Frequently Asked Questions

Brushing your teeth will clean the surfaces of your teeth but will not reach the areas between the teeth or below the gum line. Flossing ensures that plaque and bacteria are removed from your mouth before they can cause damage to your teeth.

Brush at least twice daily, especially before going to bed. Use an ADA-approved soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Floss daily. We also recommend that you use a mouth rinse. Contact our office if you have questions.

Dental X-rays are extremely safe. You are exposed to less radiation with dental X-rays than in your day-to-day life from the sun. Dentistry advancements make dental X-rays safer through digital imaging technologies and higher-speed X-rays. Additionally, federal law requires that X-ray machines be checked for safety and accuracy every two years.

Please speak with our team. We take your fear seriously and will work with you to help you feel more comfortable in our office. Many strategies can help lessen anxiety and fear. These include medications to numb treated areas, sedation dentistry, and a variety of other techniques.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time about six months after their first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. These appointments are designed to help your child become comfortable in the dental office and ensure they are correctly growing and developing.

Babies begin to develop teeth in the second trimester of pregnancy (about 16-20 weeks.) Teeth typically start to emerge between 6 and 10 months of age. It would help if you began flossing your child’s teeth when they have two adjacent teeth.

Primary teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and proper development. Your child’s primary teeth facilitate

• • Proper speech production and development
• • Proper chewing and nutrition, and good digestion
• • Straighter smiles – primary teeth hold the places of the adult teeth
• • Excellent oral health

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you and your child take good care of their primary teeth. Please make an appointment with us if you have questions.

Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dental specialty that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth so that you can enjoy a more beautiful smile. It includes preventive care as well as restorative treatments. Some common cosmetic dental treatments include:

• • Teeth whitening
• • Dental veneers
• • Composite (tooth-colored) dental fillings
• • Dental bonding
• • Dental crowns and bridges
• • Dental implants
• • Orthodontics

There are several options available to replace your missing tooth. When you visit our office, our dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your oral health needs and smile goals, and review your treatment options. We will design a customized treatment plan to restore your tooth and smile. Some of the tooth replacement options we may discuss include:

• • Dental implants
• • Dental bridges
• • Complete or partial dentures

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an oral condition that affects the gums and supporting structures in your mouth. It begins as a bacterial infection of the gums and gradually progresses until it destroys your gums and bone structure. The milder stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, while the more severe form is known as periodontitis. You should be checked for periodontal disease each time you visit us.

Periodontal disease is caused by the harmful bacteria trapped in plaque. As plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), the disease becomes more established in your mouth, and the gum attachments begin to separate from your teeth and create pockets that harbor these harmful bacteria. If gum disease is allowed to progress without treatment, the condition may become irreversible.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• • Red, swollen, or tender gums, or other pain in your mouth
• • Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods
• • Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
• • Loose or separated teeth
• • Pus between your gums and teeth
• • Sores in your mouth
• • Persistent bad breath
• • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• • A change in the fit of dentures or other removable appliances
• • Halitosis (bad breath)