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| Q: |
Do you have a payment plan?
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We have a financing plan called Care Credit. Care credit is a form of outside financing that works like a credit card. It offers interest free financing for one year, or an extended repayment plan over several years. With either option, you are responsible for a monthly payment. You can apply for Care Credit in our office anytime you like. Please give our office a call anytime if you would like more information or if you have any other questions.
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| Q: |
Do whitening toothpastes really work?
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They can to a limited extent. Whitening toothpastes have mild abrasives in them that help scrub away surface stains. The key here is that whitening toothpastes only work on the surface of teeth. They won’t whiten the inside of the tooth where most of the pigment is. You may notice a mild whitening of your teeth when you first switch to whitening toothpaste, but after the surface stain is removed, you probably won’t get any additional whitening. Also, the abrasives in whitening toothpastes can cause increased tooth sensitivity over time, so I don’t usually recommend using them long term. A good strategy is to use a regular toothpaste routinely, then use a whitening toothpaste every once in a while to remove any surface stains. To truly whiten your teeth you’ll need to bleach them with a peroxide based product.
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| Q: |
My gums sometimes bleed when I brush or floss. What does that mean?
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Most commonly, the gum tissue bleeds because it is inflamed. Inflamed gum tissue (a.k.a. gingivitis) occurs when the bacteria in plaque and tartar cause the gum tissue to become swollen and reddish. Inflamed gum tissue also bleeds when touched with floss or a tooth brush. So what can you do? Start by cleaning your teeth as thoroughly as you can with brushing and daily flossing. Good oral hygiene should improve the situation in a few days; however, a visit with your dentist is required to rule out the possibility of periodontal disease or systemic medical problems from contributing to your bleeding gums. Also, although good brushing and flossing are very important, some tartar deposits can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning.
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| Q: |
My husband has the worst breath. What is causing that?
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Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by bacteria present in the mouth. Reducing the amount of bacteria with good brushing and flossing is the first step to reducing bad breath. When brushing, always remember to brush the tongue thoroughly. The tongue is a harbor for many bacteria and can be a major culprit in bad breath. Mouth rinses can help, but their effect is only temporary. Underlying medical problems or untreated periodontal disease may also be playing a role. A visit with your dentist is recommended to determine if these more serious concerns could be contributing to your husband’s bad breath.
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| Q: |
My child had a tooth knocked out. What do I do?
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First, if the tooth is a baby tooth, DON’T plan on replanting the tooth. Replanting baby teeth can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth and is not recommended. However, if the tooth is a permanent tooth, grab the tooth by the crown (not the root) and very gently clean any debris off the tooth with water, being careful not to remove any tissue attached to the root. Next, gently insert the tooth back into the socket (you can do it!). Make sure the tooth isn’t in there backwards (easy mistake), and call your dentist ASAP. If you cannot bring yourself to reinsert the tooth, place the tooth in a cup of milk or contact solution and call a dentist ASAP. Time is of the essence with knocked out teeth. If a tooth is out of the mouth for more than an hour, the chances of the tooth surviving are quite low.
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| Q: |
What is a good age to start bringing my children to the dentist?
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Three years old is a good time to bring your child in for their first dental visit. At this age all 20 of their baby teeth are in and should be examined. It’s always a great idea to schedule a dental appointment for your children before there are suspected problems. Let’s face it, dental offices can be scary places and most children need a couple easy visits before they will be comfortable enough to handle even a simple filling.
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expert: Jacob M. Peters, DDS
