Dental FAQ

 

Pediatric Dentistry  Brushing and Flossing  Extractions  Filllings  Sealants  Dental FAQ  Night Guard

 

What is Dentistry?

Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry can have an impact on the health of your entire body.

 

Who is a Dentist?

A Dentist is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at lease eight years of schooling and recieved either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree, or a DMD ( Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. If your doctor is a pediatric dentist, this means that they specialize in caring for children from infancy throught their teen years. Your dentist has received the proper education and training needed to work with young kids. Other specializations include:

 

• Endodontics (root canals)

• Oral and maxillofacial ( including pathology, radiology and surgery)

• Orthodontics and dento facial orthopedics

• Periodontics (gum disease)

• Prosthodontics (implants)

 

Why is Visiting the Dentist So Important?

Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important becasue it:

 

• Helps prevent tooth decay

• Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone lose

• prevents bad breath - brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bad-breath causing bacteria in your mouth.

• Gives you a more attractive smile and increae your self-confidence

• Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by foods, drinks, and tobacco

• Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

 

My Teeth Feel Fine. Do I Still Need To See a Dentist?

Your Teeth may feel fine, but it's still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile's appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentisty, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today's dentist offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:

 

• Professional teeth whitening

• Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth

• Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers

 

What Should I look for When Choosing the Right Dentist for Me?

Choosing a dentist who "clicks" with you and your family is important and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:

• Is the appointment schedule convienient?

• Is the office easy to get to and close by?

• Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?

• Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?

• Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?

• Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?

• Is your dentist a member of the ADA (American Dental Association)?

 

How Can I Take Care of My Teeth Between Dental Checkups?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!

• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.

• Avoid foods with a lot od sugar (sugar increaes the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain yout teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer)

• Don't be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helds keep your breath fresh.

• Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentis every six months.

 

 

At What Age Should I Start Taking My Child To See The Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatrc Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months-old and no later thean one-year-old. During this time, your child's baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child's first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.

 

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

 

What is a Cavity?

A Cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.

 

What is a Filling?

A Filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt becasue your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.

 

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

According to your dentist and the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least two times per day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeeth. You should spend at least one minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tonhue - it will keep your breath smelling fresh!

 

When Should i Change My Toothbrush?

Your toothbrush will wventually wwear out, especially if you are breushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommendas that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you've been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

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