FAQs2023-12-20T06:15:58-07:00

FAQs on Dental & Oral Health

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that patients have regarding dental or oral health concerns. If you have any additional concerns or want to set up an appointment, we’d like to hear from you.

How Often Should I Brush and Floss?2023-12-20T05:45:34-07:00

Brushing and flossing can help reduce the buildup of plaque and bacteria that can cause dental diseases.

  • Toothbrushing: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time is the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease. It helps remove food debris and plaque — a sticky white film that collects on your teeth after eating sugary foods and drinks.
  • Flossing: Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene and helps to get rid of plaque that can build up in areas where a toothbrush cannot reach. It also removes a buildup of tartar, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
  • Rinsing: It’s always better to rinse after you floss and brush, as this will help to maintain the fluoride levels in your mouth. Try to avoid rinsing too soon, as this can wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste.
  • Blood during Flossing: While flossing, your gums may bleed if you’re not doing it correctly or too aggressively. This is normal and doesn’t mean you should stop flossing.
  • Brushing and Flossing Too Often: You should only brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste for two minutes each time. Tooth Brushing too frequently can irritate your gums and expose the softer root portion of your teeth, which is more vulnerable to decay.
    Flossing once a day is recommended by dentists, but some patients may need to floss more than once a day to get rid of food debris and plaque that accumulates between their teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends flossing before or after brushing your teeth as part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. But whether you should floss first or after brushing depends on your personal preference.

How Often Should I Have a Dental Exam and Cleaning?2023-12-20T05:56:53-07:00

It is recommended that you have your teeth examined and thoroughly cleaned at least twice a year. However, your dentist might suggest regular visits. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning sessions are vital to prevent dental problems and maintain the health of your teeth and gums. When you visit your dentist, the teeth will be cleaned as well as checked for signs of cavities. Additionally, There are other items that are examined and monitored in order to detect or prevent problems and maintain good dental hygiene. They include:

  • Medical history review: Your dentist will want to find out if you have any medical conditions, treatments or medications that may impact your oral health. They also need to know your general health so they can plan treatment accordingly.
  • Oral cancer screening: A dentist can often spot signs of oral cancer before they get any worse, preventing more serious complications. This is particularly important for older people who are at a greater risk of developing the disease.
  • Examination of tooth decay: A dentist or dental hygienist will examine your teeth carefully to look for any abnormalities such as cracks, breaks and deep gum pockets. They will also use special tools to check for weakened enamel or other issues that can be treated before they become more serious.
  • Removal of calculus (tartar): A dentist or dental hygienist may use a scraping tool to remove plaque from above and below the gum line. This can be a bit uncomfortable, but it is necessary for good oral health.

Your dentist or hygienist will then give you a full report on your oral health and offer suggestions about how to improve your dental care routine at home. They may also recommend fluoride treatments, which can strengthen your teeth.

Why is it important to use dental floss?2023-12-20T05:53:24-07:00

Floss removes food particles, bacteria and other debris that are often missed by brushing.

Brushing our teeth helps remove food particles, plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of our teeth, except between our teeth. However, our toothbrushes are unable to get to these areas which are extremely susceptible to decay and (gum) gum disease.

A daily flossing routine is the best method of cleaning between teeth and below the gum line. Flossing helps not only to clean these areas but also prevents plaque colonies from building up, which prevents harm to gums, teeth, as well as bones.

The Plaque film is a sticky and nearly invisible film that develops around the teeth. It’s a growing population of live bacteria, food particles and saliva. The bacteria make poisons (acids) which can cause tooth decay and irritation and irritate the gums. Additionally, if plaque is not eliminated over and below the gumline the plaque hardens and transforms into calculus (tartar). This may further irritate and cause inflammation of the gums. It can gradually destroy the bone. This is when you start to notice periodontal disease.

What can I do about stained or discoloured teeth?2023-12-20T05:55:33-07:00

Professional teeth bleaching (or bleaching) is a straightforward non-invasive treatment for your teeth that is used to alter the hue of natural tooth enamel and is a great option to enhance the look that your smile has.

There are also over-the-counter treatments available but they’re less efficient than professional treatments and are not endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we get older as we age, the enamel’s outer layer gets worn away, eventually leaving an edgier or yellow hue. The shade of our teeth is a result of the interior of the tooth and can become darker as time passes.

Drinking coffee, smoking or tea, as well as wine could also contribute to tooth discolouration, which can make our teeth dull and yellow. Sometimes, teeth may be stained by taking certain medicines as a young child like tetracycline. Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during the development of teeth may cause teeth to discolour.

It’s essential to have your teeth checked by your dentist to determine if you’re a suitable candidate to bleach your teeth. Sometimes, fluorosis and tetracycline stainings aren’t easy to bleach and your dentist might suggest alternative options, such as crowns or veneers that conceal staining. Because teeth whitening is only effective on natural enamel, it’s crucial to determine the replacement of any crowns, fillings. before the bleaching process begins. After bleaching has been completed the dentist will make sure that the new restorations match the colour of your freshly bleached teeth.

Because teeth whitening isn’t permanent, a touch-up might be required once every couple of decades to ensure your teeth are sparkling.

How can cosmetic dentistry help improve the appearance of my smile?2023-12-20T05:58:23-07:00

If you’re feeling uneasy about your teeth or simply want to enhance your appearance, cosmetic dental treatments could be the solution to having a beautiful and confident smile.

Cosmetic dentistry has become extremely well-known in recent years, not just because of the numerous advances in cosmetic dentistry procedures as well as dental materials that are available as well as the fact that patients are becoming more concerned about getting their health in order. This includes dental health and getting a healthier, shining, and whiter smile.

There are numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can enhance your teeth and improve your smile. Based on your specific needs, cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile in a dramatic manner by restoring just one tooth to getting a complete dental makeover. Consult your dentist about how you can enhance the appearance and health of your smile by using cosmetic dental.

What services do your dentists in Hesperia offer for kids?2024-09-25T06:01:21-07:00

Our Kids dentists in Hesperia provide a range of services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, cavity treatment, and emergency care.

Are your dentists trained to handle special needs of kids?2024-09-25T06:02:54-07:00

Yes, our dentists in Hesperia have specialized training to care for children with special needs, ensuring a comfortable and accommodating environment.

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