Dental Facts
What kind of Toothbrush should I use?
We recommend a soft bristle toothbrush but a more effective option is one of the many rechargeable brushes from companies such as Phillips Sonicare and Braun Oral-B. We would be happy to supply you with one and give you instruction on how to correctly use it.
Why Floss?
Floss removes the plaque and food from between the teeth and decreases irritation of your gums due to bacteria. Brushing alone can not remove the plaque that causes decay between the teeth and the only way to cleanse these areas is with floss. There is a new flossing aid on the market called the Reach Access Flosser that works very well. It can be found at any drugstore or grocery store or on: http://www.reachaccess.com/
Why do I need x-rays?
Visual exams only reveal about 20% of what is really happening with you teeth, gums, and bone loss. X-rays are a clear picture of the inside of the teeth and is generally required for us to accurately provide treatment. Our office uses digital x-ray equipment that uses the lowest dosage of radiation possible as well as the clearest possible image.
Information for Children:
When should my child first see the dentist?
The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing them to the dentist early helps the child and parents learn how to clean teeth properly and identify their fluoride needs.
How should parents prepare their child and themselves for this first visit?
Talk to your child about what to expect and build excitement about the visit with dentist.
Can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
Yes, and it is very easy. First, never allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquids. Clean and massage your baby's gums to keep them healthy and to aid in teething. This can be done with gauze and a finger after meals. Once your child has their first tooth, very gentle brushing can begin. When brushing your infant’s teeth use a soft toothbrush and water. If you are considering using toothpaste before your child’s second birthday, ask us first.
What's topical fluoride, and should I use it?
Professionally administered topical fluorides such as gels or varnishes are applied by a dentist and left on for about one minute, usually during a cleaning treatment for anyone under the age of 18. For patients with a high risk of cavities, the dentist may prescribe a special gel for daily home use.
Topical fluoride is generally applied directly to the teeth in the form of products such as toothpastes and mouth rinses. These products are applied to the teeth and then rinsed from the mouth without swallowing. We recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day or after every meal, combined with a regimen of flossing and regular dental checkups.
How can my Child care for their Mouth Guard?
- Clean your mouth guard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water.
- Before storing, soak your mouth guard in mouthwash.
- Keep your mouth guard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has holes in it so the mouth guard will dry.
- Heat is bad for mouth guards, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile.
- Don't bend your mouth guard when storing.
- Don't handle or wear someone else's mouth guard.
What is TMJ and how do I know if I have it?
TMJ is an acronym for the Temporomandibular Joint, the two joints which connect your lower jaw (the mandible) to the base of the skull. The TMJ is a very complicated pair of joints, consisting of the two areas of bone (the jaw and skull) separated by a disks made of cartilage and held together by numerous tendons. Since these joints are used constantly to both talk and eat, it undergoes much wear and tear. Some possible symptoms of TMJ problems are:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches and /or migraines
- Locking/limited jaw movement
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Facial Pain
- Earaches
- Sensitive or sore teeth
- Cracked Teeth
I have tooth sensitivity, is it common?
At least 40 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among our dental patients. Sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors including gum recession and failing restorations. We have researched this subject and instituted a number of treatments which are easily applied and not invasive. These treatments can provide months of relief and in some cases years. Please ask us about these easy and inexpensive treatments.
What causes gum disease?
Bacterial plaque is a white, sticky mass that continuously forms on the teeth and is the primary cause of gum disease. It can only be removed completely from the teeth by brushing and flossing. If not removed from the teeth each day, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Plaque is composed of bacteria which produce toxic substances under the gums and cause gum disease. As the disease progresses, pockets form under the gums and eventually extend deeper, and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction. During your initial examination, we will evaluate your gums for disease. If you have gum disease, we are able to treat it with minimally invasive treatments which can help you to avoid surgeries.
I have Canker sores and they hurt. What can I do?
We offer a very effective and inexpensive treatment for canker sores. It is called debacterol and is applied directly to the canker sore for 10 seconds. After the treatment the canker sore does not hurt again, usually until it heals.
It is important to not the difference between canker sores and cold sores, as debactrol does not work on cold sores. While the formation of a canker sore may be triggered by multiple factors such as stress, food allergies or a weakened immune system, cold sores are caused by a virus, Canker sores form in the soft tissues of your mouth, whereas a cold sore usually appears around the lip area outside the mouth. If a cold sore appears inside the mouth, usually it appears on the non-movable parts such as the roof, rather than the tongue or soft palate.
Smile Whitening:
What types of Smile Whitening are available?
There are two major types of whitening currently on the market. The most common is Take-home or tray whitening. This type of whitening is administered via custom-made trays which the patient takes home uses at a rate they are comfortable with. Another option is in-office whitening. This system uses stronger whitening substances and needs to be administered in the dental office under supervision of a dentist. After discussing the options with us, you will be able to pick the type of bleaching that works best for you.
How long does it take to whiten my smile?
The time it takes to whiten teeth depends on the method used to whiten them. Whitening with trays depends on how often and how long you use them. Generally you will see results in just a few days but full results can take up to two weeks. With in-office whitening, the results will be seen in only one hour of bleaching time.
Can Whitening damage the teeth?
No, there have been numerous studies showing no damaging effects to the teeth when administered correctly. The primary symptom of whitening is increased sensitivity to cold which can be treated in the office or with sensitivity tooth paste. We will not administer smile whitening to any patient that has not had a thorough examination, including radiographs, to make sure that there are no conditions in the mouth which would become aggravated due to the whitening treatment.