More Dental Facts that Will Make You Smile

Our previous blog touched on some dental facts from the benefits of flossing to reducing your risk of Gum Disease.  Now you have to admit the thought of someone using dental floss to escape prison does make you want to chuckle just a little – who knew that little piece of string could be so mis-used.  Here are a few more facts that will get you thinking about the health of your teeth and might even make you smile.

Why Your Toothbrush Doesn’t Belong Near Your Toilet

Ok, so maybe this fact won’t necessarily bring a smile to your face, but it will get you contemplating if you’re storing your toothbrush safely.  Let’s just say it – your toothbrush shouldn’t be kept on or near a toilet because airborne particles from flushing can travel up to six feet.  That makes your toothbrush a prime gatherer of unwanted germs if it’s left close to the toilet.  Covering the brush head with a plastic container isn’t recommended either – unless you’re traveling and need to keep bristles away from other objects – but storing a brush upright so that it can air-dry is the best bet.  Rinsing your brush after brushing and shaking off excess water is a good start – then stand it upright in a glass to dry.  Remember not to share a toothbrush with anyone as germs can easily be transmitted from one person to another – and remember to replace your toothbrush after the flu or head cold.

Tooth Enamel – The Hardest Tissue in the Body

Did you know that enamel is the hardest tissue in the body?  Stronger than bone or cartilage and even capable of withstanding trauma (sometimes) - but there is something that can weaken enamel and make it susceptible to decay and that’s acids released by oral bacteria feeding off food remnants caught between teeth and under gums.  Brushing, flossing and maintaining regular cleanings isn’t done just to have shiny white teeth – it’s also to remove deposits of plaque and calculus that contain bacteria.  Bacteria thrive by feeding on carbohydrate particles and in the process toxins are released that weaken tooth enamel and cause dental decay.  Though enamel is strong – it’s defenceless against these acid attacks – especially when oral hygiene is neglected and a person consumes a diet high in simple carbohydrates.  Protecting your smile starts with protecting your teeth – that means good homecare and regular dental cleanings.

Family Dentists at Centennial Smiles in Downtown Calgary welcome new patients to their practice and are happy to answer patients’ questions regarding optimal oral health.

Need a dentist in Calgary?  Contact Centennial Smiles today (587) 317-7959