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Frequently Asked Questions (And Answers)

Should I use an electric or manual toothbrush? How often should I see the dentist? What do I do if my gums bleed when I brush my teeth? Does whitening toothpaste ACTUALLY work?

Those are some of the questions that we get asked often here at Buttercup. We love giving our patients advice and help them to a better dental hygiene, but we thought why not help others too? If our patients have these questions and queries, chances are others have them too!

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we get asked, and of course our answers. If you’ve got a question that’s not on the list, feel free to comment on our Facebook page, or book a hygiene appointment in our Glasgow dentist clinic.

FAQs ButtercupQ: My gums bleed when I brush my teeth, what should I do about it?

A: If brushing your teeth makes your gums bleed, it’s time for a quick check up. Over sensitive gums can be a symptom of gum disease. Early stage gum disease is also called gingivitis, and this is the stage where you really want to catch it!

In most cases, all we need to do is give your teeth a good clean and show you a few tips on how to clean them effectively yourself. If you leave it too long, gingivitis can become periodontitis, and then the treatment gets slightly more complicated.

According to the NHS, most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree, and most people experience it at least once in a lifetime. But hold your horses, there are ways to prevent it! Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly (and by regularly, we mean daily) and be sure to see your dentist regularly for check ups. If you’re on top of your dental hygiene, we can sort your gums before they become a problem.

 

Q: Should I use an electric or a manual toothbrush?

A: This one is a classic FAQ, and we actually wrote a whole blog about it. If you’re keen to read it, you can find it here: Electric Vs. Manual: Which Should I Choose.

Long story short, an electric toothbrush is more thorough and helps you make sure that you brush for long enough. That said, the best toothbrush is the one you actually use. So if you’re not going to use the electric brush for whatever reason, better stick to the manual and get those pearly whites brushed twice a day!

If you’re in doubt how to use either of them, or want a little help deciding what’s best for you, then please do bring it up next time you come to see us. We hope that has answered if you should use an electric or manual toothbrush.

Electric Vs. ManuelQ: Is dental floss really necessary?

A: Yes, we recommend flossing your teeth on a regular basis. A toothbrush can only really clean what’s on the outside. Dental floss makes sure that those hard to reach places are taken care off likewise.

There are quite a few different ways to floss your teeth, and not all of them require you to uncomfortably squeeze both hands into your mouth and tie a string around your index finger so tight it feels like it’s about to fall off.

Check out the different options in Boots or where ever you do your shopping and try some different alternatives to the traditional flossing such as: a dental stick (1) the interdental brush (2), and our favourite: the dental flossers (3). Easy peasy!

Q: How can I get rid of my dentist fear?

A: If you’ve got a dentist fear then it’s all about finding the perfect dental practise for you. Find somewhere where you can feel as relaxed as possible, and somewhere with friendly staff.

Finding the right practise, accepting your fear, and letting your dentist know that you are a nervous patient goes a really long way in overcoming your dentist fear.

At Buttercup we know that fear often stems from a bad experience, and it only builds up the longer you wait in between seeing your dentist. When you book an appointment with us, we do everything in our power to ensure that your experience is pain free, that your time waiting is relaxed, and that everything we do is in your time and on your terms and conditions.

Sometimes fear of going to the dentist can be an evil loop. If you don’t go to the dentist regularly, then any problems you may have are likely to escalate. When you can’t stand the pain any longer and finally decide to dodge the bullet and call the dentist, your experience is more likely to be a negative one.

 

Q: Will my treatment hurt?

A: Advances in dental techniques and medication have ensure that we can do pretty much anything, pain free!

There are different kinds of anaesthesia, all with the aim of making your trip to the dentist pain free and a ‘quick tick’ on the to do list.

Sometimes it takes a while for anaesthetics to work, and that’s okay, we’ll wait until you’re ready!

 

Q: Is chewing gum good for my teeth?

A: If you’re a frequent chewer, then you might want to read our full article Chewing Gum: The Facts.

The first thing you need to consider is whether your gum is sugar free. If the gum is filled with sugars, then no – it’s not good for your teeth.

If on the other hand the gum is sugar free, then it can be a good addition to a healthy oral hygiene. Chewing helps produce more saliva which helps prevent both cavities and bad breath. Be careful not to overdo it though.

Keep On Smiling - ButtercupQ: How often should I go to the dentist?

A: As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to go see your dentist every six months. Some will argue that a yearly appointment is enough, but we strongly believe that when it comes to dental health; it’s best to catch things early! The sooner we know something is up, the sooner we can fix it.

At the end of your appointment, make sure you check when your dentist would like to see you again.

 

Q: Can I get rid of a stinky breath?

A: The most effective way to get rid of a bad breath is to make sure your dental hygiene is on point. Brush your teeth, use dental floss, clean your tongue and visit your dentist regularly.
Bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, so if you’re in doubt make sure you check it out. If no good oral hygiene is helping you beat the bad breath, then see your local dentist or doctor to find out what might be behind, and what you can do about it.

ToothpasteQ: Does whitening toothpaste work?

A: The producer of the toothpaste will say it works, but does it REALLY work?

At Buttercup we offer teeth whitening treatments as an alternative. Teeth whitening is an easy way to brighten up your teeth, and it’s completely safe.

It’s a procedure that uses trays, that are then filled with teeth whitening gel and to be worn overnight for two to four weeks.


Got any Q’s we haven’t answered? Let us know on Facebook and we’ll try to answer you as quickly as possible:)

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