Do you have a lot of questions about your oral health and are looking for some answers? If so, it's always worth asking a dentist during your next dental checkup. Here are some common questions you may have.

What's The Difference Between Plaque And Tartar?

You have likely heard about plaque and tartar, but are not sure what the differences are between the two. Plaque is the gooey white substance that is found on your teeth, and it forms quickly due to the foods that you eat and bacteria building up in your mouth. Plaque is easy to remove by simple brushing and flossing, as long as you do it twice a day as directed by your dentist.

However, plaque that is left on your teeth can turn into tartar. This is when the plaque hardens and calcifies, which makes it difficult to remove from your teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Your dentist can remove tartar from your teeth with a dental scaler, but it's possible for tartar to cause damage by being on your teeth and beneath the gum line. Staying on top of regular brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent tartar from forming, rather than having it professionally removed later.

Is An Electric Toothbrush Really Better For Brushing?

While it may be tempting to use the toothbrush that your dentist gives you after your cleaning, you may be considering getting an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have come a long way over the years and can provide superior brushing when compared to what you can do with a manual brush. 

Electric brushes can simply provide hundreds of additional strokes compared to what you would do with manual brushing, which gives you cleaner teeth. They also provide timer and brush head changing reminders to give you the best experience possible. 

Should You Use A Dental Floss Pick Or Regular Dental Floss?

If you ask your dentist what tools you should be using to floss your teeth, chances are they are going to say whatever one encourages you to floss regularly. Some people prefer dental floss picks because they do not have the strength in their hands to wrap the floss around their fingers and push down on it, while others just find it easier and more convenient to use floss picks.

That said, traditional dental floss has more flexibility and can wrap around your tooth more effectively to clean all the surfaces. Dental picks tend to be short strands of floss that can't wrap around. While traditional dental floss may be ideal, it all depends on what helps motivate you to floss daily.