General Dentistry FAQ

Canker sores are often confused with cold sores. An easy way to distinguish between the two is to remember that canker sores occur inside the mouth, and cold sores usually occur outside the mouth.
A canker sore is a small ulcer with a white or grey base and red border. There can be one or a number of sores in the mouth. Canker sores are very common and often recur.A cold sore, which is also called fever blister or herpes simplex, is composed of groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips and sometime under the nose or under the chin. Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus type I and are very contagious.
Canker sores usually heal in about a week or two. Rinsing with warm salt and water may help reduce the irritation. Over-the-counter topical anaesthetics can also provide relief.
Cold sores usually heal in about a week. Over-the-counter topical anaesthetics can provide temporary relief and prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections.

How often dental X-rays should be taken depends on the patient's individual health needs. Your dentist will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether you need radiographs and what type. If you are a new patient, the dentist may recommend radiographs to determine the present status of the hidden areas of your mouth and help complete a through examination.
The schedule for needing radiographs at recall visits varies according to your age, risk for disease, signs and symptoms. Recent x-rays may be needed to detect new cavities, or to determine the status of gum disease or for evaluation of growth and development in children. Children often need X-rays more often than adults. This is because their teeth and jaws are still developing and because their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than those of adults.

When X-rays pass through your mouth during a dental exam, more X-rays are absorbed by the teeth and bone than by the cheeks and gums before striking the film. This creates an image on the x-ray. Teeth appear lighter because fewer X-rays penetrated to reach the film. Cavities and gum disease appear darker because they allow more X-ray penetration. The interpretation of these X-rays allows the dentist to accurately detect hidden abnormalities.

You can help prevent cavities by following these tips:
• Brush two to three times a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking. If unable to brush after a meal chewing gum or eating cheese will help protect your teeth
• Check with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.
Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and oral examination.

Cavities are a destruction of the tooth enamel. They occur when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. This process is also called "tooth decay."

Any mouth sore that persists for more than a week should be examined by your dentist. Leukoplakia is a thick, whitish-color patch that forms on the cheeks, gums or tongue and is caused by excess cell growth. It is common among tobacco users and can also result from irritations such as ill-filling dentures or a habit of chewing on one's cheek. The danger of leukoplakia is that it can progress to cancer. Your dentist may want to take a biopsy if the leukoplakia appears to be threatening.

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become worn, splayed or tattered. A hard, brittle brush can injure your gums and cause undo wear on the enamel of your teeth. Children's brushes may need to be replaced more often, as they can wear them out more rapidly.

Yes. Choosing the right toothbrush can help prevent damage to your teeth and gums. Use a size and shape that feels comfortable and allows you to reach the surfaces of every tooth. Replace your brush if the bristles become worn or tattered. Ask your dentist what type he\she recommends. There are several different types available, including electric toothbrushes.

Thoroughly brushing twice a day, and cleaning between the teeth daily with floss to remove plaque. Keep these tips in mind when brushing your teeth.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and use a gentle tooth-wide, back-and-forth motion.
• Remember to clean the inside teeth surfaces where plaque deposits are heavy, and clean the back teeth and tongue.
• Replace your brush when the bristles become tattered or worn about every three to four months.

Yes. Even though teeth are protected by a hard layer of enamel, they can become worn out from improperly brushing your teeth. Toothbrush abrasion can occur on all surfaces of the teeth as well as in the softer cementum that covers the tooth roots, which can be exposed by receding gums. These exposed surfaces can become more prone to decay. When you brush, be sure to use gentle, short strokes

Floss removes plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line, areas where the toothbrush can't reach. If you haven't been in the habit, it's never too late to start.
When flossing, keep in mind these tips.
• Gently ease the floss between the teeth and gum line, never snap it.
• Form a "c" against the sides of both teeth and gently rub the floss up and down the tooth, moving it from under the gum line to the top of the tooth.
• Establish a regular pattern of flossing and remember to floss the backside of the last teeth.

Periodontal (gum) disease affects three out of four adults at some time in their lives. It doesn't necessarily hurt and you may not even be aware that you have it until an advanced stage. If you notice any of these warning signs, see your dentist:
• Gums that bleed when brushing
• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• A change in the fit of partial dentures
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step is to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line. The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment. This may require several visits to the hygienist to complete a through cleaning.
Antibiotics may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that cause periodontitis. A special mouth rinse may be recommended that will help eliminate the growth of bacteria as well.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums (4 to 6 mm or greater) are present, it is difficult for the dentist to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. As a result of these factors surgery may be needed to reduce the depth of those pockets. This often can help to restore periodontal health.
Using a variety of surgical techniques, the gum are lifted away to reach areas that require the removal of tartar and plaque, which cause chronic infection and delay healing. The tooth root is cleaned and smoothed to allow gum tissue to reattach itself. The gums are sutured back into place or into a new position that will be easier to keep clean at home.
Bone surgery may be used to rebuild or reshape bone that has been destroyed. Grafts of the patient's bone or artificial bone may be used, as well as the use of membranes. The dentist may use splints or other appliances to stabilize loose teeth and to guide the regeneration of tissue during healing.