5 Tips from Dentists That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Taking care of your teeth is paramount because if you don’t, they can become decayed or worse, fall out. The dentist is responsible for helping you keep your teeth and gums healthy, but, a little work is needed from you too.
Your dentist has likely provided you with tips as you have visited his or her office. Tips such as make sure you floss and brush your teeth or here are some spots you are missing when brushing, are common things that come up. Unfortunately, you may feel a bit embarrassed or worried as your dentist tells you these things, but you do not have to.
The tips that your dentist provides you are ones that can help you keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Below, you will find some of these tips that should NEVER be ignored.
Florida Career College provides students with the opportunity to train to become a dental assistant. If you have a knack for helping people and you love the dental industry, this may be the perfect career choice for you.
If you want to become a dental assistant, consider enrolling in FCC’s Dental Assistant Program. The program can be completed, and you can earn your diploma in as little as 10 months, placing you on the fast track to becoming a dental assistant.
WAIT TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER A MEAL
Okay, we know, it goes against everything we were taught as children. We were always told to brush your teeth right away after you eat.
Dentists recommend that you wait 30 to 40 minutes AFTER a meal to brush your teeth. Why? When you eat or drink something, it disrupts the pH balance in your mouth, and this causes tooth enamel to become softer for a short time. Brushing during this window can cause damage to your tooth’s enamel.
PREGNANT? VISIT THE DENTIST OFTEN
If you are pregnant, you need to visit the dentist often. While you may think that you can go those 9 months without a checkup, you do not want to do this. In fact, some dentists may recommend that you visit their office more often during this time.
The reason? Cavities can lead to infection, which can spread throughout the body and even to the unborn fetus. In addition, pregnancy can take a toll on your teeth and cause cavities to form much more easily – same with periodontitis or gum disease.
SWIM WITH YOUR MOUTH CLOSED
Swimming is fun and many of us enjoying doing it, but did you know it can ruin your teeth? Chemicals used in the water to disinfect the water are potent and can damage your teeth.
One of the biggest concerns is damage to the enamel on the teeth. Dentists recommend that you keep your mouth closed and lips sealed as you swim. Also, you could swim in either fresh or saltwater.
REMOVING PLAQUE TAKES TIME
Grabbing the toothbrush and brushing for a quick 30 seconds is not going to cut it. Dentists recommend that you spend time on your teeth and brushing. It is best to learn at an early age to properly brush your teeth, so if you have children, you can practice good oral hygiene now.
Dentists say that plaque removal takes about 2 to 3 minutes, so plan to spend at least that brushing your teeth.
Pro Tip: Turn on a favorite song and brush, brush, brush until the song is over.
DON’T CHEW ON ICE
Ice is cold and can be quite refreshing, especially on a hot day. While you may want to put some ice cubes in your mouth and crunch away, dentists recommend you do not do this. In fact, you can damage your tooth enamel and gums by chewing on ice.
If you do want to enjoy some ice, simply suck on it and let it dissolve in your mouth and as hard as it may be, avoid chewing it.
TRAIN TODAY TO BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT
Our teeth need to be cared for to ensure a happy and healthy smile. As a dental assistant, you can educate patients and work closely with dentists to ensure patients do have healthy smiles.
If you have always wanted to work in the dental field, now is a great opportunity to train for it. Florida Career College offers a unique dental assistant diploma program where you will learn the skills you need to be successful in an entry-level role. Our program can be completed in as little as 10 months and includes a 170-hour externship.
To discuss enrollment in our dental assistant training program, call one of our FCC academic advisers today!
