Patient FAQ

What Can I Do If I’m Afraid Of Going To The Dentist?

Being afraid of the dentist can mean different things for different people. It could be the thought that the treatment might hurt, or the sounds and smells might bring back unpleasant memories of something that you experienced as a child. It’s important to find a dentist that you trust, and Bade DDS has a courteous staff that will go out of its way to make you feel comfortable.

How Old Should My Child Be For His Or Her First Dental Visit?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child’s first dental visit should be before his or her first birthday or within six months after his or her first tooth comes out. Primary teeth start growing when your child is around six months of age.

With So Many Types Of Toothpaste, How Do I Know Which One Is Right For Me?

When choosing the right toothpaste, it can be hard to know what to look for. We want our toothpaste to keep our mouths clean, but we may not know if it’s doing what it’s meant to do. Different toothpastes will be suited for different types of people, and they may have some special features that can be better for certain situations. Here are some of the types of toothpastes and what they can do:

  • Sensitive Teeth– Some people have sensitive teeth, and they can come from several different causes. This type of toothpaste can block pain receptors in your teeth so you don’t feel discomfort while you brush. Look for a toothpaste that has 5% potassium nitrate.
  • Gum Disease– In this case, it isn’t so much about the toothpaste as it is about how you brush. No matter what type of toothpaste you use, be sure to brush gently throughout your entire mouth at least twice a day.
  • Teeth Whitening– Most regular toothpastes won’t do much to whiten your teeth, but there are special types of toothpastes that have calcium or carbamide peroxide and can be effective in removing surface stains.
  • Organic Toothpaste– Organic toothpaste can be effective, but you should make sure that it’s FDA approved and that it has some type of fluoride content.

Be sure to speak to someone at Bade DDS to get more advice on what type of toothpaste is right for you.

Should I Use A Manual Or An Electric Toothbrush?

As long as you brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, electric and manual toothbrushes will have the same level of effectiveness. But an electric toothbrush might be better for people who have arthritis or any other problem that can make brushing difficult.

What Can Cause Cavities?

The acid contained in plaque can remove minerals in your tooth’s enamel, and it can cause small openings to form. When areas of the enamel are worn away, the inner parts of the tooth are exposed to bacteria and acid.

What Are The Best Tooth Whitening Options Available?

There are many tooth whitening products on the market, which can include whitening toothpastes as well as over counter gels, rinses, strips, and trays. But there are other products that you can get from a dentist. Teeth whitening is good for people who have healthy teeth and gums, but it’s not for everyone. Be sure to find out if a teeth whitening procedure is right for you.

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, because it helps to remove food that gets stuck on your teeth. It can also remove plaque, which is a sticky white substance that can build up on your teeth and contains bacteria.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease starts with bacterial growth in your mouth, and it can end with tooth loss if it’s not properly treated. It’s often preceded by gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. But not all types of gingivitis will progress into periodontitis (more commonly called “gum disease”).

In the early stages of gingivitis, bacteria from plaque buildup will cause the gums to become inflamed. And they can bleed more easily when you brush your teeth. While the gums are irritated, there has been no permanent damage to the teeth. But if it’s left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis. And it can cause the gum’s inner layer to move away from the teeth to form pockets that can collect debris and become infected.

Toxic substances that are formed by the bacteria can start to break down the connective tissue around your teeth. And as the disease progresses, the pockets will get deeper as more tissue and bone are destroyed. Once this happens, your teeth will no longer be held in place. They’ll become loose, and it will eventually result in tooth loss.

Should I Worry About Dental X-Rays? Are They Really Safe?

Any x-ray will expose you to radiation. While it’s only a small amount, there’s no such thing as a completely safe level of exposure. And radiation has a cumulative effect throughout your entire life.

What Are Dental Sealants, Who Would Benefit From Them, And How Long Do They Last?

Dental sealants can protect your children from tooth decay, because it coats them with a thin material made of plastic. Their teeth will feel the same, and it can be a great preventative measure against tooth decay. Dental sealants are meant for young children when their first set of teeth come in. Molars are more likely to experience decay, so you should consider getting it done once they come in.

A child’s first set of molars will start to come in between the ages of five and seven, and the second set will come in between 11 and 14 years old. Some teens and adults who haven’t experienced tooth decay can get sealants as well, but it’s not as common. Once the sealant is put in place, it can last up to ten years, but it should be checked every six months to make sure that it hasn’t broken down.

How Safe Are Amalgam-Type Fillings?

The FDA has studied any scientific data to find out if the low levels of mercury vapor that can be produced by amalgam fillings are harmful. And based on all the research, it considers them to be safe for adults and children who are at least six years of age.

Will Drill-Less Dentistry Ever Become A Reality?

Also called air abrasion or micro abrasion, drill-less dentistry is being offered by a few dental offices who are on the cutting edge of technology. These techniques can be used to remove tooth decay as well as old composite restorations, and they can prepare the surface of the tooth for bonding and sealants. Air abrasion can also be used to remove superficial stains and discolorations. And it acts like a miniature sandblaster that sprays away any decay or debris, as particles are blown onto the surface.

The particles are made of baking soda mixed with other minerals. And they’re pushed toward the tooth surface by compressed air or gas that runs through the instrument that’s being used by the dentist. Small amounts of unwanted materials are removed from the tooth surface as the particles hit them, and the remaining particles are sucked away.

Are Whitening Toothpastes Really That Effective?

Whitening toothpastes can remove surface stains that can result from drinking coffee or smoking, but they can’t change the natural color of your teeth or remove a stain that goes deeper into the surface.

What Options Are Available If I Want To Change The Shape Of My Teeth?

There are a variety of available options for people who want to change the look of their teeth. Some of them involve repairing cracks or chips, and others are meant to make your teeth look longer or narrow the gaps between them.
Some of the available options include:

  • Veneers – They have become very popular in recent years, because they can change the appearance of your teeth no matter what type of imperfection they may have. They’re made of a thin porcelain that’s wrapped around the front surface of your teeth, and they have been used on millions of patients over the years.
  • Reshaping and Recontouring– This simple method can make huge improvements to your teeth, and it can be a great solution if they have any cracks or chips.
  • Crowns– Not only can they restore and protect teeth that have been damaged, but they can also strengthen their overall structure.
  • Bonding– This method can be combined with reshaping and recontouring, and it can produce incredible results. While it’s not as durable as veneers, bonding isn’t as expensive and can be done in one dental visit.

These are the most widely used procedures for reshaping teeth. Be sure to get in touch with Bade DDS to find out which option is best for you. 

What Should I Use To Clean My Baby’s Teeth?

You should clean your child’s mouth even before his or her teeth start coming in. Wipe the gums after every feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or piece of gauze while it’s bound around your finger. But you can also buy soft, rubbery devices that are shaped like a thimble, which you can use to wipe off excess food.

What’s The Difference Between A Pediatric Dentist And A Family Dentist?

A pediatric dentist focuses on the oral health as it relates to the needs of children, and they’re required to take an additional two years of specialized training after he or she has completed four years of dental school. This program makes him or her specially qualified to handle the needs of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs.

What Do I Do If My Child Has A Toothache?

Mix a teaspoon of salt into a small plastic cup that’s filled with warm water and have your child rinse and spit. If needed you can apply a cold compress to the outside of your child’s cheek that’s close to the sore area. Wrap a gel-like compress into a soft towel, and help your child hold it in place to reduce the pressure and swelling.

Are Thumbsucking And Pacifier Habits Bad For My Child’s Teeth?

Aggressive thumb sucking can cause problems with your child’s baby teeth, and pacifiers can affect them the same way. However, pacifier habits are easier to break. If you do give your infant a pacifier, be sure to use a clean one.

How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?

Your child’s first dental visit should be scheduled before his or her first birthday. After that, he or she should get a dental checkup every six months to prevent cavities or any other problems.

How Do I Know If My Child Is Getting Enough Fluoride?

Your pediatric dentist will be able to determine if your child is getting enough fluoride, and he or she can prescribe a fluoride supplement if it’s deficient.