Question 1

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you bring insurance cards, ID cards, a list of medications (if applicable), and the new patient paperwork filled out (you can access this paperwork under the Patient Information tab > Medical Forms).

Question 2

Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

Accepted Answer

Visits to the dentist every 6 months are crucial for maintaining optimum oral health. The cleaning and polishing will help your teeth and gums stay healthy. During the check-up, the dentist will remove any plaque and tartar buildup and check for any conditions or diseases, such as oral cancer or gum disease. Early detection of health issues will allow you to get immediate treatment and avoid complications. 
 
https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/the-importance-of-regular-dental-visits

Question 3

What is the best toothbrush to buy?

Question 4

Why should I floss every day?

Accepted Answer

Flossing is essential for cleaning all surfaces of your teeth. 40% of the surface area of your tooth is cleaned by flossing. It will prevent plaque from building up and strengthen your gums so that you can protect yourself against gum disease. 
 
https://www.dentalassociates.com/blog/hate-flossing-these-5-things-will-change-your-mind

Question 5

Is mouthwash important?

Accepted Answer

Mouthwash is not necessary for an effective oral care routine, but it can be beneficial in reducing plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. 
 
https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse

Question 6

Why do I get bad breath?

Accepted Answer

Bad breath can have multiple causes, including bacteria left in your mouth after eating, dry mouth, eating foods with strong scents (garlic, onions, coffee, etc.), smoking and tobacco, and gum disease. You can fight bad breath by brushing and flossing twice a day, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly. 
 
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath

Question 7

Why do my gums bleed?

Accepted Answer

If you are starting to floss for the first time in a while, your gums may not be used to it and might bleed for up to about a week. This is a regular response and does not indicate anything serious unless the bleeding continues. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease and needs to be treated quickly. Talk to your dentist if your gums bleed often while brushing or flossing. 
 
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bleeding-gums

Question 8

What is plaque?

Accepted Answer

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth. When you eat foods that contain sugar, bacteria in the plaque can release acids that attack your tooth enamel. When enamel breaks down, cavities form. Plaque that is not removed eventually hardens into tartar or calculus. It is important to brush and floss daily and visit your dentist regularly to remove plaque and prevent cavities. 
 
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/plaque

Question 9

What is fluoride and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

How can I prevent cavities?

Accepted Answer

Cavities occur when plaque breaks down the hard outer surface of your teeth, called enamel. Cavities can be prevented by brushing thoroughly twice a day, flossing daily, eating nutritious meals, and making regular visits to the dentist. You can also talk to your dentist about getting sealants as additional protection. 
 
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cavities

Question 11

Why does the dentist take X-Rays?

Accepted Answer

X-Rays are an important part of your check-up visit because they allow the dentist to see the hard tissues in your mouth and observe problems that might be forming, such as tooth decay, bone disease, gum disease, infections, and tumors. Early detection can enable the dentist to treat the issue before it spreads to other parts of the mouth. 
 
https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/for_the_dental_patient_sept_2011.pdf?la=en

Question 12

What are sealants?

Accepted Answer

Sealants are thin, protective coverings made from dental material that cover the back molars and prevent cavities from forming. Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. Both children and adults can get sealants, but they are especially important for children. 
 
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants

Question 13

How do fillings work?

Accepted Answer

If you get a cavity, it can be filled with a safe and quick procedure. The dentist will numb the teeth, gums, and skin around your tooth, then drill out the decay. The dentist will then fill the hole with a composite filling, which is a durable material that will provide resistance against chewing and matches the color of your teeth.

Question 14

What is a crown?

Accepted Answer

A crown is used when a tooth with a large filling doesn't have enough tooth surface remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also hold bridges, which prevent teeth from breaking or restore teeth that are already broken. A crown will help your tooth be stronger and look better. 
 
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/crowns

Question 15

Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

What is periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease is an infection of your gums and is caused by plaque buildup. Gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth. 
 
Warning signs that can signal a problem:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of dentures
 
In order to prevent periodontal disease, practice good oral hygiene, quit smoking or chewing tobacco, and know if you are at risk because of other reasons (pregnancy, diabetes, certain medications, genetics.)
 
See your dentist if you suspect gum disease. The sooner it is treated, the more likely it is that it can be reversed. 
 
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease

Question 17

If I lose a tooth, can it be saved?"

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

When will my child get their first tooth?

Accepted Answer

A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth and typically begin to appear when a baby is between 6 months and 1 year.
 
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-teeth

Question 19

When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check-up?

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

What is the best toothbrush to buy?

Why should I floss every day?

Is mouthwash important?

Why do I get bad breath?

Why do my gums bleed?

What is plaque?

What is fluoride and why is it important?

How can I prevent cavities?

Why does the dentist take X-Rays?

What are sealants?

How do fillings work?

What is a crown?

Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?

What is periodontal disease?

If I lose a tooth, can it be saved?"

When will my child get their first tooth?

When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check-up?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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