Below are some of patients’ most frequently asked questions about dentistry and oral health issues. We would love to hear from you if you have any other questions or want to schedule an appointment. For more patient information, For Patients.
Dental FAQs in Flower Mound, TX
Learn more about dental care and oral health issues. Read answers to these common questions:
What should I do if I have bad breath?
Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many may not realize we have bad breath. In healthy people, bacteria on the tongue, especially at the back, can cause bad breath. Some studies have shown that brushing the tongue reduces bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
How often should I brush and floss?
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. If plaque isn’t cleaned away, it turns into calculus (tartar). When left untreated, they can damage the gums and bone, leading to gum disease.
Plaque keeps forming, but you can control it by brushing and flossing regularly. You can also use other dental tools like tongue scrapers to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth.
Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?
There has been concern about the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings over the years. Amalgam is a mixture of copper, silver, tin, and zinc held together by mercury. Dentists have used this material to fill teeth for more than 100 years. The concern comes from claims that mercury vapor and tiny particles could cause health problems.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76% of dentists use silver-containing mercury to fill teeth. The ADA also states that silver fillings are safe. Studies have failed to find any link between silver-containing mercury and any medical disorder.
How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
Have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year. Regular dental exams and cleaning visits help prevent dental problems and maintain your tooth and gum health. At these visits, we clean your teeth and check for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
How can I tell if I have gingivitis or gum disease?
Four out of five people have gum disease and don’t know it! Most people are unaware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, gum disease can occur without noticeable symptoms. Regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are essential and will help detect problems.
Why should I use dental floss?
Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces except between teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach areas highly susceptible to decay and gum disease.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces but also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bones.
How can cosmetic dentistry help improve the appearance of my smile?
Cosmetic dental treatments might be the solution if you want to improve your smile. Cosmetic dentistry has become more popular in recent years because of new advances in dental procedures and materials. After cosmetic care, patients also focus more on their overall health. Cosmetic treatment can help you get a healthier, whiter, and brighter smile.
What are porcelain veneers, and how can they improve my smile?
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells made of porcelain that are custom-designed to cover the front of your teeth. They are strong and won’t stain. Veneers are a popular choice for people who want to improve or restore their smile’s appearance.
What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?
As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over time.
If you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine, it can make teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, certain childhood medications like tetracycline, stain teeth. Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.
Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is an easy, non-surgical dental treatment that changes the color of your natural tooth enamel. Over-the-counter products aren’t as effective as professional treatments. These products also may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Contact Our Office
Do you have more questions for us? We’re here to help you. Call Flower Mound Family Dentistry at 972-848-8745. You can also schedule an appointment online.