Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to some of the most common questions about dental care to help you stay informed before and after your visit to Midtown Smiles Dental Care.

1. Why is it important to visit the dentist every six months?

Regular dental visits, ideally twice a year, are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing serious, costly problems. Every time you eat or drink, residues build up on your teeth. If not promptly removed, this can lead to the formation of oral acids, cavities, and hardened plaque (tartar) within 48 hours. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and provides an environment for bacteria, causing gum disease and tooth loss.

Routine cleanings and examinations allow us to:

• Remove plaque and tartar.
• Detect issues such as tooth decay, oral cancer, and gum disease early.
• Address specific concerns requiring more frequent visits (e.g., 3–4 times a year for certain conditions).

Regular dental visits are not just about your teeth—they’re vital to your overall health.

2. When should a child have their first dental visit?

We recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Early visits help establish a foundation for good oral hygiene and a
healthy diet, reducing the risk of cavities, even at a young age.

Primary (baby) teeth play a critical role in long-term oral health by:

• Supporting proper spacing for permanent teeth.
• Preventing crooked or poorly spaced adult teeth.

Caring for baby teeth is as important as maintaining adult teeth for lifelong dental health.

3. How can I prevent bad breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) affects nearly half of adults in North America and is often caused by bacteria in the mouth or on the back of the tongue. These bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds, leading to an unpleasant “rotten egg” smell.

To prevent bad breath:

• Practice meticulous oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing.
• Use a tongue scraper as part of your daily routine.
• Visit your dentist or hygienist to address gum disease and develop a
  personalized treatment plan.

Non-dental causes of halitosis, such as certain foods, smoking, or hormonal changes,
can also contribute and may require additional care.

4. How is a whitening tray from my dentist different from a drugstore option?

Whitening trays from your dentist are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely, providing a secure and comfortable fit. This prevents the bleaching agent from leaking onto your gums, reducing the risk of burns and sensitivity.

Additional benefits include:

• Professional monitoring of whitening progress with before-and-after shade comparisons.
• Ensuring any dental decay is addressed before beginning whitening treatment.

For effective and safe teeth whitening, professional trays are the superior option.

If you have additional questions or need further information, feel free to contact us
at 519-576-7262. We’re happy to assist you!

Dr. Anil Shetty- Kitchener, Waterloo family dentist near you encourages regular checkups to maintain proper oral health.

Why Is It Important to Have a Family Dentist Near You?

A family dentist who is familiar with the idiosyncrasies of your oral health can save you money, stress, and time, as well as ensure that you have the best oral health possible. Since a family dentist near you in Kitchener-Waterloo will have your dental history, they’ll be able to recognize an abscess, cyst, loss of jawbone, caries between the teeth, a fracture, or a tumor that someone who was unfamiliar with your mouth might miss. Most dentists now screen for oral cancer, which accounts for about 3 percent of all new cancers annually. Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer, and those who drink and smoke have an even higher risk.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that you have checkups and cleanings twice annually, more if recommended by your Kitchener-Waterloo dentist. Your dentist may notice the early signs of issues such as bruxism or TMJ and be able to halt their progress.

Losing your teeth as you age isn’t inevitable. Maintaining proper oral hygiene throughout your life can help your teeth last throughout your lifetime. If you need to schedule an exam or cleaning, then call our family dentistry and we’ll schedule an appointment for you. Don’t procrastinate, call us today and save your teeth. We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.

How Do I Know If I’m Developing Plaque on My Teeth?

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque can begin to form and you probably won’t be aware of it until your dentist finds it during your routine tooth cleaning. Plaque is a very hard substance that can only be removed by a professional dentist or hygienist. It often forms on the backs of the teeth, so you won’t know that you have it.

When you notice a fuzzy feeling on your teeth, this is the bacteria forming. It will continue to accumulate until it’s removed through brushing and flossing. Rinsing with mouthwash will help, but it won’t remove all of the bacteria like brushing and flossing. If you need to schedule a routine cleaning, then call Midtown Smiles Dental Care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Anil Shetty.

How Do I Know If I’m Developing Gingivitis?

Since gingivitis is relatively painless at first, you may have it but be unaware of it. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of gingivitis, so if you notice them, then call our family dentistry in Kitchener – Midtown Smiles Dental Care right away and make an appointment with one of our dentists. Symptoms may include:

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• Changes in your bite
• Discolored gums that are purplish or dark red
• Loose teeth
• Sensitivity to cold or heat
• Swollen gums
• Very bad breath that doesn’t dissipate

If you notice any of these symptoms, then you’re probably in the early stages of gingivitis and should see your dentist. Eliminating plaque on a regular basis will help keep gingivitis out of your mouth, but it’s important to address it promptly when you notice the symptoms of it.

Are Cavities Avoidable?

Cavities, or dental caries, are the most common chronic childhood disease. Teaching your child good dental hygiene at an early age sets a lifelong habit of good dental hygiene habits. If you notice any of the following, then you may be developing a cavity or you may have one already:

• Pain when biting or chewing
• Holes or pits in your teeth
• Sensitivity to sugar, cold, or hot foods or drinks
• Sudden toothache

Left untreated, cavities can become abscessed, which can be a life-threatening situation, so it’s vital that you promptly treat any cavities that may develop, regardless of your age.