Does a rinse or mouthwash help?
Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing but not instead of daily cleanings. Your dentist can recommend the best type for you. Some people need twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes for dry mouth. Kids under 6 shouldn’t use mouthwash to avoid the risk of swallowing it.
What are early signs of dental trouble?
Visit a dentist if you have any of these issues or see your child having trouble chewing or complaining of soreness:
- 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
Getting checked out right away prevents more serious problems and infections.
Why do I need dental exams?
Regular exams help spot trouble early to prevent bigger and more costly treatments later. A dental hygienist will start by cleaning build up from your teeth. Then the dentist will probe spots on the surfaces and near the gumline with special tools. If it’s been a while between appointments, you may have some sore and sensitive areas.
You should get an exam every 6 months, or more often if your dentist recommends it. Find one who makes you feel at ease and lets you know what to expect. Often the dread of seeing the dentist turns to big relief when the visit is over and you have a care plan set up.
How do fillings work?
Cavities break through the surface enamel of teeth, and they’ll probably get bigger unless you close them off with fillings. Your dentist will numb your mouth before drilling around the cavity to prep it. A combination of strong materials or a white mix called a composite goes into the cavity soft and then hardens as it dries. You may feel pain or pressure when getting the numbing shot and during the drilling. Once set, fillings can last a long time but need replacing if they break or wear down.
Are sweets bad for my teeth?
Yes, sweets and foods with acid, like candy and carbonated drinks, could stick to teeth and lead to cavities.
How safe are dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays are very safe. Radiation is measured in millirems and one dental x-ray has only 0.5 millirems.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is simply a small hole in the tooth that develops as a result of tooth decay. In other words, decay eats away at the tooth and results in a void space that disrupts the structure of the tooth. It’s important to get cavities repaired because they will continue to grow larger with time
What is the best way to withen my teeth?
The fastest and most effective way to whiten teeth is typically an in-office professional whitening procedure. However, you may not require this type of procedure. We recommend that you speak with your dentist or dental hygienist about what type of teeth whitening they would recommend.
What causes bad breadth?
Some reasons for bad breath may be:
- Poor dental hygiene;
- Eating certain foods, such as garlic or onions;
- Smoking;
- Chewing tobacco;
- Diseases, such as cancer or diabetes;
- Dry mouth (often called morning breath).
You can help reduce the incidence of bad breath by brushing and flossing each day to remove plaque. By avoiding certain foods, you can also eliminate a lot of bad breath problems. If a bad breath problem persists, then let us know and we will perform further diagnostic reviews with a view to recommending a treatment.