FAQ Topics:

• Fillings & Restorative Materials
  
• Dentures
  
• Decay & Disease
  
• Children
  
• Brushing & Tooth Whitening
  
• X-rays
  
• Bad Breath
  

1. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
   

   Treat yourself to a new toothbrush with soft bristles every three to four months or when the bristles become worn or frayed. Do not use hard bristle toothbrushes because they will injure the gum tissues. Pay attention to brushing the inside of the lower teeth in the molar and incisor region. These are the areas where dental plaque and calculus build up the most. They are also the most difficult areas to clean. Parents should replace their children’s toothbrushes more frequently because kids tend to wear them out more frequently.

2. What is in the toothpaste I buy in the store?
   

   For our patients who live in Suffolk County, they should buy a fluoride-containing toothpase since the water supply of this county is not fluoridated. Over decades, fluoride has been proven to reduce the incidence of tooth decay (dental caries) in both children and adults. Ingredients other than fluoride which are found in toothpastes may include formulas to control tartar (dental calculus) formation above the gum line. The mechanism of action of these tartar control toothpastes are based upon the action of a variety of pyrophosphates or zinc citrate. Ingredients in desensitizing toothpaste is commonly potassium nitrate. These toothpastes help block the pain associated with exposed root surfaces due to receding gum tissues. Other toothpastes contain triclosan, an antimicrobial agent, because dental decay (dental caries) and diseases (gingivitis or periodontal disease) are infectious diseases. This agent is proven to be effective against organisms causing gingivitis. Toothpastes may contain baking soda which is a mild abrasive and makes the toothpaste taste and feel good when you brush, thus encouraging you to brush more often to remove dental plaque. These abrasives (baking soda and silicas) remove plaque and stain, and they also polish the teeth. Other agents found in toothpastes include flavorings to make it taste pleasant, humectants to prevent water loss, and binding agents to prevent the toothpaste from separating into a solid and liquid.

3. Can you tell me what is the best way to brush my teeth?
   

   Always use a soft bristled toothbrush, never a hard bristled one, for the bristles are less likely to damage the gum tissues. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth at the gum line and use a gentle, tooth-wide back and forth motion to dislodge and remove dental plaque. Always start on the inside of the mouth around the teeth of the lower jaw, for it is on these surfaces where the debris tends to accumulate and be the heaviest. Continue to the inside of the upper back teeth and then concentrate on the front surfaces of the upper and lower back teeth. Lastly, brush the front surfaces of the upper and lower anterior teeth. Use a fluoride containing toothpaste and take your time to brush. Rinse your mouth with water to remove any debris and toothpaste, and then floss your teeth followed by cleaning your tongue. You can finish by using an antibacterial mouthwash or fluoride rinse if your dentist recommends that you use one. When the bristles on your toothbrush become worn or frayed, usually in 3-4 months time, treat yourself to a new toothbrush.

4. Can I damage my teeth if I brush the wrong way?
   

   While teeth are protected by a very hard layer called enamel, this surface can become worn with improper brushing and using toothpastes with very abrasive particles in them. Improper brushing causes abrasion of the teeth and around the roots of the teeth where the hard tooth layer called cementum is easily abraded. Abraded surfaces lead to plaque accumulation and the formation of dental caries.

5. Can you tell me a little about oral irrigation devices?
   

   Oral irrigating devices use a stream of water to flush and remove food and dental plaque from around the teeth. They are only meant to be an aid to proper dental care and not a substitute for proper brushing and flossing. These devices are very helpful for individuals who have braces, have bridges or who lack the dexterity to perform adequate plaque removal with a soft toothbrush.

6. Are there ways which I can whiten my teeth?
   

   Teeth can be whitened by dentists using several methods. One method is to have your teeth whitened in the dental office in either a one or two 1-hour visit procedures. The teeth to be whitened, usually the front teeth in the upper jaw, are isolated, and the gum tissue is protected from the whitening agent. Whitening agents are painted on the, activated, and then washed off. The procedure is repeated several more times during the visit. It may take up to 2 visits to obtain maximum clinical whitening using this in-office procedure. At times, the teeth may become sensitive following these bleaching techniques, or the patient may experience that the teeth feel "rough."

   

   Another method is to use a custom-made "mouthguard" (or bleaching tray) which the patient uses with a dentist dispensed bleaching solution at home. The gel-like whitening material is placed in the bleaching tray and worn by the patient for up to 2 hours daily or at night for up to 2 weeks to achieve maximal whitening. Individuals with exposed roots, gum recession or periodontal problems may not be ideal candidates for this procedure. These products are not recommended for patients who use tobacco or alcohol products on a daily basis.

   Teeth will remain whitened if you brush effectively several times a day, clean between the teeth and gums with dental floss, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and/or "whitening touch-ups." With any whitening procedure, the surfaces of the teeth can be stained by tobacco products, foods and beverages which contain staining agents (i.e. tea, coffee, and certain fruits or berries). These foods and beverages should be avoided for the first week following bleaching procedures.