Oral Health FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Despite there being an amazingly huge amount of research and resources in regards to our oral health, there are some things which are often taken as a given, and it’s not always entirely clear how essential some things are for maintaining good oral health! We have gathered some frequently asked questions and answered them for you as a definitive reference - keep reading to answer your burning oral hygiene concerns for better dental health today!

1. Everyone says I have to floss - but how essential is it really?

And when we say everyone, we mean everyone! Every blog, resource, and piece of advice regarding oral hygiene references flossing - so it must be important, right? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. While many of us find flossing uncomfortable or time consuming, it is very much essential for good oral health. Flossing helps to dislodge food particles stuck between our teeth and gums, and anyone who does it regularly can attest to how much stuff comes out of your teeth even after brushing! If you find it hard to find the patience, try putting on your favourite song and flossing to it - your concentration will shift to the music, and your teeth will be flossed before you know it!

2. Should I bother with mouthwash?

The answer here is yes, and also no. Although mouthwash is a good addition to your oral hygiene routine, it is not essential, especially if you’re maintaining the most important parts: brushing and flossing. Dental health experts are split on whether or not they recommend mouthwash, so it’s really up to you! Just remember that if you are going to use mouthwash, you should opt for an alcohol-free formula, as alcohol can dry out your mouth and cause other problems down the line! Click here to learn more about mouthwash!

3. Why do I need regular visits to the dentist?

The most common advice after flossing is twice yearly dentist visits - but why? Some people feel (or hope) that as long as there are no immediate concerns or problems, it’s not that necessary to visit the dentist regularly. However, we are here to tell you that regular visits to your dentist are an invaluable part of your oral health maintenance! Your dentist can spot (and treat!) problems in your mouth as they arise, and create personalised care plans to ensure that you’re doing the best for your teeth!

4. What kind of toothbrush should I use?

This one is harder to answer as people have different needs, desires, and price points when it comes to choosing their toothbrush. There are some things, however, which are true for everyone: regular manual toothbrushes are usually the cheapest, but electric toothbrushes give you a better clean. If you’re interested in trying an electric toothbrush but find yourself wincing at the price, try out our Sonisk Pulse portable sonic toothbrush, which gives you that deep clean without breaking the bank!