Dental FAQ
Platte City, MO
Taking care of your mouth is incredibly important for keeping it healthy and happy. With good oral care, your mouth can function properly, and you can smile confidently. There are many parts to maintaining your oral health, and many patients often have questions. Platte Valley Dental Care is here to help.
What Toothbrush and Toothpaste Should I Use?
The number of oral care products can be overwhelming. The ADA recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head and a comfortable handle. When it comes to toothpaste, a fluoridated one is recommended. Fluoride is essential for enamel strength, which enables your teeth to effectively fight off acid attacks and prevents the formation of decay and cavities. There is also toothpaste that can help you to deal with specific issues, such as tooth sensitivity or surface stains. If you are unsure of what type of toothpaste would be best for your needs, we are more than happy to help. How Important is Flossing?
Even if you brush twice a day, flossing is still essential. No matter how well you brush, the bristles of your toothbrush cannot get the spaces between your teeth. These spaces become ideal hiding places for plaque and bacteria. Floss allows you to reach these areas, preventing the formation of hidden cavities between teeth. Do I Need Regular Dental Visits?
Yes. Two visits a year might seem like nothing, but these visits are essential. Cleanings are performed to help clean all buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, including calcified plaque, or tartar. Once plaque hardens, it cannot be removed no matter how well or how often you brush. We can effectively clean all areas of your teeth, including those you might have trouble accessing at home.
Exams are important for the detection of different oral health issues. We are highly experienced in detecting the earliest warning signs of a variety of different issues before you ever notice anything is wrong. We are then able to provide you with the treatments you need before something more serious develops. Treatments in early stages are generally less invasive, and less expensive. Why are X-Rays Necessary?
While we can see a lot just by looking at your teeth and gums, there are many areas of your mouth that we cannot view. Issues can develop between your teeth as well as below your gumline. If these issues cannot be seen, they cannot be treated. They might go completely unnoticed until serious complications have developed. With x-rays, we can easily see these areas of your mouth. We can diagnose issues such as cavities, root damage, bone loss, impacted teeth, and much more. X-rays provide us with a complete picture of your mouth so that we can provide you with the best care possible. What Happens if My Teeth are Damaged?
If your teeth are damaged or decayed, it is important that you seek treatment right away. Damaged teeth can worsen over time. Their strength becomes compromised, leaving them susceptible to splitting or shattering. You are also at risk for developing a painful infection. In many cases, we can restore damaged teeth, with treatments such as fillings, inlays or onlays, and crowns. If the teeth are beyond repair, we may recommend an extraction and replacement. What if I Lose a Tooth?
Tooth loss has many causes. No matter what the cause, it is important that they are replaced right away. Replacing missing teeth restores normal functions to your mouth, your smile, and your overall quality of life. There are many ways in which missing teeth can be replaced, including bridges, dentures, and dental implants. We can help to determine the best solution to meet your specific needs. If you have any questions or concerns about maintaining your oral health, we are here to help you. For more information, call Platte Valley Dental Care today at (816)858-2027. |
