Our Most Commonly Asked Dental Questions
Our team here at Watkin Dental has compiled and answered some of our patients most commonly asked questions regarding dental care. If you have other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and guidance.
1. How Often Do I Need A Dental Cleaning?
The standard at-home dental cleaning recommendation is brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing after every meal. While this will keep many oral hygiene problems away, regular routine dental cleanings every 6 months is also needed for full scope dental care and preventative maintenance.
Life is busy, and fitting a dental appointment into our packed schedules often gets booted to the bottom of our priority lists. Maintaining a bi-annual dental cleaning along with your daily brushing and flossing will help keep more serious dental problems at bay.
2. What Happens During a Routine Dental Appointment?
While it may vary at some offices, during most routine dental appointments you can expect to have a full oral examination, oral cancer screening, professional X-rays to catch cavities, and a full cleaning by a dental hygienist. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.
During your appointment, if any larger problems are discovered, your dentist will also have a look and recommend a treatment plan.
These appointments are also a great time to bring up any aesthetic or cosmetic questions you may be have so your dental team can make recommendations.
3. Do I Need to See a Dentist Even If My Teeth Aren't Bothering Me?
Yes, it’s very important to schedule regular cleanings every six months with your dental team regardless of if your teeth have been bothering you or not.
There are many problems that can exist without any obvious indicators or pain. Not only can your dental team identify problems before they become painful and expensive, but they can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic.
We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we making scheduling routine dental cleanings and exams part of your care plan.
4. At What Age Should Children Go To The Dentist?
Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend starting dental checkups as early as within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, or at least by 12 months old.
During your child’s appointment, your pediatric dentist will be able to provide more information on certain topics such as baby bottle tooth decay, best feeding practices, mouth cleaning, teething, pacifier use, and finger-sucking.
5. How Often Do I Need to Change My Toothbrush?
We recommend switching to a new toothbrush at least every three months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or matted. For electronic toothbrushes, check the recommendation of the brand you’re using as they may require new brush heads more frequently.
If you have gum disease, we recommend that you change your toothbrush more often than every three months to prevent the risk of bacteria buildup. Additionally, we recommend rinsing your toothbrush with hot water to remove food particles, toothpaste, and bacteria and letting it air dry to prevent germ growth.
6. What is Gum Disease and What Does it Look Like?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is when plaque and bacteria build up in a patient’s mouth causing infection and inflammation. Periodontal disease can also be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics.
Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause bone and tooth loss as well as permanent damage. The dentist recommends brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling dental appointments every six months as the best ways to fight gum disease.
Some of the most common signs of gum disease are:
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth and or loss of teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receeding gum line
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact us as soon as possible, as your dental health is our highest concern. If gum disease is left untreated, serious complications such as tooth and bone loss can occur.
Ready to Schedule Your Next Appointment?
Whether you’re a new patient, looking for a new dental team, or simply got busy with life, Watkin Dental is here to help make your dental health easy and part of your overall health and wellness routine.