FAQ
Questions About Family or Cosmetic Dentistry?
Below is a list of some of the questions we get asked most frequently from our patients. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, feel free to give our Wentzville, MO dental practice a call and we’ll be happy to assist you.Â
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums
The following guidelines are important to brushing correctly.
1.Firstly, make sure to use a soft bristled brush. Hard bristled brushes can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
2. Place your brush at a 45 degree angle to your gumline. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline.
3. Use short back and forth strokes or tiny circular movements to brush your teeth. Each movement should be no bigger than the size of each tooth.
4. Make sure to use gentle strokes while brushing. Gentle strokes are effective in removing plaque, while too much pressure can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
5. Brush all surfaces of each tooth, including the outer, inner, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
6. Finally, don’t cut your brushing short! Make sure to brush for at least 2 minutes.
The following guidelines are important to flossing correctly.
1. Take 18″ of floss and wind it around the middle finger of each hand .You can use these fingers to take up floss as it becomes dirty. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the floss leaving 1-2 inches in between for cleaning.
2. Gently move the floss up and down the spaces of your teeth. Never snap the floss down onto your gums, as it can cause damage.
3. As you move the floss down into the space between two teeth, slide it up and down against the surface of one tooth. Gently clean at the gumline as well.
4. Repeat this process for all of your teeth.
Plaque is a sticky, clear film which forms every day on teeth from food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental check ups, along with brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent plaque buildup on teeth. In addition, avoiding sugary snacks and eating a balanced diet can help control plaque.Â
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Typically, periodontal disease occures when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens, often due to poor brushing habits. The gums can become swollen and red in the early stage of the disease, called gingivitis. As the disease advances, periodontal disease can lead to sore and bleeding gums, pain while chewing, as well as tooth loss.Â
The following are signs of periodontal (gum) disease, and you should contact your dentist if you experience any of these:
- gums that bleed while brushing
- red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- bad breath that doesn’t go away
- pus between your teeth and gums
- loose teeth
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- a change in the fit of partial dentures
Periodontal disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing, flossing, and visiting you dentist regularly. Also make sure to eat a healthy diet to get the required vitamins and minerals necessary for your teeth.
Teeth Whitening
While our teeth start out pearly white, they can discolor through the years as our enamel wears down. The wearing down of enamel allows dentin, a yellow color substance that makes the core of our teeth, to show through. This is what gives our teeth a yellowish tint.
Below are the three most popular teeth whitening options available today.
In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening works by producing a significant color change in your teeth in short amount of time, usally within an hour. The procedure is done at the dentist’s office applying a high-concentration peroxide gel on the teeth after they have been protected with a special shield.
Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
These whitening kits are purchased from your doctor for use at home. The strength of the gel used in these kits is lower than that used for in-office bleaching, and thus the gel can be applied for longer periods of time. Usually the trays are worn a couple hours a day or overnight for a few days or weeks depending on the product.
Over the counter whitening
Over the counter teeth whitening kits are store-bought and use a lower concentration gel than both in-office bleachin and take-home kits purchased from your doctor. While they are less expensive, they typically are less effective than methods that can be performed by your dentist because of the low concentration gel. Additionally, over the counter trays are not custom fit for your teeth, which can result in irritation to your gums while wearing the trays.
Other Common Questions
Bad breath is caused by a variety of factors, including the types of food you ingest, periodontal disease, dry mouth, and other causes. Going to your dentist will help you determine the cause of your bad breath, so that you can take steps to elminate it.
Regardless of the cause of your bad breath, good oral hygiene and regular checkups to the dentist will help reduce it. Brushing and flossing will eliminate particles of food stuck between your teeth which emit odors. It will also help prevent or treat periodontal disease (gum disease), caused by plaque buildup on your teeth, which can lead to bad breath. Dentures should be properly cleaned and soaked overnight in antibacterial solution (unless otherwise advised by your dentist). Finally, make sure to brush your tongue regularly to eliminate any residue.Â
You should visit the periodontist three times a years. A dental and periodontal exam can reveal early signs of decay and periodontal disease that you may not see or feel. Catching these conditions early can help control the disease process before it gets worse and harder to treat. Additionally, getting a cleaning by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach.
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry concerned with the straightening of teeth to correct functional or cosmetic issues. Using specially designed and fitted appliances, constant and gentle pressure is applied to the teeth causing them to move into the desired position. While orthodontic appliances were traditionally, made of metal, orthodontists now provide patients with the option of metal, ceramic, or plastic appliances. Such appliances can be removable or bonded to the teeth, based on the patient’s wants and the doctor’s recommendation. The movement of the teeth is triggered by a static yet gentle force which slowly shifts the teeth in a controlled direction. Braces are no longer an unpleasant impediment. Today, orthodontists provide their patients with top of the line products which are less painful, appearance-abusive, and much more effective! With the option of selecting between metallic or ceramic brackets, the color of the ties holding the brackets, and the style of braces, orthodontists have made wearing braces fun and easy!
Taking proper care of your dentures helps to ensure that they last as long as possible and that your mouth remains healthy.
Clean and Soak
Removable dentures should be taken out at bedtime, cleaned, and soaked in a water-based cleaning solution overnight to keep your mouth healthy, remove food and plaque, and minimize staining. Dentures should be cleaned only with dish washing liquid or denture cleanser applied to a moistened denture brush or soft toothbrush, and all surfaces, inside and out, should be gently scrubbed. Individuals with implant overdentures need to practice especially careful oral hygiene, with thorough cleaning of the gums, attachment mechanism, and overdenture.
Keep Those Appointments!
Periodic examinations are key to maintaining oral health and ensuring that your dentures continue to function properly. In addition to routine exams, see your dental professional to:
- Address sore spots and irritations
- Remove stubborn stains that don’t come off with routine cleaning
- Repair broken dentures
- Determine if dentures need to be replaced (usually needed every 4 to 8 years).
Cost
Fees for denture-related services vary widely. Speak to your dental professional and contact your state or local dental society about any available resources.
Your Beautiful Smile
Communicating your needs, concerns, and expectations will help your dental professional provide you with the treatment plan and dentures that are best for you—giving you peace of mind, good oral health, and a reason to smile for years to come.
Meet Your Award-Winning Doctors
Dr. Michael Todd
Dr. Lisa Haines
Dr. Eric Hosler
Dr. Jessica Yoon
Dr. Beth Lansford
Dr. Shannon Wall
Dr. Karlton Smith
Dr. Daniela Riegel
Dr. Whitney Holdener
Dr. Allyson Isenhower
Dr. Zach Keller
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Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM