Frequently Asked Questions
Soft bristle-toothbrushes are the most recommended. Firm and medium ones can cause damage to teeth and gums. Apply soft pressure for 2 minutes, twice a day.
Electric and manual toothbrushes clean the teeth well, however, manual brushes with mixed bristle heights have a better effect than those with all flat and even bristles. Electric toothbrushes may be easier if users are having trouble using their hands.
Replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months is a must. Moreover, when the bristles look bent or splayed out, the toothbrush becomes useless and a new one is required. Bent bristles don’t clean as well, and may also be a sign you may be brushing too hard.
Toothpastes generally dispose bacterial growth and acids generated from residues of food and drinks. Whenever you see the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on a toothpaste cover, it means that this product contains fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you are seeking a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpastes and powders made with natural ingredients that don’t have ADA testing and approval.
If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and notify your dentist.
Dental flossing routine is important. It cleans your teeth from food residues and plaque stuffed between your teeth and under the gumline. Without flossing, plaque hardens and turns into tartar, creating wedges and widening the space between your teeth and gums, causing pockets. This phenomenon will lead the gums to pull away causing teeth loosening.
Never mind if it is waxed or not, floss will do the job. Floss picks or interdental brushes can also be used as alternative. Moreover, a new technique for flossing has recently emerged using the water flosser device which relies on a high pressure pulsating water resulting in the removal of dental plaques.
If used with regular brushing and flossing, mouthwashes for cavity protection, tooth sensitivity, and fresh breath could be helpful, however they can’t substitute daily cleaning. Refer to your dentist for suitable recommendations.
Some people need rinses twice-daily for gum health or alcohol-free washes for dry mouth.
Mouthwash isn’t recommended for kids under 6 years old in order to avoid the chance of them swallowing it.
Some mouthwashes can’t be found over the counter, have stronger effects but higher risks, therefore, consulting your dentist is a must before purchasing any of them especially if containing Chlorhexidine.
Visit our dentists at Dental Experts Center if you or your child have any of these issues:
- Mouth sores
- Jaw pain
- Redness
- Swollen face or gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Broken teeth
- Dry mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Routine dental checkups prevent aggravations of any possible infections.
Regular dental checkups help spot and treat early dental issues and prevent complicated/more costly treatments.
Cleaning teeth buildup is the first step a dental hygienist expert would take. Afterwards the dentist will probe spots on the tooth surfaces and near the gumline with special tools.
Regular checkups are key to avoid serious oral health issues, the maximum gap between visits should not exceed a 6 months period, could be less if your dentist recommends it. The dread of seeing the dentist turns in the end of your visit to a bigger relief especially when our experts provide you with a detailed care plan. At Dental Experts Center, a child’s first visit will be an introductory session to help your kids overcome any of their fears by explaining them the process, showing them how it’s done and afterwards starting the treatment process.
We at Dental Experts Center care for our patients and therefore use today’s latest technologies providing much less radiation and resulting in a safe treatment. Sometimes dentists may recommend X-rays to diagnose a special problem.
Expect a dental X-ray during the first checkup if you haven’t visited our clinic for a while. This procedure helps our experts check your tooth and gum health. If diagnosed with any gum disease, the dentist may require an x-ray every 6 months.
Kids have more X-rays done than adults because their teeth are changing and because they get cavities more often.
Fluoride fortify teeth and fend off their decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the CDC all agree on the use of fluoride toothpaste for kids while taking care not to swallow it.
In addition, adults benefit from the use of fluoride to protect their teeth.
Cavities break through the surface enamel of teeth, and they’ll probably get larger without the necessary treatment.
Numbing your mouth before drilling around the cavity will prevent pain during the treatment process. Subsequently, your dentist will apply a combination of strong materials or a white mix called a composite that goes into the cavity as soft paste and then hardens as it dries. You may feel discomfort or pressure when getting the numbing shot and during the drilling.
Fillings are long-lasting, however, if broke or worn off, replacing them will become a must.
Sealants protect against cavities that can form in the natural tiny holes and cracks on the outside of teeth. Kids from about 6 to 12 benefit from having sealants painted and hardened onto the chewing surfaces of their back teeth, or molars. Adults can get sealants as well to protect teeth that don’t have fillings.
Dentists put sealants on in an office visit, and it’s painless. They last around 2-4 years and sometimes more.
Whitening products can be found in stores, and you can get take-home gels and trays from your dentist at Dental Experts Center, but no whitening treatment can compare to the one done in the dental office.
Do not try an over-the-counter whitener without consulting with your dentist first. Whitening product with an ADA seal are the safest. Always refer to your dentist before buying any product, especially if you have dental work or dark stains. Do not use frequently, to avoid damaging your teeth.
There are lots of ways to improve your smile, below you will find some of the most popular treatments:
- Alignment with orthodontic treatment.
- Caps and crowns cover damaged teeth by a tooth shaped like material, they use the root and the inside of the tooth as a base to build on, then attach it with special cement.
- Veneersimprove your smile, porcelain or resin are applied on the tooth giving it a whiter, shinier layer and an aligned look.
Refer to your dentist about which one suits you better.
Yes, sweets and foods Containing acid, like candy and soda, could stick to your teeth and develop cavities.
Smoking and chewing tobacco may lead to oral cancer and gum disease.
Chewing ice and tearing open packages with your teeth can break them and stress your jaws. Gritting or grinding down on teeth when you’re stressed may also crack them.
Biting your nails pulls your jaw out of position and displace your teeth.