Frequently Asked Questions
There are various questions that do the rounds when the subject of dental hygiene comes up. This section will answer those questions, and attempt to solve any concerns or fears you may have.
What is better, a normal or electronic toothbrush?
This is a common question, but you may not be all that happy with the answer. An electronic toothbrush can help people to stop brushing their teeth too hard and can also ensure that they brush their teeth long enough by way of a timer. However, it is all down to individual choice. Both will get the job done, as long as you brush your teeth twice a day and correctly.
When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
You should start by taking your child to the dentist with you for your regular check up, unless something a little too graphic is going to happen. This will show them that there is nothing to fear about going to the dentist, and this will mentally prepare them for their first appointment. Many think it is best to take a child to the dentist when their first tooth comes through, but several dentists think it is just as good to do so at around the age of three.
Am I not okay if I just brush my teeth?
You may wonder if there is any actual need to use floss and mouthwash when you already brush your teeth. Even though brushing your teeth does get rid of plaque and bits of food, there is still the chance that some may linger. This is where the need to use floss and mouthwash comes in. Floss can help to remove bits of food from between the teeth, as can mouthwash, which can also refresh breath and remove bacteria.
Do I need to worry about hidden sugar in food?
What may seem low in sugar may not be so, which is why you should always read the label. This will inform you of how much sugar is contained in the food. Food items like cereal and baby food should be of particular interest. Look out for ingredients such as glucose and lactose, as these are forms of sugar.
What causes bad breath?
The main cause of bad breath is germs that gather on the tongue, which give off odours. The bacteria can also be found in cases where there is gum disease. Sometimes it is difficult to judge whether you have bad breath as your nose can become desensitized to the smell. You should ask a close friend in such cases if you really want to know. Using mouthwash and brushing the tongue with your toothbrush will help. There are also tongue cleaners available at several shops.
Is it okay to give my child sweets every now and then?
Yes. It is okay to give your child some sweets every now and then, but you should make sure this does not happen on too much of a regular basis. Also, it is best to give your child sweet based products during meal time, a desert for example. When ever your child does eat sweets you should make sure that they clean their teeth that night, if not immediately afterwards.
Do I need to go to the dentist?
You may be thinking that if you take care of your teeth, then nothing should go wrong. However, this is not always the case. This is why you should always visit the dentist for your regular check up. They will be able to inform you of any changes that may need to be made in the way you clean your teeth. Furthermore, they will be able to identify any signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
At what age can I stop supervising my child when they clean their teeth?
You should monitor how your child brushes their teeth up to around the age of eight. You should make sure their technique is good and that they brush their teeth for a sufficient time. However, you should still check up on your children up the age of thirteen, as they may get lazy. Dental hygiene is of utmost importance from an early age.
