Frequently Asked Questsions
How can I stop the spread of gum disease?
How can I reduce plaque and tarter buildup?
How can my smile look better?
What can I do about sensitive teeth?
What causes Tooth Sensitivity?
What is the Tooth Whitening process?
Will Tooth Whitening work for me?
How can people reduce their risk of oral cancer?
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
How can I keep my child’s mouth healthy?
How can I stop the spread of gum disease?
Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Early and moderate periodontal disease may exhibit few, if any, symptoms. However, warning signs of advanced periodontal disease may include red, swollen, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. The are many stages and forms of periodontal disease, including: Gingivitis (mild inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup; gums are red and or sore and bleed when probed), Periodontitis (gum separates from tooth; bone level deteriorates), and Advanced Periodontitis (pus may develop; tooth is loosened, may fall out; bone continues to deteriorate). During each routine checkup, your dentist will examine you for periodontal disease. A periodontal probe is used to determine if there is any breakdown in the gum tissue attachment or if pockets have developed between your gums and teeth.
How can I reduce plaque and tarter buildup?
Patients often confuse plaque and tarter and how they are related to each other. Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food, and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect on teeth and where teeth and gums meet. The buildup of plaque can trap stains on the teeth, and it is also the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease. Fighting plaque is a life-long part oral care. Plaque begins forming on teeth 4 to 12 hours after brushing, which is why it is so important to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Tarter, also called calculus, is a crusty deposit that can trap stains on the teeth and cause discoloration. It creates a strong bond that can only be removed by a dental professional. Tarter formation may also make it more difficult to remove new plaque and bacteria. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to plaque and tarter. For many of us, these deposits build up faster as we age.
How can my smile look better?
Stains beneath the tooth enamel are known as intrinsic stains. This type of staining is commonly caused by: Aging, defects with the tooth, use of certain antibiotics during tooth development, or smoking. Also, one’s diet can affect the brightness of your smile. The following foods and beverages often cause tooth stains: Tobacco products, coffee, tea, red wine, colored juices, curry, soy, cola drinks, and minerals in well water. If you are concerned about the color of you teeth, ask your dentist or hygienist about various options for tooth whitening, including: Bleaching, bonding, veneers, and inlays.
What can I do about sensitive teeth?
Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth: (1) A soft-bristle toothbrush, or a powered brush to protect gums, (2) A fluoride rinse or gel for sensitive teeth, prescribed by your dentist, or (3) a desensitizing toothpaste.
What causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Do you experience pain or tingling in your teeth, especially when eating sweets or very hot or cold foods? You may have sensitive teeth. Pain from sensitive teeth is not always constant; it can come and go. Constant pain could be a sign of a more serious problem. It is still important, however, to discuss your symptoms with your dentist to determine the cause and proper treatment. In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and by your teeth’s hard enamel shell. Microscopic holes in the dentin, called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages. Dentin can be exposed by: Receding gums caused by improper brushing or gum disease, fractured or chipped teeth, clenching or grinding your teeth, or erosion due to the aging process.
What is the Tooth Whitening process?
It is a simple procedure: (1) Impressions of your upper and lower teeth are made. From these impressions, your dentist makes custom fitting tooth whitening appliances. (2) You are fitted with the appliances, which are clear and very hard to detect at a distance. You will be given a professional whitening system and personalized instructions about how to use it. (3) To keep you teeth free from tarter and plaque, you and you dental professional will plan the proper home care regimen in order to keep your smile looking food for a lifetime.
Will Tooth Whitening work for me?
There are many causes of tooth discoloration; substances like coffee, cola, and smoking. Some medications and aging can also cause your teeth to stain over time. Your dentist can determine the source of your discoloration, then recommend the best whitening system for you. In most cases the results are striking! Don’t be misled by unproven and ineffective over-the-counter whitening solutions. This office dispenses a simple, safe and effective tooth whitening system that is closely monitored by our clinical staff for maximum results in the least amount of time.
How can people reduce their risk of oral cancer?
Know if you are at risk by knowing the signs and symptoms or oral cancer. Try to avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use. Thirdly, inform your healthcare provider about your risk factors. And lastly have a comprehensive oral cancer screening at least once a year.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
If any of the following conditions apply to you, discuss them with your healthcare provider: a mouth sore that does not heal, a white or red patch of tissue, difficulty swallowing, a lump or mass in the mouth or neck, hoarseness that lasts for a long period, pain or numbness in the oral/facial region, pain in the ear of long duration, or a change in voice.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
Every hour of every day, one American dies of oral cancer. We don’t want you to be a victim. The Primary Risk Factors of oral cancer are prevalent in people age 40 and older who use tobacco (including “smokeless” tobacco). Other risk factors include: heavy or chronic alcohol consumption, viral infections (particularly HPV 16/18), long term exposure to the sun (lip cancer), and a history of white or red patches on the oral tissue. Many reports suggest that head and neck cancer, particularly tongue cancer, is increasing among young adults. According to the American Dental Association, “over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and have no other risk factors”.
How can I keep my child’s mouth healthy?
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 month, the first primary, or baby teeth, erupt through the gums. All 20 of the primary teeth usually appear by age 3, although their pace and order of eruption varies. Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6. This process will continue until approximately age 21. To help ensure oral health and a lifetime of good oral care habits: limit children’s sugar intake, make sure children get enough flouride, either through drinking water or as a treatment at the dentist’s office, teach children how to brush and floss correctly, and finally supervise brushing sessions and help with flossing, which can be a challenge for small hands.
