FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Routine Care

• 1. What is plaque and why is it bad?

  Plaque is a sticky film that is constantly forming on your teeth. Remember the Tooth Bug? Plaque is where he and all the bacteria in your mouth hang out.

  These bacteria are nasty and you don’t want to give them the chance to move in and take over.

  If you allow plaque to build up by skipping teeth cleanings or neglecting to floss regularly, you activate the immune system chronically, which leads to unnecessary inflammation in the body. Long term inflammation in the body is what causes premature aging and systemic disease.

• 2. Are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes?

  The big advantage of electric brushes, is that they do most of the work for you, many are designed to tackle more than just the front-facing surface of the teeth and the better ones also have timers so you know exactly how long to brush for (two minutes is the recommended minimum). Ones with round heads and side-to-side oscillations are especially effective because they ‘hug’ the tooth as they brush, making sure it’s cleaned from more than one side.

  The trick is to use then correctly. The most common mistake is to use them like you would a normal toothbrush (and I’ve done this myself when I’ve neglected to charge mine!). Instead, you should simply place the brush head against each individual tooth and let the lovely little oscillations and pulsations do the rest.

• 3. What causes bad breath?

  To be answered soon.

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• 4. It’s been a long time since I’ve visited the dentist. What do I need to do?

  To be answered soon.

• 5. Why should I have my teeth cleaned twice a year?

  To be answered soon.

• 6. Can I have my teeth cleaned monthly?

  To be answered soon.

For Parents

• 1. Now that I’m pregnant, my gums are more sensitive and bleed more easily. Why? What happens if I have a dental problem when I am pregnant?

  To be answered soon.

• 2. When will my child get his first tooth?

  To be answered soon.

• 3. My child’s baby teeth have cavities. Why should they be gilled if they’re just going to fall out I a few years?

  To be answered soon.

• 4. What are sealants and why are they done?

  To be answered soon.

• 5. What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?

  To be answered soon.

• 6. When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

  To be answered soon.

• 7. Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

  To be answered soon.

Braces

• 1. How Long Does it Take to Put My Braces on?

  That all depends on the patient and the type of braces they are getting. But for most patients, getting braces put on takes about 30-90 minutes. The process may seem a little unpleasant, but you shouldn’t worry about pain. First, the dentist will clean and dry your teeth; then she will apply a special glue that holds the brackets on. The glue doesn’t taste great, but it is completely safe to have it in your mouth. The last thing the dentist will do is put the archwires on the brackets and secure everything with elastic bands.

• 2. Will My Braces Hurt After They Get Put On?

  You won’t feel any pain during the procedure, but your teeth and gums will probably be a little sore afterwards. The pain can last for up to a week, but it is very rarely hard to deal with. Most patients comment that it is annoying more than painful.

• 3. What can I do to Ease the Pain?

  If you are really struggling to ease the pain after you get your braces put on, or simply looking to take your mind off it, there are a couple of things you can try:

  • Tweet ThisTry to only eat soft foods during the first few days.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help, just be sure never to exceed the dosage listed on the bottle.
  • You can buy orthodontic wax that you can use whenever you feel uncomfortable. Just squeeze the wax between your fingers and apply it to the brackets that are rubbing the inside of your mouth.
  • Don’t drink beverages like orange or tomato juice that have a lot of acid.
  • If you develop mouth sores, don’t touch them with your tongue or finger. You can help relieve the irritation by swishing a cup of water mixed with ½ tsp of salt in your mouth, or using an oral anesthetic like Orajel.

• 4. When will I Get Used to My Braces?

  Probably within a week. You probably won’t notice that they are there at all. During that time, you might experience mild amounts of pain randomly. This is completely normal. The pain will go away quickly and should not be cause for alarm. If necessary, take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

  If you are about to get braces, you are probably curious about what they fee like, and possibly worried that braces hurt. If those questions are on your mind, good for you. Knowing what you are getting into makes the process a lot easier. We have put together this quick guide to answer your questions and help you feel as comfortable as possible on your first day with braces.