Dental Discussion & FAQs

Why is oral health so important?

Poor oral health causes a bacteria build up in the mouth, which leads to cavities, bone loss, and oral infections. But what most people do not realize is that everything in the body is connected. Bacteria in the mouth can affect other parts of the body. Therefore, in order to have good overall health, you must have good oral health. Below are just a few examples of how oral health is correlated to systemic health:

  • The bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream or be aspirated into the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and pulmonary disease.

  • The bacteria in the mouth can also travel to the heart via the bloodstream, causing the arteries to build up plaque and harden. This is called atherosclerosis, which can lead to hypertension, heart attacks, a stroke, and other infections.

  • Periodontal disease makes glycemic control in diabetics more difficult, which can increase the rate of general infection.

What’s the proper way to brush my teeth?

  • Tilt toothbrush 45 degrees toward the gum line.

  • In the front of the tooth brush in a circular motion, the back of the tooth in a vertical motion, and the tops of the teeth in a horizontal motion.

  • Do not brush with much force. Force does not do a better job cleaning and can actually lead to gum recession and tooth sensitivity.

  • Brush for a full 2 minutes: 30 seconds for each quadrant of the mouth.

  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

  • Repeat 2x daily.

People talk a lot about dental implants. What exactly are they?

Dental implants are very common since they’re the optimal treatment for replacing missing teeth. The implant is a metal screw that’s placed in the jawbone, serving as an anchor for a crown, bridge, or denture. The success rate of implants is very high (about 95%), and provides the best in functionality, look, and support.

It is also very important to maintain good oral hygiene as poor hygiene can affect the health of the bone around the implant. Any grinding habits can negatively affect the implant, and we recommended a night guard to give the implant longevity.

How does tooth whitening work?

Teeth are like sponges and therefore stain very easily. Whitening is a good treatment to restore and brighten tooth color to improve one’s smile. It is important to note that not all teeth whiten the same. The teeth absorb the whitening solution and remove stains from pores. Sensitivity is a very common side effect due to dehydration. Crowns, veneers, and fillings cannot whiten. Not all teeth are equal, so if you have questions about whitening, please give us a call. 

Are dental x-rays safe?

Yes. Dental x-rays are extremely safe and produce very minimal radiation. In fact, you’re exposed to more radiation when going outside. Dental x-rays are critical for diagnosing the health of teeth, bone, and infections, as some oral conditions can only be detected via x-rays and not the naked eye. To minimize exposure, a lead apron will be placed over the chest and thyroid of the patient.