We recommend that our patients visit our office at least twice each year to ensure their optimal oral health and to help avoid serious and costly problems. In certain cases, we may even recommend 3 or 4 visits per year in order to properly treat conditions that require more regular attention.
Maintaining a regular dental appointment schedule isn’t just good for your teeth, it’s an important part of your overall health.[/expand]
[expand title="How should I deal with my fear of dentists?"]Firstly, you can take solace in the fact that you are not alone. A significant percentage of adults suffer from some level of fear of dental treatment. However, given the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums to your overall health, it is imperative that you find a way to deal with these fears.
In our clinic we offer a range of techniques to help our patients reduce their anxiety. Here are a few ideas that you might consider;
• Visualize yourself in a comfortable place while in the dental chair – a warm sandy beach for example.
• Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine before your appointment.
• Ask us lot’s of questions about your treatment – quite often fears of the unknown are the worst fears of all.
Our ultimate goal is to enable our patients to receive dental treatment in a comfortable state of mind. Please feel free to call our office if you would like to learn more about our unique approach to this serious problem.
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[expand title="How can I help myself to prevent bad breath?"]According to recent studies, almost half the population of adults in North America suffers at least occasionally from bad breath (halitosis). The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth and on the back of the tongue. These bacteria produce a volatile sulfur compound, which in turn produces a smell similar to “rotten eggs”. Other causes of halitosis include certain foods, smoking, alcohol, hormonal changes or simply being hungry.
Depending upon the type of bad breath, the treatment usually begins with ensuring meticulous oral hygiene. Your dentist or dental hygienist will check for gum disease and if necessary prepare a detailed treatment plan. Tongue scraping should also become an important part of daily home care and part of your regular tooth brushing routine.
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[expand title="Why does my dentist recommend a soft bristle toothbrush? Wouldn’t harder bristles clean my teeth better?"]Your dentist recommends a soft toothbrush to protect your teeth and gums from the damage that a firm bristle can do to your teeth and gums especially when combined with overly aggressive brushing. A firm bristle toothbrush can actually damage the enamel on your teeth and cause your gums to shrink leaving your tooth roots exposed. A soft bristle brush combined with gentle pressure and the right brushing technique will provide all the cleaning power you need. For more information, ask your dentist for advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques at your next appointment.
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[expand title="What is the most common cause of tooth loss?"]When people think about tooth loss they normally think of accidents or tooth decay. What most people don’t realize is that the leading cause of tooth loss among adults is actually diseases of the gums rather than the teeth themselves. In fact, gum disease or periodontal disease, results in more lost teeth than trauma and tooth decay combined.
Typical signs of periodontal disease are gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red, swollen and tender gums, persistent bad breath, and teeth that appear to be getting longer. Fortunately, with prompt treatment in its early stages, periodontal disease is highly treatable. As a result, we regularly screen our patients for the telltale signs of gum disease.
Please call our office if you are concerned that you may be suffering from periodontal disease. We will be happy to answer any of your questions or arrange a consultation appointment that will fit your busy schedule.
[/expand][expand title="So what is “Cosmetic Dentistry”, and what types of treatments does it involve?"]Have you ever wondered what you would look like if you had a more attractive looking smile? Providing people with a means of achieving their best smile is what Cosmetic Dentistry is all about.
More and more people today are booking appointments with our dental office, not because they are having dental problems, but because they want to smile more confidently. In many cases, these smiles begin with teeth that are crooked, stained, chipped or missing all together. From simple teeth whitening to full smile reconstruction, the end result in most cases is a healthy, attractive looking smile that provides a greater sense of self-confidence and enjoyment of life.
If you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, ask us about what specific treatments in cosmetic dentistry would benefit you.
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