Common Questions About Dental Checkups
We get asked a lot of the same questions on a regular basis, so this page is here to help answer some of the most asked questions we come across.
If your question is not here please don’t hesitate to email or call us for help or answers.
How often should I go to the dentist for a check-up?
It is recommended that you should be going to the dentist for a dental check-up and clean every 6 months.
This is due to several reasons.
- To check movement in the teeth
- To make sure there are no issues,(gum disease, cavities, etc) If there is an issue it is always better to get on it early, rather than having it left for a long period of time. In most cases, more work will have to be done to fix the issue if it’s left unchecked.
- To get a thorough dental clean.
- To be reminded to floss (haha)
What are the best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home?
- Regular brushing (twice a day)
- Flossing (once a day)
- limiting your sugar intake (diet)
- A balanced diet of fruits and veggies
- Avoiding tobacco
- Using toothpaste with fluoride
Your dentist should take a full set of dental X-rays early into the doctor-patient relationship. So if you are a new patient then it is recommended so your dentist has a baseline
to monitor any changes that could be happening in your teeth between appointments.
Most adult patients have bitewing X-rays every year and a full mouth series every four to five years.
But those with a higher risk for dental caries problems may need them every six to 18 months.
What is tooth sensitivity and why do I have it?
Patients with tooth sensitivity feel pain when they consume foods or drinks that are hot or cold, sweet, or acidic.
Sensitivity happens when tooth enamel, which usually protects the tooth’s pulp and dentin, is thinned from repeated exposure to acidity and extreme temperatures. Sensitivity can also occur as a result of:
- Receding gums
- Tooth grinding during sleep
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Tooth whitening
- Orthodontics
- fillings
Talk to your dental professional, and they will examine the affected teeth and recommend treatment to reduce your sensitivity.
Should I use mouthwash regularly?
It depends – there are different kinds of mouthwash.
Cosmetic mouthwashes aim to freshen breath and to maintain a healthy teeth color, but they contain fluoride to help fight cavities as well.
Therapeutic rinses work to help treat conditions such as gingivitis, tooth sensitivity, and inflammation.
For more advanced conditions, prescription mouthwashes often contain chlorhexidine gluconate to kill bacteria that cause bleeding, inflammation, and plaque or biofilm formation