FAQ
My 12-year-old likes to chew ice. Is this
harmful?
Tooth enamel is very hard, but that doesn't mean
you can't break it. Try to avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't
crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your
teeth can also damage the enamel.
Is
fluoride bad for you?
Fluoride is fine...in small amounts.
Excessive fluoride can cause tooth enamel irregularities. Young children,
especially, often swallow too much toothpaste while brushing. So parents,
supervise your young kids while they brush. Kids (and even adults) often use
way too much toothpaste (a pea-size drop is plenty). A little goes a long
way.
Tongue piercings seem to be a very
bad idea. How bad?
Yes, they can look cool, but they can
also fracture your teeth as well as make it much easier to get a nasty
infection of the tongue and lips. Dentists have estimated that up to 40% of
people who have metal rings or other oral piercings have had big problems
from tooth fractures and infection.
Why
are soft drinks bad for your teeth?Sugar and acids are
your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy
drinks, fruit juices, and candy. These soften the tooth enamel, making it
highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these,
because young children's enamel hasn't developed fully. This makes these
drinks even more damaging for kids. As well as eliminating the above (or at
least reducing their consumption), use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum
after meals. Also, rinse your mouth with a high-quality dental mouthwash.
I think I grind my teeth at night. What can
I do about this?Do you wake up with pain in your jaws or
a persistent headache? If so, you may be grinding (called bruxing) while you
sleep. Persistent bruxing can damage teeth and cause them to get shorter and
shorter. It can also damage your temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even
affect your hearing. If you suspect that you are a bruxer, call us today.
Our doctors may recommend a night guard or other oral appliance.
Does the doctor check for oral cancer?
Yes, we do. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of defense in
detecting and treating oral cancer. Each year in the US, approximately
30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer. Worldwide, the problem
is far greater, with new cases annually approaching 300,000. In the US
alone, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add
the sub category of laryngeal cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 10,000
additional new cases per year) and death are significantly higher. However,
the good news is, when found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% cure
rate.
Why is it important to have
regular teeth cleaning?Did you know "teeth cleaning"
does more than just clean your teeth? Removing plaque is absolutely
essential if you want to preserve your teeth. It builds up on the tooth
surfaces and between the teeth. Brushing and flossing are, of course, vital,
but everyone needs their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Remember – only a dental hygienist can completely clean your teeth.
What is a TMJ disorder?TMJ
stands for temporomandibular joint, your jaw joints. The pain, discomfort,
or tenderness in or around the jaw joints is called a TMJ disorder.
Signs that you might have a TMJ disorder are:
- Facial pain or tenderness
- Jaw pain
- Pain in or around the ears
- Neck pain
- Jaw stiffness
- Discomfort while chewing
- Headaches
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Jaw "locking up"
- Jaw makes a clicking sound
- Teeth that don't come together properly when eating or chewing
There are a variety of treatment options for TMJ. Be sure to ask your
dentist about these.
This is just a sampling of often-asked questions. Have one
of your own? Don't hesitate to give us a call at (619) 442-8841 so we can
assist you.