10 frequently asked questions a dentist receives

The most common questions a dentist receives in the clinic are:

 

Does scaling affect tooth enamel?

As long as scaling is done correctly by a dentist, the tooth enamel is not affected. Scaling is a dental procedure that removes plaque from the teeth and nothing else. If plaque remains on the teeth for a long time, it mineralizes and becomes a hard deposit called tartar. 

Once this tartar is attached to the teeth, it cannot be removed during normal brushing at home, but only through professional hygiene in the dental office . This professional hygiene involves scaling, brushing and airflow.

Tartar is the main contributing factor in the development of periodontal disease (periodontitis). Therefore, its removal by scaling is absolutely necessary and should be done periodically (every 6 months).

 

Is it normal to have tooth sensitivity after scaling?

Tartar that stagnates for a long period of time on the teeth demineralizes the tooth structure. Once the tartar is removed, it is possible to experience tooth sensitivity, which is usually transient. The greater the tartar deposits, the greater the postoperative sensitivity. On average, for 2-3 days, patients experience sensitivity to cold. 

This sensitivity also varies depending on the dental structure of each patient. Patients with cavities or dentinal hyperesthesia may experience more pronounced discomfort. 

 

Does dental X-ray affect the body?

Dental X-rays have the lowest radiation dose of all radiological tests. Four routine dental X-rays are equivalent to a dose of 0.005 mSv, similar to a 1-2 hour airplane flight. 

 

Are wisdom teeth extracted?

The extraction of wisdom teeth is decided based on factors related to: the position of the teeth on the arches, the space available for normal eruption, complications caused by them, the degree of carious damage, bordering infections. Often wisdom teeth are affected by caries due to the impossibility of achieving adequate hygiene at that level. Limited access to brushing in that area will determine that a dentist recommends the extraction of this molar. Another case of extraction is when wisdom teeth cause changes in the position of the other teeth in the oral cavity.

On a panoramic x-ray, a dentist determines whether the wisdom teeth have the possibility of erupting correctly or not and whether they are useful for chewing. Only teeth that have a role in chewing and that allow access to restorative treatment will be treated.

 

Why do gums bleed?

Bleeding from the oral cavity most often comes from the gums. They occur during tooth brushing or spontaneously. They are most common in patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease (periodontitis). Inflamed gums are observed by the dentist as being red with supra- and subgingival tartar deposits and sometimes periodontal pockets. The main factors in the occurrence of these conditions are: poor hygiene, genetic predisposition, smoking, low immunity, certain general conditions (e.g. diabetes).

 

When should we change our toothbrush?

A dentist will always recommend that you change your toothbrush every 3 months, whether it's a manual or an electric toothbrush. Studies have shown that these are the best times to brush effectively. Then the tips of the brushes start to dull, become inactive and eventually damage your gums. 

It is also important to remember that toothbrush bristles, over time, begin to retain more and more bacterial deposits. 

 

Is it mandatory to use interdental floss or a mouth irrigator?

The toothbrush does not clean well between the teeth. Starting from this idea, it is easy to intuit that we need another means of hygiene for the interdental areas. The Life Dental Spa team recommends the use of the oral irrigator due to its ease of use compared to interdental floss. There are many cases in which patients who do not use either of these two means of hygiene, present many interdental cavities. 

When should I take my child to see a dentist?

Considering that at approximately 6 months the child's first two temporary teeth appear, it is preferable to have their first contact with a dentist at the age of 1 year. That will be more of a visit to familiarize the child with the dental environment. 

Parents will also be informed about the sequential appearance of baby and permanent teeth and the importance of brushing baby teeth. 

 

How do we prevent cavities?

Cavities are caused by specific bacteria present in the oral cavity. The mechanical removal of these bacteria is achieved through consistent brushing and daily use of a mouthwash. Also, a visit to the dentist for a dental hygiene should be done once every 6 months, to remove tartar and bacterial plaque.

These bacteria grow in proportion to the amount of sugary products and carbonated drinks consumed. Lipid foods such as cheese and dark chocolate along with fruits and vegetables are the ones that reduce the development of bacteria at the dental level. 

Drinking water also stimulates saliva secretion, which helps clean tooth surfaces. 

 

At what time interval is a dental consultation recommended?

A dentist should perform professional hygiene every 6-12 months, depending on the patient's degree of hygiene, dental problems and existing prosthetic work, he will recommend the date of the next dental consultation .