Q: What is the best tooth brush on the market?
A: The RotaDent Dental cleaning system is the best tooth brush, but is only sold at select dental offices and usually costs less than most other power tooth brushes. The RotaDent comes with a life time warranty that our office (as a courtesy) will keep track of if any thing happens to the tooth brush. Unlike other tooth brushes, the RotaDent cleans tooth by tooth and cleans under the gums where bacteria can build and start an infection. The tooth brush system also has specialized tips that help clean around braces, bridges and even in between teeth.
Q: What are alternatives to the invasive periodontal surgery?
A: North River Dental is pleased to offer our patients the world's first FDA-cleared Laser Periodontal Disease treatment protocol with a scientifically proven regenerative outcome. Our Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure^tm (LANAP) protocol offers our patients a significantly less traumatic alternative to traditional periodontal surgery. By removing calculus deposits without cutting and suturing, we can help you to experience a faster, easier recovery with minimal postoperative pain, bleeding and swelling. For more information, please talk to your dentist or hygienist. For a short demonstrative video and FAQ's, please click http://www.lanap.com/demo.php and http://www.lanap.com/patfaq.php
Q: I don’t like to floss. What are alternatives?
A: Water pik, Shower Breeze, Reach Flossers, Floss picks and gum stimulators are all alternatives to floss. Although the traditional dental "string" floss is still the best/industry standard, these are suitable alternatives. Ask your dental professional which one would work best for you.
Q: How do my medications affect my oral health?
A: Dry mouth is a side effect of over 500 medications in 14 categories including:
Antihistamines-Antidepressants-Antiemetics-Antianxiety-Antiacne-Antihypertensive- Antiinflammatories-Antipsychotics-Bronchodilator-Decongestant-Diuretic-Muscle Relaxant-Narcotic Analgesic-Sedatives
Q: Why do I need fluoride? Isn’t there enough in the water I drink?
A: Fluoride in the water becomes systemic since it does not stay in our mouth. Fluoride saturating our teeth help remineralize soft spots on our teeth.
Q: How old should children be before using fluoride supplements?
A: Newborns and infants can have Nursery water that has fluoride in it in small amounts or there are fluoride drops that can be put in other liquids they ingest. Children over the age of 2 with a good ability to spit can use toothpaste with fluoride. The suggested age for ACT and other rinses is 6 years old as long as they are able to spit well. If you choose give rinses such as ACT and you are worried about the child swallowing too much, they can rinse with water after using the rinse.
Q: What can I do at home to help prevent cavities other than flossing and fluoride?
A: Avoid foods that have sugar or are acidic. Liquids that have sugar stay on our teeth about 20 minutes after each sip or bite causing break down of our enamel. Foods that are sticky stay on our teeth about 45 minutes. The best thing to do is eat or drink these items quickly and RINSE WELL with water often if brushing cannot be done; drinking water alone is not as beneficial.
Q: How often will my hygienist measure my gums?
A: We evaluate the gums at every visit when you have risk factors or show signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Q: What are the risk factors of periodontal disease?
A: See the colorful pie chart to the right.
Q: I have sensitive teeth. What can I do to help this?
A: Sensodyne has an ingredient that numbs our tooth and Clinpro 5000 an Rx toothpaste or MI paste help remineralize the weak parts of the tooth that are exposed. Avoid toothpastes with whitening ingredients.
Q: Is whitening toothpaste safe to use?
A: Yes in moderation. Most whitening toothpastes have an ingredient called pyrophosphates which means “fire rocks.” They work by scratching the enamel clean and eventually removing the enamel (the white part of the tooth) allowing the dentin (the yellow part of the tooth) to show through. This can also cause tooth sensitivity.
Q: What can I use to safely whiten my teeth daily?
A: A tool called a prophy jet used during the professional dental cleaning removes stain from the surface of the tooth from coffee, wine and so on. Whitening trays are good to use after a professional dental cleaning to whiten at home. Perioxide and baking soda are also good to use at home. Some toothpastes include these ingredients.
Q: I have a holistic approach to my health. Are there ways to treat my periodontal disease without medications?
A: Yes, please talk to your dental provider for specific regimens for you. A popular All Natural toothpaste is Tom’s.
Q: What bacteria are causing the infection in my mouth?
A: We offer a saliva test that can tell us the amount of the specific bacteria causing of your periodontal disease. With this information, we can target these bacteria with specific antibiotics.
For more information, please talk to your dentist or hygienist or click on the following link: http://www.oraldna.com/patients.html
Q: Am I being screened for oral cancer during my visits?
A: Absolutely!!! As a part of our full examination, we use a CT scan that can be sent to a radiologist for interpretation; this checks the bone for cancer in the jaw as well as other health conditions. In addition, we use a specialized light (a Velscope) to detect oral cancer and we use a special gargle that is sent to a lab to detect throat cancer. During each and every visit, you are being evaluated for oral cancer! Once an oral lesion is large enough to detect with the naked eye, the treatment can be more invasive. Therefore, North River Dental is committed to finding these areas of concern early, giving our patients the best prognosis possible!
Q: I have heard that gum disease can be genetic. How do I find out if I am at risk?
A: We have a saliva test that can be evaluated by a special lab that checks for your risk factor so that prevention therapy can be followed. As with all health problems, prevention and early detection is the key.
Q: Every time I go to the dentist they tell me I have 5 mm pockets and they are normal for me. Why do I have to have another deep cleaning? Will the pocketing really go away?
A: The anatomy of teeth are complex and your dental professional will tell you the best way to reduce your pocketing. A 5 mm pocket is an area that cannot be cleaned at home and normally ends up with an opportunistic bacterial infection that can lead to gum, bone and eventual tooth loss.
Q: My gums always bleed. Is this normal?
A: NO. Although bleeding during brushing and flossing is common, bleeding is never a sign of good health. If you take your sock off and your toe is bleeding, you would question, "Why?"; we should do this for our teeth as well.
Q: I have a bad taste in my mouth. What could this mean?
A: Several medical conditions cause a bad taste or smell in our mouth. These conditions can only be determined by a medical professional. Common causes are uncontrolled diabetes, decay, gum or bone infection, bacteria left far back on your tongue, throat infections, sinus drainage and much, much more. Depending on the cause, treatment ranges greatly.
Q: I have bacteria in my mouth and I know I will lose my teeth eventually because my mom had dentures. Can this bacterial infection in my mouth lead to any other health problems?
A: Absolutely and there are ways that we can help you maintain your natural teeth as well. Bacteria are contagious from tooth to tooth and person to person. As we eat, drink and chew, we are stirring up these bacteria in our mouth and introducing them to our blood stream. The infectious bacteria in our mouth can cause premature birth, low birth weight, heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease AND can cause our blood sugar to fluctuate causing health concerns with diabetic patients.