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Frequently Asked Questions / Dental Facts |
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How do whitening toothpaste work and how effective are they at whitening teeth?
All toothpaste help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpaste contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching substance) that helps remove stains on the tooth surface as well as stains deep in the tooth. None of the home use whitening toothpaste can come even close to producing the bleaching effect you get from your dentist's office through chairside bleaching or power bleaching. Whitening toothpaste can lighten your tooth's color by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in your dentist's office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.
I have a terrible fear of going to the dentist yet I recognize the importance of seeing the dentist to maintain good oral health. What should I do?
If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. Between 9% and 15% of Canadians state they avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. The first thing you should do is talk with your dentist. In fact, if your dentist doesn't take your fear seriously, find another dentist. The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, he or she will be better able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable.
The good news is that today there are a number of strategies that can be tailored to the individual to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. These strategies include use of medications (to either numb the treatment area or sedatives or anesthesia to help you relax), use of lasers instead of the traditional drill for removing decay, application of a variety of mind/body pain and anxiety-reducing techniques (such as guided imagery, biofeedback and deep breathing, acupuncture, mental health therapies), and perhaps even visits to a dentophobia clinic or a support group
How safe are dental x-rays?
Exposure to all sources of radiation -- including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental x-rays -- can damage the body's tissues and cells and can lead to the development of cancer in some instances. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of x-rays is extremely small.
Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to the low radiation levels emitted by today's x-rays. Some of the improvements are new x-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to the small area being x-rayed, higher speed x-ray films that require shorter exposure time compared with older film speeds to get the same results, and the use of film holders that keep the film in place in the mouth (which prevents the film from slipping and the need for repeat x-rays and additional radiation exposure). Also, the use of lead-lined, full-body aprons protects the body from stray radiation (though this is almost nonexistent with the modern dental x-ray machines). In addition, federal law requires that x-ray machines be checked for accuracy and safety every 2 years, with some states requiring more frequent checks.
Even with these advancements in safety, it should be kept in mind, however, that the effects of radiation are added together over a lifetime. So every little bit of radiation you receive from all sources counts.
When will drill-less dentistry become a reality?
Drill-less dentistry, also called air abrasion and microabrasion, is being offered by some dentists now. Air abrasion can be used to remove tooth decay, to remove some old composite restorations, to prepare a tooth surface for bonding or sealants, and to remove superficial stains and discoloration. The air abrasion instrument works like a mini sandblaster to spray away the decay, stain, or to prepare the tooth surface for bonding or sealant application. With air abrasion, a fine stream of particles is aimed at the tooth surface. These particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture and are propelled toward the tooth surface by compressed air or a gas that runs through the dental handpiece. Small particles of decay, stain, etc, on the tooth surface are removed as the stream of particles strikes them. The remnant particles are then "suctioned" away.
Are women more prone to oral health problems?
Yes. Women have an increased sensitivity to oral health problems because of the unique hormonal changes they experience. These hormonal changes not only affect the blood supply to the gum tissue, but also the body's response to the toxins that result from plaque build up. As a result of these changes, women are more prone to the development of periodontal disease at certain stages of their lives as well as to other oral health problems. The five situations in a women's life during which hormone fluctuations make them more susceptible to oral health problems are during puberty, the monthly menstruation cycle, when using oral contraceptives, during pregnancy, and at menopause
Importance of Flossing?
With all the wonders of modern dentistry available to you, there is no better way to clean between your teeth than dental floss. A modern wonder, maybe not. But it is and has always been an excellent tool in the fight against dental decay and periodontal disease. Although the Sonicare will clean 80-90% of the plaque between teeth, it comes close, but it still cannot replace floss!
You'll hear us stress the need to floss time and time again because it is the most important thing you can do to ensure good oral health.
When it comes to flossing, it's all a tradeoff. Taking time out of a busy schedule to thoroughly floss means trading off the loss of time each day against the long term dangers of gum disease. We consider it our job to help you, our patient, understand the tradeoffs. Here's a summary of why you should floss, and what can happen if you don't.
The purpose of both brushing and flossing is to reduce the number of bacteria which inhabits our mouths. Normally, millions of these microscopic monsters call your mouth home, feeding on food particles left on and between your teeth.
Ungrateful guests, these bacteria produce, among other hazards, an acid as a result of their feasting. It is this acid which eats into tooth enamel creating cavities. If this wasn't bad enough, the bacteria also pour out volatile sulfur and amonia compounds creating embarrassing bad breath.
Normally bacteria are found within a mesh of mucus and debris known as plaque. Regular brushing removes the plaque and the bacteria plaque contains. Unfortunately, many people only brush forgetting that flossing is a key component to any good oral hygiene program.
Flossing removes the bacteria that escape the toothbrush by hiding in the tiny spaces in between the teeth. Brushing without flossing is like washing only 65% of your body.
What happens if you don't floss? If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in between teeth, within 24 to 36 hours the plaque begins to harden into a substance known as tartar (also called calculus). Tartar leaves a perfect surface for more plaque to attach to, thus leading to a greater buildup of tartar. Unlike plaque which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only removed by a dentist or hygienist.
Over time, levels of more dangerous bacteria build up within alternating layers of tartar and plaque. Mean and vengeful, these bacteria produce toxins which irritate and inflame the gums. This condition is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated it can progress to periodontal disease - a condition where bacteria and their toxins invade not only the gums but also the bones and the structures supporting the teeth. This can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, infections (abscesses), worsening breath, the movement of teeth producing gaps in your smile, systemic infections, the list goes on. Ultimately, you may lose your teeth.
If you haven't flossed in a while, and you experience bleeding gums after flossing, do not be alarmed. This is a normal reaction. This indicates that your gums are inflamed and vastly in need of flossing to remove bacteria. In fact, the worst mistake you can make is to stop flossing. After a few days to a few weeks, of regular use, your gums will become healthier and firmer, and will not bleed, assuming you have had a thorough professional cleaning in the recent past.
Floss at least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least two or three minutes. Getting into the habit of daily flossing is easier when you floss while doing something else-watching TV or listening to music, for example. The challenge is to make it a part of your daily routine. Once you do, you'll find you can't go without flossing. It just won't feel right.
There are many types of dental floss available in your local drugstore. Please speak with us regarding the best floss for your particular dental needs.
If you don't like manipulating floss, try one of the commercial floss holders. They have limited flexibility, however, and you must use them with care to avoid injuring the gum. You may have trouble working with the floss between certain teeth, or the floss may consistently break or tear in certain areas. Several causes are possible. Please let us know if this problem occurs. Flossing between and under bridges requires additional instruction and the use of floss threaders.
Remember, the only way you can clean effectively in between your teeth is with floss. It's inexpensive, readily available and easy to use. It's also the most important thing you can do to ensure good oral health. So, floss, floss, floss...
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