Why is it important to have regular teeth cleaning?
Did you know "teeth cleaning" does more than just clean your teeth?
Removing plaque is absolutely essential if you want to preserve your
teeth. It builds up on the tooth surfaces and between the teeth.
Brushing and flossing are, of course, vital, but everyone needs their
teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Remember – only a
dental hygienist can completely clean your teeth.
Does the doctor check for oral cancer?
Yes, we do. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of defense in
detecting and treating oral cancer. Each year in the US, approximately
30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer. Worldwide, the
problem is far greater, with new cases annually approaching 300,000. In
the US alone, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If
you add the sub category of laryngeal cancers, the rates of occurrence
(about 10,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly
higher. However, the good news is, when found early, oral cancers have
an 80 to 90% cure rate.
Is fluoride bad for you?
Fluoride is fine... in small amounts. Excessive fluoride can cause
tooth enamel irregularities. Young children, especially, often swallow
too much toothpaste while brushing. So parents, supervise your young
kids while they brush. Kids (and even adults) often use way too much
toothpaste (a pea-size drop is plenty). A little goes a long way.
My 12-year-old likes to chew ice. Is this harmful?
Tooth enamel is very hard, but that doesn't mean you can't break it.
Try to avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells
with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can
also damage the enamel.
Why are soft drinks bad for your teeth?
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking
about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy. Because of
the acid content, soft drinks seem to be the worst of the worst. These
soften the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents,
watch your kid's consumption of these, because young children's enamel
hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for
kids. As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their
consumption), use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after meals. Also,
rinse your mouth with a high-quality dental mouthwash.
I think I grind my teeth at night. What can I do about this?
Do you wake up with pain in your jaws or a persistent headache? If so,
you may be grinding (called bruxing) while you sleep. Persistent bruxing
can damage teeth and cause them to get shorter and shorter. It can also
damage your temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even affect your
hearing. If you suspect that you are a bruxer, call us today. Dr. Desai
may recommend a night guard or other oral appliance.
This is just a sampling of often-asked questions. Have one of your own? Don't hesitate to give us a call at (614) 771-6060 so we can assist you.