Making Dentistry Less Complicated
We don’t want dentistry to be complicated for you. However, we do use some terms that are unique to our profession. For comprehensive information about dental health topics and terminology, visit the American Dental Association’s Mouth Healthy website.
The Park Dental team wants to be your primary resource for your dental health questions. Below are tips that many of our patients have found helpful. The information provided here is meant to complement the regular treatment plan your dentist has created for you. We encourage you to call us or bring your questions to your next dental appointment so we can answer them in person.
Chronic bad breath: What’s the solution?
Brush twice a day, paying special attention to the tongue. Floss once a day. Mouthwashes provide only a short-term fix. Track the foods you eat and the medicines you take. Chronic bad breath can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. A comprehensive exam with your Park Dental doctor will help determine the cause of bad breath along with possible treatments.
Daily flossing? It’s easier than ever.
Flossing daily can feel like a hassle. However, the American Dental Association recommends daily flossing to eliminate the plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Weekly, monthly or annual flossing simply doesn’t protect your teeth and gums. And daily brushing alone can’t remove decay-causing bacteria between the teeth and under the gum line. The good news is that now there are a number of effective tools that make daily flossing less of a chore. Ask your Park Dental doctor about these innovative — and often inexpensive — flossing tools.
Hard facts about soft drinks.
Soft drinks taste great, but every sip of soda takes a dangerous toll on your teeth. The sugar in soft drinks combines with the natural bacteria in your mouth to form acid, and acid erodes the tooth enamel that protects against cavities. Soft drinks (even the sugar-free varieties) also contain additional acids that are bad for your teeth. To protect your dental health, enjoy soft drinks in moderation, use a straw when possible, or, better yet, choose water when you need to quench your thirst.
How can I whiten my teeth?
There are several ways to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, including whitening toothpastes, at-home whitening, in-office whitening, bonding and porcelain veneers. The best, most cost-effective approach depends on your teeth. For example, whitening may not brighten your smile if you have tooth-colored fillings in your front teeth. See your Park Dental doctor to learn more about your options for teeth whitening.
Knocked out tooth! What should I do?
First, find the tooth. If it’s dirty, hold it by the crown (not the root) and rinse it in water. Don’t scrub or remove tissue fragments. Then, if possible, gently insert the tooth back in its socket. That’s right. Put the tooth back where it belongs. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk. Call the nearest Park Dental practice as soon as possible. On-call doctors are available after hours to help. Remember to take the tooth with you!
My gums bleed. Do I have periodontal disease?
You should speak with your Park Dental doctor about bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.
Other symptoms of periodontal disease may include tender, red or swollen gums; gums that have pulled away from your teeth; frequent bad breath or loose teeth. Call your Park Dental doctor today if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Oral cancer screening: the earlier, the better.
Screening is the key to effective oral cancer detection and treatment. Oral cancer often begins as a barely noticeable red or white sore in or around the mouth. Patients may experience little or no pain. Regular check-ups with your Park Dental doctor that include oral cancer screening help to identify pre-cancerous conditions — and more successfully treat oral cancer if it’s discovered. Ask your Park Dental doctor for more information about oral cancer risks, symptoms and treatments.
Preventing decay of your baby’s first teeth
Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or wash cloth after feeding. Once teeth appear, brush them daily. Do not allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids. Do not give your baby a pacifier coated with juice. And never fill your baby’s bottle with sugar water or soft drinks.
Should I use an electric toothbrush?
It’s certainly not a requirement, but many patients like the features of electric toothbrushes. And many dentists believe electric toothbrushes remove plaque more effectively in hard-to-reach areas than manual toothbrushes. If you need motivation to brush effectively, the built-in timers on electric toothbrushes just might keep you brushing for the recommended period of time. Before you buy, be sure to evaluate ease of use, battery life and cost of replacement brushes. And remember, electric toothbrushes cannot replace daily flossing. Ask your Park Dental doctor to discuss the benefits of electric toothbrushes with you.
Should my child use an athletic mouth guard? Should I?
Yes. Participating in sports is fun. Losing teeth on the playing field, court or gym floor is not. Because they cover the upper teeth and provide cushion against blows to the lower face, athletic mouth guards reduce the risk of broken teeth, damaged gum tissue and even concussions. Mouth guards are even more important for athletes who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. Your Park Dental doctor can help you choose the athletic mouth guard that’s right for you.