How often should I be coming into the dental office for my checkup?
That's a very good question. The most common answer is at least every six months. That's what our guidelines suggest is good for most patients, but the key word there is "most." A lot of patients can benefit from coming in every four months or even every three months, depending on their gum health. When you visit us, we'll let you know whether you should be on a three-month, four-month, or six-month checkup program. Additionally, if you have any concerns about your dental health, even slight discomfort or sensitivity, it's always a good idea to come in for a checkup, regardless of the schedule. Catching a problem early makes it easier and simpler to fix.
What about fluoride treatment?
Fluoride is a great topic. It bonds to the surface of your teeth, making them more resistant to acids. Why are there acids in our mouth? Bacteria eat sugar and produce acid, which can melt your teeth away. Therefore, sugar causes cavities because bacteria consume the sugar and excrete acid that melts the outer layer of your teeth. Fluoride strengthens this outer layer, making it more acid-resistant. We also have other options for cavity protection besides fluoride.
How can I prevent tooth decay and protect my teeth from cavities?
First, brush and floss your teeth twice a day. This is probably the biggest prevention tip. Using a mouth rinse, especially one with fluoride, helps a lot. Fluoride makes your teeth resistant to acids created by bacteria. Brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles on your teeth. Also, try to avoid as much sugar and carbs as possible. If you consume them, rinse your mouth or brush and floss afterward.
What's the point of getting dental x-rays if I just got them recently? Are they safe, and how often do I need them?
The frequency of x-rays depends on the condition of your mouth and any cavities or tooth issues you might have. If you've had cavities recently, we may take x-rays every six months. The exposure from a dental x-ray is very insignificant. You get more exposure from sun exposure or an airplane flight than from dental x-rays. Modern digital x-ray technology is extremely safe. We take x-rays as necessary to catch problems early, making them easier to fix. If your teeth are in great shape with no cavities, we might go longer between x-rays.
What causes gum disease, and how do I prevent it?
Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria and food debris under your gums, which solidifies over time. If you're not brushing and flossing twice a day, this plaque becomes rock solid and cannot be removed without professional help. It starts as gingivitis, which causes gum irritation and bleeding. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a combination of bacteria and food debris stuck to your teeth. If not cleaned off, plaque turns into calculus or tartar, causing gum irritation, bleeding, and bone loss. This leads to loose teeth, gum recession, sensitivity, and other health problems. To prevent gum disease, brush and floss twice a day and come in for regular checkups. If you have gum bleeding, see a dentist as soon as possible to reverse and stop it.