The ADA has endorsed fluoride as a cavity preventer for years. It works by creating a harder enamel, more resistant to the harmful effects of the acid released by the bacteria known to cause cavities. Research has also indicated that fluoride is somehow involved in the process of inhibiting the bacteria itself.

While not all patients need their wisdom teeth out, our dentists may recommend it to you. This is specific to each patient, but a few reasons we may recommend removal of your wisdom teeth may include: lack of room for them to erupt straight, cavities on them due to inability to keep clean, increased plaque accumulation on them or pain noted by the patient in the area.

Sealants are preventive “coverings” for your teeth that have deeper grooves on the chewing surfaces. It is a non-invasive process where your hygienist places a resin material on the grooves, smoothing them out, to prevent food and bacteria from getting caught in the areas. They are usually recommended for your 6 year and 12 year molars, but may be recommended on other teeth as well.

There are few instances in which implants are used. One is to restore a single space, and another is to help stabilize dentures. An implant as a single tooth replacement option has many benefits. It is essentially a “screw” placed in the bone, on to which a crown is fitted to replace a space where a tooth is missing. It essentially acts like a natural tooth, and allows the patient to function normally while easily keeping the area clean. In the denture stabilization method, a number of implants are placed in the bone and a denture is custom fitted to attach to these implants. It helps to keep the dentures in place, and offers a patient more function and security.

Our dentists at Family Dental Center recommend any ADA endorsed toothpaste that contains fluoride. There are a variety of flavors and “specialty” toothpastes that help certain problem areas. At your dental visit, your dentist can recommend a specific product based on your dental exam.

An electric toothbrush is a great option for a toothbrush because often, they have timers to help the patients brush for the recommended 2 minutes. Also, the vibrations have been shown to remove more plaque and food than manual toothbrushes.

It is recommended that children stop using their pacifier no later than age 3. If the habit continues, they can develop crooked teeth and/or bite problems.

One possible reason children may grind their teeth may be due to the unstable bite that is present with baby teeth. As children grow, baby teeth are lost and adult teeth come in. These changes occur over a number of years, and during that time, children may grind. Once the bite stabilizes with adult teeth, often times, children stop grinding their teeth.

No, as long as you use the recommended products as directed, and under the guidance of your dentist. The active ingredients in the tooth whitening gels prescribed by dentists are either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, and have been shown to be completely safe for your teeth and gums.

Veneers are minimally invasive restorations often used to cover discolored teeth or to straighten minor imperfections. The dentist removes a small amount of enamel on the front of the tooth, and a veneer is fabricated and cemented where the enamel was removed.

It is recommended that patient’s floss at least once a day. Research has shown that it takes 24 hours for the demineralization process to start. So, to help reduce the amount of bacteria and food between the teeth, it is best to floss at least once a day.

It is recommended by the ADA to replace your toothbrush every 3 months.

Children normally get their first tooth around 6 months old.