Frequently Asked Questions

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How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

The average person should be visiting the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend frequent visits depending on each individual.

What can I expect during my dental exam and cleaning?

During your visit you can expect a thorough medical history review, examination and diagnostic x-rays, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, examination of tooth decay, examination of existing restorations, removal of tartar & plaque, teeth polishing, oral hygiene recommendations and review dietary habits.

What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?

Teeth whitening is a popular treatment that can be done both with an at home kit, as well as by a Dentist. This treatment is non-invasive and changes the colour of your tooth enamel by simply bleaching it. Teeth whitening can be very effective and can improve your confidence by giving you a whiter, brighter smile.

Why straighten teeth?

Your teeth perform many functions, and if they are crooked your abilities to chew, bite and speak are less effective. Not only will straight teeth improve simple functions listed above, being proud of your smile will be a confidence booster that will last a lifetime. Some disorders associated with crooked teeth include, Priodontis (gum disease beginning with baceterial infection), Temporomandibular Disorder (improper jaw alignment contributing to jaw pain, severe headaches and lockjaw), tooth injury and uneven wear.

How often should I brush and floss?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day – preferably in the morning and at night. Daily flossing is the most effective way to clean where your toothbrush misses – between the teeth and under the gumline.

What can help teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding is very harmful to your long term health, and can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. The most effective way to prevent grinding from happening is to invest in a mouth guard to wear while sleeping. Some tips for preventing tooth grinding include: avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages before bed, refrain from chewing on anything that isn’t food, train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth and practice relaxing your jaw muscles at night – hold a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

Why is fluoride important?

Flouride is important for your teeth because it helps prevent tooth decay, this natural mineral found from soil, water and various foods has positive effects on your oral health and makes your teeth resistant to decay while also reversing the effects of decay.

What can I do if I’m experiencing a toothache?

We have all experienced toothaches at some point in our lives. You should contact us right away when you are having tooth pain so we can take a look at what’s wrong and make a proper treatment plan. If you are unable to reach a dental professional right away, here are a few things that may help:

analgesic or pain-relief medication. Dental pains are often inflammatory in nature so an anti-inflammatory medication may help relieve symptoms (always consult your medical doctor if you’re unsure what analgesics you can or can not take or if you are taking other medication for other medical conditions!)

Avoid stimulating the offending tooth- if the tooth is painful to hot or cold then drink lukewarm water. Sometimes toot with spontaneous, throbbing pain may be relieved by sipping ice water

Sitting up in bed- sometimes sitting up instead of lying down will help

If your tooth is experiencing severe pain that is lingering to or cold stimulus or is spontaneous in nature, it is possible that your tooth will require root canal therapy or extraction. Your dentist would be able to make the diagnosis and make a recommendation best suited to your needs so you can smile again.

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