Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don't brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard. Those who don't brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums.
Well, it turns out that your dentist not only knows if you brush your teeth, but they also know a lot more about you, even if you don't tell them. Every time you visit your dentist in Loveland, there are a few key things we're looking for — cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, among other things.
Yes, the Dentist Knows
They'll be able to detect the plaque and inflammation between your teeth even if you brushed and flossed right before you went in for your appointment.
Run your tongue over all the surfaces of your teeth. If your teeth feel as smooth as glass, you've done a good job of brushing.
Ideally, your teeth should feel smooth even when you run your tongue over them, especially after brushing. However, this is not always the case as there are many instances where people experience an odd texture on their teeth which they've never experienced before.
Examining Your Tongue: Upon a closer examination of the tongue, your dentist will check the size and texture of the tongue to ensure a healthy mouth. Your tongue's size and surface can determine a lot about your dental health, as well as your overall health.
'” Usually, dental patients in pain or the throes of anxiety will close their eyes. That's not a problem, dentists say, unless they're tensing up the rest of their faces, too.
There are many conditions we can identify during a visual examination of your oral cavity, even if you don't know you suffer from them. This includes mental health problems such as depression. Recent studies suggest that depression conclude depression is closely related to poor oral health.
There is no downside to brushing your teeth before a dentist appointment. Many patients do this because they are worried about having bad breath at the dentist. If you don't have a chance to brush your teeth though, don't worry. The dental hygienist is going to eliminate anything you would have cleaned on your own.
2 minutes—2 times a day
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the 2/2 rule: brush for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes at night with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You could brush more often if you like, but the minimum for healthy teeth and gums is the 2/2 rule.
Prolonged time without brushing your teeth can cause tooth decay and gum disease to become more advanced, which can lead to receding gums and even tooth loss. Additional issues, including a higher risk for the onset of Alzheimer's disease, can be linked to high levels of unchecked bacteria in the mouth.
It's important to remember that dentists don't go into their profession to judge people; they go into it to help them. No matter what your oral health condition is, a good dentist will not make you feel bad about it.
With the build-up of plaque at the gum line and below the gum line, an individual may notice some swelling and reddening. The effects of not brushing for a month can be reversed by visiting your dentist for a cleaning. He or she may recommend that a deep cleaning be necessary if the tartar build-up is extensive.
If you're feeling relaxed and comfortable during your procedure - so much so that you are able to close your eyes and get some rest - there's no need to worry. It's not uncommon for patients to drift off during a procedure, so your dentist won't be offended.
Dentists are experts in this kind of patient communication and they will keep a close eye on you to make sure that you are comfortable. Talking is a human gift, and allows us to form relationships with one another.
You don't have to blindly agree to any dental procedure, and you have the right to speak up and have your concerns addressed. And even if you don't need to have work done, you should never be afraid to ask any question about your dental health and history—even if it makes your dentist uncomfortable.
Your dentist will inspect your face, neck, lips, and mouth to look for signs of cancer. With both hands, he or she will feel the area under your jaw and the side of your neck, checking for lumps that may suggest cancer.
When your dentist tells you, “We're gonna watch this,” it means your cavity is forming on the hard layer of your tooth. The good news is, if your cavity is still located on this layer of your tooth, it can actually re-harden and you likely won't have to fill it!
On almost any surface, a thin layer of bacteria known as biofilm can stick. That's why your gums and teeth feel like they've been covered in slime when you wake up in the morning. Biofilm is normal and happens to everyone—even if you brush, floss and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Even with daily brushing, certain foods and drinks can cause stained teeth. For example, frequently drinking coffee, tea and wine can all lead to yellow teeth. In addition, even regular brushing cannot always combat yellow teeth caused by smoking cigarettes.
Dental professionals recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes because too much pressure or overzealous brushing can negatively impact the enamel and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles to ensure an excellent clean without harming your teeth.
One week without brushing:
As soon as a week goes by, your teeth' enamel will start to break down. The plaque that hasn't been removed will make it easy for bad breath to grow. A dirty tooth will make it hard to clean. You will have a greater chance of getting cavities if you don't brush your teeth for a week.