Got a question about dental hygiene? Here are some answers!
Here at Dental Concepts we see patients regularly for their scheduled hygiene appointments in order to keep their gums and teeth healthy. We tailor all hygiene appointments to the needs of our patients, as some require specific help, for example, denture wearers, children and teenagers with braces.
Question: Do I really need to floss daily?
To achieve optimum oral health, you need to floss your teeth every day. Lots of people ‘don’t like it’ or find ‘that it hurts’ but if you floss correctly it shouldn’t hurt, it’s just about making it part of your daily routine. There are also lots of different flosses and tools you can try if you find it awkward, and we are happy to advise you on finding the product that works best for you.
Our tip would be to choose a time of day that suits you; if you’re too tired at night then do it in the morning. We should begin flossing when two teeth touch. That means that even young children need to floss but you’ll have to do this for them until they can master the dexterity it takes to do it themselves.
Question: My gums bleed when I floss, is that gum disease?
If you have just started flossing then the chances are that you will notice an element of bleeding, to begin with. Once you begin to remove the plaque build-up the bleeding should then reduce, so it is important to keep going. This may be coupled with a bit of discomfort but not pain.
If you feel the pain that persists or the bleeding doesn’t stop, you should speak to your dentist who will check the method you are using to floss as well as your oral health to see what might be causing the problem.
Questions: Is Mouthwash Good or Bad?
Mouthwash can be used as part of your oral health routine to reinforce the good habits you already have with brushing and flossing. Most mouthwashes contain fluoride, so they can work alongside your toothpaste to remineralise teeth and help fight cavities.
Antibacterial mouthwashes containing ingredients such as chlorhexidine can also help protect against gum disease. There has been much debate over the safety of alcohol-containing mouthwashes, so if you have concerns, it is best to discuss your options with your dentist. If you are considering professional dental care, a dentist in Andover can advise you on the most suitable mouthwash for your individual oral health needs. For patients considering tooth replacement, your dentist can also discuss options such as dental implants in Andover where appropriate.
You can now go for the Hygiene Only Plan, which gives you the flexibility of spreading your investment over the year to see the hygienist while still being an NHS patient. You also get an additional 10% discount on specific private dental treatments.
If you have any questions, be sure to book an appointment with us today to discuss your options. Drop into the practice at
67 Winchester Road, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7HW or call us on 01256 893 517
Unit 1B, 132 Weyhill Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3BE or call us on 01264 313 999
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