We welcome your inquiries about how to keep your mouth healthy. Here are some of the most common questions that we get.
How often do I need to brush/floss?
Most dental professionals recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal (and flossing at least once a day) is also a good way to maintain dental health.
How often do I need to visit the dentist?
This may vary for each individual, but you should visit once or twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
What can I expect on my first visit?
On the first visit, you can expect a new patient interview, exam and oral cancer screening, any necessary x-rays and discussion of a treatment plan. You may also expect a cleaning.
What information do I need about my medical history?
It is very important that you list any medical conditions, medications and allergy to any medicine when filling out the medical history form for your dental visit.
When should a child have his/her first dental appointment?
A child should have his first dental appointment no later than his third birthday. Many dentists recommend a child have his first appointment when his first tooth comes in.
When is a good time to remove my wisdom teeth? Is it always necessary to remove all my wisdom teeth?
It is generally recommended that wisdom teeth be removed between the ages of 18 and 25, but this is not always the case. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Your dentist can determine this after an examination.
What causes bad breath?
You may occasionally experience bad breath. It can be caused by certain foods, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, tobacco products or a medical disorder. Sometimes a sinus infection, postnasal drip or other respiratory tract infections can cause bad breath. If bad breath persists, your dentist may determine whether it’s caused by a dental condition.
What is the proper way to brush?
Brush your teeth after every meal, recommends General Dentist in Moreno Valley, CA
STEP 1: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean the outer surfaces of each tooth. Angle the brush along the other gumline. Gently brush back and forth. Brush your teeth after every meal, recommends General Dentist in Moreno Valley, CA
STEP 2: Brush in the inside surfaces of each tooth, where plaque may accumulate most. Brush gently back and forth. Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom. Then, brush the chewing surface of each tooth, gently brushing back and forth.
What is the proper way to floss?
Floss your teeth after every day, recommends General Dentist in Moreno Valley, CA
STEP 1: Use about 18″ of floss, leaving an inch or two to work with. Floss your teeth after every day, recommends General Dentist in Moreno Valley, CA
STEP 2: Gently follow the curves of your teeth. Floss your teeth after every day, recommends General Dentist in Moreno Valley, CA
STEP 3: Be sure to clean beneath the gumline, but avoid snapping the floss on the gums.
What should I do about tooth decay and older fillings?
Because decay can lead to serious problems, it’s important to see a dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist or hygienist is trained to spot early signs of decay. Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Receding gums, and an increased rate of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Softer than enamel, tooth roots are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. It’s not uncommon for people over the age of 50 to experience tooth root decay.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
If you’ve ever felt pain in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold food and drinks, you’ve had tooth sensitivity. One out of every four adults has had tooth sensitivity, often coming and going over time. Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain that comes from a wearing away of the tooth’s surface or gums. When gums recede, or pull away from the teeth, they leave the root of the tooth bare. Because these roots are not covered by enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth), thousands of tiny channels leading to the tooth’s nerve are exposed. When heat, cold or pressure touches these channels, you may feel pain. Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other more serious oral health problems. This is especially true if the pain causes you to brush poorly, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
See your General Dentist in Moreno Valley, CA regularly to avoid Tooth Decay.
What causes tooth grinding? Does your jaw feel stiff or do you have difficulty opening your mouth wide? Are your teeth sensitive to cold drinks? Do your jaw muscles feel tired in the morning?
You may be grinding your teeth at night (a medical condition called bruxism) or you may be clenching your teeth, which can be just as harmful. People with nighttime grinding habits may wear away their tooth enamel “ten times faster” than those without “abusive chewing habits.” Eventually, your teeth may be worn down and destroyed. In addition to relieving head, neck, jaw joint and shoulder pains, treating bruxism and clenching is cost effective compared to ignoring the condition and exposing teeth to continued grinding. Without treatment, crowns (caps), bridges, implants and dentures are often needed to repair or replace worn and damaged teeth. Ask your dentist if a nightguard can help to provide temporary relief from grinding, bruxing or clenching.
What is dry mouth?
Some adults develop a condition called dry mouth, which results when there is insufficient saliva. Dry mouth is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamine, antihypertensives, antidepressants, decongestant, painkillers and diuretics. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses. In some cases, a dentist may prescribe a medication that helps produce saliva and may suggest fluoride products to help prevent rapidly advancing tooth decay.
Do you offer tooth-colored fillings? Can they replace my old metal fillings?
The placement of tooth-colored composite fillings is one of the most commonly performed general dentistry procedures at Moreno Valley Dental Care. In addition to filling new cavities, these beautiful restorations can replace old metal fillings that have blackened, fractured, popped out, or that simply take away from the beauty of your smile.
How can I finance my general, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry treatments?
Moreno Valley Dental Care offers an array of financing options that allow patients to spread the cost of their general or cosmetic dentistry over time. We also accept payment by a variety of methods, including payment through dental insurance.
English