Dentists are often asked questions about dental health. Most of these questions are common, but some are less known. This article aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about dental health, from basic hygiene to oral cancer.
Dental care is important for everyone, especially those who suffer from chronic diseases or disabilities. The American Dental Association recommends that adults brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a week. If you want to get regular checkups, schedule them every six months.
A dentist will examine your mouth and gums, take X-rays, and look at your bite. They may recommend special dental products like fluoride treatments, sealants, and toothbrushes. Your dentist might also suggest getting a cleaning and exam done by another professional, like a periodontist (a specialist in gum disease).
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common questions people come with to dentists. We have listed down the top 20 questions to answer. Read on!
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
Toothpaste comes in different formulations, including gel, paste, foam, and liquid. Toothpaste with fluoride can help prevent cavities. Based on how well it cleans your teeth and what kind of formulation works best for you, you can choose one. In the case of sensitive teeth, you might want to avoid foaming toothpaste because it can irritate your gums.
You can buy a new toothbrush every three months. Choose a soft-bristled brush that’s comfortable to hold. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush after two years.
Do I really need to floss?
Yes! Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. It helps keep your gums healthy and prevents bad breath. Flossing is easy: just slide the end of the string through the space between your teeth. Use an interdental brush to clean under your molars and other hard-to-reach areas.
The best way to floss is by using dental floss made from natural fibres like silk or wool. Avoid nylon because it doesn’t hold a strong enough grip. If you’re not sure which type of floss to choose, look for one that’s labelled “silk” or “wool.”
If you’re not sure where to start, try using a small piece of floss first. Then move up to a larger size as you become more confident.
Does a rinse or mouthwash help?
Yes! Rinsing your mouth with water before brushing your teeth can remove bacteria from your mouth. Try rinsing with a mild mouthwash when you wake up in the morning, before eating breakfast, or after lunch or dinner. Be careful not to swallow any mouthwash; swallowing mouthwash can cause stomach problems.
The best way to brush your teeth is by using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months. If you don’t like the taste of toothpaste, try adding some fresh lemon juice to it. Lemon has antibacterial properties that help fight plaque buildup.
What are early signs of dental trouble?
Early warning signs include bleeding gums, swollen gums, loose teeth, and pain while chewing. These symptoms could mean that you’ve got an infection or inflammation of the gums. If you notice these signs, see your dentist right away.
The best way to prevent gum disease is by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once per day. Other ways to reduce your risk of gum disease include limiting sugary foods and drinks, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.
Why do I need dental exams?
Dentists perform regular checkups to make sure your teeth stay healthy. During a routine visit, your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. He or she will then take x-ray pictures to detect decay and evaluate whether treatment is needed. Your dentist may also recommend preventive treatments such as sealants and fluoride varnish.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
It depends on your lifestyle, but most people should schedule their next cleaning about six weeks after their last appointment. However, if you have had extensive work done on your teeth (such as crowns), you may want to wait until those procedures heal completely before getting other teeth cleaning.
Should I use a special kind of toothpaste for sensitive teeth?
Yes! Sensitive teeth are caused by dryness in the mouth. This condition usually results from inadequate saliva production or improper oral hygiene habits. Dry mouth can lead to cracked lips and chapped skin around the mouth. To avoid this problem, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Use a gentle, nonabrasive toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth. It contains ingredients that soothe irritated tissue and protect against bacterial growth.
How often should I visit my dentist?
Visit your dentist about every six months. This includes having an annual oral cancer screening and routine exams. During each visit, your dentist will clean your teeth and gums, check for decay, and give you advice on how to keep your smile bright and beautiful.
What’s the best way to whiten my teeth?
Whitening your teeth isn’t easy, but there are several methods available. One method involves applying a bleaching gel directly to your teeth for 15 minutes a couple of times a week. Another option is to buy a professional-strength home kit that comes with a tray and instructions. You’ll apply the solution to your teeth for 20 minutes two or three times a week. Both methods produce mild whitening effects.
What does “Bleeding” during a dental exam mean?
Bleeding occurs when the blood flows out of the gums into the area where the dentist is examining your teeth. The dentist may stop blood flow by gently pressing on the affected areas or using a small instrument called a cotton roll.
How can you fix your teeth and smile?
You can improve your smile by visiting your dentist regularly for dental care. Regular visits help keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. They also help your dentist spot potential problems early, which means fewer costly repairs later.
If you want to whiten your teeth, consider using toothpaste containing peroxide. The active ingredient in most toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which has been shown to bleach teeth. But SLS isn’t the only way to whiten teeth. Some toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide, which may work just as well.
Toothpaste isn’t the only product that can damage your teeth. Mouthwashes and mouth rinses can erode enamel, too. And if you drink alcohol, it will stain your teeth.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole or gap in the outer surface of a tooth. Cavities form when bacteria eat away at the protective layer of the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can spread through the entire tooth structure, eventually leading to pain and infection.
How much plaque accumulates on your teeth?
Some people develop more cavities because they don’t brush their teeth thoroughly enough. Others develop more cavities because their diets include foods that promote plaque buildup. Still, other people develop more cavities simply because they grow older.
What causes cavities?
Cavities begin forming when food particles collect between the gum line and the top layer of the tooth. Over time, these food particles harden into tartar. Tartar collects under the gum line and forms plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on sugars found in food. When this happens, acids produced by the bacteria dissolve parts of the tooth. As the acid eats away at the tooth, a cavity develops.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Gum disease affects both children and adults. It begins when bacteria from the mouth enter tiny openings in the gums. This allows the bacteria to multiply and cause swelling and irritation. Eventually, the tissue becomes inflamed, and pockets form around the roots of the teeth. These pockets trap debris and food particles, causing decay and infection.
How are cavities treated?
When a cavity first appears, the best treatment is prevention. To prevent cavities:
- Use fluoride-containing toothpaste and avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and rinse after meals and before bedtime.
- Floss once a week to remove trapped food and plaque.
When a cavity does occur, there are several ways to treat it. First, clean out the area with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Then apply a topical antibiotic gel. Finally, fill the cavity with a restorative material such as dental amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, gold, silver, or glass ionomer cement.
How safe are dental x rays? why are they important?
X Rays are used to detect early signs of oral cancer, bone loss, and other problems. They also help dentists determine whether a filling needs replacing. In addition, X Rays are used to take precise pictures of the inside of the jawbone (crowns) and teeth (dentures).
How often does my child need to see the dentist?
A child should see the dentist within his or her first year. Your child will need to have his or her first baby-bottle exam between three and six months old. Babies usually receive the first dental examination at about 12 months of age. A routine well-child exam is recommended every 6-12 months until your child reaches school age. Parents can find information on appropriate ages for certain dental exams here.
Are sweets and ice really bad for my teeth?
When eating sweets, try to eat slowly and chew well. This will help prevent tooth decay. However, don’t worry too much about having cavities because they rarely cause any pain. If you do notice any discomfort, then brush your teeth immediately afterwards.
How do I schedule my next checkup?
If you haven’t had a regular checkup for six months or longer, call our office to make an appointment. We recommend scheduling your next visit no less than every six months.
