Things You Always Wanted to Ask Your Dental Hygienist

Question 1. What is one thing most people do wrong when brushing their teeth?

Camden RDH – They don’t brush long enough and they think that the toothpaste is cleaning your teeth but really it’s the toothbrush. Toothpaste just adds the fluoride.

Megan RDH – Not angling the bristles correctly/close enough to the gumline.

Michelle RDH – Most people, especially when using a manual tb, fail to brush for a full two minutes. The other most common “mistake” would be not angling the toothbrush along the gumline and brushing in small circular motions. The sweeping action of the bristles helps better remove plaque in these harder to reach areas. 

Question 2. If you could ban one drink for healthy teeth, what would it be?

Camden RDH – Pop, even diet is acidic and can cause decay

Megan RDH – Monsters or redbull.

Michelle RDH –  I would ban soda/energy drinks. They are highly acidic and regular soda has a lot of sugar. The combo of acid AND sugar creates a constant attack on enamel with every sip.   

Question 3. Is bleeding when flossing normal?

Camden RDH – No, if your eye was bleeding would it be a problem? Bleeding gums is a sign of infection and it means your mouth is telling you something is wrong.

Megan RDH – No, bleeding is not normal during flossing. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed.

Michelle RDH – A little bit of bleeding when you floss can be normal, but it’s typically a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis).

Question 4. What is your favorite part of a cleaning appointment?

Camden RDH – The end of the appointment, I love when people can feel the difference, when the tarter is off.

Megan RDH – I love the polishing part of a cleaning. The grittiness makes them feel smooth once finished.

Michelle RDH – My favorite part of a cleaning appointment would be the “catching up” or getting to know my patients on  more than  just a dental visit level . But truth be told, patients most love that slick, polished squeaky clean sensation after their teeth are all cleaned up.  

Question 5. Should I floss before or after brushing?

Camden RDH – I don’t care as long as you are flossing!

Megan RDH – I recommend flossing after brushing. The brushing gets most plaque and food debris first but flossing will get 30% of the tooth clean where the bristles can’t reach.

Michelle RDH – Flossing before or after brushing is a personal preference in my opinion.

Question 6. How often should I replace my toothbrush head?

Camden RDH – Every 3 months, yes this means you have to buy 2 toothbrushes a year on top of the two free ones from your dental office!

Michelle RDH – I would recommend replacing your toothbrush head every 3 months, or sooner if you’ve been sick (bacteria and viruses can linger on bristles.).

Question 7. Does charcoal toothpaste actually work?

Camden RDH – Yes, but wouldn’t recommend it. Charcoal is very abrasive and can damage teeth and cause sensitivity.

Michelle RDH – I have never personally used charcoal toothpaste, however there is a lot of hype around it.  Based on my little bit of research I think it’s more of a marketing ploy. Charcoal is abrasive and has some ability to remove surface staining and only for a temporary amount of time, but it doesn’t have the ability to remove the more intrinsic stains (the kind under the enamel.).