Dental FAQs

Dentistry is a professional medical practice that includes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions, diseases and disorders that affect the teeth, gums, jaw and mouth. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry can have an impact on the health of your entire body.

A dentist is a medical specialist who is trained to prevent, diagnose and treat oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at least eight years of schooling and has received either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree, or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. Dentists can also undergo additional training to become specialists.

Pediatric dentists, for example, are trained in caring for children from infancy through their teen years. A pediatric dentist has received the proper education and training needed to work with young kids.

Other dental specializations include:

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. 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. Children’s teeth and mouths change often as they grow, so be sure to schedule regular checkups for your child every six months.

All patients, regardless of age, should see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months, and patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to visit more often. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help maintain the health of your teeth and mouth, but your whole body. Dental care is important because it:

There are several ways to keep that just-came-from-the-dentist-fresh feeling going between checkups:

Brushing keeps your teeth, gums and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. That’s why your dentist and the American Dental Association both recommend that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride (even for young children). You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and don’t skip brushing your tongue; it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!

If you brush your teeth according to the twice-a-day recommendation, for 2 to 3 minutes each time, your toothbrush will eventually wear out and need to be replaced every three months if it is the old-fashioned, manual kind. If you are using an electric toothbrush, however, changes may not be required as frequently — be sure to read the product instructions. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush more frequently — every four to six weeks — to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. And if you’ve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

By the end of your first visit, you should have a good feel for whether the dentist you’ve chosen is right for you and your family. During your appointment, consider the following:

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.

Your teeth may feel fine, but it’s still important to see the dentist regularly because problems, including gum disease, can exist without you knowing. And even if you’re in perfect oral health, your dentist can help keep your smile looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for chipped, stained, chipped, misshapen or missing teeth.

Today’s dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:

Cavities are small holes that form inside the tooth because of tooth decay. They happen when the sugars and starches in the food you eat combine with plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth, producing an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by eliminating both food ingredients and plaque from your teeth, so remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.

If you do develop a cavity, a dentist uses a synthetic material to “fill” the hole left by the tooth decay. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold or ceramic, and generally don’t hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is typically the result of plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. However, it can also be caused by tobacco use, some medications, teeth grinding or genetics.

The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and is treatable if detected in time. Left untreated, however, it can advance and lead to tooth and bone loss, both of which are permanent conditions. These are the common signs of gum disease:

Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease.

Yes! In fact, orthodontic treatment makes it even more important to visit your dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. Eventually, this can cause bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Simply call our practice at (585) 394-5230. Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.