Frequently Asked Dental Questions

What Causes Tooth Loss?
The most common causes of tooth loss are dental caries, also known as tooth decay, and periodontal disease, which affects the gums and bone structure that supports the teeth. Dental caries is the major cause of tooth loss in children, and periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults; however, it too can afflict youngsters.

What Causes Periodontal Diseases?
Plaque, a thin, colorless, sticky film containing bacteria, which constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria use carbohydrates—sugars and starches—to produce an acid that attacks the enamel covering the teeth. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel can be broken down and a cavity begins. Continued acid attacks eventually dissolve the enamel and penetrate the softer, inner layer of the tooth, where decay can spread rapidly throughout the tooth’s structure. Acid attacks begin immediately after every meal or snack and last about 20 to 30 minutes.

Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?
Teeth can be protected from acid attacks by removing plaque, reducing the number of times and the amount of sugar and starches eaten, using fluorides, having plastic sealants applied to teeth, and by regular professional cleaning of teeth by a dental hygienist.

How Does Plaque Attack the Gums?
Plaque can also produce harmful byproducts that irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal diseases. If plaque isn’t removed daily, it will build up into a hard deposit called calculus. If plaque continues to form on top of the calculus, it can irritate the gums, and a pocket may develop between the teeth and gums. Plaque build up can eventually destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth.

How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?
Two key factors in preventing dental caries are fluoride and dental sealants. Fluoride compounds are found naturally in soil, water, and in many foods. Plaque attacks can’t be stopped, but you can help to prevent plaque build-up by following a good oral care program of brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular visits to your oral health care professional.

How many times a day should I brush my teeth?
The American Dental Association advocates brushing twice each day. This disrupts the formation of plaque that feeds the bacteria that cause decay, this may not be enough for some people, depending on factors such as their diets and the efficacy of their brushing technique. ADHA recommends that you discuss this with your dental hygienist who understands your individual oral health needs and will be able to make a recommendation appropriate for you.

Which is better: a manual toothbrush or an electric one?
Comparisons have been made between power-assisted (electric) toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque and prevent or reduce calculus (tartar) buildup, thus reducing gingivitis (gum disease). These research studies have shown both powered and manual toothbrushes to be equally effective when used correctly. So probably, in practical terms, which brush you use is not the critical factor, but how you use it. The ADHA Website includes instructions for proper toothbrushing technique with a manual brush, and product packaging shows the best way to use powered brushes.

What kind of toothpaste should I use?
There are a lot of products to choose from, and much of the decision depends on individual preference. A fluoride toothpaste is essential for optimal oral health. Beyond that, your dental hygienist and dentist can alert you to any other features that make one product more suitable than another for you as an individual.

What is the best way to get my teeth whiter?
Most people have teeth that are naturally darker than "pure" white. If you want them whiter, the best thing you can do is talk to your professional oral health care provider about your options. Different people respond differently to different procedures used to whiten teeth, and it will take an in-person consultation with a professional to determine what is best for you. Sometimes all it takes is professional prophylaxis to remove stain and then abstinence from behaviors that stain teeth, such as drinking coffee or tea, or smoking tobacco. Some people respond well to the use of whitening toothpastes while some do not. Other options available include bleaching, at home or in the office, with chemicals or with lasers, as prescribed by a dentist. Sometimes a combination of options is used.

When should a child have his or her first dental appointment?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that a child have his or her first oral health care appointment around age one. ADHA suggests an oral health visit as soon as a baby's first tooth erupts.  Do not wait until your child has a toothache or a dental emergency to take him/her to the dentist for the first time.  The experience may be very traumatic and one the child will probably remember for many years to come.  As a result, the child may develop a fear of the dentist and that fear is sometimes very hard to overcome.

If I use fluoride toothpaste and the water in my area is fluoridated, do I still need additional fluoride?
This depends on your oral health status and any additional sources of fluoride that you may be receiving. Talk to your oral health care professionals about this topic for individualized information.

How do I get rid of bad breath?
Often, bad breath results from less-than-optimal oral health, and sometimes people are not aware that they are not performing oral hygiene as effectively as they could be. A dental hygienist or dentist will be able to evaluate your oral health procedures and make recommendations for improvement; also, these professionals will be able to recognize any associated problems that might be contributing to an unpleasant mouth odor. In addition to evaluating and suggesting alterations to your brushing, flossing, and tongue deplaquing regimen, your dental hygienist may recommend products such as a mouthrinse that contains zinc. If it turns out that the problem isn't in the mouth, a physician appointment is advisable. Sinus problems, stomach problems, certain foods and medications, and other factors can contribute to bad breath.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jawbone.  Dental implants are permanent and they are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

How often should x-rays be taken?
If you are a new patient, if you have had a full set of x-rays taken within the past 6 months ask to have your x-rays transferred to your new dentist.  If you have not had x-rays taken within 6 months, a full set of x-rays may be taken at your first visit.  Depending on your health and oral health, you may only need xrays once every year.  Cosult with your dentist or hygienist and together come up with an x-ray schedule that is right for you.

What is a dry socket?
When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the hole where the tooth once was.  This blood clot is very important because it protects the bone tissue underneath as well as supplies the surrounding tissue with nutrients to help the healing process.  If this blood clot fails to form properly or becomes dislodged, the bone tissue is excposed to air and debris.  When the bone is exposed to air, it will begin to dry out.  That is what the term "dry socket" refers to.  A dry socket is very painful and must be treated immediately in order for proper healing to take place and reduce the risk of other complications.  When a dry socket occurs, the dentist will clean out the socket and pack it with a medicated dressing.  The medicine will ease the pain as well as promote proper healing of the extraction site.

How do I get rid of bad breath?
Often, bad breath results from less-than-optimal oral health, and sometimes people are not aware that they are not performing oral hygiene as effectively as they could be. A dental hygienist or dentist will be able to evaluate your oral health procedures and make recommendations for improvement; also, these professionals will be able to recognize any associated problems that might be contributing to an unpleasant mouth odor. In addition to evaluating and suggesting alterations to your brushing, flossing, and tongue deplaquing regimen, your dental hygienist may recommend products such as a mouthrinse that contains zinc. If it turns out that the problem isn't in the mouth, a physician appointment is advisable. Sinus problems, stomach problems, certain foods and medications, and other factors can contribute to bad breath.

What is a "missing tooth clause"?
About 90% of dental insurance plans have what is called a "missing tooth clause".  What this clause means, is that the dental insurance will not provide coverage, (will not pay), for any dental procedure that replaces a missing tooth or teeth prior to the date in which the dental coverage became effective. In other words, lets say that you had a tooth extracted in March.  Your dental coverage did not begin until April.  It is now October and you have consulted with your dentist about options for replacing a missing tooth. (A partial, bridge, or implant) Because the tooth was extracted in March, but your dental coverage did not begin until August, your insurance will not pay for the partial, bridge, or implant if the policy has a "missing tooth clause".