Answers to Common Questions
We understand that navigating dental health can bring up many questions, and we’re here to help! At Today’s Family Dental, our goal is to make your dental experience as comfortable and informed as possible, from your first visit to more complex procedures.
Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can still build up on your teeth over time. Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, cannot be removed with regular brushing and requires professional cleaning by a dental hygienist. But how often should you see a dental hygienist?
Most people should visit Today’s Family Dental every six months. However, depending on their needs, Dr. Alex might suggest more frequent visits. For example, those with underlying health conditions or dental problems may require check-ups every three to four months. Remember, prevention is always better than trying to cure dental health issues.
Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Moreover, routine cleanings help maintain your gums’ overall health, ensuring they remain pink, firm, and inflammation-free.
Choosing the right dentist is essential for building a long-term relationship based on trust and comfort. Consider these factors when selecting a dentist: experience, qualifications, range of dental services, and patient reviews.
It’s also a good idea to check if the dental practice is conveniently located, has flexible office hours, and accepts your dental insurance. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to meet the dentist in person, ask questions, and get a feel for their approach to dental care. A positive patient-dentist relationship can be a great way to ensure a positive dental experience.
Dr. Alex is a general dentist with advanced training in dental implants. He performs most general dentistry procedures, including root canals, extractions, Invisalign, crowns and bridges, veneers, dentures/partials, and dental implants.
A dental check-up at Today’s Family Dental typically involves several steps, starting with a review of your medical history. Be prepared to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications you currently take. Dr. Alex will then thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and overall oral health.
Your first appointment may involve a full set of dental X-rays to assess your oral health. Dr. Alex will then discuss any findings, recommend a personalized treatment plan, and answer any questions. This educational exam appointment allows you to actively participate in maintaining your complete oral health.
Dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that allows dentists to visualize the internal structures of your teeth and jaws. This helps to identify issues that may not be visible during a physical examination, such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, and bone loss.
While X-rays use radiation, the levels used in dentistry are extremely low and considered safe for most patients. Dental professionals also utilize lead aprons and digital X-ray sensors, minimizing radiation exposure. The benefits of early detection and timely dental treatment far outweigh the minimal risks associated with dental X-rays.
You can overcome dental anxiety by discussing your fears with Dr. Alex, practicing relaxation techniques, or considering therapy. Distraction methods like listening to music can also help ease your nerves during dental visits.
Good oral hygiene at home prevents tooth decay and gum disease. In addition to regular dental check-ups, following a consistent oral care routine can significantly impact your overall dental health.
Effective oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember to brush gently for two minutes, covering all tooth surfaces. Flossing daily is equally important as it removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, which your toothbrush cannot reach.
Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste can significantly improve oral health. For most adults, a soft-bristled toothbrush with a comfortable handle is ideal. An extra-soft toothbrush is recommended to avoid irritation if you have sensitive teeth.
Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a vital role in strengthening tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth. It makes your teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugary foods, thus preventing tooth decay. Think of fluoride as a shield for your teeth, making them stronger and less susceptible to decay. When fluoride comes into contact with your teeth, it integrates into the enamel, making it more erosion-resistant.
If you experience tooth sensitivity, opting for a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth is also a good idea. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, which helps desensitize teeth and reduce discomfort. It is important to note that if you have any dental work, such as fillings or crowns, you should consult Dr. Alex before using any whitening products to avoid damaging your dental work.
An electric toothbrush can more effectively remove plaque and improve gum health than a manual toothbrush. Its oscillating and rotating movements can offer a thorough cleaning experience. However, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and proper brushing technique.
Flossing is non-negotiable when it comes to maintaining optimal oral hygiene. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, it cannot effectively reach the tight spaces between them. This is where flossing comes in – it helps to remove food particles and plaque from these interdental areas, preventing cavities and gum disease. Flossing at least once daily is the best way to remove bacteria between your teeth effectively.
Food particles and plaque left between teeth can lead to bacteria buildup, which can cause inflammation, bad breath, and, eventually, more serious dental problems. Incorporating flossing into your daily routine, ideally once a day, can significantly improve your oral health.
Tooth decay, or dental caries, is a common problem when plaque bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel. These acids are created when plaque bacteria interact with sugars and starches from food and beverages.
Sugary foods, such as candy, cookies, and sodas, significantly contribute to tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and coffee, can also erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Limiting sugary and acidic foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and regularly visiting Today’s Family Dental is crucial for preventing tooth decay and oral cancer.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a prevalent issue that can stem from various factors. In most cases, bad breath originates from the mouth and is primarily caused by bacteria buildup, which produces sulfur compounds.
These sulfur compounds have a characteristically unpleasant odor. Poor oral hygiene, food particles stuck between teeth, gum disease, and dry mouth are common culprits behind bad breath. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, tongue scraping, and staying hydrated, can significantly help to combat bad breath.
Tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold temperatures, is a prevalent issue affecting many people. It occurs when the protective layer of your teeth, called enamel, wears away, exposing the underlying dentin.
Dentin contains microscopic tubules that connect directly to the nerves of your teeth. When exposed to cold temperatures, the fluid inside these tubules moves rapidly, stimulating the nerves and causing a sharp, sudden pain. Acidic foods and drinks, tooth grinding, and gum recession can also trigger tooth sensitivity.
Bleeding gums, while seemingly harmless, can be a sign of an underlying dental issue. The most common reason for bleeding gums is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gum line, causing inflammation and infection.
When inflamed, gums become tender and more prone to bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums can also be a symptom of other health conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or hormonal changes. If your gums bleed regularly, it’s crucial to consult Dr. Alex to determine the cause of the bleeding and receive appropriate treatment.
Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly and often require immediate attention. Some common dental emergencies include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken or fractured teeth, and abscesses.
In such situations, contacting Today’s Family Dental immediately or seeking urgent care is essential. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications and increase the risk of permanent damage. If you experience a dental emergency, try to stay calm and follow these helpful tips: rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary. If the incident occurs outside regular business hours and you cannot reach our dental office, seeking assistance at the nearest urgent care or emergency room is important.
If you knock out a tooth, keep it moist, ideally in milk, and see Dr. Alex as soon as possible. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. Quick action can improve the chances of saving the tooth.
A root canal is a dental procedure to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
Once the infected pulp is removed, the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed with a rubber-like gutta-percha material. Contrary to popular belief, root canals are generally no more painful than other dental procedures and can relieve pain and discomfort associated with a damaged or infected tooth, allowing you to keep your permanent teeth.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth, usually the back molars and premolars. These teeth have grooves and fissures that can be difficult to clean thoroughly, making them more prone to tooth decay.
Sealants are a barrier that prevents food particles and bacteria from accumulating in these vulnerable areas. They are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, as their newly erupted permanent teeth are more susceptible to decay. Sealants are a safe, effective, and long-lasting way to protect teeth from cavities.
Losing a tooth can impact your self-esteem and oral health. Fortunately, various options are available to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Dental implants are a popular choice, offering a long-term, natural-looking solution.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically inserted into your jawbone, providing a stable foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Bridges and partial dentures are other options for replacing one or more missing teeth. These appliances are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth and restore your ability to chew and speak properly.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when there’s a decrease in saliva production. Saliva is crucial for maintaining oral health as it helps to neutralize acids, wash away food particles, and protect teeth from decay.
Certain medications, medical conditions, dehydration, or tobacco use can cause dry mouth. If you experience dry mouth, consider these helpful tips: stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Dr. Alex can recommend artificial saliva products or prescribe medications to increase saliva flow.
