Common Dental Questions
Listed below are common dentistry related questions and answers.
How often do I need to floss and brush?
It is recommended to floss and brush after each meal or at least two times per day. This can help prevent tooth decay. Flossing daily is the best way to clean between your teeth and under the gum lines and remove food, bacteria and plaque.
My gums bleed after I brush. Should I worry about this?
Bleeding gums may be caused by leaking filings or gum disease. Bleeding gums can cause serious health problems. You should see a dentist as soon as possible.
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria which attack three parts of the teeth, the enamel, cement and dentine by converting fructose, glucose and sucrose into acids through a process known as fermentation. It creates a hole in the tooth
causing pain and possibly making it bleed.
What is the best way to prevent tooth decay?
It is recommended that you should brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss and use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash because the fluoride ions can protect the teeth from bacterial attack. You should brush your teeth after each meal specifically after breakfast and going to bed at night.
What is teeth whitening?
Bleaching can lighten teeth that have been discolored and stained by food, drink, age and smoking.
Does bleaching damage the teeth ?
No. When carbamide peroxide, the active whitening agent, contacts water, hydrogen peroxide is released which whitens the teeth. Bleaching does not soften, demineralize or weaken the teeth.
Do over the counter bleaching products work?
There is some evidence that over the counter bleaching products do whiten teeth, however, many of the products are too abrasive and can damage the teeth with extended use or misuse. Supervision by your dentist is always the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth.
How can a cosmetic dentist improve my smile?
There are various ways a cosmetic dentist can create a beautiful smile, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns, implants and even invisible braces.
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are thin custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. This procedure can be an ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth by masking discolorations, whitening teeth and/or reshaping a smile.
What are crowns?
Crowns or caps are a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth.
How can I repair tooth loss?
The best solution for tooth loss is to have implants installed. Implants are both durable and functionally effective.
What info does the dentist need about my medical history?
You should list any medications, medical conditions and allergies to specific medicine when filling out your medical history form for your dental visit.
When should a child first see a dentist?
It is recommended that children see their first pediatric dentist or family dentist around the time that they are one year old.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are classified as molars. Molars are the chewing teeth found furthest in the back of the mouth. Most humans have first, second, and third molars.
When is a good time to remove my wisdom teeth?
It is generally recommended that wisdom teeth be removed between the ages of 18 and 25, but this is not always the case. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Your dentist can determine this after an examination.
General dentist
A general dentist provides general maintenance. General dentistry is ideally preventative and involves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions, disorders and diseases affecting the teeth, gums and the jaw and face region of the body.
Family dentist
A family dentist provides general maintenance of tooth health and oral hygiene. Family dentists are responsible for ensuring
that plaque buildup around the teeth is kept to a minimum, tooth decay is eliminated and cavities are filled and gums are healthy.
Cosmetic dentist
Cosmetic dentists focus on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth and smile which includes teeth whitening, bonding, dental fillings and dental implants. Creating a perfect smile can increase confidence and self esteem in both your business and personal life.
Sedation dentist
Fear and anxiety over going to the dentist has kept many people from having necessary dental treatment. Due to the advancements in the dental industry, sedation dentistry allows patients to get the dental work that they need while being
comfortably and safely sedated. A patient can take a pill an hour before the dental procedure, nitrous oxide or intravenous
injection is also available.
Pediatric dentist
A pediatric dentist specializes in dentistry for children. They typically service children's dental needs from birth through adolescence.
Implant dentist
Implant dentists install dental implants which are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for a
replacement tooth or crown or a set of replacement teeth.