How often should I visit the dentist for general checkups?
This kind of varies. We have the baseline of usually seeing a patient twice a year, and that's when it's a happy, healthy patient. The mouth is healthy, normal cleanings, not a lot of breakdown going on. Here at Salvatore Dental, the first visit is very comprehensive. We do a full series of x-rays, tiny little x-rays that go in your mouth so we can see each one of the teeth from all different angles in HD. We look at the bone, gum, hard tissue, and check for any breakdown or decay. We also have the option here of doing a 3D or CVCT x-ray, called a cone beam x-ray. It creates a 3D model of your head, allowing us to detect things we couldn't see in the past. Not many dentists have this technology, but it's great for diagnostics. So, the frequency for normal healthy patients is usually twice a year. At our first visit with a comprehensive exam, we'll determine the exact treatment plan you need and assess your overall health. In other cases, if there are problems with your gum tissue, we see some patients every three months, so maybe four times a year. It honestly varies patient to patient and depends on how well they're doing at home. Some patients start with a three-month interval and graduate up to six months, but ideally, we like to see our patients at least twice a year.
What are the benefits of fluoride treatments?
The good news is that fluoride is definitely great for your teeth. Here in the office, we do a fluoride varnish, which we paint on your teeth. It's very isolated to just your teeth, so it doesn't go through your whole system. Fluoride deters tooth breakdown and can remineralize areas, taking calcium and phosphate in your mouth and starting to rebuild and strengthen them. It's a preventative measure we love for younger kids, who may not always brush or floss properly and eat sticky candy. It's also amazing for older patients on medications that cause dry mouth, which can lead to rapid cavity breakdown. Fluoride varnishes help these patients. It's beneficial for those prone to cavities, too.
How can I protect my teeth from decay?
Protecting our teeth from decay involves two main strategies. One is our patients doing their diligence at home—brushing twice a day for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste, and ideally an electric toothbrush. Proper brushing covers about 60% of the tooth area, and flossing is needed for the other 40%. Flossing removes plaque and breakdown from between the teeth. Rinsing with mouthwash kills bad bacteria, and a water pick can be a good alternative for those with bridge work or dental work. Partnering with a good dentist is also crucial. At Salvatore Dental, we see patients regularly for a more in-depth cleaning. Even with diligent home care, some buildup can't be removed with brushing or flossing. We use an ultrasonic device to break off debris or calculus and finish with polishing. Combining home care with professional dental care is essential for preventing decay.
What kind of foods or drinks should we stay away from to prevent tooth decay?
We should stay away from sugary and sticky things, as sugar feeds bad bacteria in our mouth, producing acid that causes cavities. Acidic foods and drinks like coffee and soda also lead to breakdown. If consuming these, rinse with water afterward to prevent them from sitting on your teeth. The frequency of consumption matters, too. Eating desserts once is better than throughout the day. Sipping on sugary drinks all day is harmful. Be aware of what foods to avoid or rinse afterward.
Why do I need dental x-rays, and are they safe?
Dental x-rays sound scary but are actually safe, especially with digital technology. One dental x-ray is equivalent to being outside in the sun for 20 minutes. Dental x-rays help us find things before they become big problems. If it hurts, it's near the nerve and more serious treatment might be needed. X-rays ensure we offer the correct preventative care and early diagnosis. At Salvatore Dental, we've diagnosed patients with oral cancer early, allowing for timely treatment.
How often should we get dental x-rays?
At Salvatore Dental, the first visit includes a comprehensive exam and full mouth series of 18 x-rays. Depending on the procedure, we take checkup x-rays afterward. Every year, we do a series of four checkup x-rays called bite wings. Every five years, we repeat the full series to monitor all teeth from different angles.
What causes gum disease, and how can I prevent it?
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is caused by various factors, including genetics, lack of home care, medications, and diet. It's asymptomatic, but signs include bleeding when brushing, malodor, or bad breath. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where bone is inflamed, leading to tooth loss. Preventing it involves diligent brushing and flossing and regular dental visits for evaluation and care.