How Important is proper tooth brushing?
Proper tooth brushing is as important as (if not more important than) going to see your dentist for routine check up and cleaning. A thorough tooth brushing before you go to bed will keep your mouth free from excess bacteria that could bring about cavities, gingivitis( inflammation of gums) or even worse, periodontitis (inflammation of gums and underneath supporting structures).
How do we know we have inflammatory gums (gingivitis)?
Proper tooth brushing is as important as (if not more important than) going to see your dentist for routine check up and cleaning. A thorough tooth brushing before you go to bed will keep your mouth free from excess bacteria that could bring about cavities, gingivitis( inflammation of gums) or even worse, periodontitis (inflammation of gums and underneath supporting structures).
How do we brush our teeth properly?
What kind of tooth paste is better?
Tooth paste does not play an important role in tooth brushing. You can choose whatever you like.
Some tooth paste manufacturers claim that their product can prevent cavities and amp;/or gum disease. This is insignificant compared with the importance of proper brushing technique.
What should I do if my gums bleed during tooth brushing?
If you already have regular check up and cleaning, you do not have to worry too much. Usually, when you forget to brush your teeth before going to bed for a couple of days, gingivitis begins to develop. To stop it from getting worse, you can simply brush a little more on the gums (gum massage) and remember to brush your teeth after dinners or before you go to bed.
If the bleeding from your gums has sustained for a while or you have not visit your dentist for more than a year, make an appointment with your dentist!
What are the reasons for bad breath?
About 90% of bad breath is caused by gum disease. Gum disease is caused primarily by deposit around the neck areas of your teeth. If you have bad breath, not only you have to brush your teeth more, you should also go to see your dentist to remove calculus (tartar) which is adhered firmly to your tooth surfaces. Your dentists have special instruments to remove the calculus (tartar).
Will cleaning of teeth by your dentist or hygienist do any harm to your teeth?
No. In my 20+ years of experience, this is by far the most asked and most uninformed question from patients. Many older people believe that cleaning of teeth will hurt their teeth because they often have sensitivity on their teeth after cleaning by their dentists. Sensitivity of teeth after cleaning for a person who hasn't had cleaning done for a long period of time is normal. It usually lasts for only a few days. A person who visits his or her dentist on a regular basis does not experience sensitivity after cleaning.
Is the losing of teeth inevitable for senior citizens?
No. Most people lose their teeth because of poor oral hygiene. It means they do not brush their teeth properly. A healthy 70-year-old person can have their gums as healthy as a 20-year -old person's provided that they both brush their teeth properly and see their dentist regularly.
What are dental hygienists?
They are professional people trained to help dentist to clean patients' teeth. They have to work under the supervision of dentists.
Is chewing gum good for our teeth?
Yes. Chewing gum is slightly helpful to our dental health provided that it is sugar free. Sugarless gum taken after meals can remove some of the food debris on tooth surfaces. But food debris in between teeth and at areas near the gums are not likely to be removed by chewing gum alone. Nothing other than tooth brushing plus flossing is capable of completely cleaning our teeth.
Is mouthwash necessary for promoting our oral health?
No. Mouthwashes are sometimes helpful for removing odours from our mouth when we are unable to brush our teeth. Some mouth washes can be used to eliminate bacteria when our gums are infected. Mouth washes should not be used to replace tooth brushing and flossing. Besides, most mouthwashes are very smelly, some even contain alcohol. So, they should only be used occasionally.
What is a dental laser?
It is a beam of highly concentrated light delivered in short pulses through a flexible optic fiber.
What is Hydrokinetic technology?
The Hydrokinetic process is the removal of tissues with YSGG laser-energized water droplets. Hydrokinetic energy is produced by combining a spray of atomized water with laser energy. The resulting Hydrokinetic energy gently and precisely removes a wide range of human tissue including tooth enamel (the hardest substance in the body), and soft tissue (gum tissue) with no heat and no pain in most cases.
Is the laser safe?
In the hands of your trained dentist, the Waterlase™ is as safe as other medical devices. With it's 2 mm active range from the tip, the laser provides pinpoint accuracy, reducing the chance of causing damage to healthy tissues. The primary safety measure necessary during laser treatment is proper protective glasses.
Will my dentist still use a drill?
In combination with an air-water spray, the Hydrokinetic YSGG laser ( Waterlase)is able to replace the drill in many instances. No longer will the whine of the drill be heard, but rather a popping sound similar to that of popcorn popping. Since there is no heat or vibration from the Waterlase™, the need for anesthetic (THE SHOT) is eliminated in most cases!
What can the Waterlase™ be used for?
#Decay Removal
# Cavity Preparation
# Reshape "gummy" smiles
# General soft tissue procedures
# General dentistry for enamel and dentin
# Avoid being "numbed"
# Avoid the shot and pain
What others have said about the Waterlase™?
"I was prepared for a couple hours of drilling and needles, and not being able to eat or smile. But when I came in that day, I got through in 20 minutes instead of 2 hours, and I walked out smiling and had lunch with my husband without any paralyzation in my mouth. It was great. It's certainly what I would choose again."
~ Bonnie Snow
patient
"If my dentist could do for the rest of me what he did for my teeth, I'd be a raving beauty at 65. My teeth look terrific! My laser smile is a great present."
~ Anne SaldichPh.D., MFCC
patient
"10 minutes for the whole cavity procedure. No anesthesia was used. I felt nothing at all. I was delighted. I'm looking forward to my next cavity. I actually want to go to the dentist again."
~ Jerry Deutscher
patient
What is tooth whitening?
It's actually a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of enamel and dentin. The system uses a mild solution retained in a custom-fitted appliance that is worn over your teeth.
What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common ones include aging, consumption of coffee, tea, colas and smoking.
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost everyone. However, there are some cases where treatment may not be effective. Dr. Lam must determine if you are a good candidate for home bleaching or laser bleaching through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. Tooth lightening is ideal for patients who have healthy , unrestored teeth (no fillings) and would like a brighter smile.
We offer two bleaching methods that will get your smile its whitest. Laser Bleaching is performed in-office and requires a couple of visits. A more economical way, though slower, is at-home bleaching. You wear custom-made splints (formed to your teeth) that hold a gentle bleaching gel. You will usually see results in two to three weeks. Remember, your oral hygiene habits may be creating your stained teeth. Changing these habits after your bleaching treatment will help preserve the new whiteness.