Why is visiting the dentist so important?

 

Visiting the family dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Family Dental care is important because it:

• Helps prevent tooth decay

• Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss

• Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bad-breath causing bacteria in your mouth

• Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence

• Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, drinks, and tobacco

• Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

 

My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?

 

Your teeth may feel fine, but it's still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile's appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today's dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:

• Professional teeth whitening

• Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth

• Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers

 

What should I look for when choosing the right dentist for me?

 

Choosing a dentist who “clicks” with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:

• Is the appointment schedule convenient?

• Is the office easy to get to and close by?

• Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?

• Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?

• Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?

• Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?

 

How can I take care of my teeth between dental checkups?

 

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!

• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.

• Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).

• Don't be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.

• Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.

 

What is Good Oral Hygiene?

Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means:

• Your teeth are clean and free of debris
• Gums are firmly held against teeth and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
• Bad breath is not a constant problem.

If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.  Your dental professional can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention during brushing and flossing.

 

How is good oral hygiene practiced?

 

• Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.  Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop. It is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.  In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:

• • Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily• Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals• Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste• Rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist tells you to• Making sure that children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area.• Proper Brushing Technique

How often should I see the dentist?

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

 

How often should I brush my teeth?

 

According to your dentist, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeth. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue – it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!

 

When should I change my toothbrush?

 

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you've been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

 

How do i clean my teeth properly?

 

Brushing Instructions

• Brushing: Step 1

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.

• Brushing: Step 2

Brush gently in a circular motion.

• Brushing: Step 3

Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

• Brushing: Step 4

Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

 

Flossing Instructions

• Flossing: Step 1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

• Flossing: Step 2

Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

• Flossing: Step 3

Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

• Flossing: Step 4

Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

• Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.

• Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.

• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.

• If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.

 

If it's been six months since your last dental checkup, then it's time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!

 

What do I need to clean my teeth properly?

 

There are many different oral care products available today. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste for you to use, as well as the best way to clean between your teeth.    It is important to always use a good toothbrush, a toothpaste which is suitable for your needs and, in most cases, something to clean between your teeth.

 

Which is the best toothbrush to use?

 

It is usually recommended that adults should choose a toothbrush which is small to medium sized with multi-tufted, soft to medium filaments (bristles). These filaments should be round ended and made from nylon. This is important so that you do not damage your teeth or gums with any sharp bristles.

 

How often should I clean my teeth?

 

It is important to clean your teeth at least twice a day, especially last thing at night. Usually two minutes is enough to remove plaque and clean properly. Some people find using a stop-watch or timer useful as two minutes is often longer than you think. If you eat or drink certain foods you may need to clean more often.

 

My teeth are sensitive, what can I use?

 

There are several toothpastes that contain ‘desensitising agents’ which do effectively reduce the pain of sensitive teeth and gums. Some people find rubbing this toothpaste along the affected area and leaving it on overnight helps ease the discomfort.

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What about cleaning between my teeth?

 

Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth, so it is therefore important that you also clean between your teeth every time you brush. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to show you how.

 

What is dental floss?

 

The most common way to clean between teeth is with dental floss or tape. Many people prefer tape to floss, as it is wider and can be gentler on the gums. There are several different types of floss or tape, including mint-flavoured, wax-coated and those containing fluoride.

 

Are there any other products to help me clean between my teeth?

 

To clean the small gaps between your teeth you can also special interdental brushes. Ask your dentist or hygienist for advice on how to use these products correctly and safely.

 

I have a bridge, how can I clean underneath it?

 

It is just as important to keep this area clean as it is your natural teeth. You may be more likely to get trapped food and plaque there. Floss threaders may help guide the floss under the bridge. Some floss has a thicker spongy centre, which may also help to clean under the bridge and gum area effectively.

 

Is there anything special to look for?

 

There are so many different oral health products available that it is often difficult to choose the best ones for you. If you are looking for a specific oral hygiene product, it is important to find the right product for you.

 

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

 

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

 

How do I schedule my next checkup?

 

Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.

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​We are your local family dentistry provides only exceptional dental services and experience at most affordable cost.