Dental Implants: Stains, Whitenings and Other Considerations
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Dental Implants: Stains, Whitenings and Other Considerations

Dental implants can make a smile look fabulous – I know I have them. However, if you are just thinking about getting them, you may have a lot of questions. You may be wondering how smoking affects implants, whether or not wine will stain them, if they can be whitened or other concerns. I also know from experience that it can be intimidating to ask some of these questions to your dentist. In my dental implant blog, I am going to answer the questions that can be hard to ask. I hope you find the info you need in this blog and that it guides you to the right decision about dental implants. Thanks for reading!

Dental Implants: Stains, Whitenings and Other Considerations

Oral Hygiene Adjustments You Should Make Today

Isobel Berry

Are you doing as much as you can to maintain excellent oral hygiene? The chances are, you may be able to make some adjustments to your usual routine. Here are some adjustments you can try.

Maximise Your Mouthwash Usage

You'll be forgiven for thinking that you should use mouthwash right after brushing your teeth. However, when you do so you're washing away the concentrated fluoride your toothpaste leaves behind. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay, so you don't want to wash it away. Instead, carry some mouthwash with you so that you can use it after lunch. By doing so, you'll introduce more fluoride to your mouth and you'll wash away any food that could sustain harmful bacteria lurking there.

Change to an Electric Toothbrush

Switching to an electric toothbrush may make it easier for you to cover each quadrant of your mouth. Try finding one that has 30-second timers that indicate when to switch to the next quadrant. That way, you're more likely to capture each area of your mouth and reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Try asking your dentist how hard or soft the bristles should be, too.

Don't Rinse With Water

Many people choose to rinse their mouths with water after they brush their teeth. However, much like when you use mouthwash right after brushing, all this achieves is washing away the fluoride. If your reason for rinsing with water is that your toothpaste leaves an unpleasant sensation in your mouth, try switching to a different brand. Finding one that's less minty will make it easier for you to brush your teeth and leave the fluoride to work its magic.

Incorporate Dental Floss

Dental floss allows you to dislodge any particles of food that remain between your teeth after brushing. You may also want to use it after meals, particularly if you feel as though there's food between your teeth. When using your dental floss, start from the top and work to the bottom. Try using a rocking motion but avoid brushing the floss against your gums. You can also hold the floss against the edge of the tooth until you feel resistance and then move it downards. If you experience bleeding while using dental floss, book an appointment with your dentist so they can look into whether you have gum disease.

By amplifying your oral hygiene routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay.

For more information, contact a dentist near you.


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