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FAQs Waxahachie
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to Request Appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Dentistry involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. It is essential for overall oral health and can also affect the health of your entire body.
A dentist is a specialized healthcare professional who is trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health issues. Dentists typically complete at least eight years of schooling and earn either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. If your dentist is a pediatric dentist, they specialize in providing dental care for children from infancy through their teenage years. Dentists who specialize in other areas includes
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgery)
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Periodontics (gum disease)
- Prosthodontics (dental implants)
Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining both oral and overall health. Dental care helps prevent tooth decay, protects against gum disease, prevents bad breath, enhances your smile and self-confidence, keeps teeth looking bright, and strengthens teeth for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Don't wait for a toothache! Regular dental visits are crucial for catching problems before they get serious. Your dentist prioritizes not just a beautiful smile, but a healthy one. Modern dentistry offers amazing solutions for a variety of concerns, from stains and chips to missing or misaligned teeth. With today's advanced treatments that can help you smile with confidence, including:
Choosing a dentist who “clicks” with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:
- Is the appointment schedule convenient?
- Is the office easy to get to and close by?
- Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?
- Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
- Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?
- Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?
- Is your dentist a member of the ADA (American Dental Association)?
- ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!
- Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.
- Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
- Don’t be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
- Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six-months-old and no later than one-year-old. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.
It is recommended that individuals of all ages, including children, teenagers, and adults, visit the dentist for a routine checkup at least every six months. Those with a higher risk of oral cancer or gum disease may need to schedule more frequent appointments. Your dentist will assess your individual needs and advise you on the appropriate frequency of checkups.
Tooth decay can cause the formation of small holes inside the tooth known as cavities. Plaque buildup on the tooth's surface, combined with sugars and starches from food, creates an acid that can erode the enamel. Untreated cavities can result in more severe oral health issues. Prevent cavities by brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
A filling is a synthetic material used by dentists to fill a cavity after removing tooth decay. The process is typically painless as the dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings can be made from various materials such as composites, gold, or ceramic. It is important to discuss with your dentist which type of filling is best for you and your teeth.
According to your dentist and the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeth. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue – it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!
It is important to replace your toothbrush regularly to maintain good oral hygiene. Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months, especially if you brush your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. If you use an electric toothbrush, check the instructions as you may not need to replace the brush head as often. Patients with gum disease should replace their toothbrush every four to six weeks to prevent the spread of bacteria. Remember to rinse your toothbrush with hot water after each use to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you have been sick, it is advisable to replace your toothbrush as soon as possible.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:
- Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Receding gum line
- Abscessed teeth
It is crucial for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment to visit their dentist regularly. Food can get trapped in places that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush when wearing braces, leading to the buildup of bacteria and potential issues like cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will collaborate with your orthodontist to ensure that your teeth remain clean and healthy throughout the treatment process.
Feel free to contact our office to schedule your next dental checkup at a time that works best for you. If you are a new patient, please inform us so we can provide you with all the necessary information for your first visit. Our friendly front desk staff is here to assist you.
Having bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing issue. Many people may not even realize they have bad breath, but it is common, especially in the morning.
There are various reasons why someone may have bad breath, but in healthy individuals, the main cause is usually microbial deposits on the back of the tongue. Studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue can reduce bad breath by up to 70 percent.
What can cause bad breath?
- Morning time: Saliva flow decreases during sleep, allowing bacteria to grow and cause bad breath.
- Certain foods: Foods like garlic and onions contain compounds that can cause bad breath when exhaled.
- Poor oral hygiene habits: Food particles left in the mouth can lead to bacterial growth.
- Gum disease: Bacteria and food debris under inflamed gums can contribute to bad breath.
- Dental issues: Cavities and poorly fitted dental appliances can also cause bad breath.
- Dry mouth: Certain medications, salivary gland problems, and mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth and bad breath.
- Tobacco products: Smoking can dry out the mouth and cause bad breath.
- Dieting: Ketones released during fat burning can cause bad breath.
- Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals: Drinking water and chewing food can help wash away bacteria.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia can all contribute to bad breath.
Keeping track of what you eat and discussing your medications, surgeries, and illnesses with your dentist can help identify the cause of bad breath.
Here are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene:
- Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush approved by the ADA. Don't forget to floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline. Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue and hard-to-reach areas at the back of your mouth. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, make sure to clean them thoroughly and put them back in your mouth in the morning.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Ask your dentist for recommendations on how to break the habit.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently. Water helps keep your mouth moist and washes away bacteria.
- Consider using mouthwash or rinses recommended by your dentist. Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution for bad breath. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only freshen your breath but also kill the germs causing the problem.
If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene practices, your dentist can help identify the cause. If your mouth is healthy but bad breath continues, your dentist may refer you to a physician to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Brushing our teeth is important for removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except for in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush cannot reach these areas, which are prone to decay and gum disease.
Daily flossing is the most effective way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only cleans these spaces, but also prevents plaque buildup, which can damage the gums, teeth, and bone.
Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria, food debris, and saliva that forms on the teeth. This bacteria produces acids that can cause cavities and gum inflammation. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can further irritate the gums and lead to bone damage, starting the process of gum disease.
To floss properly:
- Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches between your hands.
- Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss between your teeth in a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gumline, moving it up and down to clean the sides of each tooth.
If you have difficulty using regular floss, floss holders are recommended.
Remember, daily flossing is essential for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile for life!
If you’re feeling somewhat self-conscious about your teeth, or just want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful, confident smile.
Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the last several years, not only due to the many advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available today, but also because patients are becoming more and more focused on improving their overall health. This includes dental prevention and having a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.
There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over. Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic Procedures:
Teeth Whitening: Bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink, and smoking. Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached, but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining present.
Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: Also known as “bonding”, composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.
Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.
Porcelain Crowns (caps): A crown is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.
Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges, and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, giving a patient a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.
Orthodontics: Less visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients. Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with custom-made, clear, removable aligners that require no braces.
Thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, cosmetic treatments can make a difference in making your smile shine!
