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What is the benefit of regular dental checkups? Regular maintenance beginning early in life is critical if young people are to grow up with strong, healthy teeth and gums. Not only regular professional cleaning schedules, but also periodic checks for proper alignment, decay prevention, and general health of the mouth and jaw are important. Regular checkups are also important for adults, who often have deficiencies in calcium or other nutrients important to dental health. For more information, contact the American Dental Association at www.ada.org Do I really need a “family dentist”? A family dentist who is familiar with your teeth will be invaluable in the case of “developing problems” that can be detected over time. Also, your family dentist learns patterns in your family’s health and lifestyle that can help to treat tooth and mouth problems. For more information, contact the American Dental Association at www.ada.org How often should my teeth be checked? Adults should have twice-yearly checkups and cleaning; children whose teeth are still forming may need to see a dentist more often. For more information, contact the American Dental Association at www.ada.org When should I start taking my child to the dentist? Ideally, to help prevent any problems, your child's first dental visit should take place by the first birthday. Your dentist will check for decay or other problems, teach you how to clean your child's teeth daily and identify your child's fluoride needs. By starting dental visits early, you'll help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits. For more information, contact the American Dental Association at www.ada.org What are sealants? A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth -- premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves of the chewing surfaces of the teeth, acting as a barrier to protect enamel from plaque and acids. Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. For more information, contact the American Dental Association at www.ada.org What is peridontal disease? Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. After age 35, in fact, about three out of four adults are affected by some form of gum disease, evidenced by gums that bleed or pull away from the teeth; persistent bad breath; loose teeth or pus between the teeth and gums. In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing. In the advanced stages, the teeth can become loose and fall out or have to be removed by a dentist. For more information, contact the American Dental Association at www.ada.org What is a root canal? Injured or diseased teeth can often be saved by root canal (endodontic) treatment. When the dental pulp (nerve) is diseased or injured -- often caused by a cracked tooth or a deep cavity – a dentist can sometimes remove the diseased pulp and clean and seal the pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth. A gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the treated tooth, which may then last a lifetime if the surrounding tissue is nourished and healthy. For more information, contact the American Dental Association at www.ada.org For a referral to a general dentist, phone our executive office at 330.759.5085 |