Navigating your oral health can be confusing. There’s a lot more to it than just brushing your teeth before bed and visiting Dr. Collins every once in awhile for a cleaning. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding oral care.
Question 1: What’s the Best Toothbrush and Toothpaste?
Answer: There’s no one answer to this question, unfortunately. The right toothpaste depends on your unique needs. A good way to go is to look for the American Dental Association seal of approval when perusing the shelves. When it comes to a toothbrush, be sure to choose soft-bristled to protect gums and teeth from vigorous brushing, which can wear away enamel. As long as you are brushing consistently and for the right amount of time (two minutes), a manual brush is sufficient, but if you know you struggle with your brushing routine, you may want to consider an electric toothbrush.
Question 2: How Often Do I Really Need to Visit the Dentist?
Answer: If you are in prime oral health and nothing has changed since your last visit, twice a year is the recommendation for visiting the dentist. Even though some people think they don’t need a visit every six months, it can actually save you money and potential pain in the long run. Most dental problems are caused by a buildup of plaque. If you have your teeth cleaned every six months, Dr. Collins can show you areas you may be missing and remove the plaque there before it becomes a problem. It also gives him the chance to check for any other developing problems before they get out of hand.
Question 3: How Can I Get Whiter Teeth?
Answer: It’s the reason many people visit the dentist: They want whiter, healthier-looking smiles. In the age of selfies, a white smile has never been more valuable. Simply maintaining a consistent oral care routine that involves flossing and brushing is the best thing you can do to keep teeth white. Even though over-the-counter whiteners can be tempting, the safest and most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional whitening treatment overseen by Dr. Collins.
Question 4: What Are My Options for Replacing a Lost Tooth?
Answer: A lost tooth can have serious consequences for the whole mouth and even the structure of the face if it isn’t replaced. The best solution is to replace a lost tooth with a dental implant because it replaces the tooth from the root up. Other options include a denture or bridge.
Question 5: Why Do My Gums Bleed?
Answer: If gums bleed when flossing, you likely have the beginning stages of gum disease, called gingivitis. It’s caused by a buildup of plaque, but the good news is if you treat it right away it can likely be resolved with no permanent damage. A deep cleaning from Dr. Collins and an improvement of your daily oral hygiene routine usually does the trick.
