Most Frequently Asked Dentistry Questions
As dentists, we get a lot of questions from patients about their dental health. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked dentistry questions we hear so that you can better understand your dental health.
How Often Should I Need to Visit the Dentist?
Do I need to visit the dentist? This is one of the most common questions we hear in our dental studio. The answer is, most dentists recommend that patients visit for a dental check-up and cleaning every six months. This allows the dentist to identify any potential issues and treat them before they become more serious. In some cases, such as if you have gum disease or are at a higher risk of developing dental problems, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
Of course, if you have any tooth pain, your teeth feel loose or fall out, or anythign unusual is happening inside your mouth, then scheduling an appointment with your dentist asap is sensible.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental problem that affects many people. Some of the signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you are brushing or flossing
- Receding gums or the appearance of longer teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a funky in your mouth
- Changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to visit your dentist for an evaluation and treatment. Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, or other treatments to address the gum disease and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. Maintaining good dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can also help prevent gum disease.
What Is the Best Way to Whiten My Teeth?
There are several options for whitening teeth, including at-home treatments such as whitening strips or gels and in-office treatments such as professional teeth whitening. The best way to whiten your teeth depends on your individual needs and preferences, however, it is always a good idea to let a professional assist you because many at-home kits are not particularly safe or good for your teeth. Your dentist can help you determine the best option for you, whatever that may be.
Does My Insurance Cover Tooth Whitening?
Unfortunately, many dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures such as tooth whitening. However, it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider to see what is covered under your plan if you require tooth whitening treatments.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a small hole in a tooth that is caused by decay. If left untreated, a cavity can grow larger and cause pain or lead to more serious dental problems. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly to identify and treat cavities before they become more serious.
How Do Fillings Work?
When cavities develop, they can erode the enamel on the surface of your teeth and can continue to grow larger without proper treatment. Fillings are an effective solution to halt the progression of a cavity and protect the tooth from further damage.
Before the filling procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the cavity. Next, the dentist will drill around the affected area to prepare it for the filling. A combination of strong materials or a white composite mixture will then be placed into the cavity while still soft, and it will harden as it dries.
During the procedure, you may feel some pressure or discomfort from the numbing shot and the drilling process. However, with proper care and regular dental checkups, the filling can last for a long time. If the filling becomes damaged or wears down over time, it will need to be replaced by a dental professional to ensure continued protection of the affected tooth.
Is a Dental X-Ray Safe?
Dental x-rays are generally considered safe and are a useful tool for dentists to identify potential dental problems. The amount of radiation exposure from dental x-rays is very low and the benefits of the procedure outweigh the potential risks. However, your dentist will take precautions such as using lead aprons to minimize your exposure to radiation.
What Is Dental Erosion?
Dental erosion is the gradual loss of tooth enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. This can be caused by acid erosion from certain foods or drinks, such as citrus fruits or soda. Dental erosion can lead to sensitivity, discoloration, and even tooth loss if left untreated. To prevent dental erosion, it’s important to maintain good dental hygiene and limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks.
How Do I Use Denture Adhesives?
Denture adhesives are used to help keep dentures in place and improve their stability. To use a denture adhesive, clean your dentures and apply a small amount of adhesive to the inside of your dentures before placing them in your mouth. Be sure to follow the instructions on the adhesive packaging and avoid using too much, which can make your dentures feel uncomfortable.
How Do I Care for My Dentures?
Proper denture care is important for maintaining their functionality and appearance. To care for your dentures, remove them and rinse them thoroughly after each meal. Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner, and soak them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly to have your dentures checked and adjusted as needed.
Do I Really Need to Floss?
Yes, flossing is an important part of maintaining good dental hygiene. Brushing alone is not enough to remove all the food particles and plaque that can build up between your teeth and along your gumline. Flossing helps remove this buildup and prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
If you don’t floss regularly, bacteria can accumulate and cause inflammation, leading to gum disease. Over time, this can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can become infected and damage the bone that supports your teeth. In severe cases, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other dental problems.
How Often Should I have a Dental Clean?
Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. Most dentists recommend that patients schedule a dental cleaning and checkup every six months. During these appointments, your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and check for any signs of dental problems such as cavities or gum disease. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent dental problems and catch any issues early, when they are easier to treat.
What Should I Do If I Knock a Tooth Out?
If you knock out a tooth, it’s important to act quickly to maximize the chances of saving the tooth. First, try to find the tooth and handle it carefully. Do not pick it up by the root, but by the crown. Rinse the tooth with milk or saline solution to remove any dirt or debris, and then try to carefully reinsert the tooth back into the socket. If you can’t insert the touch back into your gums, put it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Then, contact your dentist or an emergency dental clinic immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. With prompt and appropriate care, there is a good chance that the tooth can be successfully reimplanted and saved.
What Should I Do If My Face is Swollen?
If your face is swollen, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, swelling of the face can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, such as a dental infection.
In the meantime, you can use cold compresses to help reduce the swelling and ease any discomfort. Applying a cold compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time several times a day can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. It’s important not to apply ice directly to your skin, as this can cause damage. Instead, wrap a bag of ice or frozen peas in a towel or cloth before applying it to the affected area.
These are some of the most frequently asked dentistry questions. It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to identify and treat any potential dental problems. If you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.