FAQ’s
Q: What is the Difference Between a Silver and White Filling?
A: The color of dental fillings is determined by the material they are made of. Silver fillings are composed of mercury and other various metals. White (composite) fillings are made with acrylic and various glass particles.
Q: What causes bad breath?
A: Bad breath, clinically known as halitosis, is the offensive odor from the mouth. Bad breath can affect anyone and can be an embarrassing condition. Halitosis is caused by several factors including poor oral hygiene, sinusitis, gastritis and diabetes. Although curable, halitosis may also indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition that should be immediately addressed by your doctor or Waco dentist.
Q: How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?
A: The American Dental Association advises to brush your teeth two times a day, once in the morning and once at night. Using a brush with a soft to medium bristles helps in removing dental plaque, one of the major causes of tooth decay and gingivitis.
Q: How Often Should I Floss My Teeth?
A: The American Dental Association suggests flossing at least once in a day. Flossing removes the stagnant food from the inner spaces of your teeth where it is difficult to clean with a brush. Flossing also removes dental plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease. General health is directly related to the oral health of a person. Recent scientific studies have proven that flossing helps to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Q: How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?
A: It is advised to replace your tooth brush every 3 months. Due to regular brushing, the bristles of tooth brushes wear out and cannot clean the tooth surface effectively. There are some electrical tooth brushes with highly durable bristles that require changing the brush only once every 6 months. If you are suffering from gingivitis or gum diseases, you need to change the brush once in a month as bacteria may colonize in the bristles. Tooth brushes should be properly cleaned with hot water after every brushing.
Q: What is plaque?
A: Dental plaque is a biofilm that appears over the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. It is colorless, soft and sticky. Long term accumulation of dental plaque leads to cavities as the bacteria in plaque attacks and damages the tooth enamel. Bacteria multiply in the sugar and carbohydrates of stagnant food items left over in the mouth after eating. Teeth sensitivity, bleeding gums and bad breath are other conditions that occur due to plaque accumulation.
Q: How Often Should I See the Dentist for a Check Up and Cleaning?
A: Both adults and children should visit a Waco dentist every six months for a routine dental check up. Appointments will include a complete exam to help in early detection of problems and planning for proper treatments. People with poor oral hygiene, periodontal diseases, gum diseases, and people who use alcohol and tobacco should go for a dental visit more often.