Yes! It’s important to visit your dentist for a thorough exam and cleaning even if you’re not experiencing symptoms of tooth decay or gum disease. Despite regular brushing and flossing, your teeth can still accumulate tartar that can harbor unwanted bacteria. These bacteria can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if they’re not professionally removed at your dentist’s office.

Getting traditional dental x-rays can take several minutes. A thick paper tab is placed into your mouth, which you’ll be asked to bite down on. Most patients find that dental x-rays are completely painless and don’t inflict any level of discomfort. 

In some cases, dentists use intraoral x-rays, as well as extra-oral x-rays that snap images of the face, jaw and skull. Extra-oral x-rays are typically used to identify impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth.

Fluoride treatments are painless and can be administered in your dentist’s office at your twice-yearly check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will distribute fluoridated gel, foam, or varnish into a tray and place it over your teeth. The treatment only takes a few minutes and is only required between one and four times per year.

To maximize your fluoride treatments, the ADA recommends supplementing your fluoridated drinking water or fluoride treatments with a fluoridated toothpaste.

Yes! The ADA recommends that everyone floss in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In addition to flossing, you should be adopting proper brushing techniques and visiting your dentist at least twice per year for examinations and professional dental cleanings.

You may not experience immediate results from flossing, but over time, your habit will pay off. Flossing can prevent tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss – all of which can be highly inconvenient and expensive to treat.

You may need to change your brushing habits if you’re experiencing signs of poor oral hygiene. Examples of common symptoms include bleeding or reddened gums, excessive plaque build-up, decaying teeth, and receding gum lines. 

The benefits of proper tooth brushing techniques may not be experienced immediately, but they are noticeable long-term. Over time, brushing too hard or not brushing enough can produce oral health complications that can’t be reversed and require special treatment. By adopting proper brushing habits, you can avoid expensive dental bills in the future.

If your bad breath doesn’t improve despite self-care techniques, such as dietary adjustments and thorough tooth brushing, you may need to see a dentist about pursuing professional treatment. Your dentist may then inspect your mouth for signs of decay, infections, or gum disease that could be causing your bad breath

Keep in mind that short-term remedies like gum, breath mints, and mouthwash may temporarily freshen breath, but they aren’t a solution to the underlying problem. If your chronic bad breath can’t be traced to an oral problem or daily habit, you may be referred to a physician for further evaluation.

The ADA recommends drinking plenty of water each day and avoiding snacks between meals whenever possible. It’s important to consume nutritious foods from each of the major food groups, including whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and fruits. 

Don’t start a new diet without consulting with your physician first. If you’re on a special diet, be sure to speak with your dentist about the types of foods you should be eating that comply with your diet and can also optimize your oral health.

The ADA recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head that is ergonomically proportioned to the inside of your mouth. You can effectively brush your teeth with either a manual toothbrush or an electric one. However, the rapid movements of motorized versions may be more effective at removing plaque from your teeth and gum line. 

If you have questions about which toothbrush is best for you, speak with your dentist about it at your next visit. He or she may recommend an electric brush with an oscillating head or a brush that includes a timer to let you know how long to brush.

Based on the results of your dental check-up, your general dentist may recommend that you return for treatment or follow a special at-home oral care plan. You may also be referred to a dental specialist for treatment of advanced oral health conditions.