Q:
How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up?
Q: Are x-rays really necessary?
Q: What is gum disease?
Q: How does a tooth decay?
Q: Is tooth whitening safe?
Q:
How often should I visit the dentist for a checkup?
A: For
most people, twice a year is sufficient. Checkups are necessary for
regular assessments of the condition and the well being of your mouth.
A six-month period is a long time in the life of a cavity, and it
is for this reason that visiting the dentist every six months is important.
Regular checkups are also essential in the fight against gum disease.
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Q: Are x-rays really necessary?
A: There are many diseases and dental problems which cannot be seen
by the naked eye. These may include decay under old fillings, teeth
trapped below the gums, cavities between the teeth, bone loss as a
result of gum disease, and changes in bone structure which can be
affected by many systemic diseases.
X-rays can detect these problems and are, therefore, a useful and
important diagnostic tool!
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Q: What is gum disease?
A: Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss currently. Anyone
at any age can have gum disease. Gum disease attacks the gums as well
as the bone, which together form the foundation for your teeth. As
the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth, they become
loose and fall out.
Gum disease is caused by plaque. If the plaque is not removed on a
daily basis, it will form tartar, which is a breeding ground for germs
that cause gum disease. Bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease.
Puffy, tender and red gums are also signs of infection.
Regular visits to your dentist are the best way of stopping gum disease
early before too much damage has been done. Gum disease will not go
away by itself or with good home care. Plaque deep under the gums
can only be removed with professional cleanings.
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Q: How does a tooth decay?
A: Plaque causes tooth decay. Plaque is a clear and odorless bacteria-laden
film that forms on the teeth. The bacteria in plaque interact with
the starches and sugars we eat and form an acid. This acid breaks
down or de-mineralizes teeth. Our saliva, however, act to help re-mineralize
teeth. When the demineralization process is faster than that of remineralization,
a cavity forms.
Many steps can be taken to slow down or prevent this breakdown process.
Eliminating or drastically reducing your intake of sugars will help
greatly in preventing tooth decay. Proper brushing and flossing, and
removal of the plaque will also help. And, of course, regular visits
to the dentist are critical in detecting cavities early and maintaining
a healthy mouth.
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Q: Is tooth whitening safe?
A: Teeth whitening with carbamide peroxide under dentist supervision
is safe for teeth and gums. Some patients experience increased tooth
sensitivity and temporary discomfort of their gums. These symptoms
tend to disappear 1-3 days after stopping the whitening process.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits may cause problems that you
may not be aware of, such as irritation of the gums and surrounding
soft tissue. Over use of over-the-counter home teeth whitening can
erode tooth enamel largely because these kits have high acid content.
The best and safest way to whiten your teeth is under dentist supervision.
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