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Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive are listed below. We always do our best to answer patient inquiries, ease their concerns, and teach people about dentistry and oral health.
If your questions are not answered after reviewing this page, or you would like to schedule an appointment, we invite you to contact us.
What Causes and Alleviates Bad Breath?
Bad breath is a condition that sometimes goes unnoticed by patients for long periods of time. It is a common issue most people experience in the morning, though it can become a problem during other times of the day.
For your average person, bad breath can be greatly diminished with tongue scraping. However, sometimes bad breath is harder to get rid of, or may be caused by a problem beyond oral hygiene.
Some causes of bad breath might include:
- Certain Foods – (garlic, onions, or other pungent foods)
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- Untreated Cavities
- Improperly Fitted Dental Appliances
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
- Tobacco
- Dieting
- Dehydration or Hunger
- Medical Conditions and Illnesses – (Several conditions may contribute to bad breath, like sinus infections or diabetes.)
Follow these steps to help combat bad breath:
- Keep track of medications and foods to determine the cause of the issue.
- Brush teeth twice daily, floss daily, use mouthwash/rinses, scrape tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper, and remember to replace toothbrushes every couple of months.
- If you wear removable dental bridges or dentures, clean them thoroughly every morning.
- See the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
- Drink plenty of water to maintain a healthy amount of saliva in the mouth and wash away bacteria.
How Often Do We Recommend Brushing & Flossing?
Brushing and flossing are vital to tooth health. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, which can lead to tooth decay, infection, and disease. Flossing also helps prevent these problems by removing buildup from between teeth.
Patients should brush teeth at least twice a day. It is recommended that patients use an electric toothbrush. Also, floss every day with either traditional floss, a floss pick, or other kind of floss.
If you have more questions about how to brush and floss your teeth appropriately, click here.
How Often Do We Recommend Scheduling a Dental Exam?
Patients should visit the dentist for a checkup and teeth cleaning at least twice a year. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are necessary to avoid dental problems and maintain the integrity of teeth and gums.
A routine dental checkup usually includes a teeth cleaning and examination. The dentist may also check for signs of oral cancer, examine any existing dental restorations (i.e. fillings, crowns, etc.), remove tartar, review dietary habits, and suggest helpful dental aids.
What are the Signs of Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gum disease is difficult for the average patient to detect. This is because gum disease usually does not showcase noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent gum disease from getting out of hand.
Improper oral hygiene, smoking, certain medications, going through puberty, pregnancy, and other factors can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis.
Why is Flossing Important?
Food particles, plaque, and bacteria gather between teeth, the one place a toothbrush struggles to reach. This can lead to buildup and cause infection, decay, even gum disease. Flossing cleans those hard to reach areas between teeth and under the gum line, disturbing plaque buildup and removing food particles.
To learn more about proper flossing technique, click here.
What are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry includes a wide range of dental procedures, such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, composite fillings, dental implants, and more. These procedures can do wonders for any patient’s smile.
Cosmetic dentistry can also improve overall oral health . For example, dental implants replace missing or damaged teeth which help prevent shifting, bone loss, and other dental issues.
Searching for cosmetic dentistry in Chicago? Learn about the cosmetic dental procedures we offer at Windy City Family Dental by clicking here.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom made caps which cover crooked, chipped, stained, or otherwise compromised teeth. They are durable and last about ten years, sometimes longer. Veneers are a great option for patients looking to improve the appearance of their smile in a quick and simple way.
How To Fix Stained or Discolored Teeth?
Stained or discolored teeth can have a big impact on confidence, and sometimes daily brushing and regular teeth cleanings cannot remove the discoloration. In these cases, there are options like porcelain veneers and teeth whitening services.
Porcelain veneers cover existing teeth with custom made, tooth colored caps which are made to last and provide a natural looking smile. They are also resistant to staining.
Teeth whitening services can be administered for patients whose teeth are expected to respond well to bleaching. Teeth whitening can only be done on natural enamel so it is important to consider having old crowns and fillings replaced before bleaching is done so that all teeth will match.
Also, avoiding foods and beverages which are known to cause discoloration can help diminish staining. These might include red wine, coffee, tea, curry, berries, and other foods or beverages. Smoking and chewing tobacco is also known to cause tooth discoloration.
