Seven Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry

Knowing the answers to questions, such as “why”, “how”, or “when,” are critical in many areas of life. Asking these questions is no less important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums for a bright smile and optimal health and wellness throughout your life. Below are seven frequently asked questions and answers about general dentistry to help you and your family enjoy all the benefits of oral health.

1. How Often Should I Get a Cleaning and Dental Checkup?

Plaque and tartar buildup requires daily home care with brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, some hard-to-reach areas are prone to be missed, no matter how meticulous you are. If retained plaque remains long enough, a cavity starts forming, or your gums show early signs of inflammation. As a general rule, most people receive the maximum preventive benefit from a professional teeth cleaning and examination twice yearly. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you:

• Have a history of gum disease.
• Have received periodontal surgery to eliminate deep pockets.
• Are prone to dental cavities.
• Are being monitored for conditions such as oral cysts, cancer, or infections.
• Take medications that cause dry mouth or have effects that make you prone to tooth decay or gum disease.
• Have a compromised immune system that places you at a higher risk of oral conditions.

2. Why Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

Although you will receive a thorough visual examination from your dentist, some areas can only be seen with dental x-rays. Fortunately, modern dentistry uses radiographic techniques that expose patients to extremely low radiation exposure. As a result, X-rays help your dentist safely diagnose problems such as:

• Cavities between your teeth.
• Tooth decay that has formed around or beneath dental fillings or crowns.
• Impacted teeth.
• Bone loss due to periodontal disease.
• Abscessed teeth that require root canal treatment.
• Oral cysts and tumors.
• The position of teeth before dental implants or braces.
• The location of important nerves prior to dental treatment.

3. How Can I Have Whiter Teeth?

If you decide to whiten your teeth for a brighter smile, you should begin by consulting your dentist. This is because many causes of discolored teeth cannot be treated with over-the-counter products. Brushing, flossing, and other self-treatments, though, can effectively whiten teeth that are affected only by surface plaque or stain.

However, you need professional treatment for stains caused by trauma, medications, genetics, medical conditions, aging, and excess fluoride. Your dentist has many professional treatments to make your teeth whiter, including:

• Professional whitening. Your dentist uses professional-strength whitening solutions and techniques to achieve a bright smile that is unattainable with over-the-counter products.
• Porcelain veneers. These thin shells can effectively whiten teeth with intrinsic discoloration, such as tetracycline staining or fluorosis.
• Porcelain crowns. Teeth that are severely discolored and damaged from tooth decay, trauma, or grinding your teeth can be treated with full porcelain crowns for a brighter smile.

4. Is Flossing Necessary?

Many people do not floss daily, and some never floss at all. Interestingly, it has also been shown that many people are less than truthful about their flossing habits when asked by their dentist. Dentists, however, are aware of whether you floss or how often you floss. The benefits of flossing include the following:

• Removing dental plaque and food particles between teeth and below the gum line that your toothbrush cannot reach.
• Dramatically reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Helping remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
• Helping prevent stains from forming between your teeth.
• Helping remove bacteria that have been linked to medical conditions such as heart disease.

5. What Can I Do For Sensitive Teeth?

Sensitive teeth can be painful and frustrating, affecting your ability to enjoy hot and cold foods and beverages. Extreme sensitivity can even affect breathing through your mouth in cold weather. The first step in solving your problem is accurately determining the cause.

Several things can cause sensitive teeth, including:

• Tooth decay.
• Gum recession.
• An excessively acidic diet.
• Enamel erosion.
• Cracked tooth.
• Grinding or clenching your teeth.
• Defective dental restoration.
• Acid reflux.
• Eating disorders such as bulimia.
• Brushing your teeth too hard or with an incorrect technique.
• Plaque buildup.
• Inflamed dental pulp.

Depending on the cause of your sensitive teeth, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following to help alleviate the problem:

• Fluoride applications.
• Desensitizing toothpaste.
• Fillings or bonding.
• Dental crown(s).
• Root canal therapy.
• Gum graft.
• Change in diet.
• A mouthguard.
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and the correct brushing technique.

6. Should I Use A Whitening Toothpaste?

Toothpaste can only help whiten minor surface stains acquired mainly through consuming certain foods and drinks. Toothpaste marketed for helping your teeth appear whiter will remove these stains with abrasives and chemicals that have been added.

Although each ADA-approved toothpaste has been shown to be safe and effective, the amount of abrasives in a whitening toothpaste could possibly have adverse effects if used too frequently or improperly so be sure to check with your dentist. 

7. When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

One of the most basic components of good oral hygiene is brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good condition. However,  you may be unsure of how often you should be changing your toothbrush. Here are some guidelines to help with this decision.

• The bristles are frayed. Frayed bristles are less effective at removing plaque and can irritate your gums. When the bristles start to bend, break, or spread out, it's time to replace your toothbrush.
• After an illness. If you have been sick, it is best to replace your toothbrush since bacteria can linger on the bristles even after you have recovered. This is especially important if you have had a contagious illness like the flu.
• Every three to four months. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, regardless of the condition of the bristles. This is because, over time, the bristles become less effective at removing plaque.
• After a toothbrush has been dropped. If your toothbrush has fallen on the ground, it can be contaminated with bacteria. In this case, it may be best to replace it to ensure you are not brushing with a toothbrush full of germs.

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To learn more about the general dentistry services offered at Palmetto Dental Arts, call us or contact us online.