How often should I visit a dentist?
I would highly recommend at least having your checkup and cleaning every six months or twice a year. Then, when you see your dentist and hygienist, they will recommend what is best for you. It depends on how well you maintain your oral hygiene or your specific circumstances. For instance, if you have diabetes, I would highly recommend seeing your dentist every three months.
What are the benefits of oral hygiene?
Fluoride treatments are beneficial to prevent decay. I consider it like vitamins for your teeth.
How can I protect my teeth from decay?
You can protect your teeth from decay by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Make sure to brush your teeth once in the morning and once at nighttime.
Which one is more important: in the morning or at nighttime?
If you guess nighttime, that's the most important. After dinner, food can get stuck in your teeth. If you don't remove it, it can spoil overnight, leading to bad breath in the morning. The spoiled food in your mouth is what causes that unpleasant smell.
Why do I need dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays are important because some areas in your teeth are not visible through visual inspection alone. X-rays help us detect decay between your teeth and any infections in your roots. They are very safe, especially with today's digital x-rays, as the exposure time is less than a second. In fact, the sun emits more radiation than our x-rays. Additionally, our x-rays are collimated, meaning they have a tube that protects from side exposure. Yes, x-rays are safe.
What causes gum disease?
The causes of gum disease include gum and bone infection, primarily caused by bacteria. If food is not removed, it can lead to abscesses or pus. It's crucial to maintain proper hygiene and see your dentist or hygienist regularly. To prevent gum disease, visit your dentist and hygienist, brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day.
How do you know if you did a good job in brushing your teeth?
I highly recommend that after brushing, you swipe over every surface of your teeth. If it feels smooth, you did a good job. If there are rough areas, you missed a spot and should brush again. This method helps ensure thorough cleaning.
So, after we've discussed some of these questions, if you have more, please call our office at (619) 377-7586, and I'll be happy to answer all your questions. Thank you.