Questions about Family or Cosmetic Dentistry?
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums
How often should I visit the dentist?
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
What is the proper way to brush my teeth?
What is the proper way to floss?
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
How often should I visit the periodontist?
Teeth Whitening
What are the different types of teeth whitening options?
How long does teeth whitening last?
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums
How often should I visit the dentist?
You should visit the dentist at least twice a year. A dental exam can reveal early signs of decay and disease that you may not see or feel. Catching these conditions early can help control them before they get worse and harder to treat. Additionally, getting a cleaning by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
You should brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. You should floss once a day, as well.
What is the proper way to brush my teeth?
The following guidelines are important to brushing correctly:
1) Firstly, make sure to use a soft-bristled brush. Hard bristled brushes can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
2) Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline.
3) Use short back and forth strokes or tiny circular movements to brush your teeth. Each movement should be no bigger than the size of each tooth.
4) Make sure to use gentle strokes while brushing. Gentle strokes are effective in removing plaque, while too much pressure can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
5) Brush all surfaces of each tooth, including the outer, inner, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
6) Finally, don't cut your brushing short! Make sure to brush for at least 2 minutes.
What is the proper way to floss?
The following guidelines are important to flossing correctly:
1) Take 18" of floss and wind it around the middle finger of each hand. You can use these fingers to take up floss as it becomes dirty. Use your thumb and forefinger, pinch the floss, leaving 1-2 inches in between for cleaning.
2) Gently move the floss up and down the spaces of your teeth. Never snap the floss down onto your gums, as it can cause damage.
3) As you move the floss down into the space between two teeth, slide it up and down against the surface of one tooth. Gently clean the gumline, as well.
4) Repeat this process for all of your teeth.
Plaque is a sticky, clear film which forms every day on the teeth from food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental check-ups, along with brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent plaque build-up on teeth. In addition, avoiding sugary snacks and eating a balanced diet can help control plaque.
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist for cleanings and dental check-ups. During orthodontic treatment, some dentists suggest adding an additional cleaning to the hygiene schedule to the common two times a year schedule.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Typically, periodontal disease occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens, often due to poor brushing habits. The gums can become swollen and red in the early stage of the disease, called gingivitis. As the disease advances, periodontal disease can lead to sore and bleeding gums, pain while chewing, as well as tooth loss.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
The following are signs of periodontal (gum) disease, and you should contact your dentist if you experience any of these:
- 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
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. Also, make sure to eat a healthy diet to get the required vitamins and minerals necessary for your teeth.
How often should I visit the periodontist?
You should visit the periodontist three times a year. A dental and periodontal exam can reveal early signs of decay and periodontal disease that you may not see or feel. Catching these conditions early can help control the disease process before it gets worse and harder to treat. Additionally, getting a cleaning by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach.
Teeth Whitening
While our teeth start out pearly white, they can discolor through the years as our enamel wears down. The wearing down of enamel allows dentin, a yellow color substance that makes the core of our teeth, to show through. This is what gives our teeth a yellowish tint.
What are the different types of teeth whitening options?
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 applying a high-concentration peroxide gel on the teeth after they have been protected with a special shield.
Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
These whitening kits are purchased from your dentist for use at home. The strength of the gel used in these kits is lower than that used for in-office bleaching, and thus the gel can be applied for longer periods of time. Usually, the trays are worn a couple 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 less expensive, they typically are less effective than methods that can be performed by your dentist because of 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.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening usually lasts from one to three years before darkening of the teeth is noticed. Additionally, once your teeth have been intially whitened, typically only "touch ups" are required to maintain the whiteness.
