FAQs – Novi Oaks Dental – Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Q: What can I do to prevent bad breath?

Practice good oral hygiene Brush at least twice a day with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between teeth and under the gum line. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months (more frequently if you are ill). If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning. See us regularly Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, we may recommend more frequent visits. Stop smoking/chewing tobacco If you are concerned about your breath and your overall good health, we may be able to recommend some ways to help you break the habit. Drink water frequently Water will hydrate your mouth, as well as your whole body, and will help wash impurities from your system. Use carefully selected mouthwash/rinses Some over-the-counter rinses taste and feel like they are effective, but have only a temporary effect. Ask your dentist which of the rinses will clean your mouth and kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Q: What is Plaque and why do I need to get rid of it?

Plaque is defined as a soft, sticky and colorless deposit that is continually forming on our teeth and gums. All of us “get” plaque, so all of us need to get rid of it. If plaque is allowed to grow, it can cause cavities and lead to gum disease. If plaque is not removed daily, it will harden and become tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove from the tooth; so why not “catch” it before it has a chance develop? (See Good Brushing Techniques, below.) Dental teeth polishing will remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. It is a cosmetic procedure that removes surface stains on the crown part of the tooth or above the gum line so teeth will look and feel cleaner and brighter. Oral Hygiene – Good Brushing Techniques At Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry the entire team is dedicated to educate you on toothbrush choices, tooth paste, floss, rinses and fluoride options. Review dietary habits Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health. So as you can see, there are many good reasons to make regular visits to our office. We are committed to making each one of your visits a valuable and lasting part of your dental care regimen.

Q: How often should I have a dental exam or cleaning?

It is important to visit us on a regular basis so that we can identify potential problems early and take appropriate action. Tooth decay can, if left untreated, cause the total loss of a tooth within a year. For this reason it is important to visit us every six months. In some circumstances you may need more frequent visits. While brushing and flossing daily will generally keep your mouth in good condition, regular visits will go a long way to prevent major tooth or gum disease, or catch it early, if it is developing. We will perform tests and use x-ray technology to see problems long before they can cause lasting damage to your mouth. Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs) Radiographs are essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. Oral cancer screening At every visit, we always check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer. Your dental exam During your exam Dr. Vizcarra will check your teeth for cavities and broken fillings or crowns. Dental decay may appear as a hole or sometimes as a dark shadow underneath the surface of the enamel. Special dental instruments can go a lot farther than the average toothbrush at removing calculus (tartar), probing beneath the surface, and checking the strength of existing fillings and crowns.

Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?

Signs you may have Periodontal Disease

How can I tell if I have gum disease?

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

What should I do if I have bad breath?

What is Plaque and why do I need to get rid of it?

How often should I have a dental exam or cleaning?

How often should I brush and floss?