Dental Faqs

Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from teeth with the aid of mild abrasives, though they will not change the overall color of the teeth. Some whitening toothpastes can be abrasive to tooth enamel, so it is important to use them with caution. Excessive use of these toothpastes can lead to increased tooth sensitivity.

You can brighten your teeth at home in as little as 2 to 4 weeks. Be sure to get custom trays made for your mouth to reduce the likelihood of irritation and uneven whitening. Venus Comfort Gel trays are fitted in our office, and the custom solution you use at home helps reduce gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

A professional cleaning can sometimes be all it takes to remove stains and brighten your smile. If your teeth are still not as white as you would like, Paradise Ridge Dentistry offers Venus Pro Max. A mild bleaching solution is brushed directly on the teeth, taking care to avoid the gum line which can cause irritation. In as little as one hour your teeth can lighten up to 10 shades brighter.

If your gums are bleeding, it is essential to visit your dentist right away. Meanwhile, continue brushing the area gently but frequently. Many people make the mistake of avoiding the area altogether because it is inflamed and sore, or of brushing too roughly and causing further irritation.

To keep your teeth healthy, brush them for at least two minutes at a time. Electric toothbrushes are great for this because they can time your brushing for you. If you’re using a traditional toothbrush, don’t brush too hard. In addition to daily brushing, floss at least twice a day. Reduce your intake of sugar and sticky foods that adhere to your teeth and attract bacteria. Finally, see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings, X-rays, and checkups.

Tooth decay generally doesn’t hurt until it affects the tooth’s nerve. If this happens, you will likely need a root canal in addition to a crown to cover the tooth. However, if you go to the dentist regularly and have annual X-rays, decay can be caught early. In this case, a single visit and a simple filling could have fixed the problem–saving you both money and time. Just remember that once your adult teeth are gone, you won’t be able to grow another set.

In general, flossing sticks are just as effective as using fingers and dental floss, if used correctly. Remember to be gentle and use a sawing motion. Scrape up and down to clear away any debris and then remove the floss pick by gently pulling it back out.

Most gum disease originates in the spaces between your teeth. Therefore, it is crucial to remove any food particles that could become trapped there. Flossing eliminates bacteria in-between the teeth, not just on the surface like brushing does.

The misconception is that you have to brush hard to remove plaque. Plaque is a soft material and can easily be removed with gentle brushing. The key is to brush gentle and after every meal if possible.

Plaque is a sticky, colourless bacteria that accumulates around the gum line. When not removed on a daily basis and allowed to build up on teeth, it hardens and turns into tartar, which can lead to cavities or periodontal disease. Plaque can be removed through brushing, but tartar must be scraped away by your dental hygienist during your cleaning appointment.

The root cause of canker sores is unknown. However, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, allergies, stress, and genetics may play a role. In addition, trauma inside the mouth can lead to the development of canker sores. Some foods, such as citrus fruits or certain vegetables, may also contribute to canker sores. You can treat a canker sore by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or using mouthwash to remove bacteria.

Tooth sensitivity can be managed by brushing gently or using an electric toothbrush that times brushing and alerts you when the pressure is too hard. There are also special toothpastes, like Sensodyne or Colgate Total for sensitive teeth, which are very effective. You should use them twice a day, and can even rub them directly on the sensitive area to ease the pain. If the sensitivity continues after one month, you should make an appointment with your dentist. Prolonged sensitivity could be a sign of a more serious problem with your teeth or gums. Your dentist can also bonding around the gum line to protect and desensitize the nerve.

The typical reason for tooth sensitivity is enamel erosion, which exposes the inner tooth substance and irritates the nerve. Factors that contribute to enamel erosion include brushing too forcefully, brushing in a side-to-side motion, tooth grinding, bleaching, and cracked teeth or fillings.

It is advised that you brush your teeth after every meal and floss twice daily. Moreover, you should replace your toothbrush every two to three months to avoid reintroducing bacteria into your mouth. Another way to eliminate mouth odor is by chewing a sprig of parsley, mint, or cilantro, which contain chlorophyll. Mouthwash can also be effective in killing bacteria and freshening your breath. Finally, you should get regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tarter.

Chewing gum can have both positive and negative effects on oral health. Sugared gum can lead to an increased chance of developing cavities, while sugarless gum does the opposite. 20 minutes of sugarless gum-chewing after meals has been shown, via clinical studies, to help prevent tooth decay. Chewing gum also helps promote saliva production in the mouth, which is the mouth’s natural cleansing system. saliva helps wash away harmful bacteria and food particles that cause bad breath. Long-term mouth odor can also be indicative of a more serious problem, so it is crucial to see a dentist every six months.

The primary cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth. When brushing and flossing teeth is not done on a regular basis, the bacteria will build up in between the teeth and release sulphur compounds. These compounds produce a foul smell. In addition, undigested food such as onions or garlic can also make breath smell bad. However, other sources of bad breath, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can be detected through regular check-ups.

The American Association of Endodontists report that 5 million teeth are knocked out every year in both children and adults. With the proper care, a tooth can be successfully replanted and last for years. To increase the chances of success, follow these guidelines:
-Find the tooth and only handle by the crown, never the root.
-Rinse the tooth with water. Do not scrub, dry, or wrap in tissue.
-Gently reposition tooth in socket without biting down too hard. If this is not possible place in mouth next to cheek or under tongue.
-Store tooth in milk if you are unable to store in mouth.
-Call your dentist immediately and set up an appointment.

Dental X-rays provide dentists with pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues in the mouth. They are able to see small areas of decay that would be invisible to the human eye. X-rays also expose bone loss or infections in the bone, as well as periodontal gum disease. Even tumors inside the mouth can be discovered with dental X-rays.