1. Why is visiting the dentist so important?

Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:

• Helps prevent tooth decay

• Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to bone and tooth loss

• Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bad-breath causing bacteria in your mouth

• Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence

• Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, drinks, and tobacco

• Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

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2. How often should I see the dentist?

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. You doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

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3. What causes bad breath?

You may occasionally experience bad breath. It can be caused by certain foods, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, tobacco products or a medical disorder. Sometimes a sinus infection, postnasal drip or other respiratory tract infections can cause bad breath. If bad breath persists, your dentist may determine whether it’s caused by a dental condition.

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4. How often do I need to brush/floss?

Generally it is recommended to brush and floss after each meal or twice a day.

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5. When should I change my toothbrush?

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice times a day for 2-3 minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children should change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions as you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you’ve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

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6. At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?

Its recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six-months-old and no later than one-year-old. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure and schedule regular checkups every six months.

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7. What is a dental implant?

Dental implant is an “anchor” that is inserted into the jawbone to take the place of the missing tooth root. Once the surrounding bone gets attached to the implant, a replacement tooth is attached to the top of the implant. The implant is permanent, stable and even looks like natural teeth, making them an ideal solution to tooth loss.

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8. Who should consider dental implants?

Anyone missing tooth/teeth can look at implants as an option. Implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can fill for one or a few of the teeth that are missing. In case all teeth are missing, then implants may also be placed to anchor a loose denture.

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9. How is dental implant done in cases with bone loss?

In case of existing bone loss, bone expansion can be done to create a more ideal situation for the implant(s). A proper consultation with your dentist can help you plan a procedure as per your individual need

 

10. What are my options to replace a missing teeth?

You have three main options to replace your missing teeth. These include:​​

• Dental Implants These involve planting a titanium rod in the gum which improves bone strength. A crown can then be fitted on the rod. This the closest alternative to an original tooth.

• Fixed Bridges These are a row of teeth fixed alongside teeth that are heavily filled. They improve the function and appearance of the tooth.

• Removable Prostheses This is another option and is the cheapest alternative to replace a missing tooth.

 

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11. How can you fix my crooked teeth?

If you have crooked teeth, you have the option of Orthodontic braces. These involve a metal brace which shifts the teeth back into position over a period of 1 - 2 years. You now also have the option of Invislaign, which is a cutting edge alternative that uses a clear mould that is changed every two weeks to align your smile. No one will even know you have braces!

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12. There is no need in seeing dentist if there is no visible problem with my teeth.
TRUTH: You must see your dentist twice a year, no matter in what condition your teeth are at the moment. Sometimes, only a dentist can see possible problem, and it is always better to start treatment on the earliest stages.

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13. Tooth extraction affects eye sight

Truth: This is a very popular myth and many people swear by this. There is absolutely no affect on the eyesight by the extraction of any number of teeth.

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14. After a decayed tooth is treated, there will be no more decaying there.
TRUTH: There is no guarantee for this. After the treatment, every tooth must be properly cared about: regularly brushed, flossed and so on.

 

15. Medication CURES toothache

TRUTH: Medication might temporarily relief toothache but does not cure toothache. The only way to cure a toothache is to find the cause and treat that.

 

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16. How can I improve the appearance of my discolored teeth?

If you have a dull or discoloured smile, you can try our teeth whitening options. The procedure involves removing stains from the surface of the teeth with the use of whitening bleach. At Bright Smile Dental clinic we use a close to neutral PH bleach so there is no harm to the tooth enamel. We have two whitening options to choose from. Both methods are safe, pain-free and effective. One appointment will have your teeth and confidence beaming!

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17. What can I do about my unsightly silver amalgam fillings?

You can have your amalgam fillings replaced with Tooth Coloured Fillings. These fillings are durable and visually appealing. If you are having trouble with your previous amalgam fillings, such as cracks and looseness, tell our professionals and they can advise you on removal and replacement.

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18. Am I caring for my teeth correctly?

The team at Bright Smile Dental Clinic  recommends that our patients cut down on sweet food, floss after meals and brush after each meal. Also when brushing your teeth twice a day, have the brush facing your teeth and gums at a 45 degree angle to get the most out of your clean. Let your brush do the work, no need to apply too much pressure.

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19. What can resin bonding do for my teeth?

Resin Bonding can fix chips in your teeth and can also fill gaps and correct crooked teeth. Resin is a pliable material that is set by a high-intensity light and polished to appear like a natural tooth. A selection of colours is available to match your original tooth.

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20. Why would I need a crown or a bridge?

If you have a tooth that is cracked beyond repair and cannot be filled by a filling you may need a crown to fit over your original tooth. Crowns fit on the tooth snugly and look natural once applied. If you have more than one tooth missing, bridges can fill the space of up to four teeth.

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21. What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are shells applied to the front of the teeth to replace chipped, discoloured and cracked teeth. Veneers can whiten, straighten and close unwanted gaps in your teeth.

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22. What can I do to elongate my teeth?

You can improve the appearance of your smile with gum lifts. Periodontal procedures combined with crown lengthening can help elongate your teeth by removing unwanted gum tissue. The procedure involves sculpting the extra gum tissue to show more of your teeth.

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23. Why are my wisdom teeth causing me pain?

Wisdom teeth cause pain when they are impacted or partially erupting through the gums. This condition is not unusual. Procedures are available to remove your wisdom teeth if infection is present. An anaesthetic is provided before the procedure to prevent discomfort.

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24. Why are my gums sore and bleeding?

If your gums are sore, bleeding or swelling, it is advised to see your dentist as soon as possible to secure prompt treatment. You may have gum disease which can lead to serious dental problems if not treated right away.

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25. Why do I have headaches and a sore, clicking jaw?

You may be suffering from Tempomandibular Dysfunction Syndrome which can cause pain and discomfort. The clicking you are experiencing is due to the joint connected from the ear to the jaw undergoing stress. Treatment involves reducing stress on the joints and relaxing the jaw. Our experienced dentists will be able to help you get out of pain for good.

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26. What can I do to alleviate my toothache?

If you are experiencing constant toothaches, you may need root canal treatment. Pain occurs when the pulp inside of a tooth is infected and the blood vessels and nerves are dying. If you are experiencing sensitivity and pain while you eat, make an appointment with the dentist today.

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