Question & Answer

Our Question and Answer Section below is some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you or your family have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to call or visit one of our convenient locations. We are here to help you and we are always accepting new patients.

What may cause bad breath?

  • Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
  • Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
  • Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
  • Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
  • Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – may hold particles of food in your mouth that are hard to remove with brushing that can cause foul odors.
  • Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
  • Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
  • Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
  • Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
  • Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver, and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

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 the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, leave them out overnight, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
  • See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
  • Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
  • Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
  • Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

How often should I brush and floss?

Tooth Brushing:

You should brush your teeth at least two times a day with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. The most important times to brush are before going to bed and upon waking up in the morning. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you have questions about the quality of your toothbrush or how to properly brush your teeth, please talk with your dentist or dental hygienist about finding the right one for you at your next visit.

To improve your brushing technique immediately follow these simple tips until you can see your dentist.

  • Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently, using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  • Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  • Use the tip of the brush head to clean the tongue side of your front teeth.
  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also highly recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth, turn on, and allow the brush to do its job.  Slowly move the brush over each surface of every tooth.  All of our offices have electric toothbrushes and other dental care aids available, ask your office if you are interested in learning more about these items.

Flossing:

Flossing is the process of using a thread-like material to clean between the contact areas of teeth. You should floss daily because it is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

To improve your flossing technique immediately follow these simple tips until you can see your dentist.

  • Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between your hands.
  • Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
  • Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss. All of our offices have floss holders and other dental aids available, ask your office if you are interested in learning more about these items.

Rinsing:

Contrary to popular belief it is NOT necessary to rinse your mouth after you brush. In fact, if you don’t rinse you will continue to get the benefit of your fluoridated toothpaste for even longer. If you are using an over-the-counter mouthwash for rinsing, it is a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you. And finally, if you are unable to brush after meals it’s best to rinse your mouth with water to help reduce plaque buildup and return your mouth to a neutral pH.

We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after your breakfast and then again before bed. Brushing after breakfast removes the night time plaque build up and the food debris from your first meal giving you a fresh start to the day. At night, right before bed, brush and floss your teeth again to remove all the days’ food from your teeth. This prevents cavities and tartar buildup because as your saliva flow slows during the night it is less likely that your spit will naturally wash away the particles in your mouth.

How can I tell if I have periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial condition that damages and destroys the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. Untreated periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Except in its earliest stages (gingivitis), periodontal disease cannot be completely cured. It can only be controlled and managed. Current research shows some alarming new information about the effects of periodontal disease. Many studies, including several published in the Journal of Periodontology, confirm that people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk for other serious illnesses. That is because infected gums release significantly higher levels of bacteria into the bloodstream which then spread to other organs in the body. There are many stages of periodontal diseases and it is important to discuss your individual situation with your doctor.  There are many stages of periodontal diseases and it is important to discuss your individual situation with your doctor.

Periodontal bacteria may contribute to: Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and pre-term, and low birth weight babies.

Contributing risk factors include but are not limited to: age, smoking, stress, poor dental care, diabetes, genetics, hormonal changes, medications, other systemic diseases, poor nutrition, uneven bite forces, clenching, and grinding teeth.

How can cosmetic dentistry help improve the appearance of my smile?

Cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer if you are feeling self-conscious about your smile, a single tooth, or wish to improve your entire smile. We can help give you that confident and beautiful smile. Family 1st Dental enjoys helping you achieve a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile!

There are many options available to give you the smile you have always wanted; from restoring one tooth to a complete smile makeover. Call or stop by one of our convenient locations to find out how you can enhance your smile and improve your health through cosmetic dentistry.

What are veneers?

Veneers are a thin, custom-made shell of tooth-colored resin, ceramic, or porcelain that are bonded directly to the front side of natural teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can be used to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth, or change color and/or shape. Like other dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may need to be replaced in the future, but are very durable and will last you many years. Many people choose veneers for cosmetic reasons to have uniform white teeth. They are also used in cases of crooked, misshapen, discolored, or stained teeth, or for those that are too small or large with unwanted or uneven spaces or to cover worn or chipped teeth.

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