Here at Dyer Dental Care, we receive a number of dental questions on a regular basis. This article will address 7 of these Frequently Asked Questions.
Knowledge and education are an important part of what a dental office is all about. Our dental staff is highly trained, knowledgeable, and ready to answer any questions that this article does not.
1. Why Do My Gums Bleed?
Gums should not normally bleed, so irritation and inflammation of the gums is a symptom of gum disease. This occurs from bacteria build-up which is called plaque accumulating on the teeth, which causes inflammation called gingivitis, which leads to gum disease or periodontal disease. When plaque is not properly removed from daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, a hard deposit called tartar or calculus occurs which will require professional scaling by our dental hygienist to remove it.
So regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are your best option to prevent more decay and gum irritation, even if your gums are already bleeding. After a few days of brushing and flossing, your gums should stop bleeding. If your gums continue bleeding, make sure to schedule a dental visit with us so that we can give you a thorough exam and teeth cleaning.
Regular dental examinations and a good oral care regime should be able to prevent your gums from bleeding. We will also diagnose and treat anything out of the ordinary in your mouth. These exams ensure that you get the correct care and advice.
2. Why Do Teeth Crack?
A common problem among patients is the cracking and breaking of teeth due to decay, usage over time, grinding, old root canal, or filling. Over time your teeth just aren’t what they used to be and many people suffer from breaks in their teeth. Diagnosing the cracks quickly is needed to improve the chances of saving a cracked tooth.
Cracked Teeth Symptoms include:
- Sensitivity and pain when chewing or biting down. Not all cracks cause pain.
- Sensitivity to cold or hot foods or drinks
- Difficulty in pinpointing which tooth hurts, either upper or lower
If you suspect that you may have a cracked tooth, discuss this with our dentist. They will inspect the teeth and allow you to understand the extent of the damage.
3. How Do I Prevent Cavities?
As discussed before, good oral hygiene will help you to avoid cavities and tooth decay. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities, you can discuss with our doctor which tips will work best for you.
- Brush for at least 2 minutes daily after eating or drinking. Floss daily to remove bacteria from the had to reach places between your teeth.
- Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash daily will help to prevent plaque and tartar. If the dentist believes you are at a high risk of developing cavities, they may recommend that you use a mouth rinse with fluoride after your in-house teeth cleaning.
- Visiting our dentist regularly to get professional teeth cleanings, oral exams, & X-rays will help prevent dental problems early. Our dentist will recommend a schedule that’s best for you and we can remind you of your next appointment when the time comes.
- Because most cities water supplies contain flouride, drinking tap water can help reduce tooth decay. You can also drink bottled water that contains flouride.
- Consume food and drinks that are good for your teeth! Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow, and drinks such as unsweetened coffee and tea help wash away food particles.
- Our dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment during your regular cleaning, especially if you aren’t getting enough fluoride through fluoridated drinking water.
4. What are Cavity-Fighting Sealants?
Dental sealants applied to the surface of your teeth provide a protective coating to effectively prevent cavities and decay. This layer seals off hard-to-brush places that tend to collect food, protecting tooth enamel from plaque and acid build-up. Sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years but should be re-examined by our dentist during regular dental checkups to make sure they are still intact.
5. How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is important to schedule regular dental exams and teeth cleanings. We advise our adult patients to visit our dental office at least once every six months. Regular dental cleanings remove stains and plaque buildup, preventing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you experience a sudden onset of pain in your teeth or gums, immediately book an appointment with our dentist. He or she will evaluate the problem and recommend the appropriate oral treatments for your case.
6. Do I Need to Have X-Rays?
Many patients are reluctant to have X-rays because of the risks associated with radiation exposure. For this reason, our dental staff will only choose to get x-rays when absolutely essential in your diagnosis or treatment.
X-rays provide our dentist with additional important information about the condition of your teeth and will reveal any hidden decay, problems with the roots of your teeth, or issues with your jaw and your facial bones.
7. Do I Need to Go to the Dentist If I Don’t Have Symptoms?
Even if you do not have any symptoms, it is still important to schedule regular dental checkups to identify minor issues before they develop into larger problems.
Schedule Your Next Dental Check-Up Today!
For the reasons listed above, regular dental visits are essential in maintaining complete oral health. Our staff can answer any other questions you might be having. All you need to do is call us at (915) 566-9415, or schedule your next visit by clicking on the Appointments button in the menu above. Contact us today!
