3 Lesser Known Dental Facts

All things surrounding the dental industry are pretty straightforward, right? We’ve all been brushing our teeth since we’ve had them, and we understand a variety of aspects of oral hygiene and what comes along with it. Well, here are a couple of facts that you might not be aware of.

Stress Affects Your Teeth

The effects of stress are becoming more and more understood. One of the most common results of stress is bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding that can cause jaw issues, degradation of teeth, or TMJ. Stress can also lead to forgetfulness, causing you to miss your routine and not brush or floss regularly. Digestive issues and dry mouth can stem from this as well, which often leads to tooth decay and cavities. If you are already dealing with stress, having to experience the repercussions could add strain to your everyday life. It is important to pace yourself, and prioritize your mental, physical, and oral health.

Floss Picks…Aren’t Great

Don’t get us wrong, we’d take you flossing with picks over not flossing at all! Unfortunately, these little plastic guys can be a little too convenient, and most users are just quickly “popping” them between teeth, which can be abrasive and ineffective. They might also use one pick for all of their teeth, which can spread bacteria. We highly recommend using traditional string floss or water flossers as they are substantially more effective and less wasteful. If you do prefer floss picks however, please be aware of using them carefully and thoroughly.

Random Toothpaste Isn’t Helping

We get that toothpaste can just be another item you have on your list, and that can result in you just selecting a random toothpaste you see, or picking one due to the price or flavour. Not only are some toothpastes just generally not great options, but each person requires a toothpaste that suits them properly. Look for the CDA (Canadian Dental Association) stamp on products while shopping, so you know the ingredients have been thoroughly tested. If you’re unsure of which toothpaste will work best for you, we would love to help direct you during your next appointment!

We are always happy to help with any questions you may have regarding your oral health, and any products you may need assistance searching for. We want you to have a smile you’re proud of, and feel confident about your oral hygiene. Book in with us today for a cleaning and come with any questions that you’ve been wanting answers to!