When visting your dental office, the dentist or hygienist routinely ask you questions about your oral health and home care. These visits are also a perfect time for YOU to ask questions about your dental care needs.
▶ Does my home water filter remove fluoride from the water?
There are many different types of home water treatment systems, and unfortunately there has not been a large amount of research regarding their effects on fluoridated water. The more heavy the filter has shown that it is more likely that fluoride is being filter out. The fluoride concentration depends mainly on the type and quality of the filter, as well as its age.
▶ Does bottled water contain fluoride?
Fluoride is the single most effective means to prevent dental cavities in both children and adults. We can get fluoride from many sources, including foods and beverages, professional fluoride applications at the dentist, toothpaste, and drinking water. The fluoride content in bottled water or beverages mirror the level of fluoride in the water at the place of manufacture and can range from 0.01 ppm to over 5 ppm. Since the FDA has not defined a nutrient content claim for fluoride, bottled water manufactures are not required to list fluoride content on their labels. It is only listed if fluoride is added during processing.
▶ Do bleaching products really work?
Yes, they do. Consult with your dentist first, because the procedure isn't always as simple as many people believe. Tooth color is influenced by many factors, including previous trauma, certain medications, drinking tea and coffee, smoking, and the natural aging process. Not all teeth respond equally to bleaching. Your dentist can help determine is you are a good candidate for bleaching.
▶ What is a good toothpaste? Do I need fluoride, baking soda, and whiteners?
A good toothpaste is one that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the package. This seal signifies that the manufacturer has provided scientific evidence that the product does what it claims to do. The most important ingredient in a toothpaste is fluoride to help prevent dental cavities. Over 95% of the toothpastes sold in the U.S. contain an ADA-accepted fluoride formulation.
Baking soda over the years has been known for removing staining that can become present on the surfaces of the teeth. Baking soda in moderate use can help with breaking down the stain and as long as it is not over used will not damage the enamel.
Toothpastes that whiten teeth work by chemically and mechanically removing surface stains. The “whitening” agents are special abrasives, detergents, or enzymes. These products are safe and appear to be fairly good at removing surface stains. However, they will not change the overall color of teeth.
▶ Are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes?
Both manual and power toothbrushes are effective, but studies have shown that electric and sonic toothbrushes, if used properly, can perform better than manual toothbrushes. The key is to use the toothbrush that best meets your needs. For example, people who suffer with arthritis or limited dexterity may find an electric toothbrush especially helpful.
▶ How often should I brush my teeth? What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Regular brushing is vital in maintaining good oral health. It is recommended to brush after every meal to eliminate the possibility of cavities. Carbohydrates in foods and drinks feed the bacteria in the mouth, and these bacteria produce acids that can lead to dental cavities and gum disease. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste after every meal can help reduce acid production and chances of developing dental cavities. The minimum for all patients, we advise brushing at least twice a day, especially before bedtime, since the saliva flow decreases during sleep, and any remaining food particles provide a great environment for those oral bacteria to thrive.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a toothbrush. Be sure to use a toothbrush with round, soft nylon bristles. Toothbrushes with medium to hard bristles can be abrasive enough to damage the enamel. As far as bristle configuration, research suggests no one particular configuration is better than another for removing plaque and food particles from teeth.
▶ What type of dental floss should I use- waxed or unwaxed?
Research comparing waxed and unwaxed floss revealed thst it really doesn't matter which type is used; rather, it's using the proper flossing technique that makes the difference. Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles from a place not reached by a toothbrush. So, use either waxed or unwaxed floss, but be meticulous with your flossing technique, and floss at least once a day.
▶ How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Research has shown that regular professional cleanings may reduce the risk of dental cavities and gum disease. Most people should have their teeth cleaned once or twice a year. Some dental conditions may require more frequent monitoring and some may require less. How often you should go to the dentist depends on your personal dental health needs and should be discussed with your dentist.
▶ Does my home water filter remove fluoride from the water?
There are many different types of home water treatment systems, and unfortunately there has not been a large amount of research regarding their effects on fluoridated water. The more heavy the filter has shown that it is more likely that fluoride is being filter out. The fluoride concentration depends mainly on the type and quality of the filter, as well as its age.
▶ Does bottled water contain fluoride?
Fluoride is the single most effective means to prevent dental cavities in both children and adults. We can get fluoride from many sources, including foods and beverages, professional fluoride applications at the dentist, toothpaste, and drinking water. The fluoride content in bottled water or beverages mirror the level of fluoride in the water at the place of manufacture and can range from 0.01 ppm to over 5 ppm. Since the FDA has not defined a nutrient content claim for fluoride, bottled water manufactures are not required to list fluoride content on their labels. It is only listed if fluoride is added during processing.
▶ Do bleaching products really work?
Yes, they do. Consult with your dentist first, because the procedure isn't always as simple as many people believe. Tooth color is influenced by many factors, including previous trauma, certain medications, drinking tea and coffee, smoking, and the natural aging process. Not all teeth respond equally to bleaching. Your dentist can help determine is you are a good candidate for bleaching.
▶ What is a good toothpaste? Do I need fluoride, baking soda, and whiteners?
A good toothpaste is one that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the package. This seal signifies that the manufacturer has provided scientific evidence that the product does what it claims to do. The most important ingredient in a toothpaste is fluoride to help prevent dental cavities. Over 95% of the toothpastes sold in the U.S. contain an ADA-accepted fluoride formulation.
Baking soda over the years has been known for removing staining that can become present on the surfaces of the teeth. Baking soda in moderate use can help with breaking down the stain and as long as it is not over used will not damage the enamel.
Toothpastes that whiten teeth work by chemically and mechanically removing surface stains. The “whitening” agents are special abrasives, detergents, or enzymes. These products are safe and appear to be fairly good at removing surface stains. However, they will not change the overall color of teeth.
▶ Are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes?
Both manual and power toothbrushes are effective, but studies have shown that electric and sonic toothbrushes, if used properly, can perform better than manual toothbrushes. The key is to use the toothbrush that best meets your needs. For example, people who suffer with arthritis or limited dexterity may find an electric toothbrush especially helpful.
▶ How often should I brush my teeth? What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Regular brushing is vital in maintaining good oral health. It is recommended to brush after every meal to eliminate the possibility of cavities. Carbohydrates in foods and drinks feed the bacteria in the mouth, and these bacteria produce acids that can lead to dental cavities and gum disease. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste after every meal can help reduce acid production and chances of developing dental cavities. The minimum for all patients, we advise brushing at least twice a day, especially before bedtime, since the saliva flow decreases during sleep, and any remaining food particles provide a great environment for those oral bacteria to thrive.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a toothbrush. Be sure to use a toothbrush with round, soft nylon bristles. Toothbrushes with medium to hard bristles can be abrasive enough to damage the enamel. As far as bristle configuration, research suggests no one particular configuration is better than another for removing plaque and food particles from teeth.
▶ What type of dental floss should I use- waxed or unwaxed?
Research comparing waxed and unwaxed floss revealed thst it really doesn't matter which type is used; rather, it's using the proper flossing technique that makes the difference. Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles from a place not reached by a toothbrush. So, use either waxed or unwaxed floss, but be meticulous with your flossing technique, and floss at least once a day.
▶ How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Research has shown that regular professional cleanings may reduce the risk of dental cavities and gum disease. Most people should have their teeth cleaned once or twice a year. Some dental conditions may require more frequent monitoring and some may require less. How often you should go to the dentist depends on your personal dental health needs and should be discussed with your dentist.
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