Dental Implants FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions from our patients. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please feel free to contact our team at Oceanside Family Dental and we will be glad to help you.
Ensuring the Health of Your Teeth and Gums
It is recommended to schedule dental appointments twice a year to ensure optimal oral health. Regular dental exams can detect early signs of decay and disease that may not be visible or noticeable to you. By identifying these conditions early on, they can be managed effectively before they worsen and become more challenging to treat. Moreover, professional cleanings by trained dental professionals can eliminate plaque buildup in areas that are difficult for you to reach or may have been overlooked.
It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice daily, once in the morning and once before going to bed. Additionally, it is important to floss once a day.
Plaque, a transparent and adhesive film, develops on teeth daily due to the accumulation of food particles and bacteria. Failure to remove plaque can result in gum disease and cavities. To prevent the buildup of plaque, it is essential to have regular dental check-ups, brush and floss daily. Moreover, controlling plaque can be achieved by avoiding sugary snacks and maintaining a balanced diet.
When brushing your teeth, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Use a soft bristled brush to avoid enamel wear.
- Position the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gumline, ensuring contact with both the tooth surface and gumline.
- Employ short back and forth strokes or small circular movements, focusing on each individual tooth.
- Apply gentle pressure to effectively remove plaque without damaging the enamel.
- Thoroughly brush all surfaces of each tooth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
- Brush for a minimum of 2 minutes to ensure a thorough cleaning.
The following guidelines are important to flossing correctly.
- Take 18" of floss and wrap it around the middle finger of each hand. Use these fingers to take up floss as it becomes dirty. Pinch the floss with your thumb and forefinger, leaving 1-2 inches in between for cleaning.
- Gently move the floss up and down between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss onto your gums to prevent damage.
- When inserting the floss between two teeth, slide it up and down against the surface of one tooth. Clean gently at the gumline. Repeat for the other tooth.
- Repeat this process for all of your teeth.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused by an infection in the gums and bone that support your teeth. This condition usually occurs when plaque accumulates on the teeth and solidifies, often due to inadequate brushing practices. In the early stage of the disease, known as gingivitis, the gums may become swollen and red. As the disease progresses, it can cause gum soreness, bleeding, discomfort while chewing, and even tooth loss.
To prevent periodontal disease, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Additionally, ensure that your diet includes nutritious foods to provide the essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy teeth.
If you experience any of the following signs, it may indicate periodontal (gum) disease, and it is important to contact your dentist:
- Gums that bleed while brushing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
Teeth Whitening
As time goes by, our once bright white teeth may lose their shine due to the gradual erosion of enamel. This erosion exposes dentin, a yellowish substance at the core of our teeth, resulting in a yellowish tint.
The effects of teeth whitening typically last for one to three years before any noticeable darkening occurs. After the initial whitening, only occasional touch-ups are usually needed to maintain the whiteness.
Below are the three most popular teeth whitening options available today.
In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening works by producing a significant color change in your teeth in a short amount of time, usually within an hour. The procedure is done at the dentist's office, where a high-concentration peroxide gel is applied to the teeth after they have been protected with a special shield.
Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
These whitening kits are purchased from your doctor for use at home. The strength of the gel used in these kits is lower than that used for in-office bleaching, allowing the gel to be applied for longer periods of time. Typically, the trays are worn for a couple of hours a day or overnight for a few days or weeks, depending on the product.
Over the counter whitening
Over the counter teeth whitening kits are store-bought and use a lower concentration gel than both in-office bleaching and take-home kits purchased from your doctor. While they are cheaper, they are typically less effective than methods that can be performed by your dentist due to the low concentration gel. Additionally, over the counter trays are not custom fit for your teeth, which can result in irritation to your gums while wearing the trays.
Other Common Questions
Bad breath can be attributed to various factors, such as the types of food consumed, periodontal disease, dry mouth, and other causes. Consulting with a dentist is essential in identifying the root cause of bad breath, enabling you to take appropriate measures to eliminate it.
Irrespective of the underlying cause, maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups can significantly reduce bad breath. Brushing and flossing effectively remove food particles trapped between teeth, which can emit unpleasant odors. Additionally, these practices aid in preventing or treating periodontal disease (gum disease) caused by plaque buildup, which is a common cause of bad breath. Dentures should be cleaned and soaked overnight in antibacterial solution, unless advised otherwise by your dentist. Lastly, regular tongue brushing helps eliminate any residue that may contribute to bad breath.
