Dental FAQs

Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can be removed by flossing.Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth but flossing gets rid of the bacteria that the toothbrush can't get to. This is the bacteria that is hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth.If you do not floss, you will allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually, it will harden into tartar. While plaque can be removed by brushing, only a dentist can remove tartar.Ask your dentist to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at the next cleaning appointment.

Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroys tooth enamel However, do not brush too hard as it takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque Floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers, and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and brush your teeth afterwardIf you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water as it can help to remove food from your teeth Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing escalates the flow of your saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance Do not forget your regular dental visitsGood dental habits will go a long way toward preventing cavities.

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal: Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings) Infections in the bonePeriodontal (gum) disease Abscesses or cysts Developmental abnormalities Some types of tumors Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often, unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, X-rays may even help save your life. Your dentist will evaluate your need for X-rays based on the conditions present. There are many benefits to having X-rays taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your dentist.

Make it fun! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, your children will feel the same. This is because children want to do the things their parents do so if your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow. Ask the dentist for other creative ways to get children to brush their teeth.Getting your children to brush starts with taking them to the dentist at an early age. All children should be seen just after their third birthday or six months after the eruption of their first tooth.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some natural sources of fluoride are brewed tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk. Some city water contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water, you will acquire fluoride. If drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available. Fluoride is important to dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay by making your tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in your mouth. The lack of exposure to fluoride places individuals of any age at risk for dental decay. In fact, studies have shown that children who consumed fluoridated water from birth had less dental decay. Fluoride can also reverse early decay and help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes degenerative bone loss. Talk to Dr. Enmeier or dental hygienist about whether you're getting the daily amount of fluoride you need.

The American Dental Association cites sealants as an effective weapon in the arsenal against tooth decay. Sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Dental sealants, therefore, act as a barrier, protecting your teeth against decay-causing bacteria. Sealants have proven effective in both adults and children, but are most commonly used with children. Despite the fact that sealants are about half the cost of fillings, only a small percentage of school-aged children have sealants on their permanent teeth. Ask your dentist whether sealants are a good choice for you or your children.

The American Dental Association recognizes that piercings are a widely accepted form of self-expression, and this includes piercings in the mouth. However, there are numerous potential problems arising from piercings. Some symptoms after a piercing include pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth, tooth loss, and an increased flow of saliva, none of which are particularly pleasant. Tongue piercing can also cause excessive bleeding. If you're thinking of placing a piercing in or around your mouth, talk to Dr. Enmeier. If you already have piercings and are having problems, see your dentist right away.

Oral injuries are often painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to save it: Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt or debris Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk

When you are asleep, production in your mouth decreases. Since your saliva is the mouth's natural mouthwash, most people experience morning breath. Bacteria found on teeth in the crevices and on the taste buds of the tongue break down the food particles, which produce sulfur compounds. It is actually these sulfur compounds which give our breath a bad odor. During the day, your saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles. Your saliva also helps to dissolve the foul-smelling sulfur compounds. Chronic, long-term mouth odor can be a sign of more serious illness. See your dentist if this is a concern.

Sensitivity toothpastes, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate are very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use, you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, as well as tea and soda can, however, increase tooth sensitivity, and work against sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in-office to the roots of your tooth to reduce, and even eliminate, the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity. Ask the friendly staff at Amazing Smiles for more information on sensitive teeth.

Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which, if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight in babies, pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus coming from around the teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums

Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.

This will vary from person to person If you smoke, drink red wine or coffee, or consume other acid-containing foods, your bright smile may begin to yellow more quickly than you expect. In general, a teeth whitening procedure can last up to a few years. And even though the results can fade, occasional touch-ups can be done to regain luster. Ask the experienced staff at Amazing Smiles about the long-term benefits of teeth whitening.

Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. They work by removing surface stains from the teeth with the use of mild abrasives. However, unlike professional whitening, some whitening toothpastes do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. Toothpastes that are effective in removing stains can also destroy tooth enamel in the process. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. With repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. If you would like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with your Dr. Enmeier first.

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. However, factors such as genetics, allergies, stress, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies may play a part in their development. Trauma to the inside of the mouth can also result in the development of canker sores. In addition, ill-fitting dentures or braces, toothbrush trauma from brushing too hard, or even biting your cheek may produce canker sores. Certain foods may also be a factor. Citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Foods like chips, pretzels and hard candies have sharp edges that can nick and injure the soft tissue of the mouth. To treat a canker sore, rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash or warm water and salt. Over-the-counter treatments are also available. If the canker sore is present longer than two weeks, see your Amazing Smiles dentist.

Smokeless tobacco may be smokeless, but it isn't harmless. These are some of the potential hazards:

• A sore that does not heal
• A lump or white patch
• A prolonged sore throat
• Difficulty in chewing
• Restricted movement of the tongue or jaw
• A feeling of something in the throat

Pain is rarely an early symptom, which means that all tobacco users need to see their dentist regularly.

Many factors work to destroy the naturally white smile you were born with. Tobacco, certain foods, and certain drinks actually stain teeth. These substances continually work on our teeth causing our white smiles to gradually fade. Hot coffee and tea are especially hazardous to your smile because they change the temperature of teeth. This temperature change - hot and cold cycling - causes the teeth to expand and contract, allowing stains to penetrate the teeth. Cutting down on coffee and tea can go a long way to creating a great smile. Foods that are slightly acidic are also dangerous to your white smile. These foods open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to move more easily into the tooth. Your dentist can help you with more tips on keeping a white smile.

A mouthguard can prevent injuries to your face and teeth. Most people benefit from wearing a mouthguard when playing any sport. You should wear one whether you are playing professionally or just on weekends. Do what you can to preserve your smile and your health. The best mouthguards are custom-fitted by your dentist. This is especially important if you wear braces or fixed bridgework. However, commercial, ready-made mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are relatively inexpensive but they are also less effective. In either case, rinse your mouthguard with water or mouthwash after each use. With proper care, it should last for several months. Ask your dentist which kind of mouthguard you should use.

People often respond to bleeding gums with the wrong method of treatment. Usually, gums that bleed are a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis but people often stop brushing as frequently and effectively because it may be painful or it may cause the gums to bleed again. However, when gums are inflamed, brushing could help reduce the inflammation. More importantly, you should see your dentist to have a periodontal screening and recording performed in order to determine the level of disease present and the best treatment course to pursue. It is also worth noting that chronic dental pain and discomfort are obvious signs of a problem. Over-the-counter drugs may provide some temporary relief. However, these medications usually only mask the existence of a problem and should be taken on a temporary basis. It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if your gums begin to bleed.

Research today suggests a link between gum disease and diabetes. It has established that people with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. If blood glucose levels are poorly controlled you may be more likely to develop gum disease and could potentially lose teeth. Like all infections, gum disease can be a factor in causing blood sugar levels to rise and make diabetes harder to control. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for check-ups and follow home care recommendations. If you notice other conditions such as dry mouth or bleeding gums, be sure to talk with your dentist. In addition, don't forget to mention any changes in medications.

About half of women who are pregnant experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. A more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease (a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth) may affect the health of your baby. Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies. In fact, pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that's born too early and too small. The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

There are certain conditions that require pre-medication with an antibiotic prior to dental treatment to prevent any adverse effects and infections caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream during certain treatment. You will want to consult with your dentist about this prior to treatment.

Chemotherapy and radiation can cause a number of problems in the mouth, some of which might include:

• Mouth sores
• Infections
• Dry mouth
• Bleeding of the gums and lining of the mouth
• General soreness and pain of the mouth

It can be harder to control these things while undergoing treatment as the immune system is generally compromised as a result of the treatment. There are, however, some special mouth rinses that can be prescribed to help with discomfort during treatment. It is very important to see your dentist before treatment begins and then to continue with recommended follow-up care. Recommendations might be made for additional care both in-office and at home.

A visit to the dentist is about more than just checking teeth. While patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay, they may have concerns such as ill-fitting devices or mouth sores. Annual visits to the dentist (or more often if soreness is present) are recommended. During these visits, an oral cancer screening and head and neck exam will be performed as well as an evaluation of the fit or need for replacement of the existing prosthetics. Regular visits can help you avoid more complicated problems down the road.

Please be sure to request a prescription prior to your appointment. If you are unsure, please contact us and we will gladly help.

Please bring the following items with you:

• Patient Information Form
• Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)
• Identification such as Driver's License, Military ID or State ID
• Patient Health History Form
• HIPAA Consent Form
• Patient Authorization Form

It varies, but please plan on one to one-and-a-half hours for the first visit.