February 28, 2019 | Dental Health,
In order to become a dentist, you must attend a 4-year dental program and receive either a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. By graduation, students have had hundreds of patient encounters in school settings and clinical rotations. They must pass required written and clinical exams to receive their license, during which they evaluate even more cases. Some dentists go on to complete a residency for a few years to become even more specialized in a certain field of dentistry. So by the time your dentist examines your mouth, they’ve already heard, seen, and treated a lot of mouths. There’s not much that can surprise a dentist!
Good At-Home Hygiene
If you’re worried about your mouth being “gross”, there’s no better way to avoid this than to follow a good at-home oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time and floss every day to promote clean teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing will limit the buildup of bacterial plaque, a sticky biofilm composed of bacteria and acid, on your teeth and around your gums.
Diet Makes a Difference
Your diet also has a huge impact on your oral health. While you likely know that avoiding garlic and onions for lunch can help avoid bad breath, there are many foods that can actively clean your teeth while you eat! Fibrous fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables, are great options as the fibers in them scrub your teeth while you chew. Eating dishes that contain mint is also a simple way to freshen your breath.
Don’t Put Off Needed Dental Treatment!
Even if you’re coming into our office for treatment for a dental problem, there’s no need to feel like your mouth is “gross” or beyond repair. Our team has treated thousands of mouths, from broken teeth to infected teeth to falling-out teeth, and are here to help restore your oral health, regardless of its current state. Far from feeling grossed out, our goal is to give you a smile you love that you feel comfortable showing off. To learn more about the many dental services we offer or to schedule your next appointment, contact our office today!