Prepare For Your Next Dentist Appointment

A: Teeth whitening is not a harmful procedure however it can lead to some sensitivity. In order for the bleach to whiten the tooth, it opens up the internal channels of the tooth, which causes sensitivity. This is not a long-term side effect but is fairly common.  Teeth whitening does not cause harm to the enamel of the tooth.  There is no literature suggesting that teeth whitening has any long-term health implications.

A: Trauma to a tooth from biting on a foreign object can cause reversible or irreversible damage. You may have simply bruised the periodontal ligament which connects your tooth to the bone. This, like any other bruise, will resolve over a matter of days. You may have introduced a crack into the tooth that extends into the dentin under the enamel.

A: Dental sealants are a preventative tool used to keep teeth (especially children’s) free from cavities. When permanent teeth are newly erupted, the chewing surfaces are very susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants can protect these areas of the teeth from cavities before they start.

A: The gum tissue normally attaches to the tooth where the enamel ends and the root begins. Receding gums result in the migration of this attachment level away from the enamel exposing the root surface to the oral environment. This subjects the root surface, which is more susceptible to tooth decay and more likely to retain plaque and tartar, to the potentially injurious effects of acids that cause decay and bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Causes of gum recession include aggressive brushing, clenching or grinding your teeth, tobacco products, genetics, periodontal disease, insufficient dental care, piercing of the lip or tongue and hormone changes predominantly in females.

A: Effective brushing does not mean hard brushing. Tartar (also called calculus) is hardened plaque. Plaque is a natural film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Proper brushing and flossing removes plaque. When it sits long enough on the teeth and along the gum line, it can form into hardened tartar. Once tartar is present on the teeth, the only way for it to be removed is by a dental professional through a process called scaling with special instruments. To prevent tartar formation, daily brushing and flossing, as well as limiting sticky, sugary, starchy foods and snacks is important.