When you visit our dentist office, we will take the time to answer any questions that you may have about oral health because we want you to be educated and well-informed.  This way you can make decisions regarding your health and do things to stay well in addition to having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis.  There are some questions that we are asked on a regular basis, and we have compiled answer to them here so that you can increase your personal knowledge.

Is brushing my teeth twice a day necessary?

Yes, it is.  We want you to brush your teeth for two minutes at a time at least twice per day.  This is critical for removing the bacteria, sugar and plaque from your teeth.  When you brush, be sure to use a soft toothbrush and brush in a circular pattern with a fluoride toothpaste.  You also need to floss your teeth to remove anything that is stuck in between them.  If you don’t brush regularly, you are increasing the likelihood that you will develop cavities or gum disease, making this the most important thing you can do at home for your oral health.

Can you make my breath stop smelling bad?

We can provide you with a bad breath treatment in our general dentistry office by performing a deep cleaning.  Very often, plaque and tartar builds up on the teeth underneath the gum tissue.  When it does, you can develop gum disease and bad breath is often the first sign of a pending condition.  By removing the plaque, we can help your breath to smell better and prevent you from experiencing gum disease.  In our general dentistry office, we will also check to see if you have any cavities or infections since they can emit a foul-smelling odor.

Is a cavity really a big deal?

Yes, it is.  If you have a cavity that is left untreated, it can spread and create a larger infection that creates significant irritation by way of a toothache.  We recommend that you have any cavities treated immediately and before they have the chance to spread.  We will ensure that the procedure is comfortable so that you can relax and feel better afterwards.

My teeth are hurting and sensitive, why?

In our general dentistry office, we treat sensitive teeth, and one of the largest culprits of it is enamel erosion.  When the enamel on your teeth starts to wear away, the dentin underneath is exposed.  Dentin is porous and contains your nerve endings.  When something touches it, you will feel sensitivity.  To solve the problem, we may need to place a dental crown on the teeth that are sensitive.  A crown is basically a cap that surrounds the tooth so that nothing can touch it directly, making this an ideal solution.

I don’t like my smile, can you fix it?

Absolutely, we can transform your smile and have a variety of procedure to do so. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular because it can be completed quickly.  We can also use dental veneers, crowns, and implants to improve the appearance of your smile.