Dentistry FAQ's

Q  How do I care for my teeth when I am pregnant?

See your dentist as you normally would, unless you haven’t been receiving regular dental care, in which case start now.  Talk to your dentist about your own teeth, and about your baby’s teeth. 

View the ADA briefing on dental care during pregnancy http://www.ada.org/public/topics/pregnancy.asp 

Q  What is meant by “Bottle Caries” or “Bottle Mouth Syndrome”?

“Bottle Caries” means rampant caries in babies, linked to continuous dripping of sugar containing liquids onto the teeth.  This is particularly linked to the use of baby bottles, because many infants tend to ‘nurse’ a bottle, but may also be linked   to cup feeding or very occasionally breastfeeding if this takes place on demand and throughout the night.

View the ADA briefing on rampant caries, and infant dental care http://www.ada.org/public/topics/decay_childhood.asp 

Q  What can you tell me about gum disease?

National surveys show that a large number of adults suffer from some form of gum disease (most are unaware of the problem).  If not treated, gum disease can    ultimately make extraction necessary, but with good oral hygiene, gum disease can be prevented.  If you smoke, give it up for dental reasons too because there is         a well-established link between smoking, smokeless tobacco, gum disease and increased tooth loss.  Several other factors can contribute to gum disease such as an unbalanced diet, pregnancy, certain medications, and diseases.

View the ADA briefing on gum disease http://www.ada.org/public/topics/periodontal_diseases.asp

View the ADA briefing on tobacco http://www.ada.org/public/topics/smoking_tobacco.asp

Q  What sort of toothbrush should I be using?

Dentists recommend that you use a small-headed soft to medium brush with synthetic bristles which are “end-rounded” so that they do not damage you gums.  Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and change our brush when it becomes out of shape as it will be less effective for plaque removal.  Your       toothbrush should be replaced approximately every 3 months, and should be ADA approved.

View the ADA briefing on tooth brushes. http://ada.org/public/topics/products.asp

Q  Why is it important to brush my teeth?

Regular brushing is important in the prevention of gum disease.  However, toothbrushing alone does not prevent decay.  For that, you need fluoride.  Most people in the US benefit from fluoridated water.  Fluoride supplements should be given to children less than 7 years of age if your water supply is not fluoridated, or if    bottled water is the only source of drinking water.  Also, using an ADA approved,fluoride toothpaste will help prevent tooth decay. 

View the ADA briefing on oral hygiene http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp

View the ADA briefing on home dental products http://ada.org/public/topics/products.asp

Q  Should I use a mouthwash?

Ask your dentist for advice on mouth rinses.  Some mouth rinses are of no health benefit, but others have shown in clinical trials that they help to keep mouths healthy.

View the ADA briefing on mouth rinses http://ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp

Q  Should I use floss?

Ask your dentist or hygienist.  Dentists do not recommend flossing for children. If you do floss, it is important to do it properly so that you clean around your teeth without damaging your gums.

View the ADA briefing on flossing http://ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp

Q  What can dentists do about bad breath?

Poor oral hygiene and gum disease are the most common causes of bad breath, so dentists can do a lot for people with concerns about bad breath.

View the ADA briefing on bad breath http://ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath.asp

Q  Is it true that chewing gum helps keep my mouth healthy?

Yes, provided it is sugar-free gum, that is.  Chewing stimulates saliva flow, which helps to clean away food remains, and also helps a tooth to remineralise after an acid attack, using minerals in the saliva.

Q  What advice do dentists give about sports?

If you are taking part in competitive sports or training, don’t let poor oral health undermine your performance.  Participants in contact sports should use a properly made mouth guard to support and protect the teeth.

View the ADA briefing on mouth guards http://ada.org/public/topics/mouthguards.asp

Q  Is Oral piercing safe?

No.  There is always a risk of infection with any form of piercing.  The risks to health are greater with mouth piercing because of the closeness of the airway.  A swollen tongue can interfere with breathing, and infections underneath the tongue can spread rapidly.  Severely infected piercings have been reported as causes of septicemia, and toxic shock syndrome.

There is also a risk if piercing is carried out with less than rigorous hygiene.  Equipment should be disposable wherever possible and other equipment should be sterilized between clients using a piece of equipment known as an autoclave.  Autoclaves start at around $2950 and up, so it is possible that they are not in general use by piercers.  If the equipment is not sterile, infections such as HIV or    Hepatitis B or C infections could pass from client to client, or between client and  piercer.  In addition to possible infection, tongue rings and other oral piercings cann interfere with intubations, or insertion of a breathing tube.  In the event of such an emergency, paramedics will generally remove the appliance or appliances with pliers.    

View the ADA briefing on oral piercing http://www.ada.org/public/topics/pregnancy.asp

Q  How does methamphetamine affect my mouth?

 Methamphetamine, or meth, use causes serious dental and overall health problems.  The affects of meth include a wide range of problems from nausea, vomiting, rampant tooth decay, hysteria, and permanent brain damage.

View the ADA briefing on methamphetamine use http://www.ada.org/public/topics/methmouth.asp 

Links of Interest:

American Dental Association http://www.ada.org/

ADA FAQ Page http://www.ada.org/public/topics/faq.asp

Mayo Clinic Dental http://ada.org/public/topics/faq.asp