FAQ

Commonly Asked Dental Questions

How do I brush properly?

“It’s not how hard you brush, but how well”

Proper brushing should take approximately 2 minutes!

Try visually breaking your mouth into 4 sections (i.e. upper, lower, right, left). Each section should have a full 30 seconds concentration paying special attention to regions with fillings, crowns, and/or bridges.

Soft bristle toothbrushes are ideal for keeping the tooth and gum region clean without causing recession or enamel wear. Small heads also are good for hard to reach places where cavities are prone to developing.

• Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the chewing surfaces
• For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too

How often should I change out my tooth brush?

You should change out your tooth brush when it begins to show wear, or approximately every three months. If you recently had a cold or flu, it is recommended to change out your existing toothbrush immediately. The bristles can harbor bacteria causing recontamination.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontitis means "inflammation around the tooth". It is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth.

What are the causes of periodontitis?

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Over time, plaque spreads and grows below your gum lines producing toxins that irritate the gums. These toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response and it beings to destroy the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Your gums then begin to separate from your teeth creating spaces between the teeth and gums known as ‘pockets’. If not treated, the pockets become deeper causing your teeth to become loose and eventually require extraction.

What are the signs of periodontitis?

• Swollen gums
• Bright red or purplish gums
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Gums that are receding
• Bleeding gums while flossing
• New spaces developing between your teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Bad breath
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth

What is the "mouth to body" connection?

What goes on in your mouth affects what happens all over your body.

Evidence is continually being shown to support the belief that your mouth is a window into many health issues throughout your body. It has been proven that more than 75% of American adults suffer from various forms of periodontal disease and many don’t even know it.

This is alarming because periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Some of the dangers include:

• Heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death. Studies have shown links between cardiovascular disease and key bacteria in periodontal disease.
• A 4.3 times greater risk of stroke than those with mild or no periodontal disease.
• Diabetes, approximately 95% of Americans with diabetes also have periodontal disease.
• A sevenfold increase in the risk of pregnant woman delivering preterm, low birth weight babies.

REF: Assurant's Employee Benefits Article

REF: Colgate's Medical Conditions Article

How often should children have scheduled dental cleanings

Most children will do just fine with routine cleaning every six months. The dentist and hygienist will determine whether or not more frequent visitations would be necessary based on the child’s personal oral health.

How can I prevent cavities?

• Brush your teeth regularly and properly (See: "How do I brush properly?" above)
• Use the right toothbrush (soft bristle)
• Floss daily
• Avoid sugary, sticky snacks
• Avoid smoking completely
• Have regualry dental check-ups

When should children have their first dental visit?

Your child should have their first dental visit prior to their first birthday.

Keep in mind that this visit may not actually entail a dental cleaning. The dentist and hygienist take this time to get your child familiar with the dental office and briefly look over your child’s teeth, checking for decay and examining their bite. The staff will discuss topics with you including good oral hygiene practices, fluoride needs, oral habits such as thumb sucking, proper nutrition and schedule of dental check-ups.

When will my baby start getting teeth?

It is common for babies to begin tooth growth between 4-7 months.

What are primary teeth, and why are they important?

Primary teeth are your baby’s first set of teeth. These teeth are important because they help your child speak easily and clearly, chew food, and hold space in the jaw for their permanent teeth that are growing beneath the gums.