General Dental Care Information
How often should I visit the dentist for checks?
The average patient should visit the dentist at least every six months. Depending on the patient, we may see you more often. It's either every six months, or it could be four months or even every three months, depending on the patient.
What are the benefits for treatments?
We get asked a lot about the benefits of fluoride treatment. What I usually tell my patients is that fluoride is like vitamins for your teeth. It helps prevent cavities, keeps your enamel hard, remineralizes your enamel, and also helps with sensitivity. We recommend fluoride treatments.
How can I protect my teeth from decay?
People can protect their teeth from decay by brushing regularly. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, and also flossing at least once every 24 hours. You don't necessarily have to use a piece of string; you can use picks or other tools. We want you cleaning in between your teeth once a day and brushing twice a day to prevent cavities.
Why do I need dental X-rays and are they safe?
Dental X-rays are very important. They allow us to see things that we can't see by just looking in your mouth. They allow us to see in between your teeth, which is crucial because if people aren't flossing, that's where they often get decay. Digital X-rays are very safe. They have very low radiation because they focus on one specific point. There's no scatter radiation, so it doesn't affect other parts of your body. They just focus on what we're looking at, like specific teeth and areas of the mouth.
We do X-rays once a year unless there's something going on or something is bothering you, in which case we will take them when necessary.
What causes gum disease and how can I?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria. Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease. When bacteria sits in an area for too long, it can cause inflammation in the gums, resulting in bleeding. This can further lead to periodontal disease, which is bone loss. We have our patients come in regularly to prevent that, and we do that by brushing, flossing, and attending routine cleanings.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (209) 474-8888 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.