How Hygienists Can Tell You Aren’t Flossing

The dental hygienists here at Meadows Family Dentistry have been rigorously trained on the health of the mouth, teeth, and gum tissues. At our office, we put a strong emphasis on patient education, and our hygienists also know how to teach our patients about their oral health and how to improve and maintain it.

The number one thing our hygienists can easily notice is whether or not you’re flossing regularly. Even if you start flossing a few days or even weeks before your appointment is coming up, our hygienists will be able to tell. This is due to the buildup of plaque that may have hardened to the point that your toothbrush can’t get rid of it. Once plaque gets to this point, it’s known as tartar and can only be removed by a professional.

Other Things our Dental Hygienists Can Tell from Your Exam

• Thumb sucking – If you’re a habitual thumb-sucker, your front teeth are likely to protrude. Not only can this be an orthodontic problem, but you may also have a difficult time speaking properly and keeping your teeth clean.
• Oral cancer – During your appointment, you’ll be checked for signs of oral cancer. These signs can include lumps, bumps, color changes of the skin, or speckled patches. Oral cancer can be detected on the lips, gums, inside of the cheeks, or any of the other soft tissues of the mouth.
• Nail biting – If you bite your nails regularly, your teeth will show the signs. These signs include chips or cracks in the teeth, or excessive wear on the enamel of the teeth. This damage isn’t caused by biting the nail, but when the teeth crack together after biting through a nail.
• Sinus infection – Because the roots of the upper teeth are positioned in the same general area as the sinus floor, sinus infections are often mistaken for toothaches. Our skilled hygienists can tell you if it’s the sinuses or a dental problem causing any pain or pressure.

The best way to protect your oral health is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at a time, flossing every single day, and visiting Meadows Family Dentistry every six months for a dental cleaning and exam.

To make an appointment for the whole family, please contact Meadows Family Dentistry, located here in Castle Rock, Colorado.