Active Participation in Your Dental Health
At Arden Family Dentistry, we value your active participation in your own health. We prioritize listening to your concerns and providing explanations of different options, so that you can make informed decisions about your dental care and remain engaged in the process.
We strongly encourage open communication between our dental professionals and our patients. While we understand that, like any health professionals, we may sometimes use technical terms, we always strive to speak in plain language and avoid jargon. If we ever use a word or phrase that you don't understand, please don't hesitate to ask us for clarification. We firmly believe that the more our patients understand their dental care, the better their oral health will be.
To assist you further, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about dental care. Please take a moment to review them, and feel free to reach out to us if you would like more information on any specific topic.
What is the reason for needing to visit the dentist twice a year?
Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining oral health. Our mouths undergo constant changes due to our diet, habits, and age. By seeing a dentist regularly, potential problems can be identified and addressed before they become major issues. It's important to note that many dental conditions may not have obvious symptoms, making it difficult for individuals to detect them early on. Dentists have the expertise and advanced tools to thoroughly examine oral health, something that patients cannot do themselves.
The frequency of dental visits varies for each individual. While some may only need to visit every six months, others may require more frequent visits. The dentist will recommend the appropriate frequency based on your oral health situation. For example, patients with gum disease may need to see the dentist every three or four months. If the dentist suggests more frequent visits than before, it is to ensure your long-term health.
Regular dental visits offer the best opportunity to maintain strong, clean, and white teeth, as well as fresh breath. Hygienists can remove stains that regular brushing, flossing, and at-home whitening treatments cannot. Additionally, we are always happy to provide refresher training on the best techniques for your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Can you please remind me about the frequency of brushing and flossing?
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Typically, people brush in the morning upon waking up and brush and floss at night before going to bed. If you wish to brush after lunch as well, we highly encourage it. When brushing your teeth, it is important to do so for a full two minutes. Ensure that you clean the back and front sides of your upper and lower teeth, as well as their biting surfaces. For flossing, use an arm's length worth of floss and use a clean 2 inches for each tooth to prevent cross-contamination. If you would like the dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the proper brushing and flossing technique, please feel free to ask during your visit.
I've heard that flossing isn't really necessary. Is that accurate?
It's important to be skeptical of everything you hear in the news. While it's true that further studies are necessary to fully establish the link between flossing and its effects on oral health, it doesn't mean that flossing is ineffective. It simply means that we require more information. The thought of neglecting to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth is alarming and unhygienic. Why would anyone want all that unpleasant debris lurking in their mouth, providing nourishment for bacteria and causing bad breath? It's still crucial to floss daily!
Do I still need a hygienist appointment despite daily brushing and flossing?
Absolutely! There exists certain persistent dental residue that even the most diligent brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. This is particularly evident with tartar, the solid substance that plaque can transform into if not promptly removed. Opting for a professional scaling and polishing (known as a teeth cleaning) performed by a hygienist can actually enhance the aesthetics of your smile by eliminating stains. Additionally, polished teeth are smoother and less prone to bacterial adhesion, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of your at-home brushing and polishing routine.
What is the cause of cavities?
When we were kids, we were taught that eating too much candy causes cavities, leading us to believe that sugar is the main culprit behind tooth decay. However, this explanation is too simplistic. In reality, sugar acts more like fuel for decay, and it is not limited to sweet foods. When we eat, enzymes in our saliva break down carbohydrates into sugars. These sugars, along with the naturally occurring sugar compounds in fruits and foods sweetened with refined sugar or corn syrup, are then consumed by the bacteria in our mouths. If not removed by brushing or flossing, these bacteria remain in our mouths, feeding on the sugar and producing acid as a waste product. This acid is what erodes the enamel and the softer dentin layer beneath, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
When should kids have their first dental visit?
It is recommended that children visit the dentist either when their first tooth appears or by the age of 1, whichever comes first. However, this does not mean that you should neglect your baby's oral health before that. After feeding, you can gently clean your baby's gums by rubbing them with a damp washcloth. If you have any questions or need further guidance on how to care for your baby's mouth, please don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician or reach out to us.
I'm anxious about my dental appointment. Any advice?
Please don't hesitate to share your feelings with us! We understand that feeling nervous at the dentist is quite common, so there's no need to feel embarrassed. Your comfort is our priority, and knowing that you're a nervous patient allows us to prepare accordingly for your appointment. We have various measures in place to make your visit more comfortable. We can go at a slower pace and provide detailed explanations at each step. Additionally, we can work together to establish a communication system, enabling you to clearly express any discomfort or need for a break. In certain cases, sedation is also an option, and we're more than happy to discuss it with you.
By facing your nervousness together, we can help you overcome it. Our goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and pleasant environment in our office. The more relaxed and less intimidating your visit is, the better we can take care of your oral health both now and in the future. If there's anything we can do to enhance your experience, please don't hesitate to ask. Rest assured, you won't be the first person to raise these concerns.