Oral and Dental Care FAQs
Dr. Vafa explaining dental question with his patient

Oral and Dental Care FAQs

Oral and dental care is one of the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle. Conversely, having poor oral and dental care can lead to issues that aren’t just limited to cavities and gum disease. Heart disease, diabetes and cancer can result as well. However, you can keep your teeth and gums clean by committing to doing so throughout your life. Note that if you’ve not done well with this aspect of your life up to this point, start now to ensure that you enjoy as healthy a mouth as possible for the rest of it.

One of the best ways to take care of your teeth, gums and mouth is to educate yourself on oral and dental care. These FAQs will help you do just that.

How Often Should I Floss?

Flossing, which removes food debris, plaque and bacteria, should be an essential part of your oral hygiene habit. At a minimum, the American Dental Association recommends doing so at least once a day while we believe that you should aim for twice a day.

How Often Should I Brush?

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day, and we agree with this. Note that you should engage in this activity, which removes plaque and tartar buildup and cavities and lowers your risk for oral cancer and gum disease, for at least two minutes each time.

How Often Should I Have Dental Checkups?

It’s encouraged to visit your dentist every three months to get a teeth cleaning. Having regular appointments allows you to continue to enjoy healthy teeth and a healthy mouth while nipping any potentially serious issues in the bud before they do become serious.

How Often Should I See My Dentist While Pregnant?

It’s especially important to continue to receive dental checkups and teeth cleanings every three months while pregnant. This is partially because pregnant women are at greater risk for gum disease. Also make sure to inform your dentist that you’re pregnant as x-rays might need to be avoided in that case.

What Foods Are Good For My Teeth?

Although many know which foods are bad for their teeth, the ones that are actually good for them are not as well known. Cheese helps counteract acid erosion. Fish provides calcium and vitamin D, both important for teeth health. Oranges reduce inflammation and gum disease susceptibility.

What Foods Are Bad For My Teeth?

Dried fruits and sour candy are especially poor choices as they combine sugar with stickiness, which helps them stick to your teeth and into the crevices between them. Bread turns into a gummy paste-like substance that also gets into those crevices. Potato chips easily get between teeth too.

What’s the Best Solution for Missing Teeth?

The best option for replacing missing teeth is getting dental implants. The replacement tooth resembles a natural tooth, and it generally lasts for decades. Dental implants involve the mounting of a titanium metal frame or post into your jaw and then mounting the replacement tooth to it.

How Can I Fix My Front Teeth?

Veneers offer several benefits for those looking to fix their front teeth. They provide a natural appearance and are stain resistant. Veneers can also be of a color that whitens the appearance of teeth. Another benefit of veneers is that the adjacent gum tissue tends to tolerate porcelain well.

What is Holistic Dentistry?

Holistic dentists tend to focus more on herbal remedies and avoid utilizing things like fluoride and mercury. Conversely, conventional dentistry involves following scientific principles that have been proven to be effective and safe. In other words, holistic dentists tend to veer from accepted dental practices.

What are the Early Signs of Dental Problems?

It’s important to keep your eye out for early signs of dental problems. These can include sensitive teeth, toothaches, bad breath, jaw pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, mouth sores and sore or bleeding gums. These aren’t always signs of significant issues, but they can be. Get them checked.

What is the Best Way to Whiten My Teeth?

If you’ve suffered from any tooth discoloration as the result of doing something such as consistently smoking or drinking soda, coffee, tea or red wine, you should take advantage of Zoom teeth whitening. It is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration while leaving the structure of the teeth unchanged.

How Can I Motivate My Kids to Brush Their Teeth?

Once you encourage your children to brush their teeth, they’ll be apt to continue that habit throughout adulthood. One of the best ways to do this is by educating them on the process and risks. You also must set a good example. If you’re not doing this, neither will they.

Why Does My Dentist Take X-Rays?

X-rays are taken to help dentists evaluate teeth structure and overall oral health. In particular, cavities and tooth decay can be more easily discovered when x-rays are used. They tend to be done more often if you’re a new patient, an older patient or one with symptoms of oral disease.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in various natural settings, including in plants, rocks, soil, water, bones and teeth. In many communities throughout the world, it’s also added to tap water. Its dental benefits are related to its ability to strengthen enamel and reduce cavities.

Is Smoking Bad for My Teeth?

Yes. Smoking can lead to a number of dental issues, including tooth discoloration and an increased buildup of tartar and plaque. It can also contribute to bone loss within the jaw, gum disease and a negative impact on the healing process following oral surgery or tooth extraction.

Can a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?

Yes, dental treatment can have a positive impact on sleep apnea. Some involve surgery while non-surgical options might be able to treat your specific condition. One of the latter options is a breathing mask, which, when worn over the nose, provides pressurized air to prevent obstruction.

What’s the Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants?

Generally, dentures can be thought of as being more expansive, involving several teeth, while dental implants focus on replacing one or a few teeth. Dentures are sets of false teeth that you can move in and out of your mouth while dental implants are securely in place.

What Types of Dental Implants Are There?

Single tooth implants are the most common. As expected, it involves the implanting of one tooth. Conversely, All On 4 implants replace four teeth in one fitting while All On 6 implants do the same for six teeth while supporting the bridge. You can generally get a same-day dental implant.

What If I Have a Dental Emergency?

If you have a dental emergency, contact the 24/7 emergency services that Smile Angels of Beverly Hills offers to Los Angelenos. This is important as, in emergency situations, every moment counts and may be the difference between the saving or loss of a tooth or even involve more serious repercussions.

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