Frequently asked questions at the Dantal clinic
What is tartar, why do you get bad breath and should you use a toothbrush? In this post you will find answers to some of the most common questions we get at the Dental clinic here at Werribee.
What is tartar?
Toothbrush can be described as bacterial coatings / plaques in the mouth that over time mineralize and solidifies. This is a process that can go relatively fast but it varies from patient to patient. Toothbrush needs to be removed at regular intervals. The frequency of removal needed depends on different factors and is judged from patient to patient.
What toothpaste do you recommend?
In the case of toothpaste there is a wealth of choice, but the most important thing with the toothpaste is that it contains fluorine. Most dental creams today have the recommended fluorine amount, but there are some varieties on the market that do not contain fluoride.
Usually it is clear on the packaging and they are usually only sold in different health food stores. Toothpaste without fluoride is NOT recommended, as the fluor is needed 2 times a day when brushing to prevent and protect against caries. There are several studies that demonstrate the positive effect of fluoride.
If you have sensitive dentures, you should use a toothpaste without abrasives. (ex Sensodyne, Colgate Pro relief)
If you have sensitive mucous membranes, it is good to use a toothpaste without SLS foaming agent.
I’m feeling bad breath – what’s the matter?
The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth. Then in the form of coatings on the teeth, between the teeth or on the tongue. If you also have tartar this may contribute. To avoid this, it is important to be careful when cleaning your teeth.
Toothbrush 2 times / day for 2 minutes, preferably with an electric toothbrush, and daily cleansing between your teeth – there is often more plaque / leftovers between your teeth than you can think. In some cases, bad breath may be due to other things, such as various gastrointestinal diseases.
Is the toothbrush better than a regular manual toothbrush?
The answer is really short and good YES. But you can definitely do with a regular toothbrush if you use it properly and be sure to brush everywhere for a long time.
There are several studies that show that the toothbrush removes more plaques more efficiently. It is also easier for you as the toothbrush takes care of the big work – you really only control it in your mouth. Most eland brushes also say every 30 seconds so you know when to change quadrant and after 2 minutes it will say when you’re done.
Many also have the function of blowing red or red if you press too hard – which is great because you do not get toothbrush damage that can easily occur when brushing too hard (even with a manual toothbrush!).
Should I rinse with fluorine rinse?
Because you have fluoride in the toothpaste, you usually get well on it. However, if you know that you eat small amounts in periods when you are a cousin or for any other reason, you are at greater risk of getting caries, extra fluorine may be a good idea.
Fluorescents we no longer recommend as studies showed that they do not give such a high supplementary effect. Fluorine rinse is a good option when the need for extra fluorine treatment is required.
Recommended fluorine rinse preparations include Dentan 0.2% NaF and Flux 0.2% NaF.
Avoid Listerine or similar preprat – there is too little fluoride in these and they are often very strong for the mucous membranes in the mouth. A fluorine rinse for adults should contain 0.2% sodium fluoride to give the desired effect.
