Why is it important to have regular teeth
cleaning?
Did you know "teeth cleaning" does more than
just clean your teeth? Removing plaque is absolutely essential if you want
to preserve your teeth. It builds up on the tooth surfaces and between the
teeth. Brushing and flossing are, of course, vital, but everyone needs their
teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Remember – only a dental
hygienist can completely clean your teeth.
Does the doctor check for
oral cancer?
Yes, we do. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of
defense in detecting and treating oral cancer. Each year in the US,
approximately 30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer. Worldwide,
the problem is far greater, with new cases annually approaching 300,000. In
the US alone, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you
add the sub category of laryngeal cancers, the rates of occurrence (about
10,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly higher.
However, the good news is, when found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90%
cure rate.
What is a TMJ disorder?
TMJ stands for
temporomandibular joint, your jaw joints. The ache, discomfort, or
tenderness in or around the jaw joints is called a TMJ disorder.
Signs that you might have a TMJ disorder are:
There are a variety of treatment options for TMJ.
Be sure to ask us about these.
Is fluoride bad for you?
Fluoride
is fine... in small amounts. Excessive fluoride can cause tooth enamel
irregularities. Young children, especially, often swallow too much
toothpaste while brushing. So parents, supervise your young kids while they
brush. Kids (and even adults) often use way too much toothpaste (a pea-size
drop is plenty). A little goes a long way.
Why are soft drinks bad
for your teeth?
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are
we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy.
Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the
worst. Dentists even have a name for the damage it does – they call it "Dew
Mouth." These soften the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to
decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these, because young
children's enamel hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more
damaging for kids. As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing
their consumption), use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after meals. Also,
rinse your mouth with a high-quality dental mouthwash.
This is just a sampling of often-asked questions. Have one of your own? Don't hesitate to give us a call at (865) 983-4642 so we can assist you.
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