings
  • Grinding and clenching 
  • Tooth decay

 

When Should My Child Receive Their First Dental Appointment? 

It’s recommended to book a child’s first appointment with a dentist once their first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday! Children are more prone to tooth decay and other issues, and may develop their first cavities by two years of age.

As your child ages, it’s important a dental professional keeps a vigilant eye on their oral progress and ensures their smile is on the right track. Especially since childhood is associated with so much activity amongst the teeth, as they’re constantly falling out and sprouting in to prepare for adolescence.

There is an endless amount of knowledge regarding the smile and its many intricacies, and we encourage readers to do as much research as possible! However, no amount of independent googling will compare to what our talented team of dentists have at their disposal and are eager to pass onto you. To learn more answers to common questions and concerns regarding the smile, book an appointment with our office today!

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