Question 1

What causes tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Tooth decay is caused by acids which are produced by bacteria in the presence of sugar. To prevent decay these bacteria, sugar and acids must be periodically removed by way of brushing and flossing.

Question 2

What is the best toothbrush?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, a soft bristled toothbrush is best. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric, anything harder than soft, is too hard. Stiff bristles may give you that clean feeling, but they can also abrade your teeth and cause gum recession.

Question 3

How do I use dental floss?

Accepted Answer

Floss is cheap, so don’t be stingy! Tear off about a forearm’s length to start. Wrap one end around the middle finger of one hand to “anchor” it, and pick up the other end about 4-6 inches away with the middle finger of the other hand. This allows you to manipulate the floss with your thumb and fore finger. As you soil a section of floss, “reel” in another 4-6 inches of clean floss with the anchor finger as you release the floss with the other finger

Question 4

How often should I get a checkup?

Accepted Answer

For most people, a checkup and cleaning every 6 months is standard protocol. Depending on a person’s dental health, however, a dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months may be recommended.

Question 5

How often should I get x-rays?

Accepted Answer

For most people, a complete radiographic survey should be done every 3 years, and a “check up” or “recall” set every 6 to 12 months. A complete set of x-rays is estimated to expose you to the same amount of radiation you get on a flight from San Francisco to Seattle. Doctors use x-rays as an aid in diagnosing problems. Without x-rays “seeing” the problem will be difficult if not impossible.

Question 6

My dentures seem to come off every time I eat or talk. No matter how much glue I put in, it doesn’t seem to work. Is there a permanent solution to this problem?

Accepted Answer

Although your bone structure can change over time, loose fitted dentures seem to be a problem to people that rely on dentures to do everyday things like talk and eat. Mini Dental Implants is the solution for loose fitting dentures. They hold your dentures in place, better than any adhesive and they allow removing your dentures anytime you want, so cleaning your dentures is no problem at you. And unlike adhesives, Mini Dental Implants allow you to eat anything you want. Studies also show that too much denture adhesives will cause serious neurological disease.

Question 7

What is the difference between Boil and Bite night guards and a night guard I get from a dentist?

Accepted Answer

The difference between the boil and bite and the regular night guard is that the night guard you get from a dentist is customized to the shape of your teeth and it’s made from a hard plastic so it will last longer and can withhold the pressure of nighttime grinding. Whereas the boil and bite guard its not customized and it’s uncomfortable to wear. Also, it is not made from the same material as a dentist-made night guard so the longevity of the boil and bite may be cut short. Even though the boil and bite is cheaper, a custom night guard will save you over the long term.

Question 8

Is it a good idea for my child to wear a sports guard?

Accepted Answer

During any physical activity it is advised for your child to wear a night guard for the protection of the child mouth. The sports guard will protect your child from having accidents such as, broken or chipped teeth, nerve damage from the tooth, or tooth loss. Your dentist can have your child fitted for a custom sports guard. Not only a child but adults need sports guards as well.

Question 9

What are the benefits from composite restoration than the amalgam?

Accepted Answer

Composite filling does not take away too much tooth structure like the amalgam does. It also is bonded to the tooth, so the chances of it breaking off are slim. The composite restoration is tooth colored and it won’t leave the tooth discolored.

Question 10

I am 26 years old and I need braces, but I don’t want to look foolish wearing metal brackets. Does Invisalign® give me the same result?

Accepted Answer

Invisalign® does give you the same result as traditional metal braces. What Invisalign® does is the dentist will give your clear, durable aligner trays that you wear for 22 hours a day. You will receive replacements every two weeks. They are removable, so maintaining good oral hygiene is easy. Also, Invisalign® has a faster treatment time than traditional braces, so that smile you always wanted can be done in a matter of months, not years.

Question 11

What is the difference between veneers and Lumineers?

Accepted Answer

These cosmetic procedures are similar in creating a more align and permanently whiter smile that is most sought after, but there is some slight difference between the two. Veneers require shaving down healthy tooth structure for the veneers to fit. Lumineers is contact lens thin, which in most cases, removal of tooth structure is not necessary.

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