This section covers a host of miscellaneous
questions that we are often asked. If you haven’t found the
solution to your problem in the other sections, perhaps you
will find them here.
How often should one see the Dentist?
Most dental associations recommend a routine check-up once
every six months (check-up and cleaning).
How frequently should X-rays be taken
and why?
Xrays (Bitewings) are recommended every 12-18 months and are
taken to diagnose the presence of interproximal caries
(i.e. cavities between teeth). A full mouth or Panoramic x-ray
should be taken every 36-60 months. This x-ray shows the
entire mouth, and any abnormalities of the hard tissues that
may exist. Once they are identified, appropriate treatment can
be given. It also provides us a way to evaluate the level of
bone, any abscesses or abnormalities that should ordinarily
not be present.
Are there any kinds of foods that
should not be eaten?
Foods and drinks that are high in sugar content, sticky foods
such as caramels, dates and crackers should be kept to a
minimum. Foods that stick to teeth cause more dental disease
than sugar in less sticky forms or in liquids. Frequent
consumption of sugar-rich foods without adequate brushing is a
sure request for dental disease.
Is chewing gum good for me?
Sugar-free gum, when chewed immediately after meals, has been
clinically proven reduce the incidence of caries. But, chewing
gum is not advised for patients wearing Orthodontic braces.
Is there any treatment for grinding and
clenching?
Unfortunately, these days, grinding and clenching is all too
common. Grinding is referred to as bruxism and is more a
"nocturnal" habit (night-time). Clenching, on the
other hand, is a "diurnal" habit (day-time). It
appears to be a stress induced response, and one which is
invariably treatable by utilization of a simple splint, which
is custom made for the patient to wear. Usually this method f
treatment is obtains good results.
My teeth are becoming increasingly
sensitive -- what can I do to help reduce the sensitivity?
When gums start to recede, either due to periodontal disease
or as one grows older, nerve endings which are housed in the
covering of the root (the “cementum”) become exposed, and
when stimulated, illicit a response. They are generally
sensitive to cold, sweet or acidic foods. Sensitive responses
are also obtained in teeth which show evidence of wear.
There are a number of treatment methods that can be used to
help reduce or eliminate the discomfort. The simplest method
would be to use desensitizing toothpaste. Regular usage, twice
a day for 8-12 weeks, should show signs of improvement. If
that doesn’t work, then desensitizing medications
(prescription) can be topically applied in the office and a
prescription given for home use. They are generally quite
effective and offer immediate results. If the areas of tooth
wear at the gumline (cervical erosion) are deep, then a tooth
colored restoration can be bonded to eliminate both the
sensitivity as well as the tooth defect.'
What are some of the causes of bad
breath? What can I do about it?
Scientifically referred to as ‘Halitosis’, unpleasant
mouth odor has many causes. Most frequently we think certain
food such as onion and garlic causes bad breath. However, poor
dental hygiene can cause odour too. This can be the result of
many conditions, such as periodontal breakdown, ill-fitting
restorations (fillings or crowns), digestive problems, sinus
infections, nose disorders, certain foods, especially those
high in sulfur content, to name a few. Food which is trapped
under defective crowns or bridges or is stuck in-between teeth
with ill-fitting, broken restorations, decompose and ferment
and gives rise to a very foul taste and smell. Sometimes the
presence of pus may also lead to bad odour. Treatment measures
should include improved oral
hygiene, a complete oral examination with x-rays,
evaluation of existing restorations and replacement of
defective restorations.
My mouth is always dry - what causes Dry
Mouth?
Xerostomia (dry mouth) can be a result of aging, salivary
gland problems, certain pre-existing medical conditions (eg:
Sjogrens), numerous medications etc. This condition can
influence speech and cause an increase in cavities. Saliva
substitutes (available with a doctors prescription) should be
used frequently and treatment to reduce or eliminate the cause
should be done.
When should I take my child for his
first dental visit?
Ideally, a child should visit the dentist before his third
birthday. According to the American Dental Association, an
early visit can help identify problems and begin a lifelong
habit of good dental care
What should I do if my child’s baby
tooth is knocked out?
Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Baby teeth
are usually not put back but the child should be seen by the
dentist to check if any roots remain or other teeth have been
injured.
What should I do if my child’s
permanent tooth is knocked out?
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. Do NOT scrub
it or clean it with soap, just rinse with water! If possible,
replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean
gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back into
the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk,
saliva, or water. Get to the pediatric dental office
immediately, or call your dentist’s emergency number if it
is after hours. The faster you act, the better your chances of
saving the tooth.
Is it common to have dental problems
associated with pregnancy?
Pregnancy gingivitis is most common. Here, the gums are
usually red and swollen, bleed easily and become very sore or
sensitive. There seems to be a direct correlation between the
rise in the levels of progesterone and estrogen and the level
of gingival inflammation. This increased gingival inflammation
is usually first seen about the second month and reaches its
maximum around the eighth month of pregnancy. During this time
there is an increase in the level of circulating progesterone
and estrogen. The usual decrease in inflammation in the ninth
month follows a decrease in the level of these hormones.
The best way to avoid gingival problems during pregnancy is to
practice excellent oral
hygiene techniques. This includes a thorough brushing at
least twice daily and careful flossing at least once daily.
Rinsing with mouthwash or warm salt water can help soothe the
tissues but you should be careful not to swallow it.
Is chewing ice harmful to teeth?
Chewing ice on a regular basis can cause damage to teeth. The
main problem I see in my patients who chew ice, is ‘fracture
lines’ in their teeth. Fracture lines are not unusual,
especially as we grow older but I see an unusually large
amount of fracture lines in "ice-chewers". These
fracture lines can cause teeth to be sensitive to cold and/or
biting pressure. Once these symptoms appear, the best
treatment is to place a crown on the tooth. Occasionally, if
these cracks are deep enough, they "kill" the nerve
in the tooth, making root canal treatment necessary. It may
occasionally be necessary to extract the tooth.
Chewing ice can also cause a piece of the tooth to completely
fracture off. Again, this is treated by placing a crown on the
tooth. This habit can also cause the enamel to wear away more
quickly as we see in people who grind their teeth (bruxism).
This makes your teeth more susceptible to decay.
