Our Most Common Tooth Care Questions Answered

The basics of good oral health are simple – brush your teeth, floss, eat a healthy diet – but the details can get a bit confusing. There is a lot of conflicting information out there, so we thought we’d list the most common questions we hear at Tauranga Crossing Dental and give you the honest answer from our dentists.

How Often – and Why – Should I Brush my Teeth?

Our dentists advise brushing your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. Brushing your teeth removes any built-up plaque and gets rid of food and bacteria, protecting your teeth from cavities and inflammation.

How Important is Flossing, Really?

Flossing is more than just a way for dentists to torture you! Brushing alone doesn’t
reach tiny crevices between your teeth, which is where flossing comes in. When you don’t floss regularly, plaque hardens and becomes tartar which can lead to gingivitis, cavities and general tooth sensitivity. The dentists at our Tauriko-based dental clinic can show you how to floss properly so your teeth won’t suffer.

What is Flouride and is it Safe?

Flouride is a mineral found naturally in many foods like fish, leafy greens, apples and milk. It protects your teeth against tooth decay by strengthening your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acid from bacteria found in your mouth. In Tauranga, the water is not fluoridated, which is why it is so important to use toothpaste that is. Flouride is harmless, safe and important to your dental health.

Are Certain Foods Harmful for my Teeth?

Acidic foods and sugars are the biggest challenges for healthy teeth. The acid in citrus eats away at your tooth enamel while sweets fuel the bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay. On the flip side, crunchy foods like fruit and vegetables are great for your teeth – the chewing they promote leads to plenty of saliva which neutralises bacteria and helps protect your teeth.

Do I Need to Use Mouthwash?

In short, no. Mouthwash is not necessary if you are brushing your teeth and flossing regularly. But if you want minty fresh breath before a date or interview, go right ahead!

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

At Tauranga Crossing Dental, we recommend you make an appointment with the dental hygienist twice a year and see your dentist annually. Regular dental care is all about prevention – by keeping an eye out for cavities and periodontal disease, you’ll catch anything that crops up quickly. Plus, by regular stain removal and tooth polishing, you’ll be confident with your smile.

Why Does my Dental Clinic Take X-Rays?

Dentists can only see the teeth and gums, but many periodontal diseases lurk in the tissue beneath and can only be seen with an X-ray. Through annual x-rays we can monitor for things like decay, abscesses, infections, gum disease and developmental abnormalities.

Have any more questions about your dental health? Make an appointment at our Tauranga dentist. We look forward to seeing you at the Tauranga Crossing Shopping Centre in Tauriko.