FAQs

1. What is fluoride and why is it important to dental health in children and adults?
2. Cavity-fighting sealants
3. Oral piercing
4. Save a knocked out tooth
5. Morning Breath
6. What causes sensitive teeth?
7. What can I do about sensitive teeth?
8. What is periodontal disease?
9. How long will the results of teeth whitening last?
10. What causes canker sores?
11. Do Whitening Toothpastes Work?
12. Getting Children To Brush
13. Is smokeless tobacco harmful?
14. What should I do about bleeding gums?
15. Why do my teeth darken?
16. Can I prevent cavities?
17. Why should I floss?
18. Why should I use a mouth guard?
19. Why should I go to the dentist regularly? (Crisis treatment vs. preventive treatment)
20. I have diabetes, why is my dentist so concerned?
21. I just found out I am pregnant, how can this affect my mouth?
22. Why do I have to take antibiotics before my dental appointment?
23. I am undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment, how can this affect my mouth?
24. I have a full denture, is it necessary for me to come in for regular visits?
25. Why do I need dental radiographs?

1. What is fluoride and why is it important to dental health in children and adults?

(See "Guidelines for Oral Health")
A. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some natural sources of fluoride are brewed tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk.

Some city water contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water you will acquire fluoride. If your drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available.

The lack of exposure to fluoride places individuals of any age at risk for dental decay. Fluoride is important to dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay by making the enamel outer portion of the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.

Studies have shown that children who consumed fluoridated water from birth had less dental decay. Fluoride can reverse early decay and help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes degenerative bone loss.

Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about whether you're getting the daily amount of fluoride you need.

2. CAVITY-FIGHTING SEALANTS

Q: Is there anything besides fluoride that can help prevent cavities?
A: Yes. The American Dental Association points out that sealants are an effective weapon in the arsenal against tooth decay. Sealants are a thin coating painted on chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria.

Sealants have proven effective with both adults and children, but are most commonly used with children. Despite the fact that sealants are about half the cost of fillings, only a small percentage of school-aged children have sealants on their permanent teeth.

Ask your dentist whether sealants are a good choice for you or your children.

3. ORAL PIERCING

Q: What are the dangers of tongue, cheek, lip and other oral piercing?
A: The American Dental Association recognizes that piercing is a widely accepted form of self-expression, and that includes piercings in the mouth. However, the potential problems are numerous. Some symptoms after a piercing include pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth, tooth loss, and an increased flow of saliva, none of which are particularly pleasant. Tongue piercing can also cause excessive bleeding.

Most piercings require some sort of manipulation - putting your or somebody else's hands in your mouth. Difficulty talking and damage to your teeth are distinct possibilities. So if you're thinking of some sort of piercing in or around your mouth, talk to your dentist first.

If you already have piercings and are having problems, see your dentist right away.

4. SAVE A KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

Q. What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
A. Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

Attempt to find the tooth
Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt or debris.
Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your toungue
Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage.
Get to the dentist. Successful reimplantation is possible only when treatment is begun promptly.

If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.

5. Morning Breath

Q. What causes morning breath?
A. When you are asleep, saliva production in your mouth decreases. Since saliva is the mouth's natural mouthwash, most people experience morning breath.

Bacteria found on teeth, in the crevices and on the taste buds of the tongue, break down the food particles, which produce sulfur compounds. It is actually these sulfur compounds which give our breath a bad odor. During waking hours, saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles. Saliva also helps to dissolve the foul smelling sulfur compounds.

Chronic, long-term mouth odor can be a sign of more serious illness. See your dentist if this is a concern.

6. What causes sensitive teeth?

A. You may notice sensitivity if your gums have receded. Gums cover the roots of your teeth like a protective blanket. When the blanket is gone, your roots are exposed.

Exposed roots contain small pores that lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. Pressure and cold can stimulate the tooth nerve causing pain and discomfort. Normally, your gums would prevent these stimuli from reaching the nerves.

There are primarily two reasons why your gums recede. The first is improper and heavy-handed brushing of your teeth. Over time, this heavy-handed approach can also wear away tooth enamel. The second reason is poor oral hygiene. When plaque builds up around your teeth and gums, it hardens into tartar. Bacteria in tartar cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gum recession can result.

Long-term sensitivity can be a sign of other problems. Ask your dentist how you can prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease and avoid sensitive teeth.

7. What can I do about sensitive teeth?

A. Sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate are very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use you may notice a decrease in sensitivity.

Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against any sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using a sensitivity toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in office to the roots of your tooth to reduce—if not eliminate—the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Ask the friendly staff at Midwest Dental for more information on sensitive teeth.

8. What is periodontal disease?

A.Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies and pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease is when inflamed gums pull away from your bone and teeth.

Other signs of periodontal disease include:

Bad breath
Red or swollen gums
Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
Sensitive teeth
Pus coming from around the teeth
Pain on chewing
Tender gums
Bleeding gums

Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.

9. How long will the results of teeth whitening last?

Like other investments, if you whiten your teeth, the length of time you can expect it to last will vary. If you smoke, drink red wine or coffee, or consume other acid-containing foods, your bright smile may begin to yellow more quickly than you expect.

In general, a teeth whitening procedure can last up to a few years. And even though the results can fade, occasional touch-ups can be done to regain luster.

Ask the experienced staff at Midwest Dental about the long-term benefits of teeth whitening.

10. What causes canker sores?

A. The exact cause of canker sores is not known. Some factors may include genetics, allergies, stress, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Trauma to the inside of the mouth can result in the development of canker sores. Ill-fitting dentures or braces, toothbrush trauma from brushing too hard, or biting your cheek, may produce canker sores.

Certain foods may also be a factor. Citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Foods like chips, pretzels and hard candies have sharp edges that can nick and injure the soft tissue of the mouth.

To treat a canker sore, rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash or warm water and salt. Over the counter treatments are also available.

If the canker sore is present longer than two weeks, see your dentist. Ask the friendly staff at Midwest Dental for more information about canker sores.

11. Do Whitening Toothpastes Work?

A. Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. They work by removing surface stains from the teeth with the use of mild abrasives. However, unlike professional whitening, some whitening toothpastes do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth.

Toothpastes that are effective in removing stains can also destroy tooth enamel in the process. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. With repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. If you would like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with your dentist first.

12. Getting Children To Brush

Q. What's the best way to get kids to brush?
A. Make it fun! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, your children will also be enthusiastic. Children want to do the things their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow.

Checking Plaque Removal – To see if any plaque has been missed, you can use a disclosing (staining) tablet or solution. These products are made of harmless vegetable dyes that stain the plaque a bright color, so that you can see where the plaque is.

Begin to take your children to the dentist at an early age. All children should be seen by their 1st birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth. Ask your dentist for other creative ways to get children to brush their teeth.

13. Is smokeless tobacco harmful?

A. Smokeless tobacco may be smokeless, but it isn't harmless. These are some of the potential hazards:

Tooth abrasion from grit and sand in tobacco can scratch teeth and wear away the enamel.
The constant irritation caused by chewing tobacco can result in gum recession and other permanent damage to periodontal tissue.
Increased tooth decay can result from sugar that is added to smokeless tobacco.
Tooth discoloration and bad breath are common with long term use.
Nicotine blood levels are similar to those found in cigarettes.
A diminished sense of taste and smell caused by tobacco use can lead to unhealthy eating habits.
Cancer can be caused by all forms of smokeless tobacco.
Watch out for some of these danger signs:
- A sore that does not heal
- A lump or white patch.
- A prolonged sore throat.
- Difficulty in chewing.
- Restricted movement of the tongue or jaw.
- A feeling of something in the throat.

Pain is rarely an early symptom. All tobacco users need to see their dentist regularly.

14. What should I do about bleeding gums?

A. People often respond to bleeding gums with the wrong method of treatment. Usually, gums that bleed are a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis. But often, people stop brushing frequently and effectively because it may be painful or it may cause the gums to bleed again.

Instead, when gums are inflamed, brushing often and effectively is imperative. More importantly, you should see your dentist to have a periodontal screening and recording in order to determine the level of disease present and the best treatment.

It is also worth noting that chronic dental pain and discomfort are obvious signs of a problem. Over-the-counter drugs may provide some temporary relief. These medications usually only mask the existence of a problem and should be taken on a temporary basis.

It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if your gums begin to bleed.

15. Why do my teeth darken?

A. Many factors work to destroy the naturally white smile we are born with. Tobacco, certain foods we eat, and certain drinks actually stain teeth. These substances continually work on our teeth causing our white smile to gradually fade.

Hot coffee and tea are especially hazardous to your smile because they change the temperature of your teeth. This temperature change—hot and cold cycling—causes the teeth to expand and contract allowing stains to penetrate the teeth. Cutting down on coffee and tea can go a long way to creating a great smile.

Foods that are slightly acidic are also dangerous to your white smile. These foods open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to move more easily into the tooth.

Your dentist can help you with more tips on keeping a white smile.

16. Can I prevent cavities?

A. You can certainly minimize the number of cavities you get. Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria which destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque.

Floss at least once a day. It is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.

Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and clean your teeth afterwards.

If you can not brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water—which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing stimulates the flow of saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance.

Do not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way towards a no-cavity visit.

17. Why should I floss?

A. You should floss to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. This bacteria lives in plaque which can be removed by flossing.

Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria your toothbrush can't get to. That's the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. Brushing without flossing is like washing only half your face. The other half remains dirty.

If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only your dentist can remove tartar.

Ask your dentist to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at your next cleaning appointment.

18. Why should I use a mouth guard?

A. A mouth guard can prevent injuries to your face and teeth. Most people benefit from wearing a mouth guard when playing any sport. You should wear one whether you are playing professionally or just on weekends. Do what you can to preserve your smile and your health.

The best mouth guards are custom-fitted by your dentist. This is especially important if you wear braces or fixed bridgework. Commercial, ready-made mouth guards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are relatively inexpensive but they are also less effective. In either case, rinse your mouth guard with water or mouthwash after each use. With proper care, it should last for several months.

Ask your dentist which kind of mouth guard you should use.

19. Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

(Crisis treatment vs. preventive treatment)
Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they have a problem. We call this "crisis treatment" as opposed to "preventive treatment". While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems do not have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. A simple example is tooth decay. We often hear, "Nothing hurts...I don't have any problems". But tooth decay does not hurt! Until, that is, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth, when root canal treatment followed by a post, buildup, and crown are often necessary, instead of the filling which could have been placed several years ago when the cavity was just beginning to form. Your dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity and who has never felt a thing!

This is why regular checkups are important- so why not schedule yours today?

20.I have diabetes why is my dentist concerned?

Research today suggests a link between gum disease and diabetes. Research has established that people with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. If blood glucose levels are poorly controlled you may be more likely to develop gum disease and could potentially lose teeth. Like all infections, gum disease can be a factor in causing blood sugar to risk and make diabetes harder to control. Be sure to see your Dentist regularly for check-ups and follow home care recommendations. If you notice other conditions such as dry mouth or bleeding gums be sure to talk with your dentist, and don't forget to mention any changes in medications.

21.I just found out I am pregnant , how can this affect my mouth?

About half of women who are pregnant experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This condition can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. Conversely, a more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease (a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth) may affect the health of your baby.

Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies. In fact, pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that's born too early and too small. The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

22.Why do I have to take antibiotics before my dental appointment?

There are certain conditions that require pre-medication with an antibiotic prior to dental treatment to prevent adverse affects and infection that can be caused by bacteria that enter the blood stream during certain treatment. You will want to consult with your Dentist about this prior to treatment.

23.I am undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation for cancer treatment, how can this affect my mouth?

Chemotherapy and Radiation can cause a number of problems in the mouth some of which might include: mouth sores, infections, dry mouth, bleeding of the gums and lining of the mouth and general soreness and pain of the mouth. It can be harder to control these things while undergoing treatment as the immune system is generally compromised as a result of the treatment. There are some special mouth rinses that can be prescribed to help with discomfort during treatment. It is very important to see your Dentist before treatment begins and then to continue with recommended follow-up care. These treatments can cause dry mouth, and recommendations might be made for additional care both in office and at home.

24.I have a full denture is it necessary for me to still see my dentist?

Visits to the Dentist include more than just "checking teeth". While those patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay, they may have concerns with ill fitting appliances or mouth sores to name a few. Annual visits to the Dentist (or sooner if soreness is present) is recommended. During these visits an oral cancer screening and head and neck exam will be performed as well as an evaluation of the fit or need for replacement of the existing appliances. Regular visits can help you to avoid more complicated problems down the road even with a denture.

25.Why do I need dental radiographs (x-rays)?

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:

small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings);
infections in the bone;
periodontal (gum) disease;
abscesses or cysts;
developmental abnormalities;
some types of tumors.

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. Dental radiographs can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, radiographs may even help save your life. Your Dentist will evaluate your need for radiographs based on the conditions present in your mouth. The schedule for radiographs can vary with age, risk for disease or for evaluation of growth and development. There are many benefits to having dental radiographs taken, any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your Dentist.