Patients want to know what they should do to take care of their teeth and gums when they are not sitting in your chair. Everyone knows that it’s important to brush their teeth three times a day and floss at least once, but there are other small nagging questions a lot of us don’t know the answers to. Chewing gum advertisers claim that chewing gum will help prevent cavities, while tooth brush manufacturers allege that their state-of-the-art toothbrush will also help to reduce plaque. Dr. Pobanz helps us to decipher the tricky waters of mouthwashing! Frequently asked questions about brushing your teeth:

1. How much time should it take me to brush my teeth?

At least 2 minutes or the length of a song on the radio.

2. How long should I keep my tooth brush before buying a new one?

You should be a new one every 3-6 months

3. Do power toothbrushes work better than regular toothbrushes?

Only if they are used. Studies show that a diligent person can get the same effect with a standard tooth brush. However, many people are more likely to use their power brush – many have features that disrupt plague easier like the Braun or Sonicare. Bottom line: whatever you have, use it!

4. When I can’t brush, will chewing sugar free gum after a meal really help to prevent cavities?

Increasing saliva flow is the key here. The research is showing that their is an increase in salivary flow, therefore a reduction in plaque accumulation while chewing sugar free gum after a meal.

5. Does mouthwash really help to prevent cavities?

Anything that reduce bacteria counts in the saliva can make a difference

6. How often should I use mouthwash?

An ADA approved mouthwash with Flouride and/or antibacterial ingredients could be used once a day to make a difference while helping to improve bad breath.

7. Will eating mints hurt my teeth, and cause cavities?

Sugar free mints help your breath but little else, however, a regular mint is just like eating a piece of candy, exposing your teeth to more sugar.

8. Will brushing my teeth after meals help prevent cavities?

Absolutely. Removing food debris reduces acid producing bacteria in the mouth which is what causes cavities.

9. What is the best way to keep my gums healthy?

Regular brushing and flossing at least twice a day and a professional cleaning visit every six months with a dental hygienist are the keys to healthy gums. Smoking and chewing tobacco contribute to gum disease. Gentle but thorough brushing is important as the delicate architecture of the gums can be negatively affected by an over-aggressive brushing technique. And if you need orthodontic care, contact us at Pobanz Orthodontics!