Phoenix Dental FAQs
Are you ready to schedule a dental appointment but have questions about your visit and the health of your teeth and gums? At Paradise Ridge Dentistry we have put together a list of dental FAQs for you that you have probably been thinking about yourself.
If you have a question you would like to ask our team, feel free to call anytime.
Tooth decay doesn’t usually hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. By that time you probably need a root canal along with a crown to cover the tooth. When you go to the dentist and have annual X-rays, decay is caught early. In one visit, a simple filling could have fixed the problem. Less expense and time for you! Just remember once your adult teeth are gone, you can’t grow another set.
Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues in the mouth. They show small areas of decay that are not visible to the human eye and are a major component of your dental visit. They also expose bone loss, or infections in the bone, as well as periodontal gum disease. Even tumors inside the mouth can be discovered with dental X-rays.
According to the American Association of Endodontists 5 million teeth are knocked out every year in children and adults. When you follow these guidelines a tooth can be successfully replanted and last for years.
- Find the tooth and only handle by the crown, never the root.
- Rinse the tooth with water. Do not scrub, dry, or wrap in tissue.
- Gently reposition tooth in socket without biting down too hard. If this is not possible place in mouth next to cheek or under tongue.
- Store tooth in milk if you are unable to store in mouth.
- Call you dentist immediately and set up an appointment.
Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. When you don’t brush and floss regularly the bacteria accumulate between the teeth and release sulfur compounds. It is these compounds that carry a fowl smell. Also food such as onions or garlic that hasn’t been digested can add to breath smelling off. Tooth decay or gum disease can also be a source of bad breath so get your check ups regularly.
Yes and no. It’s the type of gum that can make a difference to the health of your teeth. Gum with sugar can actually increase the chances of forming a cavity but sugarless gum just does the opposite. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can actually prevent tooth decay. Chewing gum also helps to stimulate saliva in your mouth which is the mouths natural cleaning system. Saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. Don’t forget long term mouth odor can also be a warning sign that you have a more serious problem so it is always important to see your dentist every six months.
Brush after every meal and floss twice a day. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months so you are not introducing bacteria back into your mouth. Chew a spring of parsley, mint, or cilantro which contain chlorophyll and naturally eliminate mouth odor. Mouth wash can also kill bacteria and give you fresh breath. Get regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tarter.
Usually you have pain because the enamel has worn down and the inner substance of the tooth is exposed. When this happens the nerve is easily excited. Brushing too hard or brushing side to side can wear down the enamel. Tooth grinding, bleaching, or a cracked tooth or filling, can also cause your teeth to be sensitive.
Brush your teeth gently or use an electric toothbrush that not only times brushing but also alerts you when the pressure is too hard. Special toothpastes, such as Sensodyne or Colgate Total made for sensitive teeth are also very effective. They should be used twice a day and can even be rubbed on the sensitive area directly to ease pain. If sensitivity remains after one month be sure to see you dentist. Prolong sensitivity could signal a more serious problem with your teeth or gums. Bonding around the gum line can also be done by your dentist to protect and desensitize the nerve.
We don’t know exactly what causes canker sores. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, allergies, stress, even genetics may play a role. Trauma inside the mouth can develop into a canker sore. Some foods such as a citrus or certain vegetables may also be a cause. To treat a canker sore rinse your mouth with warm salt water or use mouth wash to rinse away bacteria.
Plaque is a sticky, colorless, bacteria that builds up around the gum line. When it is not removed every day and collects on the teeth, it hardens and turns into tarter which can cause cavities or periodontal disease. Plaque can be removed with brushing but tarter must be removed by your dental hygienist during your cleaning appointment.
The misconception is that you have to brush hard to remove plaque. Plaque is a soft material and is easily removed with gentle brushing. The key is to brush gentle and after every meal if possible.
The majority of gum disease begins between your teeth. Therefore, it is important to remove any food particles that may get stuck there. Flossing gets rid of bacteria in-between the teeth not just on the surface like brushing does.
Generally, flossing sticks are as effective as using your fingers and dental floss, if used properly. Be sure to be gentle and use sawing motion. Scrap up and down to remove any debris and pull the floss pick back out, again, gently.
Spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth. Electric toothbrushes are great for this because they time it for you. Do not brush too hard if using a tradition toothbrush. Floss at least 2 times a day. Reduce sugar and sticky floods that adhere to the teeth and attract bacteria. See your dentist regularly to get professional cleaning, X-rays and check up visits.
It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if your gums are bleeding. Continue to brush the area frequently with normal pressure. Many times clients stop brushing the area because the gum is inflamed and irritated or brush the area too hard and further irritate.
Sometimes just having a professional cleaning is all it takes to remove stains and have a brighter smile. If your teeth are still not as white as you like, Paradise Ridge Dentistry offers Venus Pro Max. A mild bleaching solution is brushed directly on the teeth, being careful to avoid the gum line which can cause irritation. In just one hour your teeth can lighten up to 10 shades brighter.
There are some great in home treatments that can whiten your teeth in 2-4 weeks. Make sure you have custom trays made for your mouth in order to minimize the risk of irritation and even whitening of your teeth. With Venus Comfort Gel your trays are fitted in our office and the special solution, you use at home, reduces the chance of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from teeth because of mild abrasives but usually will not alter the color of the teeth. Be careful of some whitening toothpastes because they can actually destroy tooth enamel and increase tooth sensitivity.
