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What is the best kind of toothbrush?
For most patients we recommend a soft bristled toothbrush. Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, always go with the soft option. Some patients love that clean feeling stiffer brushes give, but be careful. Stiffer brushes can damage your teeth, and cause gum recession.
How do I use dental floss?
First rule of flossing, it’s cheap, so use it generously and often! Start with a piece that's as long as your forearm. Trust us, you will need it. Wrap one end of the floss around your middle finger and pick up the other end about 4 to 6 inches away. You can now move, adjust, and work the floss with your thumbs and forefingers. Keep reeling another 4 to 6 inches of clean floss with the anchor finger as you release clean floss with the other finger. You want to be using clean floss at all times!
The best technique for flossing is moving the floss up and down, perpendicular to your tooth. Never floss your teeth in a back-and-forth motion under any circumstance! You could put notches in your teeth and damage your gums.
How often should I get dental xrays?
We recommend a complete set of x-rays every 5 years, with a “check-up” set of x-rays once a year. This allows us to see any problems or health concerns before they become serious. Many diseases and disorders go unseen by the naked eye. X-rays allow us to diagnose potential problems early, saving you time, money and discomfort.
Some of you worry about receiving too much radiation, and its effect on the body. We completely understand your concern. To put this in perspective, a complete set of x-rays has the same amount of radiation exposure as a flight from San Francisco to Seattle. If you have any questions about the risks and benefits of dental x-rays, please contact our office and we will be happy to speak with you.
Is the mercury in silver fillings harmful?
This is one of the most asked and debated questions in dentistry. Silver fillings, also know as amalgam fillings, contain trace levels of mercury. Although any health risk to patients has not been verified, there is concern about the affects of mercury being released into our environment.
As part of our commitment to both our patients and the environment, we discourage the use of amalgams. Our office recommends composite fillings as an alternative. Composite fillings offer a more conservative and cosmetic choice to amalgams, giving you both strength and beauty.
What causes Tooth Decay?
SUGAR!! More specifically sucrose, which is a highly processed form of sugar. In fact, prior to modern civilization tooth decay was a rarity. Although dentistry was practiced by many ancient cultures, tooth decay came about with the introduction of refined sugar.
Unfortunately, some form of sugar is present in nearly all processed foods and beverages. We recommend looking at the contents of all your packaged or processed foods. And always remember before you eat or drink, think about your teeth and your next dental visit with us!
How Often should I get a dental checkup?
We recommend a checkup every 6 months. This allows us to update your medical history, perform a dental examination, clean your teeth, and give you a clean bill of health. Regular dental visits are crucial to long-term oral and general health. Just like anything you want to perform well, your body must be regularly maintained to keep you in the best of health! Your mouth is where it all begins.
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