When you visit a general dentist, you can expect to receive comprehensive dental care. We focus on treating patients of all ages and reducing their risk for getting a cavity or an infection. We want to keep our patients in excellent oral health, and this is why we want to clean your teeth once or twice a year. During these regular appointments, we take the time to answer questions so that our patients can be educated about their oral health. Since many of them are asked on a regular basis, we have compiled this list of common questions and our answers to them.
How do I know that my teeth are clean after brushing?
This is a good question because a lot of people brush their teeth but don’t clean them properly. As a result, they are not getting the cavity protection that they need. In order to make sure that your teeth are actually clean, you should brush for two minutes at a time, twice a day. When you do, it should be with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Remember to brush in a circular pattern away from your gums and floss afterwards. Once done, run your tongue along your teeth and that will give you a good idea of whether you have cleaned them enough.
I keep spitting out blood when I brush my teeth, why?
If you see blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, there is a good chance that you have gum disease. Even in the early stages, gum disease can make your gums swell, become red, and start to bleed. If this is followed up by general irritation or your teeth looking longer than normal, you should schedule an appointment with our general dentist office right away so that we can examine your gums and see if you have a condition that requires treatment. Otherwise, you may be brushing too aggressively and need a new, soft toothbrush.
How can I tell if I grind my teeth at night?
If you wake up with a headache, face, or jaw pain, you may be grinding your teeth. Another sign is if your teeth appear worn down or you have a restoration like a veneer that becomes damaged for no apparent reason. We can examine your teeth in our general dentist office and let you know if it appears that you have been grinding.
What is the general process of treating a cavity?
A cavity is tooth decay and in order to treat it, we need to remove the decayed portion of your tooth and restore the tooth structure with a filling. We can do so in a way that keeps you entirely comfortable. It is important, however, that you schedule an appointment at the first sign of discomfort so that you don’t have to deal with an unnecessary toothache or require a more intensive treatment down the road.
What’s an easy way to correct my broken tooth?
We can restore a broken tooth using a dental veneer or dental crown. To learn more about these options, call and schedule a dental exam.