Teeth
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day.
Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.
Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don't clean as well. (They're also a sign you may be brushing too hard.)
Most toothpastes will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpastes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you want a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpastes and powders made with natural ingredients that don't have ADA testing and approval.
If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, pick a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and let your dentist know.
Do I really need to floss?
There's no getting around the need to get around your teeth daily with dental floss. It clears food and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. If you don't, plaque hardens into tartar, which forms wedges and widens the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. Over time, gums pull away and teeth loosen.
Either waxed or unwaxed floss will do the job. Using floss picks or interdental brushes is another easy option.
Does a rinse or mouthwash help?
Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing -- but not instead of daily cleanings. Your dentist can recommend the best type for you.
Some people need twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes for dry mouth.
Kids under 6 shouldn't use mouthwash to avoid the chance of them swallowing it.
Common questions about root canal treatment What is a root canal?
Root canal treatment involves a procedure that is used by dentists if a tooth is badly decayed or fractured. The procedure is needed because if the tooth is left untreated, the pain will get worse and the gum disease will spread to other teeth, leading to more decay.
Will I lose my tooth?
The answer to this question depends on the severity of your case. If your tooth is not too badly decayed, your dentist will remove the decayed part and leave the remaining part of the tooth in your mouth, then cover it up with dental filling or a dental crown.
If the damage or decay is extensive, your dentist will recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with an artificial tooth through the use of a dental implant.
Is a root canal painful?
There is a misconception that root canals are painful, but the truth is they are not. Thanks to technological advances, root canals are about as painful as getting a dental filling, which is not painful at all.
Who is suitable for a dental implant?
We will be able to determine for certain if you are suitable for dental implants but generally if you have good health you will be suitable. We will assess the general condition of your mouth and look at the quantity and quality of bone to see if dental implants are an appropriate treatment. We very often take radiographs (xrays) of the area which give an indication of the amount of bone available for implant placement.
How is a dental implant placed?
Dental implants are usually placed under local anaesthetic in a very gentle manner. Following this you should expect a degree of discomfort and swelling for several days, but you will be able to continue normally fairly soon afterwards. Full after care advice is given following this procedure and if you are in any doubt we provide a telephone number where we can be contacted to offer you reassurance and advice.
Does it hurt?
The procedure is relatively straight forward and can usually be done under local anaesthetic. You may experience discomfort and you are likely to be given painkillers after the surgery to help with any pain you may experience. However, in general, most patients report that the procedure really wasn”t painful at all — certainly much less than expected.