QUESTIONS WE GET A LOT!
If I brush my teeth regularly, do I need to get my teeth cleaned by you?
YES! Some of the most important reasons to have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis
To prevent gum disease Gum disease (is infection of tissues surrounding your teeth, and one of the major causes of bone loss if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings and good home care are main factors in preventing gum disease.
To help detect oral cancer According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. Early diagnosis of oral cancer is very important in improving the prognosis of cancer. When you have dental cleanings, you are also screened for oral cancer.
To maintain good oral health Regular dental visits will help us follow your oral health and compare them with the previous results. With regular dental check ups, we will look closely for any signs of problems with your teeth and gums, and it is well known that all problems, when detected early, are a lot easier and less expensive to treat and have a better prognosis.
To help maintain good overall health Research has shown and experts agree that there is a correlation between poor oral health and chronic inflammatory diseases such as: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other problems such as: stroke, premature and low birth weight. Regular dental cleanings will help to keep you teeth and gums healthy, and can also help with management of these and other health problems.
To have a healthy smile When you have a beautiful smile, you feel more confident!
What kind of toothbrush is the best?
We prefer a good electric toothbrush with a 2-minute timer and 30 second interval reminder. If you choose a manual toothbrush, we recommend soft brushes and sometimes an extra soft brush depending on your specific needs. With any brush, the bristles should be pointing up to be effective - not squished to the side. On average, a toothbrush will last 3 to 4 months.
Which toothpaste should I use? There are over 70 different kinds of toothpaste on any given drug store’s shelves. As a general guideline, when purchasing a toothpaste, make sure it has the American Dental Association seal of approval which means that it has been tested to be safe, effective and not too abrasive. As part of our review of your oral health, we may recommend a specific toothpaste for sensitive teeth, gum disease, canker sores, dry mouth or frequent cavities and we'll discuss the recent trends of whitening, charcoal and other new products on the market.
How long should I brush? The simple answer is 2 minutes; 30 seconds for each quadrant. But the important part is not just “how long” but “how thorough”. Everyone thinks they brush long enough and well enough, but we still see plaque. Unless you’re a dental clinician, it’s hard to see what you’ve left behind. To help create good habits, we may suggest using a plaque disclosing tablet which highlights remaining plaque in red that you brush off until all the red (and the plaque) is gone.
Is there anything you can do about my bad breath? Most of the time the answer is yes! First, we have to determine the cause. Usually bad breath is due to poor oral hygiene, untreated gum disease, dry mouth, and a buildup of bacteria on the tongue. Other sources that may contribute to bad breath are diet, respiratory and sinus problems, medications and metabolic disorders. Once we determine the specific cause, we can determine the best course of treatment for you.
Have more questions?
Please contact us today and experience what Dentistry Done Better is all about!