FAQs

Flossing helps clean away the plaque that builds up inbetween your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. It also removes the plaque just below your gums, which if left in your mouth can cause gum disease. There are many great ways to floss, including regular string floss, floss handles and water flossers. You can choose which works best for you! Removing the plaque from inbetween your teeth prevents cavities and gum disease from forming in those areas.

Tips to prevent cavities:

• Brush for 2 minutes 2 times each day
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush the whole surface of the tooth and the gumline too
• Floss at least once a day
• Minimize sugar consumption 
• If you cannot brush after every meal, then rinsing your mouth with water 
• Do not skip your regular dental visits!

Your pearly white teeth might get discolored over time due to the wearing down of enamel. This wearing down lets dentin, a yellow color substance that helps in making the core of our teeth, starts showing through. That is why the teeth have a yellowish tint.

Oral piercings can end up causing potential issues like:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Infection
• Drooling
• Taste loss
• Scarring
• Chipped teeth
• Tooth loss
• The increased flow of saliva
• Excessive bleeding

You can prevent having bad breath by following the steps below:

• Brushing at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily to remove food debris and plaque stuck between the teeth and under the gumline
• Visiting your dentist regularly for a routine dental checkup
• Quit smoking/chewing tobacco 
• Drinking plenty of water
• Using antiseptic mouthwash/rinses 

Smokeless tobacco might sound like a better alternative to traditional tobacco, but it causes harm as well. It can cause issues like:

• Sores that do not heal 
• Lumps or white patches
• Sore throat
• Difficulty while chewing
• Restricted movement of the tongue or jaw

It is recommended to visit your dentist for regular dental exams at least twice a year, or as recommended by your dentist, to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During your dental visit, the hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar buildup from your mouth and update any needed xrays. The dentist will then examine your whole mouth for any signs of cavities, broken teeth, gum disease or any other oral diseases and discuss with you the dental treatment recommended if any oral issues are diagnosed.

Sweets are bad for your teeth because the sugar in them can affect your oral health. When the bacteria in your mouth breaks down the sugar into acids it can dissolve your tooth enamel; it might result in tooth decay and gum disease.

Biting ice is equally bad as they cause microfractures, thus, leading to cracking of the tooth.

A crown is typically recommended:

• After a root canal procedure to protect to the tooth
• When there is a large cavity that cannot be restored with a filling 
• To restore a broken or fractured tooth
• To cover a misshapen or stained tooth
• To protect and cover a tooth with a large, breaking down filling 

Sensitivity is quite normal after getting a filling and typically resolves within a few days or weeks. If the cavity that was treated with a filling was large and near the nerve inside the tooth you may experience sensitivity. If you experience persisting pain, discomfort, and other symptoms like redness, swelling, or fever, call your dentist right away.

To minimize tooth sensitivity:

• Brush gently with a soft bristled brush or an electric toothbrush
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks
• Consume fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, Cheese, Milk, and Plain yogurt
• Unclench your teeth by using mouthguards
• Take a break from tooth whitening
• Use fluoride toothpaste or toothpaste specifically designed to help with sensitivity
• Visit your dentist before the problem worsens

• Brush regularly using a soft-bristled brush to remove outside stains on teeth
• You may consider using only FDA approved, over-the-counter tooth-whitening products, toothpastes and rinses
• Professional, in-office teeth whitening, as it is the most effective