Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Click on a question below to see the answer.
Q: What causes bad breath and what can I do about bad breath?
Q: How often should I brush my teeth?
Q: Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe to have?
Q: How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
Q: How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontis (gum disease)?
Q: How often should I floss my teeth?
Q: How can I benefit from cosmetic dentistry?
Q: What causes bad breath and what can I do about bad breath?
A: Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulates on the bits of food left in your mouth and in-between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by this bacteria can make your breath smell. Certain food, especially garlic and onions contain pungent oils. This can contribute to bad breath because of the oils that are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.
If you brush your teeth and floss properly and make all of your regular dentist visits for cleanings and the bad breath persists, you may have a more serious dental or medical disease. Make an appointment today with our office so that we may evaluate the cause of the bad breath.
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Q: How often should I brush my teeth?
A: According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque which causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease.
Always use a soft bristled toothbrush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure that the toothbrush fits inside of your mouth so that you can easily reach all areas. When brushing, use gentle back and forth strokes, brushing all sides of the teeth. Always brush your tongue to remove any bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
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Q: Are Amalgam (silver) fillings safe to have?
A: Amalgam has been the restorative method of choice for many years due to its low cost, ease of application, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects. Factors that have led to recent decline in use are a lingering concern about detrimental health effects, aesthetics, and environmental pollution. The aesthetic issue is due to the fact that the metallic color does not blend very well with the natural tooth color This is especially a concern when used on front teeth, but it can be addressed using alternative dental materials.
The health problems usually focused upon include chronic illnesses, oral lesions, birth defects, mental disorders, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, erethism, and multiple sclerosis. There is strong evidence that a certain percentage of lichenoid lesions are caused by amalgam fillings
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Q: How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
A: Although twice a year dental visits are the key ingredient to maintaining good oral health, the Centers for Disease control (CDC) reports less than two-thirds of adults make one yearly dental trip. In addition, one-third of all Americans have untreated tooth decay and 48 percent have gingivitis, which can quickly develop into periodontal disease. Visiting a dentist twice a year can be instrumental to prevent oral health problems and can predict overall health conditions.
During an exam we will:
- Review and update your medical history
- Record any changes in your physical condition
- Necessary x-rays
- Examination of your teeth to detect tooth decay
- Inspect existing fillings and/or crowns for leaks or cracks
- Evaluate gum tissue
- Bite check
- Evaluate cosmetic needs to help improve your smile
- Referral to a specialist as needed
- Periodontal screening
- Treatment planning for necessary work to be done
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Q: How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontis (gum disease)?
A: Poor dental habits leads to tartar build up which leads to gingivitis which will lead to periodontis.
Not only is gum disease the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, but gum disease can also cause other serious health problems. Consequently, identifying gum disease early can prevent serious complications.
Some common signs of gum disease include gums that are red and puffy. Normal gums are pink and firm. You may also experience:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad Breath
- Loose Teeth
- Pus Coming From the Gums
Gum Disease is often undetectable ... Gum disease is often "silent". While you may experience the signs of gum disease mentioned above, in many cases you will not see any visible changes until the gum disease has caused serious damage to teeth, gums, and supporting structures. Because of this, it is crucial that you see your dentist at least once a year. She can usually detect gum disease long before you can.
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Q: How often should I floss my teeth?
A: You should floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing in between your teeth removes food debris and plaque from in between the teeth that a toothbrush can't reach. Plaque causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease. Another great reason to floss is that recent studies have shown that flossing helps to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
When flossing, be sure to gently insert the floss in between the teeth, without snapping, which could damage the gum tissue. Gently move the floss up and down into the spaces between the gum and teeth. Floss the sides of all of your teeth, even if there isn't a tooth next to another one. There are a number of dental products available that are designed to make flossing easier, such as disposable dental flossers.
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Q: How can I benefit from cosmetic dentistry?
A: Cosmetic dentistry may provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat tooth decay. In the past fillings were composed mostly with amalgam (silver fillings) and other materials that left dark spots on teeth.
Today, dental fillings may fall into cosmetic dentistry because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth. Many people are choosing to replace their old fillings with the newer, tooth colored fillings.
We can provide the following Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments:
- Inlays/Onlays: Made from a porcelain or composite materials which provide a fillings to teeth with tooth decay or other structural damage.
- Composite Bonding: Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired or have their appearance corrected using this procedure. The result is a restoration that blends with the remainder of the tooth structure and blends with the rest of your teeth naturally.
- Teeth Whitening: This is perhaps the most common recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth get stained from smoking, food, drink or poor hygiene. Bleaching of the teeth can and will enhance the appearance of a persons smile.
- Dental Veneers: Composite or porcelain laminates that are adhesively bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct chips and cracks. These can also improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. These may also be used if you have gaps in your teeth.
- Dental Implants: This is an artificial tooth root replacement for tooth loss. The results not only enhance a smile, but can make you have a more youthful appearance. Missing teeth can make the face collapse, which can make you look older.
- Smile Makeover: This is a comprehensive assessment of your current smile to help improve your overall appearance. Typically one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures are needed and may be needed for several or all of your teeth.
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