General dentistry FAQs

Dentists can catch tooth decay before it becomes a problem. They can usually detect cavities 3 to 4 years before you would develop symptoms from them.

If you only go in for appointments when you feel tooth pain, it can actually cost you more money in the long run. That’s because issues that could have been easily treated early on might now require more costly treatments like root canals or implants.

Flossing is absolutely important! Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth, but flossing reaches areas your toothbrush can't get to. If you don’t floss, plaque will build up between your teeth and potentially cause cavities.

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Spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroys your tooth enamel. You should also floss at least once a day to remove bacteria in between your teeth.

In addition to good oral hygiene, you should watch your sugar intake. Sugary foods and drinks make bacteria thrive. And, make sure to attend regular dental visits every six months to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.

Some tooth and gum diseases cannot be seen with the naked eye. X-rays can help your dentist see:

• Decay under existing fillings
• Infections in the bone
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Abscesses or cysts
• Developmental abnormalities

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods. Some city water contains fluoride, but if it doesn’t, supplements are available.

Lack of fluoride causes increased risk for dental decay. Fluoride makes your tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in your mouth.Fluoride treatment can even reverse early decay and help prevent osteoporosis.

If you have sensitive teeth, you can use special toothpaste for sensitivity or oral care products that are high in fluoride. We can also apply treatments to the roots of your tooth to reduce or eliminate your sensitivity.

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause permanent jaw bone damage or tooth loss.

Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain when chewing

We can easily treat early stages of periodontal disease, but advanced stages may require surgery. It’s best to visit your dentist for regular appointments so we can catch symptoms early on.

The length of results for teeth whitening depends on how well you take care of your teeth. If you smoke, drink red wine or coffee, or consume other acid-containing foods, your teeth will stain more quickly. In general, whitening results should last you a few years.

The results of whitening toothpastes vary greatly. They can remove some surface stains from your teeth, but will not alter the colour of your tooth structure itself. The abrasives used to remove stains can also damage tooth enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity with repeated use.