Your smile is more than just aesthetics; it's a window to your overall well-being. However, navigating the world of dentistry can be confusing. With so many questions swirling around checkups, treatments, and best practices, consulting a Fordham dentist might feel intimidating. However, knowledge is power, and understanding your oral health is key to making informed decisions.

We want to bridge the gap by answering your most pressing dental questions. We'll delve into preventive care, treatment options, and habits that promote a healthy smile. Whether you're seeking answers about routine cleanings or curious about the best dental care for your children, we've got you covered.  

What You Need to Know About Dental Health

General Dentistry FAQs

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

This depends on your individual needs and oral health. Adults with healthy teeth and gums should typically aim for checkups and cleanings once or twice a year. However, people with risk factors like gum disease or diabetes may need more frequent visits. Always discuss your specific situation with your dentist.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a preventive procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. It usually involves professional scaling (scraping) to remove tartar, flossing, polishing, and fluoride treatment.

Does Getting My Teeth Cleaned Hurt?

Dental cleanings are generally painless. However, if you have sensitive teeth or gingivitis (inflamed gums), you might experience some mild discomfort. Your dentist can use a topical anesthetic to numb the area and ensure a comfortable experience.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities, also known as dental caries, are caused by plaque acid. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth after eating. When sugars and starches in food encounter plaque, bacteria produce acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

What Should I Do if I Have a Toothache?

If you experience a toothache, contact your dentist immediately to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to soothe the pain. Do not apply aspirin directly to your gums, as this can irritate the tissue.

Dental Treatment FAQs

What Are Different Types of Fillings?

Common filling materials include silver amalgam, composite resin, and gold. Silver amalgam is durable and affordable, but it’s also quite noticeable. Composite resin fillings can be matched to the color of your teeth for a more natural look. Gold fillings are very durable but the most expensive option. Discuss the best type of filling for your situation with your dentist.

Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp (inner tissue) of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Symptoms include persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen gums, and facial swelling. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals within the tooth, and seals the tooth to prevent further infection.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?  

Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult molars that typically erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood. Some people don't have enough jaw space for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, causing them to become impacted (stuck). Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. In such cases, wisdom teeth removal is recommended.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in your jawbone to replace missing teeth. They provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth and can improve your smile, speech, and chewing ability.

What Are Dentures and Bridges?

Dentures are removable replacements for all or most teeth in an arch. Bridges are fixed restorations anchored to healthy teeth on either side of a gap to replace one or more missing teeth. Your Fordham dentist will advise on the best option based on your needs and dental situation.  

Orthodontics FAQs

What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances used to straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites. They consist of brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by wires that gently apply pressure to move teeth into their desired positions.

What Are the Different Types of Braces?

Several types of braces are available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Common types include:

• Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces are the most common and affordable option.
• Clear Braces: These braces are less noticeable than metal braces but may not be suitable for all cases.
• Invisalign^®: Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Typically Take?

The length of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the severity of the misalignment and the type of braces used. Treatment can typically take anywhere from six months to a few years.

Am I Too Old to Get Braces?

No! Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment just as much as children. In fact, there's been a growing trend of adults opting for braces to achieve a straighter smile and improve their oral health.  

Dental Care for Children FAQs

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting or no later than their first birthday. Early dental visits establish a positive association with the dentist and allow for monitoring of your child's oral development.

How Can I Help My Child Brush Their Teeth?

Supervise your child's brushing until they are at least eight years old. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste appropriate for their age. Make brushing fun with timers, songs, or reward charts.

When Should My Child Start Flossing?

Once your child has two teeth that touch (around age two or three), you can begin flossing their teeth gently once a day. You can use floss holders designed for children or help them with the process until they can manage it independently.

Are Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Bad for My Child's Teeth?

Persistent thumb sucking or pacifier use can affect the alignment of your child's teeth.  Most children stop these habits on their own by age four. If the habit continues past that age, consult your dentist for guidance.

Keep Your Teeth Safe and Sound with Your Fordham Dentist!  

At Perfect Smile Braces, we're committed to partnering with you to help you achieve a healthy smile. We provide various solutions to make sure your smile remains pristine, and your oral health is optimal. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.