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FAQs
When it comes to oral health, we'd like to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions about dental care. Please don't hesitate to contact dentist directly if you have any further questions; we're the trusted dental practice for patients in Milton, Milton, Holbrook, Braintree, Quincy, and surrounding areas.
Q. What can I do to combat bad breath?
A. All of us experience bad breath, or halitosis, from time to time; it can be embarrassing and downright unpleasant. For healthy individuals, bad breath is usually caused by microbial deposits on the tongue (especially in back). This can be helped by brushing the tongue along with the teeth; some studies show that this can reduce bad breath by as much as 70%.
Some causes of bad breath:
- Morning breath - While we sleep, the flow of saliva stops; this reduces the natural cleaning action in our mouths, enabling bacterial growth. This tends to cause bad breath in the morning when we wake up.
- Food - Certain foods, like onions and garlic, contain strong odor-causing compounds. These enter the bloodstream, get transferred to our lungs, and we exhale the resulting odor.
- Diet - When the body burns fat, it releases ketones - a chemical in the breath.
- Hunger and dehydration - Missing meals is never good for the breath; chewing and drinking promotes saliva flow, which in turn washes away bacteria. Poor oral hygiene - When we don't clean the mouth properly, food particles collect and cause bacterial growth.
- Cavities and badly fitted dental appliances - bacteria collects in these spaces which are difficult to keep clean.
- Gum disease - Periodontal disease results when food particles and bacterial colonies reside under the gums and cause them to become inflamed and infected.
- Tobacco - Tobacco products can dry out the mouth and cause halitosis as a result.
- Dry mouth - this condition, also called Xerostomia, can be caused by salivary gland issues, certain medications, or just continuous breathing through the mouth.
- Certain illnesses or medical conditions - Some conditions that can contribute to halitosis are chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems.
How to prevent bad breath:
- Maintain proper oral hygiene - Brushing at least twice daily, as well as daily flossing, is a must (We recommend an ADA-approved toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste). Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between the teeth and around the gums, while brushing the tongue (or using a tongue scraper) helps clean the tongue. For those who wear removable bridges or dentures, clean these pieces thoroughly. Schedule regular visits to the dentist - It's recommended to get a professional dental cleaning and check-up twice a year at minimum. Depending on the patient (history of dental conditions or gum disease), your dentist may recommend more. Drink water more frequently - Water helps wash away bacteria by keeping the mouth moist and promoting saliva flow. Try a mouthwash or rinse - While over-the-counter products can temporarily mask bad breath, the dentists may recommend an antiseptic rinse that helps kill the odor-causing germs.Stop smoking - Smoking or chewing tobacco are direct causes of halitosis; the specialists can offer recommendations for breaking the habit.
It may help to keep a record of what you eat and drink in order to determine what is causing the bad breath. Make sure, too, that your dentist knows about any medications, illnesses, or surgeries you may have recently experienced. Usually, dentist specialists will be able to treat halitosis; in some cases, however, the root of the problem may not be in the mouth, so the dentist may refer a patient with persistent bad breath to a physician for an appropriate treatment plan.
Q. How frequently should one brush and floss?
A. Brush at least twice a day, especially after meals and at bedtime. Floss at least once a day to clean the gumline.
Q: Are silver (amalgam) fillings safe?
A: According to the American Dental LLC, amalgam fillings are safe and used by up to 76 per cent of dentists. The use of silver fillings is also supported by the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and the FDA. The controversy over amalgam fillings resulted from worries over patients' exposure to minute particles and vapor from the mercury used in these types of fillings (the amalgam is a blend of silver, tin, copper, and zinc, bound by elemental mercury). However, dentists have been using amalgam fillings for over 100 years, and studies have not shown any relation between silver containing mercury and any medical disorders. In fact, the ADA maintains that mercury becomes an inactive substance when it combines with the other filling components. As stated by the U.S. Public Health Service, the only circumstance in which use of amalgam fillings is not advised is if an individual has an allergy to any one component of the filling.
If you're still not sure about the best choice of filling for you, the dentists in Milton will be more than happy to discuss all your options with you. Alternatives to silver fillings include porcelain, composite, and gold.
Q. What should I expect in a typical dental cleaning and exam?
A. Teeth are professionally cleaned and checked for cavities, and a fluoride treatment is administered. The visit also involves:
- Reviewing the patient's medical history and noting any new medications, as well as current illnesses or medical conditions.
- Examining diagnostic x-rays to check for decay, cysts, bone loss, etc.
- Screening for oral cancer.
- Checking for signs of periodontal disease.
- Checking all tooth surfaces for tooth decay.
- Inspecting any existing crowns, fillings, or other restorations.
- Removal of tartar and plaque, followed by tooth polishing.
Recommendations for proper oral hygiene practices and diet/eating habits.
We're truly committed to our patients overall health and well being - that's why even routine dental appointments extend beyond just cleaning. We are the trusted dental practice for South Shore residents, including
- Milton
- Holbrook
- Braintree
- Quincy
- Canton
- Avon
- Stoughton
Do your smile a favor - come see us today! |
