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Is cosmetic whitening safe for my teeth? If so, can I use an over-the-counter product?
Cosmetic whitening can be accomplished safely and effectively with no adverse effect on the health of your teeth. In our office, we currently use the ZOOM! System with custom trays fabricated in the office. We do not currently recommend any over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products for a number of reasons. First of all, many OTC products have not undergone the rigorous testing required for any product we would recommend for our patients. Second, bleaching trays (or strips, etc.) which are not custom-fit may allow the whitening agent to contact the gum tissues, which can lead to irritation and damage to the tissue. Lastly and most importantly, some patients are better candidates for whitening than others for a variety of reasons, so feel free to ask us about your individual situation at your next appointment.
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I have a lot of silver fillings. Are they dangerous to my health and should I have them replaced?
Amalgam (silver) dental restorations have never been proven to have any adverse health effect, so we do not routinely recommend their removal for our patients. However, the technology behind composite (tooth-colored) fillings is very good and always improving, so almost all new fillings placed in our office are tooth-colored. In your case, we would examine the amalgam restorations in your mouth, and inform you of any areas that exhibit wear, breakage, or other potential problems. We would then recommend the replacement of fillings in the problem areas, and would likely use a tooth-colored material. With today's technology, we are able to restore teeth to last for a very long time, and best of all, to look like your natural teeth.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth? When should I schedule their first appointment?
You should start brushing your child's teeth as soon as you see them! It is important to get your child accustomed to you brushing their teeth so they will be able to transition more easily to brushing on their own. Begin using a small amount of toothpaste when your child is able to understand not to swallow. In regard to routine dental visits, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a dental visit as early as age one. In our office we will usually have the child first come with you to your appointment, and we will take a few minutes to explain things. This is a good way to transition before we schedule their first "official" visit. We love to see kids in our office, and are very proud that most of the children in our office think coming to the dentist is great fun, which is the way it should be!
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Do you use digital x-rays in your office?
Yes, we use digital radiographs (x-rays) because they have a number of advantages over traditional film. The image displays instantly on a computer screen, which will save you time and allow you to visualize easily as we discuss what we see. Additionally, our patients are very happy to know that digital radiographs require 90% less radiation than traditional film!
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Do you recommend mouthwash?
We do not routinely recommend the daily use of mouthwash for our patients. However, we do make recommendations for its use under certain circumstances which vary from patient to patient. For instance, we may recommend a fluoride mouth rinse for a patient with a history of numerous cavities, while we may recommend an anti-microbial mouth rinse for a patient with early signs of periodontal (gum) disease. We would be glad to make a recommendation for you.
Incidentally, you may have heard advertisements reporting the daily use of Listerine to be as effective as flossing. In my opinion, this is simply not true, and there is not a substitute for the daily use of dental floss.
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I drink mainly bottled water. Can this be bad for my teeth?
The fluoridation of municipal water supplies (including Lincoln's) is responsible for a drastic reduction in the rate of dental decay among resident populations. Bottled water may have little or no flouride present, which could potentially lead to a higher incidence of dental decay. For this reason, we prefer the drinking of regular tap water. At a minimum, we recommend that children routinely drink tap water and that tap water is regularly used in cooking, etc.
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Do I need to go to the dentist twice a year?
In a word, yes! When we see our patients every six months, we are usually able to see potential problems when they are very small and easier to repair, not to mention less costly. We also are able to identify problem areas well before they cause symptoms like pain or sensitivity, which helps keep our patients among the happiest in Lincoln.
Additionally, many people visit our office much more routinely than their regular physician. This allows us to identify conditions such as pre-cancerous lesions, diabetes, and numerous other systematic diseases as early as possible, thereby rendering treatment more effective.
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What is your opinion on electric toothbrushes?
There are a number of good electric toothbrushes on the market, and we would be happy to recommend one for your individual needs. Some patients have difficulty grasping a manual toothbrush (as in the case of severe arthritis, and in such instances an electric toothbrush is recommended). By and large, most people can achieve an adequate level of complete cleaning with a manual toothbrush, provided they are using the proper technique and spending an adequate amount of time brushing. Again, feel free to ask us about your own individual circumstances.
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Is diet soda less harmful to your teeth than regular?
Because diet sodas usually contain a sugar substitute, they are preferable to regular sodas. However, the latest studies are showing that the acidity of sodas may well be the component most damaging to tooth structure, so in this regard diet sodas are as much to blame as regular. We usually recommend that our patients be very aware of their soda intake, whether diet or otherwise, and moderate their intake accordingly.
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Which toothpaste do you recommend?
We usually recommend regular fluoride toothpaste. The brand is not paramount, as long as it carries the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Some toothpastes which are advertised as "tartar control" or "whitening" have been implicated in cases of increased tooth sensitivity. If you have any questions about the particular brand you are using, please ask us.
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