16 . Should
my child wear a mouthguard while playing sports?
It is strongly recommended that children wear a mouthguard while
playing any contact sport. It is always better to prevent an
injury than to repair one. The earlier a child begins to wear
the mouthguard, the easier it is to become comfortable and
continue to wear it as they get older.
17
. What should I do if my child gets a tooth knocked out?
If the tooth is a permanent tooth, time is extremely crucial.
Immediately stick the tooth back in the socket. Don't worry
about getting it in straight or having it turned backwards, just
get it in the socket and immediately call your dentist. If you
are uncomfortable placing the tooth in the socket, put it in a
glass of milk and get your child to the dentist as quickly as
possible. If the tooth is a baby tooth, do not put it in the
socket because damage to the permanent tooth can occur. When in
doubt, put the tooth in milk and see your dentist immediately.
18
. What causes gum disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is caused by bacteria. These bacteria,
if left along the gumline, will irritate the gums and cause an
inflammation reaction. The gums then begin to bleed and swell
allowing the bacteria to go deeper under the gumline. If the
inflammation is allowed to continue, the bone will begin to
demineralize and dissolve. As the bone dissolves around the
teeth, the teeth become unsupported and will fall out.
Unfortunately, pain does not occur until the final stages of the
disease and treatment at that time has very little chance of
being successful. If your gums bleed regularly, seek treatment
as soon as possible.
19
. Do water irrigation systems replace the need for flossing?
Water irrigation systems should not be used as a substitute for
brushing and flossing. These devices are effective in removing
retained food from hard to reach areas, but do not remove
plaque. Dentists frequently recommend these devices with the
addition of antibacterial solutions to maintain the oral health
of periodontal patients.
20 .
What is root planing and why is it done?
Root planing is a technique performed in a dental office
to stop the adverse affect of periodontal disease. The
procedure cleans below the gumline and smooths the
roots. When the roots are smoothed, the gums will
usually reattach to the root stopping the bacteria from
spreading. This stops and reverses some of the damage
done by periodontal disease.
21 . My gums bleed when I
brush, what does it mean?
Bleeding gums is an early indicator of gingivitis, or
swollen gums,usually caused by plaque and/or calculus
accumulated under the gumline. If left untreated,
gingivitis can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth
loss. Gingivitis can be reversed by proper brushing and
flossing within a few weeks. If bleeding persists two to
three weeks, consult your dentist.
22 . How often should I see
my dentist?
You should visit your dentist at least every six months
or more frequently to get your teeth cleaned. By seeing
your dentist twice a year, your dentist can monitor your
oral health and help you prevent any problems that may
arise before they became uncomfortable or require more
comprehensive or expensive treatment. The dentist may
suggest more frequent visits, depending on the
diagnosis.
23 . What causes bad breath
and what can be done about it?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is primarily caused by poor
oral hygiene, but can also can be caused by retained
food particles, gum disease, drainage from sinus
dripping or systemic, respiratory or gastrointestinal
problems. Proper brushing including brushing the tongue,
cheeks, and the roof of the mouth will remove bacteria
and food particles. Flossing removes accumulated
bacteria, plaque and food that may be trapped between
teeth. Mouth rinses are effective in temporary relief of
bad breath. Consult your dentist and/or physician if the
condition persists.
