Do I really have to go to the dentist every six months? Do I need x-rays at each visit?

It depends from person to person and how you maintain you oral health. The main goal is to catch the problem at the earliest, and this means an dental exam every 6 months. The dentist will ask you to come depending on how good your teeth and gums are, and also other problems that may be associated with tartar build up on the teeth.

You would need to ask these questions:

• Do I floss every day?
• Do I brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and follow my dentist’s instructions on how to brush properly?
• Do I eat a well-balanced diet, including food from all food groups, and limit sweets and sticky foods?
• Do I smoke?
• Do I have a history of cavities or gum disease?
• Is my overall health good?

These questions, all add up to the factors of how you maintain your oral health. This dentist will then decide how often you would need to visit the dentist for a dental exam.

Do I need x-rays at each visit?

It depends, if your oral health is maintained, and depending on the dental exam , the dentist will decide, whether you would need an x-ray, if you have had no cavities, or dental problems for a good number of years. If you have had a dental problem, and your dentist is treating it,then an x-ray may be required.

The dentist will explain to you as to why, you need to take an x-ray , as it is a vital tool to detect dental problems, and the small dental problems don’t become big ones.

What causes tooth loss?

The most common causes of tooth loss are tooth decay and periodontal disease, this disease happens when the tooth has lost all its minerals, and cavities are formed. This disease are most common in children, and periodontal and gum disease affects mostly adults,this occurs due to the build up of plaque,at an early stage known as gingivitis.

How many times a day should I brush my teeth?

The dentist would advise you to brush you teeth twice a day, brush after every meal and floss once a day, is a good way of maintaining dental hygiene.

When should a child have his/her first dental appointment?

The first visit to the dentist is when the child is around 3 years of age. Most dentist recommend that the first visit should be when the first tooth comes in.

What causes oral cancer?

The regular use of tobacco in any kind of form , associated with heavy drinking are the most cause of oral cancer. Exposure to sun light on the lips, bad hygiene and irritation of the oral cavity can also be causes to oral cancer. The dentist usually recommended vitamin A and E which can prevent the acquisition of oral cancer.

What are the warning signs of oral cancer?

The early signs of oral cancer are sore on the lip,in the mouth,or in the throat that does not heal, a lump on the lip,or mouth,or throat, a white patch in the mouth, unusual pain or bleeding in the mouth, swelling of the mouth, and also difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

Does my dentist need to wear gloves and a mask, and how do I know he or she is using clean tools?

As your health is very important , the dentist helps in preventing the spread of germs, and one of the best ways to do this is to use a barrier of protection such as gloves and masks.

The equipment used at the dentist clinic are always sterilised. This procedure is often referred to as “standard precautions”. The dental team also maintains general hygiene by washing their hands regularly.

If you are curious to know the procedures & what goes on in the dental clinic , always ask your dentist,rather than have doubts when you leave the dental clinic with them unanswered dentists want their patient’s to be at ease,once you see a safe and clean environment.

What’s the difference between the bleaching I can do at home with a kit from the store and the bleaching that my dentist does?

What dentist’s do at the clinic is known as “non-vital” bleaching. This is done when the tooth is dark damaged due to the root canal, and the dentist uses bleach to make it look normal white.

“Vital” bleach is done on healthy teeth , also known as teeth whitening, which is done by your dentist. The dentist will instruct you how to do bleaching at home. There are a lot of products available in stores, but not all give you the same results.

The dentists always advise the side affects to patients, and it is important to be aware of long-term use of whitening or bleaching products which may cause tooth sensitivity or tooth abrasion.

My dentist is recommending treatment (I know nothing about). What should I do?

It is always important to ask questions, rather than having doubts in your mind. Ask the dentist you explain the procedure to you so that you can feel comfortable about it, and make the right decision.

Here are some tips when asking questions. Ask:

• Ask the dentist to show some pictures of the procedure
• How many times he has done the same procedure
• How much will it cost? How long will it take?
• If it will need to be done immediately, or redone again in the future?
• If there are any other alternatives,and the pros and cons of the procedure.

How do whitening toothpastes work and how effective are they?

Most toothpastes help to remove the stains on the teeth,with the help of mild abrasives. Some of the whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or certain chemical agents which provide additional stain removal.

This can help to remove the stains on the surface, some whitening toothpaste also contain certain chemical agents which provide additional stain removal.

These toothpastes do not contain bleach;over-the-counter and also professional whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, which help remove stains on the tooth surface, and deep tooth stains. In the clinic of the dentist you will receive better results where your teeth will look a lot better and lighter.

I’m interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?

There are various options, that are available which can change the shape of your teeth, by making them longer,close spaces between the teeth or even repair chipped or cracked teeth. The options are bonding, crowns, veneers, and re contouring.

• Dental Bonding: A tooth coloured resin material is applied on the tooth surface and is hardened with a special light that bonds the material to the tooth.
• Dental crowns: Are tooth-shaped “caps” placed over teeth, these crowns when cemented on to the tooth fully encased with the entire visible portion of the tooth which lies above the gum line.
• Veneers: Are known as porcelain veneers and dental porcelain laminates) which are made up of wafer-thin custom made shells which are the same colour of tooth materials, which are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth.

Re contouring or reshaping of the teeth

This also known as ondontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping, or slenderising , this is done with small amounts of tooth enamel which are removed to change the tooth length, shape and surface.

I have a terrible fear of going to the dentist yet I know I need to. What should I do?

People do develop a fear when they have to go to the dentist. The first thing you need to do is to talk with the dentist. The main key to cope with your dental anxiety to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once the dentist know your fears , the dentist will be able to work with you closely, and make you feel comfortably.

The fears and anxiety,strategies now a days can be suppressed by medications which can numb the treatment area or sedatives or anaesthesia to help you relax. If you are considering doing a traditional drill for removing tooth decay , the dentist will help you cope with your fear and anxiety.

There are so many toothpastes to choose from; how do I know which one to use?

When you buy a toothpaste , always buy a toothpaste which contains fluoride, as these toothpastes have known to prevent cavities, also be careful when buying a toothpaste, as according to the manufacturer’s label as they are not recommended for children as young children can swallow toothpaste.

It is always best to ask you dentist, oral hygienist when selecting a toothpaste against, tartar control gum care,etc.