Does My Dentist Know I Don’t Care For My Teeth?
At NYC Smile Spa, we encourage our patients to visit our office for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning every four to six months. The time between visits is determined based on the state of your oral health. Children, teens, and most adults should visit the dentist every six months, while those with conditions like gum disease will need to see us more often. During these visits, we can determine quite a few things about your brushing habits as well as the types of foods you eat and some of your habits. Your teeth and mouth will tell all of your secrets. We encourage you to be honest with us about your oral health and any bad habits that may affect the state of your teeth, gums, and mouth. We can tell this by your oral health:
How Often You Brush Your Teeth
Patients should brush their teeth at least twice daily. When you do not properly brush your teeth, plaque builds up on the teeth and along the gumline. The amount of accumulated plaque tells us how often and how well you brush your teeth. Plaque can lead to problems with decay and gum disease.
If You Floss Regularly
We encourage using dental floss at least once a day. Flossing is necessary to remove any lingering food and bacteria from between the teeth. We can tell if you floss based on the appearance of your gums and the amount of plaque we find between your teeth. Patients who do not floss regularly may have gums that appear swollen and red.
You Smoke
Those who smoke or use tobacco products often have an odor to their breath that is hard to hide, even after brushing. It is also not uncommon for patients who use tobacco products to have teeth that are yellow and severely discolored. These patients are also prone to developing decay and gum disease.
You Bite Your Nails or Use Your Teeth as Tools
Patients who bite their nails or use their teeth as tools may not notice any problems with their teeth; however, when we take X-rays and look closely at the enamel, small cracks and chips in the teeth will appear.
If you are located on the Upper East Side or the surrounding area and need an oral hygiene examination and cleaning, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We can thoroughly clean your teeth, check for any problems that may lead to complications with your oral health in the future, and recommend any necessary treatments. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Your Friends at NYC Smile Spa
