Q: How often should I brush?
A: It is important to brush at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush rather than a hard toothbrush. The flexible bristles of a soft toothbrush are gentler on the gums, and make it much easier to remove the plaque below the gum line, where periodontal disease starts. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride hardens the enamel layer of the teeth. It might stop a cavity in its tracks and give you more resistance to future cavities.
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Q: How often should I floss?
A: Most cavities and periodontal disease begin between the teeth. While brushing is important, the bristles of your brush simply don't reach between the teeth. To keep your gums and teeth healthy, you must remove the plaque between your teeth at least once a day.
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Q: What is tooth whitening?
A: Tooth whitening is a procedure that unveils a whiter smile. The Dentist can offer you two types of procedures. A take home system. We fabricate molds of your teeth made out of thin white plastic material. The whitening paste is placed in these custom trays. The patient can elect to wear these day or night. Check with your dentist to see which system will work best for you. In office bleaching is also available. Ask your dentist.
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Q: What causes discoloration of my teeth?
A: We have found that Tea, Coffee, certain beverages and smoking can all cause discoloration. Tetracycline (an antibiotic) taken when we were young as are teeth were developing. Excessive amounts of fluoride. Injury to the tooth. The normal aging process will cause are dentition to yellow.
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Q: Who responds to tooth whitening?
A: See your Dentist and let them make the decision. The best results are typically seen in patients with healthy gums and supporting structures. The patient should also be cavity free. Enamel stains of yellow, orange and brown respond well to whitening.
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Q: How safe is tooth whitening?
A: The tooth whitening systems available to your Dentist are very safe. In our office we only use systems that carry the American Dental Association seal of Acceptance. Meaning they have been clinically proven to be safe and effective.
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Q: How often do I need to whiten my teeth?
A: In our opinion diet effects how often you will need to repeat your treatments. Obviously someone who drinks coffee and tea needs to repeat the process sooner than one who doesn't. We recommend over the counter toothpastes by Crest and Colgate that are effective in maintaining the appearance of whitened teeth.
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Q: What are sealants?
A: A sealant is either a cloth or tooth colored material applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They are applied where deep crevices and grooves exist. They are used to block our disease causing bacteria. Sealants may need to be replaced every few years. We recommend sealants highly for children. No anesthetic is required for this procedure.
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Q: What is bonding
A: Bonding simply put is using materials that are tooth colored and attaching them to the tooth surface, by means of chemical and mechanical retention. These materials are incredible. They are life like in appearance. There are different types of bonding. The first type of bonding is what we call direct bonding. This requires one visit to the dental office. The second type of bonding we call indirect bonding. Typically requires two visits. The first we prepare the tooth to receive the restoration. The second visit is to bond the restoration of the tooth. Discuss your options with your Dentist.
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Q: When should I bring my child to the Dentist?
A: Start bringing your child in before the age of 2. They can accompany you to your appointment. Let the child watch you get your check-up or your teeth cleaned. They learn that is a non-threatening environment and can help eliminate any fears. If you have a fear of the dentist try not to share it with your child. Try to make their first visit to the dental office as enjoyable as possible.
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Q: What is the best time of day for my child's appointment?
A: We find the best time of day to treat children is early morning. Try to avoid nap time and mealtime. In the morning the child is well rested.
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Q: Can I see the dentist if I am pregnant?
A: Yes you can. We recommend treatment if needed, during the second trimester.We will check with your obstetrician before any treatment is initiated.
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Q: What is pregnancy gingivitis?
A: Pregnancy Gingivitis is a condition where plaque that is not removed from your teeth can irritate the gums. They become swollen, red, tender and bleed easily. It is more exasperated due to an increase in hormone levels. The best advice is floss and brush daily to keep your teeth clean.
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