Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much time should I spend when I brush my teeth?

Two minutes is the recommended amount of time to spend each time your brush your teeth.

Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush?

Generally speaking an electric/sonic toothbrush is better at plaque removal on the gum line, which is prone to gingivitis.  However, a manual toothbrush is also an effective tool when properly used (i.e.) brushing in a small, round, gentle circular pattern, making sure to thoroughly clean along the gum line.  Plaque easily attaches to all surfaces in the mouth therefore, it’s important to also brush your tongue, inside of cheeks, and the roof of the mouth.

We recommend the Sonicair as an excellent toothbrush.  The popular electric toothbrushes found in the toothpaste aisle of grocery stores and drugstores are often satisfactory and especially helpful for children.  Adults may need a more sophisticated model like the Sonicair to benefit the most.

Is flossing really necessary?

Flossing is imperative to oral health.  Plaque bacteria are constantly forming a film on all surfaces of the mouth, especially hard to reach areas between the teeth and under the gumline.  Plaque is acidic and causes the gum tissue to become irritated and inflamed when the plaque is allowed to accumulate.  Brushing is very effective but the toothbrush bristles are not designed to penetrate between teeth and gums.  If left untreated, plaque accumulates in hard to reach areas causing gum infection, periodontal problems, and eventual tooth loss.

Why are x-rays necessary? My teeth look fine and cavity-free.

X-rays are necessary to see between your teeth and beneath your gum.  We cannot see or probe the areas inside of your teeth or the bone around your teeth.  Radiographs detect cavities and periodontal bone loss, both of which can lead to pain or even the loss of teeth.

Do sealants really work to prevent cavities?

Sealants are thin plastic-like decay retarding shields or seals that protect the prominent grooves and pits on a person’s back teeth.  Often these grooves and pits are so deep toothbrush bristles cannot reach them to remove plaque and food debris.  Sealants are easy to apply, take only a few minutes, and dramatically reduce the occurrence of decay.

Who should have sealants?

We believe all children’s teeth benefit from sealants.  Adult teeth as well are often sealed to prevent decay.

Do I need to brush my baby’s teeth?

You should brush your baby’s teeth every day.  Hold the baby in your lap and make it fun for you and them.  You can begin this habit before the first teeth have even erupted by rubbing the gums with a soft washcloth.

My child’s teeth are crooked. When should they have their first visit to the orthodontist?

Many children never have a need for braces.  However, we feel that most children should visit an orthodontist at least once.  This will assure both the parent and Dr. Anderson that no problems are overlooked and give everyone the peace of mind that comes from the specialists’ evaluation.  The orthodontist will present an appropriate timetable for any recommended treatments.

At what age should my child have their first dental checkup?

Generally, children should be ready to start their routine dental visits around age three when all of the baby teeth have erupted.  Count your child’s teeth as your brush them.  A full set of baby teeth include ten teeth in each arch.  Even prior to a full set of baby teeth or the age of three, we will be glad to look at anything that worries you.  If you see unusual brown spots or other worrisome developments on or around the teeth, call us.

I’m not a child anymore. Why should I still have fluoride?

As teeth are formed during childhood, fluoride from drinking water bonds with the developing enamel strengthening the tooth from the inside out to the enamel.  However, once enamel has fully formed, the only way fluoride can strengthen is by topical application.  Fluoride is put into toothpaste, rinses, gels and foams to protect and fortify exposed tooth surfaces like sunscreen and moisturizer is applied to protect and nourish exposed skin.  As people age, saliva content can change due to medications, overall health, diet, etc., making the teeth more susceptible to cavities.  On-going fluoride treatments provide an important extra protection against this potential cavity break down.

Our office and the American Dental Association recommend fluoride treatments at all cleaning visits.  We also recommended that you use products with fluoride (toothpaste and mouth rinse) as part of your daily routine.  In certain situations a prescription level of fluoride may be necessary for daily use.

My teeth are dark? Can I whiten my teeth? If whitening doesn’t work, what alternatives do I have?

Teeth can be a dark shade for a variety of reasons including staining from certain antibiotics, foods, drinks and tobacco use, or just the natural hue of the enamel.

Teeth can be brightened in a variety of ways ranging from conservative tooth bleaching to the more invasive restorative cosmetic work of veneers or crowns.

I have a gap between my front teeth? Can I close it without having braces?

We can easily close most small spaces between teeth giving you a smile that is more desirable to you.  Direct Bonding, Ceramic Veneers, and Ceramic Crowns are three options we would consider in this type of procedure.

I have a crown in the front of my mouth that has metal showing at the gum line. Can anything be done to make it look better?

The gray line you see at your gum line is indeed the metal alloy under your porcelain.  Dr. Anderson chooses to use crowns that have no metal in them to avoid having any gray metal exposed.  We also are very careful to place the edge of the crown just below your gum line to conceal margin between the crown and your tooth.  Our lab technicians are very skilled in making precision fitting crowns that look totally natural.

Many times the only way to eliminate the line is to remove and replace the crown.  Today’s ceramic materials are so incredibly life-like that you will be totally pleased by the improvement!

Do I need to use mouthwash?

We encourage all of our patients to use mouthwash as part of their daily routine.  Listerine is the only mouth rinse proven to help reduce plaque accumulation around the teeth.  However, even Listerine does NOT substitute for flossing, even though the TV ads may want you to think so!

My teeth are just a little crooked. Is there an alternative to full braces, wires, bands, etc.?

Orthodontic treatments are changing.  Many new techniques and materials are available. Small problems can often be corrected without full metal braces.  The orthodontists with whom we work offer a no charge evaluation to help you know your options.  We will be glad to discuss your options and set up a referral for you.

Why is a crown necessary whenever a tooth has a root canal?

Teeth that have had endodontic therapy (Root Canal Treatment) are technically dead – they no longer have blood, lymph, or nerve supply.  Even though the teeth still work, they are brittle and susceptible to fracture from chewing.  We place crowns on the back (posterior) teeth to protect them against potential fracture from day to day use.  Front teeth that have had root canal treatment may not need crowns, but only reinforcing posts for strength.  Dr. Anderson discusses the differences whenever a root canal is performed.

I have silver fillings. Are they dangerous?

Silver mercury amalgam fillings are not dangerous.  The material has been used for over 100 years to fill millions of teeth.  Many studies have proved that the elements in the filling are stable in your mouth.  However, fewer dentists continue to use silver fillings.  Not only is the filling not attractive, but it also may not be able to sustain heavy chewing pressure making teeth more susceptible to fractures.

The modern white filling material that we use today, bonds to your tooth and actually strengthens the walls of the tooth by holding them together instead of wedging them apart like the silver filling.

Should I replace my silver fillings with the newer white restorations?

If your silver fillings are in good shape there is no reason to replace them, other than for cosmetic preference.  We do recommend replacing any worn or leaking silver fillings.  During your regular routine examinations we will identify any fillings that need to be replaced and discuss options with you.