Dental Care Tips
We hope you'll find answers to your questions about dental health here. Keeping patients informed is important to us. We also encourage you to bring your questions or concerns to your next dental appointment, so we can answer them in person.
For comprehensive information about dental health, visit the American Dental Association.
Chronic bad breath: What's the solution?
Daily flossing? It's easier than ever.
Hard facts about soft drinks.
How can I whiten my teeth?
Knocked out tooth! What to do?
My gums bleed. Do I have periodontal disease?
Oral cancer screening: the earlier, the better.
Preventing decay of your baby's first teeth
Should I use an electric toothbrush?
Should my child use an athletic mouth guard? Should
I?
Chronic bad breath: What's the solution?
Brush twice a day, paying special attention to the tongue. Floss once a day. Mouthwashes provide only a short-term fix. Track the foods you eat and the medicines you take. Chronic bad breath can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Visit your Park Dental doctor for a comprehensive exam.
Daily flossing? It's easier than ever.
Admit it. You brush regularly, but flossing every day is, well, a hassle. The American Dental Association recommends daily flossing to eliminate the plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Weekly, monthly, or annual flossing simply doesn't protect your teeth. And daily brushing alone can't remove decay-causing bacteria between the teeth and under the gum line. The good news is that now there are a number of effective tools that make daily flossing less of a chore. Ask your Park Dental doctor about these innovative — and often inexpensive — flossing tools.
Hard facts about soft drinks.
Sure they taste great. But every sip of soda takes a dangerous toll on your teeth. The sugar in soft drinks combines with the natural bacteria in your mouth to form acid. And acid erodes the tooth enamel that protects against cavities. Soft drinks (even the sugar-free varieties) also contain additional acids that are bad for your teeth. To protect your dental health, enjoy soft drinks in moderation, use a straw when possible, or, better yet, choose water when you need to quench your thirst.
How can I whiten my teeth?
Speak to your Park Dental doctor. There are several ways to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, including whitening toothpastes, at-home whitening, in-office whitening, bonding, and porcelain veneers. The best, most cost-effective approach depends on your teeth. For example, whitening may not brighten your smile if you have tooth-colored fillings in your front teeth.
Knocked out tooth! What to do?
First, find the tooth. If it's dirty, hold it by the crown (not the root) and rinse it in water. Don't scrub or remove tissue fragments! Then, if possible, gently insert the tooth back in its socket. That's right. Put the tooth back where it belongs. If that isn't possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk. Call the nearest Park Dental practice as soon as possible. On-call doctors are available after hours to help. Don't forget take the tooth with you.
My gums bleed. Do I have periodontal disease?
You should speak with your Park Dental doctor about bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.
Other symptoms of periodontal disease may include tender, red, or swollen gums. Gums that have pulled away from your teeth. Frequent bad breath. Loose teeth. If you have any of these symptoms, call your Park Dental doctor today.
Oral cancer screening: the earlier, the better.
Screening is the key to effective oral cancer detection and treatment. Oral cancer often begins as a barely noticeable red or white sore in or around the mouth. Patients may experience little or no pain. Regular check-ups that include oral cancer screening help your Park Dental doctor identify pre-cancerous conditions — and more successfully treat oral cancer if it's discovered. Ask your Park Dental doctor for more information about oral cancer risks, symptoms, and treatments.
Preventing decay of your baby's first teeth
Wipe your baby's gums with a clean gauze pad after feeding. Once the teeth appear, brush them. Do not allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids. Do not give your baby a pacifier coated with juice. And never fill your baby's bottle with sugar water or soft drinks.
Should I use an electric toothbrush?
It's certainly not a requirement, but many patients like the features of electric toothbrushes. And many dentists believe electric toothbrushes remove plaque more effectively in hard-to-reach areas than manual toothbrushes. If you need motivation to brush effectively, the built-in timers on electric toothbrushes just might keep you brushing for the recommended period of time. Before you buy, be sure to evaluate ease of use, battery life, and the cost of replacement brushes. And remember, electric toothbrushes cannot replace daily flossing. Ask your Park Dental doctor to discuss the benefits of electric toothbrushes with you.
Should my child use an athletic mouth guard? Should I?
Yes. Participating in sports is fun. Losing teeth on the playing field, court, or gym floor is not. Because they cover the upper teeth and provide cushion against blows to the lower face, athletic mouth guards reduce the risk of broken teeth and damaged gum tissue. Mouth guards are even more important for athletes who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. Your Park Dental doctor can help you choose the athletic mouth guard that's right for you.