Every industry has their own tricks of the trade - things they don't necessarily want the customers to know. When it comes to your teeth, your dentist wants you to know as much as possible. You might have the best dentist in the world, capable of working miracles, but you probably want to avoid spending too much time in their chair if it can be avoided. Your wallet will also thank you. So what are some things that dentists wish all their patients knew?

1. The Perils of Piercing

Do you really want that tongue piercing? Think of how many times a day your tongue brushes against your teeth. A metal piercing will literally scrape the enamel off the backs of your teeth, increasing the risk of decay, since you're removing the natural protective coat that all teeth have.

2. Not Too Hard

Brushing too hard can also remove precious tooth enamel. While you should certainly apply pressure and friction, excessive hard brushing will eventually wear the enamel away. This is also why you shouldn't necessarily use the hardest brush available. Your dentist will tell you which brush would be best for your teeth, but in the vast majority of cases it's a brush of medium hardness.

3. Two Minutes, Twice Daily

How long do you brush each day? A quick 30 second once over with the brush really isn't going to cut it, and dentists suggest that you brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Since most people don't achieve anywhere near that length of time, dentists often tell patients to brush three times each day, ensuring that the time adds up.

4. Benefits of Braces

If your dentist suggests that you need braces, you really should listen. While improving the aesthetics of the teeth is the most obvious benefit of braces, misaligned teeth can cause additional problems. They add additional stress to the muscles in your face, and can lead to headaches.

5. Banishing Bacteria

Sugarless chewing gum is often advertised as being good for your teeth, and this is actually true. Look for gum that contains xylitol, which is a chemical substitute for sugar. Xylitol functions as an antibacterial agent, so chewing it can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth - bacteria that can lead to gum disease and significant problems such as a dental abscess.

It can be a great feeling for your dentist to examine your teeth and tell you that nothing needs to be done. Now that you know these five things, perhaps your dentist will be telling you just that—each time you visit!

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