FAQ’s

Which type of toothbrush should I use?
The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It’s unnecessary to “scrub” the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.

Which type of toothpaste should I use?
It is advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good as long as it contains fluoride.

How often should I floss?
Flossing once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.

What’s the difference between a “crown” and a “cap”?
These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as “crowns”. However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as “caps” and the gold or stainless steel ones as “crowns”.

What’s the difference between a “bridge” and a “partial denture”?
Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient.

What is the difference between “silver” fillings and “white” fillings?
The U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings). Today, more patients are requesting “white” or tooth-colored composite fillings. We prefer tooth-colored fillings because they “bond” to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. However, “white” fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is badly broken-down, a crown will be necessary.

Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?
No, most teeth that have had root canal treatments do need crowns to protect and to return the teeth to normal form and function. Not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.

Dental Facts

• Did you know that a majority of people would love to be at the dentist right now?  According to a recent Time Magazine survey, 59% of Americans would rather have a dental appointment than sit next to someone talking on a cell phone.
• You should not keep your toothbrush near a toilet. The airborne particles from the flush can travel up to a distance of 6 feet. Yuck!
• The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough spit to fill 2 swimming pools!
• A toothpick is the object most choked on by Americans.  Use floss!
• 59% of children between the ages of 5 and 17 are affected with tooth decay.
• The tooth fairy leaves an average of $2.00 per tooth.  Forbes Magazine
• The average American spends 38.5 days brushing their teeth over a lifetime.
• Like fingerprints, every person has a unique tongue print!
• Mythbuster!!  George Washington’s dentures were NOT made from wood.  They were actually crafted from gold, ivory, lead (eek!), and a mixture of human, donkey, and hippopotamus teeth!
• The average person spends about 50 seconds brushing their teeth. (Experts recommend at least 2 minutes of brushing.)
• If you don’t floss, you’re not cleaning 35% of your teeth.
• The average woman smiles about 62 times per day…and the average man? Only 8 times.
• Kids smile on average 400 times per day!