We love answering our community's questions regarding oral health! Below are 6 of our most commonly asked questions, answered by our hygienist, Teresa!
SHOULD I EAT PRIOR TO A DENTAL APPOINTMENT?
Occasionally our patients will skip the meal before their appointment. Often, a patient reports not wanting to "dirty" their teeth and in other cases, time is simply of the essence! If the appointment is late in the morning or afternoon, they become light headed and faint because of low blood sugar. Please remember to make time to eat following your regular schedule when you have an appointment with us. You'll feel better and not be starving after having dental work completed. If you have concerns about food remnants, we offer disposable toothbrushes so that you go into your appointment feeling comfortable.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TOOTHBRUSH?
Change your toothbrush whenever the bristles show any sign of wear, including fraying, breakage or spreading. This could be as often as every six weeks.
HOW FIRMLY SHOULD I BRUSH?
Use a gentle, circular motion with a softbristle brush. Remember to be thorough, but gentle. Clean does not have to mean "well scrubbed."
WHAT IS FLOURIDE AND HOW DOES IT HELP MY TEETH?
Some patients get frustrated that they work hard on their home care and yet still get cavities. Cavities are a de-mineralizationof the tooth's enamel. To help keep the enamel strong, the medicine of choice in the dental profession is fluoride. Fluoride can be found in the city water supply here in Frisco; however, the amount is less than the optimal amount needed to help prevent tooth decay. Some bottled water may contain Fluoride so be sure to check the label of your water of choice. Most of us use a tooth paste that contains fluoride, however if you are one that seems to battle tooth decay, Dr Davis may recommend a prescription strength flouride toothpaste for your brushing regimine.
WHAT IS A SEALANT AND HOW DOES IT HELP?
Sealants are a preventive dental procedure that helps to discourage decay on the chewing surface of the molars. Some teeth have deeper anatomical grooves that make it difficult to brush away all or most of the bacteria that causes tooth decay (cavities). By applying sealants to these teeth before decay starts, the deep grooves are altered thus allowing better access for brushing away the bacteria. Sealants do not eliminate all chances of decay, but do help to reduce the chances in chewing surface cavities.
WHY ARE X-RAYS NECESSARY AND HOW ARE THEY HELPFUL?
X-Rays show us decay, bone height and quality, tooth and root malformations, impacted teeth, sinus masses, cysts, tumors and other abnormalities. To be able to fully diagnose your dental needs it is important for Dr Davis to have this important diagnostic tool. We take X-Rays to help keep you healthy.
Our practice hopes these topic discussions help those in our community. It is our goal to help those around us increase their knowledge of dentistry thereby improving oral health!! If you ever find yourself with a dental related question similar to the ones above, please feel welcome to call our office!
