San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
Dentists receive extensive training to understand oral health and how to treat conditions affecting teeth, gums, and jawbone structure. Through years of school and practice experience, dentists are the experts to go to when you want to find out more information about your smile and how to protect it. In fact, most dentists encourage patients to ask questions about oral care as it plays a crucial role in the patient’s overall health and wellness. Therefore, our San Francisco family dentists at Glen Park Dental share seven questions you should be asking your dentist so that you can receive the best care for your oral health.
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How often do I need to schedule a dental appointment?
Dentists at our San Francisco dental office recommend visiting our office once every six months for a checkup and cleaning, no matter your oral health condition. The recommendation is in-line with the American Dental Association’s recommendations for preventive oral health care practices. Regular dental visits promote good oral health as it provides the opportunity to address concerns before they cause extensive or irreversible damage.
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What are some tips to improve my at-home oral hygiene routine?
Excellent oral health requires a daily commitment to quality at-home oral care. Brushing twice and flossing once daily are the best ways to remove harmful bacteria. The use of fluoridated mouthwash can reach areas you miss with the toothbrush or floss. Additionally, our family dentists in San Francisco encourage patients to reduce or cease their consumption of tobacco products and high sugar foods and beverages to protect their smiles.
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How can I improve my smile’s brightness?
A bright smile can certainly boost your confidence level and help you shine in social situations. However, our mouths are prone to tooth stains as many foods and beverages contain natural or synthetic dyes. Using over-the-counter whitening products is inexpensive and can help over time, but a professional teeth whitening session at our Marin cosmetic dentist’s office can dramatically brighten your smile before you leave our office. Additionally, if you have intrinsic stains or stains from within your teeth, over-the-counter solutions and traditional whitening treatments can’t bring back your smile’s full brightness. Therefore, our dentists will explain other treatment options during your visit.
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What can I do to help prevent gingivitis, tooth decay, or other complications?
Dentists love patients who ask what more can they do to protect their oral health. Our San Francisco area dentists recommend patients consume a healthy and balanced diet, practice at-home oral hygiene every day, and regularly visit us for a checkup and cleaning every six months.
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Why are dental x-rays necessary?
Patients typically have x-rays taken during their initial consultation to guide dental professionals correctly when addressing oral health care. The visuals help show areas between the teeth and below the gum line where it’s challenging to see with a naked eye. At our Marin dentist’s office, we take adult bitewing x-rays once each year and a panoramic x-ray once every four to five years. High-risk patients may need x-rays every 6 to 18 months to monitor oral health conditions.
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What causes sensitive teeth?
Sharp pain in your gums or your teeth can cause immediate concern, especially when you notice it while eating or drinking hot, cold, sweets, or acidic foods or beverages. Tooth enamel erosion can lead to substances reaching the dentin and pulp layers and cause pain. Also, sensitive teeth could result from bruxism or clenching or grinding your teeth while sleeping, teeth whitening treatments, chipped or fractured teeth, orthodontic treatments, or receding gums.
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Should I use mouthwash regularly?
Mouthwash can be an effective tool in your oral care arsenal to reduce harmful bacteria and protect your smile. There are multiple brands, and types of mouthwash formulated to treat specific oral health concerns. Therefore, ask our San Francisco area dental team about which mouthwash option is best for you. For example, there are mouthwash formulas to soothe inflammation, sensitivity, and gingivitis. And, products containing chlorhexidine gluconate kill harmful bacteria.
General Dentist in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California
Asking your dentist questions about oral care practices can help keep your mouth healthy. Furthermore, you can protect your wallet and reduce unnecessary oral care expenses with a healthier smile. To find out more about your oral health and how you can protect it, call Glen Park Dental at (415) 585-1500 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
