We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked dental questions below. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please call (833) 220-2448 , and our team of 15 dentists and specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
How Frequently Should I Get a Dental Checkup?
Adult patients should see a dentist once or twice a year, even if they brush their teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss regularly. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease by removing built-up plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas that brushing and flossing cannot.
What Are the Most Effective Ways to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home?
In addition to brushing and flossing daily, improve your oral hygiene by using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks, eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding tobacco in any form.
What causes bad breath?
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath . Bacteria break down food particles that remain in your mouth for an extended period. This process produces sulfur compounds in your mouth, which start to stink. Smoking and tooth decay are two other causes of bad breath.
Why is plaque harmful? What is it?
Your teeth naturally develop a film layer called plaque every day, and it can cause major dental issues. Plaque can react with food and beverage residue to produce acids that gradually erode the enamel of your teeth and cause cavities . Swollen and tender gums can be an early sign of gum disease and can be caused by more plaque accumulation on your teeth.
What Can I Do to Make My Teeth Whiter?
At-home whitening, or professional in-office whitening, can be used to treat stains caused by coffee, wine, tobacco, and pigmented foods. At our office in Montclair, CA. we use the most advanced teeth whitening technology available in the Golden State – Zoom ! Professional Teeth Whitening System that whitens teeth dramatically in about an hour. Zoom! An Advanced Power Chairside Lamp is used in our in-office teeth whitening procedure , which activates a whitening gel and speeds up the process of lightening or bleaching. As the gel degrades, oxygen enters the enamel (the outer layer of teeth) and dentin (the layer beneath the outer enamel) to bleach the stained substances.
How Can I Avoid Tooth Decay, Gingivitis, and Other Issues?
The best way to maintain a healthy mouth free of tooth decay, gingivitis, and other issues is to eat a balanced diet and visit the dentist regularly while maintaining your oral care routine of twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing.
How do fillings work?
When the surface enamel of teeth is breached by cavities, fillings are used to close them off. The filling composite is a soft mixture of strong materials or a white mix that goes into the cavity and hardens as it dries. Fillings , once set, can last a long time but must be replaced if they break or wear down.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel, which normally protects the pulp and dentin, this as a result of repeated exposure to acidity and extreme temperatures. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by receding gums , tooth grinding while sleeping, chipped or fractured teeth, and fillings.
When Do I Need to Think About Dentures?
If you are missing one or more natural teeth, dentures are a cost-effective way to cosmetically restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Dentures are removable false teeth or prosthetics attached to your gums or the soft and hard tissues surrounding your mouth.
Why are my dentures no longer fitting properly?
Our bone density gradually changes over time. It will begin to shrink. That means that the dentures you had fitted for your mouth say, five years ago, no longer fit properly. Consult your dentist if your dentures are not fitting properly. Relining the surface of your dentures or refitting them and creating new dentures are two options for treatment .
When is a root canal treatment required?
When a tooth is severely decayed or infected, it can be saved using a procedure known as a root canal treatment . A typical tooth has one to three roots. Each of these roots has one or two canals that run from the top to the bottom of your tooth. Within these canals is a soft, living tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When a root canal is performed, the pulp is removed, the canals of your tooth are disinfected, and a special dental filler is used to seal them off. The procedure will conclude with the placement of a permanent covering, such as a crown, over the treated tooth.
I’d like to change the shape of my teeth. What options are there?
There are several options. Smoothing the teeth, fillings, veneers, crowns , and orthodontics are all possibilities. A cosmetic dentistry consultation with your dentist is the best place to start to discuss the best treatment plan for you.
What can I do to repair or replace a lost tooth?
A missing tooth can set off a chain reaction of unfavorable, even harmful, events. Your other teeth may shift to fill the gap left by the missing tooth , causing serious bite issues. The option for replacing a missing tooth is determined by the location of the tooth gap. A bridge, a partial denture, or a dental implant are the most common recommendations for replacing a missing tooth . Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages that should be discussed with your dentist.
