Below are some of our dental patients’ most frequently asked questions about dentistry and oral health issues. We would love to hear from you if you have any other questions or want to schedule an appointment.
Dental FAQs in Argyle, TX
Read answers to commonly asked questions our patients have about their oral health:
What should I do if I have bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem. Many people may not even realize they have bad breath, but it can happen to anyone, especially in the morning.
Someone might have bad breath for many reasons. Forr healthy people, the main cause is usually bacteria on the tongue, particularly at the back of the tongue.
Studies have shown that brushing your tongue can help reduce bad breath by up to 70 percent. So, keeping your tongue clean can make a big difference in freshening your breath!
How often should I brush and floss?
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay.
Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they destroy the gums and bone, causing gum disease.
Plaque formation and growth are continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and other dental aids.
Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?
Over the years, there has been some concern about the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. An amalgam blends copper, silver, tin, and zinc bound by elemental mercury.
Dentists have used this blended metal to fill teeth for over 100 years. The controversy is due to claims that exposure to the vapor and minute particles from mercury can cause various health problems.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76% of dentists use silver-containing mercury to fill teeth.
The ADA also states that silver fillings are safe and that studies have failed to find any link between silver-containing mercury and any medical disorder.
How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
Your teeth should be checked and cleaned at least twice yearly, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential. They help prevent dental problems and maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Also, many other things are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain dental health.
How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?
Four out of five people have gum disease and don’t know it! Most people are unaware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have gum disease without noticeable symptoms. Regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are essential and will help detect problems.
Why is flossing essential?
Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces except between teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing cleans between your teeth and stops plaque from building up. It prevents damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
How can cosmetic dentistry help improve the appearance of my smile?
If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful, confident smile.
Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the last several years due to the many advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available today. Also, patients are more and more focused on improving their overall health. This includes dental prevention for a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.
What are porcelain veneers, and how can they improve my smile?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front surfaces of your teeth. They look just like natural teeth because they are shaped and colored to match your smile. Many people choose porcelain veneers to improve their smiles for a few good reasons.
First, porcelain veneers can fix a variety of issues with your teeth. If you have teeth that are chipped, cracked, or slightly misaligned, veneers can help make them look perfect again. They can also cover up stains from foods, drinks, or smoking that regular whitening treatments can’t remove.
One of the best things about veneers is that they are very durable. They are strong and can last for many years with proper care. Unlike some other materials, porcelain veneers won’t easily stain, so your smile will continue to look bright and beautiful over time.
What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?
If you have stained or discolored teeth, several options exist to help improve their appearance. One of the most popular solutions is professional teeth whitening, also known as bleaching. This treatment is simple and non-invasive. Professional whitening can change the color of your natural tooth enamel and make your smile much brighter.
While you can find over-the-counter whitening products at stores, they are often less effective than professional treatments. Some of these products may not even be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), so do your research before you try them.
As we get older, the outer layer of our tooth enamel can wear down to reveal a darker or yellow shade underneath. Also, the inside of our teeth can also become darker over time. Certain habits can worsen tooth stains, such as smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or wine. They leave stains that make your teeth look yellow and dull.
In some cases, teeth can become discolored due to certain medications taken during childhood, like tetracycline. Another reason could be excessive fluoridation during tooth development, which can lead to a condition called fluorosis.
If you’re concerned about stained or discolored teeth, talk to our dentist. They can help you find the best treatment to restore the brightness of your smile!
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