Cosmetic Dentistry
FAQs – Family Dentistry
In Fullerton
A soft bristle toothbrush is the best option because it effectively removes plaque, food, and bacteria debris, but is not hard enough to damage teeth and gums when being used.
Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day.
Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.
Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don’t clean as well. (They’re also a sign you may be brushing too hard.)
Most toothpastes will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpastes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you want a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpastes and powders made with natural ingredients that don’t have ADA testing and approval.
If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, pick a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and let your dentist know.
Most instances of chronic bad breath or halitosis can attributed to a build-up of certain bacteria and/or food matter in between the teeth, on your tongue etc. Some people also have tonsiliths (the little white things that can build up in the back of your throat). These can be quite common and hard to control. Diet can also play a role, with more pungent foods causing bad breath because they are eaten commonly. My best advice is to brush and floss at least twice daily, use a minty mouth rinse and avoid foods that you know will cause bad breath. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper can be an easy way to control bad breath also. For those with tonsil stones, gargling with mouthwash or salt water after meals can help.
whitening toothpastes can work to some extent some whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains and improve the appearance of teeth, but they are not a substitute for professional whitening treatments.
Fluoride, a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water, helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride reverses early decay and remineralizers your tooth enamel.
Most children begin losing their baby teeth between the ages of six and eight, and they typically fall out in roughly the same order in which they erupted. Keep in mind that all patients are different. Children’s and adult’s oral condition depends on how long they’ve gone without an appointment, how long your kids’ baby teeth last and even some things to which you are naturally more sensitive. With these questions queued up, you’ll never be in doubt as to the state of your mouth’s health.
It’s vital that all adults engage in daily brushing and flossing, but to take your oral hygiene to the next level, follow a handful of particular steps to good dental health. These include:
- Using products that contain fluoride.
- Limiting snacks that are high in sugar.
- Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.
- Avoiding tobacco in any form.
A cavity is a small hole that develops on the surface of teeth and is caused by the erosion of dental enamel. They can cause other more serious oral health concerns, such as increased tooth sensitivity and increased chance of developing an oral infection, along with the negative cosmetic effects. Cavities form when bacteria that occur naturally inside the mouth combine with carbohydrates and other substances often found in foods and drink.
As we grow older, the risk of oral cancer can become greater, which is why it is important to understand the signs of oral cancer and check for them occasionally. The most notable signs of oral cancer include sores, lumps or bumps that develop inside the mouth, loose teeth, mouth or ear pain and discoloration inside the mouth. Be sure to talk to a dentist if there are any concerns that oral cancer is present.
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and even some systemic health conditions. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, and consulting with a dentist can help identify and address the underlying cause.