Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our dental office, we would love to hear from you.
Bad breath (halitosis) is a common and sometimes embarrassing issue. It often stems from bacteria on the tongue, especially at the back. Brushing your tongue can reduce bad breath by up to 70%.
If bad breath persists, consult your dentist or physician for further evaluation.
Brushing and flossing are essential to control plaque and bacteria that cause dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Plaque is a sticky film of food, bacteria, and saliva that forms on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can damage gums and bone, leading to periodontal disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental aids help keep plaque in check.
Daily flossing cleans between teeth and disrupts plaque buildup, protecting gums and teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after brushing or meals. Consult your dentist about using over-the-counter rinses for added care.
Concerns have been raised about the safety of silver (amalgam) fillings over the years. Amalgam is a combination of metals like silver, copper, tin, and zinc mixed with elemental mercury. Dentists have relied on this durable material for over a century to repair teeth. The controversy stems from claims that mercury vapor and tiny particles from these fillings could pose health risks.
The American Dental Association (ADA) asserts that silver fillings are safe and widely used, with studies showing no proven link between amalgam fillings and medical conditions. According to the ADA, about 76% of dentists still use amalgam as a filling material.
Major health organizations, including the ADA, CDC, FDA, and World Health Organization, agree that amalgam fillings are safe, durable, and cost-effective. The U.S. Public Health Service advises avoiding silver fillings only in cases of allergies to their components—a rare occurrence reported in less than 100 cases among millions of fillings.
While mercury can be harmful at high exposure levels, such as in certain fish, the ADA explains that when mercury in amalgam binds with other metals, it becomes stable and poses no measurable health risks.
For patients seeking alternatives, options like composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold fillings are available. Discuss these choices with your dentist to find the best solution for your needs.
It's recommended to have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though more frequent visits may be needed based on your dental health.
During these visits, your dentist performs several checks beyond just cleaning, including:
Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining your oral health and preventing issues.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are both forms of gum disease, but they differ in severity. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis is typically caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. Common signs include:
Periodontitis: A more advanced form of gum disease, periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated, leading to damage to the gums and bone that support the teeth. Signs of periodontitis may include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist for evaluation and treatment.
Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from most surfaces, but it can’t reach the areas between the teeth. These areas are especially vulnerable to decay and gum disease.
Flossing daily is the best way to clean between the teeth and along the gumline. It helps remove plaque, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Plaque is a sticky film made of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If not removed, plaque can cause cavities and irritate the gums. It hardens into calculus (tartar), which leads to further gum irritation and the potential for periodontal disease.
Take 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between the hands. Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently inserting it between your teeth with a sawing motion.
Shape the floss into a "C" around each tooth, gently moving it up and down to clean along the gumline.
Floss holders can be helpful if you find regular floss difficult to use.
Floss daily for a healthy, lasting smile!
Cosmetic dentistry offers various treatments to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. Advances in procedures and materials have made these treatments more popular, helping people achieve a brighter, healthier smile.
Cosmetic procedures can range from minor adjustments to a complete smile makeover, depending on your needs. Consult with your dentist to explore how cosmetic dentistry can improve both the health and appearance of your smile.
With modern cosmetic dentistry, you can achieve a smile that truly shines!
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of your teeth. Known for their durability and resistance to staining, they are a popular choice for enhancing or restoring the appearance of a smile.
Veneers typically require two visits. An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where the veneers are custom-crafted to fit your smile. During the second visit, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth surfaces and bond the veneers with special adhesives, sometimes using a light to set the bond.
Veneers are an effective and long-lasting solution to enhance the beauty and function of your smile.
Discolored teeth can be caused by age, lifestyle habits (smoking, coffee, etc.), medications, and injury. Professional whitening, either in-office or with custom-made trays, offers superior results to over-the-counter options.
Before whitening, consult your dentist to assess your oral health and determine if you're a suitable candidate. Whitening is most effective on natural teeth and may cause temporary sensitivity.
Maintain your results with regular checkups and consider touch-up treatments as needed.
A brighter smile can boost your confidence. Consult your dentist to discuss the best options for you.
Thanks to modern dental treatments, tooth extraction is rarely necessary. We aim to restore a tooth whenever possible, as removing a tooth can lead to costly dental and cosmetic issues if not replaced.
Teeth may need removal due to injury, decay, or gum disease. If a tooth is lost, it’s important to replace it to avoid future dental and cosmetic problems.
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to shrink, causing adjacent teeth to shift or tilt into the gap. This can lead to decay, gum disease, excessive wear, and jaw problems. These issues develop over time, affecting your bite and smile.
If you're missing teeth, ask us about replacement options. Early treatment can prevent future problems and save you time and money.
Old fillings, especially those placed in childhood, can become unattractive and may even be defective. Over time, the margins of fillings can open, allowing bacteria and food particles to enter, which could cause decay.
Your dentist can evaluate your fillings to determine if they need replacement. If you want to replace unsightly fillings, there are several modern, quick, and affordable options available to improve both the appearance and function of your teeth.
These options offer natural-looking, long-lasting solutions that can enhance both the health and beauty of your smile.
Many people don't realize that periodontal disease, which affects the gums and bone that support teeth, can impact overall health. It’s a common infection, even more prevalent than the common cold, and the leading cause of tooth loss.
Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, caused by plaque buildup on teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums and can eventually destroy the jawbone. If untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
Studies show a link between gum disease and several serious health conditions. Periodontal bacteria in the bloodstream may:
While more research is needed, it’s clear that gum infections can affect other parts of the body. Regular dental check-ups, cleanings, good home care, and a healthy diet are essential for preventing gum disease and promoting overall health.
Remember, oral health is connected to your overall well-being!
While brushing and flossing clean most surfaces of your teeth, they can’t reach the deep grooves on chewing surfaces where over 75% of dental decay begins. This is where sealants help.
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, protecting them from decay by sealing deep grooves and making them easier to clean.
The application is quick and simple. Your dentist roughens the surface, applies the sealant, and hardens it with a special light. Sealants should be checked during regular dental visits.
With good oral care, a healthy diet, and routine dental visits, sealants are a great way to prevent tooth decay.
Over 5 million teeth are knocked out each year, but with quick action, your tooth can often be saved. Here’s what to do:
Quick action increases the chance of saving the tooth. Here's how to prevent tooth loss:
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Elite Dental Spa is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
