Local Expert Blog: The Best Questions To Ask Your Dental Hygienist About Teeth Cleaning

Your dental hygienist is one of the best sources of oral health advice out there. They not only have plenty of time to talk things over with you while they work on your teeth, but are also intimately familiar with your mouth and your oral health challenges. All you have to do is ask for their help. To get you started, here are 6 questions to keep in mind next time you come in.

1. Do I Really Need to Floss Every Day?

Yes! Flossing at least once a day cleans plaque and leftover food particles from between your teeth, significantly reducing your risk of developing tooth decay at the contact points. It also cleans below the gum line and helps keep your gums healthy.

While everyone benefits from daily flossing, some people need to floss even more often. Ask your hygienist if you’re one of them.

2. Will Drinking Wine Stain My Teeth?

The occasional glass of wine won’t, but more frequent consumption might. Wine contains tannins and chromogens, compounds that contribute to teeth stains. Most other dark-coloured liquids and sauces also contain these compounds.

Your hygienist will tell you whether wine stains are a problem for you. They may suggest reducing the number of drinks you have each week, but they might also recommend other solutions like switching to white wine or drinking your wine through a straw.

3. How Often Should I Clean My Retainer?

Retainers should be cleaned at least once a day with a special retainer cleaning solution. It’s best to do this before bed. If possible, rinse your retainer with water after each meal or snack to keep food debris from sticking to it. Your hygienist will let you know if more frequent cleaning is needed.

4. How Can I Get Fresher Breath?

Sticking to a consistent oral hygiene routine is the best way to avoid bad breath. Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time and floss at least once a day. If you’re still having problems after making these changes, your hygienist can help you find out where you’re going wrong.

5. Do I Need Extra Dental Cleanings?

Some people benefit from getting 3 or 4 dental cleanings each year instead of the standard 2. Your hygienist will let you know if you’re one of them based on the amount of tartar build-up they observe in your mouth.

6. How Can I Improve My Oral Health Routine?

That depends on several factors. What does your current routine look like? How consistent are you with it? Are you looking for better overall oral health or hoping to address specific concerns? Your dentist in Windsor can combine your answers to these questions with their own knowledge and observations to provide detailed advice that’s tailored to your individual needs.

Get All Your Questions Answered at Coscarella Family Dentistry

No matter what dental dilemmas are on your mind, our team here at Coscarella Family Dentistry is here to help. We love answering your questions – a curious patient is an engaged patient, after all! Contact us today and let our professional staff guide you toward better oral health.

Sponsored Story by Coscarella Dentistry. Their multi-generational dental practice has been serving families throughout Windsor, ON for over 30 years. Their dentists like to learn about their patients on both a clinical and personal level, as well as how their unique situations may affect their overall oral health. New patients are always welcome at Coscarella Dentistry.