Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Check our answers to the FAQs to help you to be informed before and after you visit us.

1. Why is it important that I visit my dentist every 6 months?

We recommend that patients visit our office at least twice each year to ensure their optimal oral health and to help avoid serious and costly future problems. Dental residues build up on teeth every time you eat or drink. If not brushed away immediately your teeth are at risk of getting cavities due to the formation of oral acids. Plaque, if allowed to remain in the mouth hardens within 48 hours to form tartar or in dental terminology calculus. Calculus cannot be brushed away. It needs to be removed professionally. It provides constant irritation and an environment for bacterial growth leading to severe gum disease and eventual tooth loss. In addition to cleaning and polishing all the visible and hidden surfaces of your teeth, we also check for many potential problems. Tooth decay, oral cancer and periodontal (gum) disease are just a few examples of problems that can have serious consequences if left undetected. In certain cases, we may even recommend 3 or 4 visits per year in order to properly treat conditions that require more regular attention. Maintaining a regular appointment schedule with your dentist isn’t just good for your teeth, it’s an important part of your overall health.

2. When should a child have its first visit to the dentist?

Recent studies have shown that by the age of three, a child is already at risk of having cavities which can be caused by something as innocent as putting a baby to sleep with a bottle of juice or milk. Along with taking our first look at your child’s oral condition, this first appointment is also largely focused on the parents and helping them to establish a good oral hygiene program and diet for the child. We believe that a child should have his or her first dental visit when the first tooth erupts or before they reach their first birthday. It is a little known fact that a child’s primary teeth are vital to the long-term health of their permanent adult teeth. The premature loss of primary teeth as a result of accidents or decay can cause serious problems, including poorly spaced and crooked adult teeth. As a result, it is just as important to care for a child’s baby teeth as it is for the adult teeth that follow.

3. How can I help myself to prevent bad breath?

According to recent studies, almost half the population of adults in North America suffers at least occasionally from bad breath (halitosis). The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth and on the back of the tongue. These bacteria produce a volatile sulfur compound, which in turn produces a smell similar to “rotten eggs”. (Other non-dental causes of halitosis include certain foods, smoking, alcohol, hormonal changes or simply being hungry.) If the halitosis is of oral origin, the treatment usually begins with ensuring meticulous hygiene of the mouth. Your dentist or dental hygienist will check for gum disease and, if necessary, prepare a detailed treatment plan. Tongue scraping should also become an important part of daily home care and part of your regular tooth brushing routine. (it’s easy and painless).

4. How is a whitening tray from my dentist different from one I buy at a drug store?

The whitening trays provided in our office are custom-made to perfectly fit the wearer’s teeth which can result in a more comfortable and secure fit. This prevents the bleaching agent from leaking onto the gums which can cause severe burns and sensitivity. The dentist or hygienist also helps monitor the efficacy of the whitening agent by recording before and after tooth shades. It is very important that any dental decay is restored prior to using a whitening agent.

If you have more questions that you feel need to be updated on our FAQs, please feel free to contact us. To know more about our services, call us today at 519-576-7262!