A healthy smile can be maintained with brushing your teeth daily, but if you still see stains, plaque, or discoloration, you might wonder why. Even though many people brush their teeth twice daily, different factors can cause this. Knowing the causes can lead you to enhance your oral hygiene regimen and perhaps require a professional teeth cleaning in Peterborough to achieve a brighter smile.
Bad Brushing Techniques
Brushing is important, but doing it the wrong way can lead to plaque and stains. Here’s what might be going wrong:
- Not Brushing Long Enough: The dentist recommends brushing for two minutes. A spot check revealed that many people brush for less than 20 seconds.
- Using the Wrong Brush: A soft toothbrush is most suitable to use when cleaning plaque without harming the enamel of the teeth.
- Skipping Hard-to-Reach Areas: Plaque tends to build up in the back molars and gumline if they are not cleaned well.
- Brushing Too Hard: High pressure can damage the enamel and lead to gum recession.
- Not Cleaning the Tongue: Bacteria that causes bad breath is found on the tongue, and it plays a role in plaque formation.
If you are not sure about your brushing habits, then consulting a dental clinic can guide you on how to improve your brushing technique.
The Importance Of Flossing
Brushing alone doesn’t get rid of plaque that accumulates between your teeth. Flossing daily not only prevents cavities but also reduces the risk of gum disease. Bacteria can reproduce in the gaps of the teeth if you skip this step, causing tartar to deposit. If you have gum sensitivity or there is a formation of plaque that is persistent, find and consider scheduling teeth cleanings near you for a thorough checkup.
The Role Of Professional Cleanings
It is necessary to seek professional oral cleaning despite taking good care of your teeth at home. The bacteria may eventually harden into tartar, which is too hard to remove if we rely only on tooth brushing. A dentist near you can perform a deep scaling, which will get rid of such deposits, and thus, your risk of cavities and gum diseases gets smaller.
Diet and Lifestyle Factors
Your dietary habits and lifestyle choices are important to your oral health.
- Sugary and acidic foods: They can erode the enamel and cause staining.
- Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine: They contain tannins that discolour the teeth over time.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco stains the teeth and promotes plaque accumulation.
- Dehydration: It leaves the mouth dry, which promotes the growth of bacteria that leads to plaque formation.
If you have staining problems, talking to a Peterborough dentist can give you individualized tips and teeth-whitening systems offered by professionals.
Oral Health and Genetics
Sometimes, the condition of your teeth is dependent on genetics. Some people are born with weaker enamel or a tendency to develop plaque more easily. If this is the case, then you should visit a dental clinic near you to check up on your oral health and find ways to keep it in check.
Selecting the Right Dental Products
Not all oral care products are the same. Here’s what to look for:
- Fluoride toothpaste: This builds up the enamel and prevents cavities.
- Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Does not harm the enamel or the gums while being very efficient in removing plaque.
- Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Reduces bacteria and has a pleasant effect on the breath.
If you are still not sure what products are good for you, the dental clinic can help you with the expert advice.
Get a Healthier Smile with Lotus Family Dental
Brushing is not enough to keep clean and healthy teeth. There are other ways to keep a brighter smile; they include using proper techniques, flossing regularly, taking caution with certain foods and drinks, and getting professional cleanups. At Lotus Family Dental, our dentist in Peterborough, we are here to guide you through your oral health journey.
Contact Lotus Family Dental to achieve and maintain a healthy and bright smile.
