What can I do About Bad Breath? During a regular checkup your dentist will be able to detect any problems such as gum disease, dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause of your bad breath. Please remember that maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath. Good oral hygiene also means brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Brushing your tongue is important, too. For denture wearers, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them when you awake in the morning.
What Should I do if I Have a Pacemaker? Let your dentist know if you have any implantable cardiac device such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. Some dentists use ultrasonic devices such as ultrasonic scalers or instrument cleaning systems that could interfere with these devices. Your dentist may want to talk to your cardiologist to determine if ultrasonic devices can be safely used as part of your dental care.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth? Sensitivity can be caused by cavities and fractured teeth. But if your dentist has ruled both these problems out, then the sensitivity can be the result of worn tooth enamel, a cracked tooth or an exposed tooth root due to receding gums. In all of these cases, ask your dentist to provide you with ways to reduce the discomfort you're experiencing. In some cases it might be as simple as using a desensitizing toothpaste to applying a fluoride gel, which strengthens tooth enamel. If the cause is receding gums, your dentist may use bonding agents to seal the tooth root.
What is In-office Bleaching? If your teeth are stained or discolored, and you’ve tried in-home products such as whitening toothpastes and strips, and they didn’t produce the desired results, ask your dentist to suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her office. This procedure may include applying a bleaching agent to your teeth, and then using a special light to enhance the action of the agent. Some dentists use lasers during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent as well.
Is it Necessary for Older People to Continue to Have Regular Dental Check-ups? You’re never too old to visit the dentist on a regular basis. In fact, seniors have unique dental needs and challenges, the most important of which is the vital connection between a healthy body and a healthy mouth. Seniors who want to feel good, stay healthy, and look great throughout life should adopt healthy oral habits at home, make smart choices about diet and lifestyle, and seek regular dental care. Only then can they hope to have teeth that will last a lifetime.
Does Thumbsucking Cause Dental Problems? Thumbsucking makes babies feel secure and happy. It also helps them soothe themselves, and the relaxation it causes can help them to fall asleep. That’s all good. However, once permanent teeth come in, thumbsucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and the alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. Whether or not dental problems occur depends on the intensity of the sucking. It’s important to note that even problems with baby or primary teeth have been seen with some aggressive thumbsuckers. So, if you notice changes in your child's primary teeth, please consult your dentist.
What can I do if I am Nervous About Seeing a Dentist? With dentistry's many advances, treatments become more sophisticated and comfortable all the time. If that fact doesn’t alleviate your nervousness, share your anxiety with your dentist and dental staff. Getting your concerns out in the open will let your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs. Here are some other measures you can take: make your appointment at a when you're less likely to be rushed or under pressure. If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring a portable audio player with earplugs, and listen to your favorite music. You can even try visualizing yourself sitting on in a beautiful beach. Give them a shot. After all, what have you got to lose, except your anxiety over going to the dentist.
