Q&A
Question:
Is it necessary that my child brush his teeth since they
are only baby teeth and are going to fall out anyways?
Answer:
Yes. All teeth should be brushed whether they are adult
teeth or baby teeth. Baby teeth get cavities and
children experience pain and develop abscesses in their
teeth just like adult teeth can. Brushing should begin
as soon as the baby's first teeth erupt. The parent or
guardian should be brushing the child's baby teeth for
them as most young children do not have the dexterity to
do a proper job with their brushing at this stage. Most
children are ready to visit the dentist at age three.
Regular check-ups at the dentist allow the dentist to
educate both parent and child on proper oral hygiene,
ensure proper tooth development and growth as well as
early intervention when cavities arise.
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Question:
What type of toothbrush should I be
using?
Answer:
There are many different
kinds of toothbrush on the market today which can
confuse you and make your choice difficult. Many of
these toothbrushes promise to fulfill every possible
oral hygiene function with things sticking out of them
in every direction. They are starting to look like a
Swiss army knife! This is where the the K.I.S. (keep it
simple) principle makes sense. A simple (just the
bristles) toothbrush that has a soft or extra soft
bristle “head” should be used. A smaller size “head” is
better than a larger “head” to encourage overlap when
brushing. The toothbrush should be discarded when the
bristles become splayed (usually around 3 months) as it
will no longer function properly. The toothbrushes
function is to remove plaque, the soft sticky substance
that collects on the tooth surface, you do not need
anything fancy to do this- just a straightforward,
boring old toothbrush.
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Question:
My
New Year's resolution is to have great looking smile.
Where should I start?
Answer:
What a
great way to start a new year! We are here to help you
get your teeth polished and shined, straightened and
cavity free. We can help you get your gums to stop
bleeding and freshen your breath. We can help you
overcome any anxiety you may have. We can help you
understand and maximize your insurance plan if you have
one. The first thing to do is to make an appointment to
come right in. We will assess your teeth and gums and
come up with a personalized plan that fits you and your
needs.
Let us help you star this new year with a
great smile!!
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Question:
Why do I
need to see the dentist on a regular basis if I am not
having any pain ?
Answer:
I hear this
question quite often. It is a common misconception that
a person will feel pain when a dental problem is
occurring. Cavities and gum disease are diseases that
often progress quietly and may not be painful until the
problem is quite severe. By this point, the tooth or
teeth may need root canal therapy or may even have to be
extracted due to severe tooth or gum infection. Dental
problems do not go away or tend to clear up on their
own. Routine visits to the dentist allow the dentist and
his/her team to help maintain your teeth and gums in
good health and detect problems while they are small.
Problems caught early are generally easier to treat,
more comfortable, and less expensive.
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Question:
At what age should my child get his baby teeth and when
should we start taking him to the dentist?
Answer:
Many
children start getting their first teeth around the age
of 6 months. Each child develops at their own pace and
will get their teeth in their own time. Most children
will have all their baby teeth by 3 years of age. This
is a good age to start bringing your child to the
dentist for regular check-ups. Brushing and flossing and
caring for your child's teeth begins when the teeth
first come in. Baby teeth are extremely important for
the obvious reasons of chewing and appearance but also
because they hold the space in the jaw for the adult
teeth. If they get rotten or decayed and are not
treated, this may pose problems to the permanent teeth.
If you are concerned about your child's teeth at any
age, it is prudent to bring them to the dentist for a
quick check to set your mind at ease and make sure
everything is okay. Feel free to bring your child in for
a tour of the dental office so they will get
familiarized with the setting.
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Question:
I brush my teeth twice a day but I can't be bothered to
floss. Is flossing really such a big deal?
Answer:
Brushing your teeth is wonderful for the
parts of the tooth you can see, but what about all those
areas in between your teeth that your toothbrush CANNOT
get to? Sticky, stinky plaque (bacteria coating) is
constantly building up on your teeth. More than 30% of
each tooth's surface cannot be reached by your
toothbrush. If you scrape your tongue at the end of the
day and smell the bacteria, it will give you an idea of
what is sitting in between your teeth. The longer it
sits there, not only does it smell bad, it produces acid
which causes cavities and gum disease. Flossing is cheap
and easy and will make all the difference in the world
in helping you keep 28 teeth for life. Remember, only
floss the teeth you want to keep!
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Question:
I have heard that I shouldn't get my teeth
cleaned during pregnancy. Is that true?
Answer:
No. It is not true. In fact, sometimes we often
recommend increasing the frequency of cleanings during
pregnancy to reduce the plaque build-up which results in
gingivitis. Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the
gums to react differently to the bacteria found in
plaque and may cause a condition called pregnancy
gingivitis. Symptoms include swollen, red gums and
bleeding of the gums when you brush. If you already have
gingivitis (inflamed gums) it will most likely worsen
during pregnancy. New research also suggests a link
between pre-term, low birth weight babies and gingivitis
during pregnancy. Brushing twice a day, flossing,
visiting your dentist for cleanings will help avoid
plaque build up which causes gingivitis and thus the
symptoms noted above.
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Question:
Sometimes when I brush my teeth I notice they bleed,
what could be the problem?
Answer:
Your
teeth are not bleeding but the gums around them are. You
may have gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease!
Gingivitis is often caused by not flossing or missing
the gum line when you brush your teeth. Luckily it can
be reversed with professional gum treatment and improved
home care. Untreated gingivitis can advance to
periodontitis, an irreversible form of gum disease where
the bone holding you teeth is destroyed. Sadly, this
disease can be silent. You may not be aware that you
have it until you get a painful gum infection or your
teeth become loose. Once the bone is destroyed around
your gums we can not put it back! Don't wait until it is
too late!!! Let our office help you get your gums in
good health
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Question:
Can I use
mouthwash instead of flossing?
Answer:
No, mouthwash is not an alternative to flossing. Rinsing
with a mouthwash will not magically rinse away the
plaque or kill all the bacteria that causes decay and
gum disease. Plaque is a sticky coating that can not be
rinsed away. The toothbrush and floss are used to help
remove the plaque from the tooth surface. Since the
toothbrush cannot clean the surfaces in between the
teeth, floss is used to remove the plaque where the
toothbrush cannot get to. Flossing isn't exciting or
glamorous but having a beautiful smile is! Flossing will
help you “keep 28” teeth for life! Happy holidays and
Happy new year!!
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Question:
I have
heard a lot of talk about gingivitis and periodontal
(gum) disease. What are these diseases and how do I know
if I have this disease?
Answer:
Gum
disease generally results from poor dental habits. The mildest form
of gum disease,is called gingivitis. With gingivitis the
gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually
little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by
inadequate oral hygiene. And luckily can be reversed
reversible professional treatment and good oral home
care. Untreated gingivitis can advance to
periodontitis, an irreversible form of gum disease. With
time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line.
Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the
gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory
response in which the body in essence turns on itself,
and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are
broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth,
forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that
become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets
deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.
Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms.
Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be
removed.
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Question:
I have recently
noticed that my teeth are more sensitive to cold,
especially when I brush my teeth, what could that be?
Answer:
While cold sensitivity can indicate different things,
the most common cause is root sensitivity. The root of
the tooth is the part of the tooth that anchors the
tooth in the bone. The root is generally hidden under
the gums and is not visible and therefore protected from
any hot or cold stimulus in the mouth. If, however, the
root of the tooth becomes exposed above the gum, the
tooth will then respond to a cold stimulus (and hot as
well) in the mouth. The most common causes of root
exposure are gum disease, improper brushing technique,
and the use of a hard bristled toothbrush. Treatment for
the symptoms can be as simple as using toothpaste! There
are many toothpastes on the market today that treat root
sensitivity, and they actually work! The toothpaste
should say “for sensitive teeth” on the box. Good luck
and be patient, these toothpastes can take 1-2 weeks to
start working
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Question:
I've heard that medical
problems can be diagnosed from problems in the mouth-is
that true?
Answer:
The dentist has skills and expertise
not only to treat the teeth and gums, but also to help
spot emerging medical problems that are not directly
related your teeth. Some health related conditions that
show up in your mouth include diabetes, oral cancer,
HIV/AIDS, thyroid problems, leukemia, and eating
disorders (bulimia,anorexia). These conditions cause
changes to the teeth, gums, and other tissue's in the
mouth. If the dentist believes these changes are the
result of a medical problem, they may recommend a
referral to the family physician for further follow-up.
Your dentist understands the relationship between good
oral health and good overall health and can help you
manage both.
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Question:
Does
tooth whitening work?
Answer:
Yes, Tooth
whitening works. In our office we make custom plastic
trays from models of your own teeth. A gel is then
placed in these trays to whiten them. The trays can be
used during the day or at night while you sleep. The
process takes about a week to complete.
Most people
will see an improvement of at least 2-3 shades. Some
people will see improvements of more than 3 shades! Most
people who do the whitening in our office see
significant improvement and are happy with the results
achieved. It is important to remember than only natural
tooth structure will whiten. Old fillings, caps, denture
teeth will not change color.
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Question:
My 3 year
old child still likes to use his pacifier, should I take
it away?
Answer:
Pacifier and thumb sucking habits are
completely normal for babies and young children. For
most children there is no reason to worry as they tend
to stop these habits on their own. Around age 3, 80% of
children will have stopped on their own. At age 6, the
front baby teeth get loose and fall out so many of those
still sucking stop because it hurts. Unfortunately,
prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking can affect the teeth
and jaw formation. If your child is having difficulty
giving up the habit, then it is wise to bring the child
to the dentist for a friendly visit and chat. At this
time, your dentist can discuss options with you
including if and when to reassess for the need of a
special mouth appliance. These appliances do not hurt
your child at all and completely stop the sucking within
a few short weeks. If you have any concern about your
child's sucking habits, it never hurts to ask your
dentist for his or her opinion.
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Question:
I am an adult and my teeth are
crooked. What are my options to make them straight?
Answer:
There are several options available
to adults to have their teeth straightened and their
smiles enhanced. The most familiar method to straighten
teeth is through wearing braces. Braces for adults have
become very popular. There are many products now
available that make adult orthodontics more appealing to
the general population. Smaller sized brackets (the
silver part on each tooth), clear coloured brackets,
brackets that are placed on the inside (tongue side) of
the teeth are some of the options. Also available is a
new product called Invisalign which uses clear custom
formed trays that move the teeth without the wires. If
you do not like the idea of wearing braces,or trays, or
spending the time to do the above (up to 2 years), you
may be a candidate for porcelain veneers. Many people
have seen this method on shows such as "Extreme
Makeover" where one can straighten and whiten one's
teeth in the span of a week. The variety of options has
flourished over the last decade. Your dentist can help
you decide which option would be appropriate for you.
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Question:
Is an electric toothbrush
better for brushing than a regular toothbrush?
Answer:
A regular toothbrush will remove plaque
and debris as effectively as an electric toothbrush.
However, there are some situations where the electric
toothbrush can be beneficial. People with poor dexterity
can benefit from an electric toothbrush. This includes
the elderly and young children. The electric toothbrush
does not require the person to move the brush in a
certain pattern in the mouth, you simply hold the
electric toothbrush and let it do the work for you! The
electric toothbrush can also eliminate poor brushing
habits that can result in damage to the teeth and gums
since it generally cannot be used in the same manner as
a regular toothbrush (and shouldn't be). When looking to
purchase an electric toothbrush one of the most
important features it should have is the 2 minute timer.
Most people who use a regular toothbrush do not brush
long enough. A brush with a timer forces you to spend
more time brushing and therefore more time removing the
harmful plaque and debris!
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Question:
I have heard that headaches can sometimes be related to
your teeth. Is that true?
Answer:
Headaches can be related to your teeth. Some people also
experience sore facial muscles and sore teeth. These
symptoms are common in people who clench, or grind their
teeth, usually at night. Clenching and grinding can be
caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal
bite, missing or crooked teeth. Your dentist can help
determine if you are clenching and grinding at night. If
you are, he or she may recommend that you consider
wearing a “nightguard” which can protect your teeth as
well eliminate any pain or headaches that result from
this condition. Often people go to their medical doctor
for treatment of these symptoms and are then treated
with medication unnecessarily. In a properly diagnosed
patient a nightgaurd will relieve symptoms almost
immediately without the need for medication.
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Dental myth
– cavities and gum disease cause pain
Many people
believe that if they get a cavity or gum disease they
will have pain and therefore they will know that it's
time to go to the dentist. Unfortunately, this is NOT
true. Cavities and gum disease generally do not cause
any pain in the early stages of the disease, which, by
the way, is the easiest (and cheapest) time to treat
these problems. Pain does come but usually in the later
stages of decay or gum disease. By then treatment can be
more lengthy and involved and will likely be more
expensive. Why wait until you are having pain. Visit
your dentist regularly to avoid these problems.
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Dental myth -tooth loss in
inevitable
When I was much younger I believed that
first you got baby teeth, then you got adult teeth, then
you got dentures. Of course now I know that losing your
teeth is not inevitable. We all understand that as are
cars age they need more maintenance to keep running
properly. Our mouths are no different! With the
appropriate maintenance on our teeth there is no reason
we can't keep our teeth for life!!!
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