FAQ's
Dental education is an important part to achieving excellence in oral health care. The following tips can assist you in your most common dental needs, from brushing and flossing to dental emergencies.
Your Manus Dental team believes that patient education is an important part of achieving excellence in oral health care. We encourage you to contact us in the event you or a family member experience dental discomfort or have any questions regarding your oral health care program or needs. For your convenience, we have set forth below various tips regarding dental care and dental emergencies. Of course, these dental tips are necessarily general in nature and cannot replace the personalized care and advice you will receive from your Manus Dental team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should your child first see a dentist? How do you treat a cold sore? What can you do to alleviate dry mouth? Manus Dental has the answers to these and several other of our patients' most frequently asked questions.
- When should my child first see a dentist?
- How many times a day should a child brush?
- Can adults have braces?
- My gums bleed, do I have periodontal disease?
- How do I treat a cold sore?
- Do I need an antibiotic in connection with my regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis)?
- My mouth is always dry, what can I do?
When should my child first see a dentist? Most children should have their first visit by the age of two years. If a child is seen early the overall dental development can be observed and any abnormalities or discoloration of the teeth will be noted. The dentist can also educate the parents on thumbsucking, cavity prevention, pacifiers and teething problems. If problems are suspected before the age of two years it is best to call your Manus Dentist to arrange a first visit for your child at that time.
How many times a day should a child brush? It is rare that a child can find the time or the discipline to brush three times a day as is recommended for adults. However, it is very important that all children brush at least twice a day, once after breakfast and once before bedtime. Most of the bacteria that causes decay does the preponderance of its damage while the mouth is at rest and the child is asleep.
Can adults have braces? Yes! Adults can benefit from orthodontics. If an adult suffers from a "bad bite" it can lead to many other problems (See "TM Disorder" and "Periodontal Disease") that can be more difficult to treat. A dentist can formulate a custom treatment plan after a comprehensive exam is done, including X-rays, study models, and photographs of the face. Once the treatment plan is agreed upon the treatment will be phased and the bands, brackets and wires will be placed. If a removable appliance is used impressions will be taken for a retainer type appliance (See "Orthodontics"). The active phase of orthodontics takes frequent visits to the dentist and the total time required for orthodontic treatment usually takes longer than for children because the facial bones in an adult have stopped growing. While both adult and children's orthodontics requires a commitment, most patients agree that the results are worth the financial and personal investment.
My gums bleed, do I have periodontal disease? Bleeding gums alone does not mean that someone has periodontal (gum) disease, although bleeding gums are one of the warning signs that periodontal disease may be present (See "Periodontal Surgery"). Some other signs of periodontal disease that should alert you to visit the dentist for an examination are: Persistent bad breath, separating, loose or flaring teeth, a change in the way your teeth bite together, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, gums that are swollen, red or tender, and pus between teeth and gums when gums are pressed. Most people do not experience any pain due to gum disease, so it is difficult for patients to diagnose gum disease in the early, very treatable stage. Regular dental check-ups, including a periodontal exam, by your Manus dentist is an important step in early detection of periodontal disease. Your Manus dentist can design a personalized oral hygiene program that fits your special needs and maximizes the opportunity to keep your teeth for life!
How do I treat a cold sore? First, it has to be established if the lesion is a cold sore or a canker sore. This can be easily done by your Manus dentist. Cold sores (or fever blisters) usually form in groups as tiny lesions around the mouth or lips and sometimes under the nose. Cold sores are associated with the herpes simplex virus and are very contagious. Once a person is infected with the virus associated with cold sores the person will always keep the virus in their system. Recurrent attacks usually happen when a person is exposed to a fever, sunburn or an increase in stress. Cold sores last about a week and can be temporarily relieved by some over-the-counter anesthetics and by anti-viral drugs that have been recently released by various pharmaceutical companies. Canker sores (or aphthous ulcer) are small ulcers appearing as a single sore within the mouth. Canker sores are caused by an immune response and are not contagious. Fatigue, stress or even allergies can increase the likelihood that a canker sore may occur. Hot foods and drinks can also contribute to canker sores. Canker sores also last about a week. People suffering from canker sores should avoid hot, spicy foods and use over-the-counter remedies to decrease the irritation. Sometimes antibiotics also can be used. Remember, the major difference between cold sores and canker sores is whether the sore is located outside or inside the oral cavity.
Do I need an antibiotic in connection with my regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis)? Some people need to take antibiotics in connection with their regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis) due to the existence of other medical conditions that might allow bacteria to infect a certain area of the body, especially the heart. For these patients, antibiotics are usually taken by the patient one hour before the appointment and then again at a designated time after the appointment is finished. During a dental cleaning (prophylaxis), bacteria is removed from under the gum-line. This bacteria may get into the bloodstream where it can accumulate and do damage to areas of the body that have been previously compromised (i.e., a heart valve due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) or a recently completed knee replacement). This is why it is very important to inform your Manus dentist of any changes in your medical history, including allergies to any antibiotics or other types of medications.
My mouth is always dry, what can I do? Dry mouth (or xerostomia) is a condition caused by a decrease in the flow of the saliva. Dry mouth can affect many different people and a decrease in the salivary flow can lead to more potential problems in the mouth, from an increase in tooth decay to infection of the gum tissue. Saliva keeps the harmful bacteria in the mouth in constant motion; without the saliva the toxins produced by the bacteria can cause tooth and gum damage. People who commonly suffer from dry mouth include those who are taking certain medications, those receiving radiation for head and/or neck cancer, those who are diabetic and those who have a salivary gland disease. Dry mouth also is caused by Sjogren's Syndrome (Show-grins), an autoimmune disease with no known cure, that causes the moisture secreting glands of the mouth to dry up. To help increase moisture in the mouth try sugarless lozenges or increase water consumption. There also are oral lubricants that can be bought over-the-counter and fluoride gels and mouthwashes that can be applied to keep the teeth protected. If you suffer from dry mouth, see your Manus dentist regularly and brush and floss diligently to help prevent decay.
General Tips
COMBATING HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH)
Bad breath or "halitosis" is typically caused when bacteria form volatile sulfur compounds in your mouth, which give bad breath its odor. In most cases, bad breath can be effectively treated by following a proper oral health care program, including regular brushing of your teeth and tongue and flossing. For more stubborn cases of bad breath, there are specialty products that have been developed to combat the problems associated with bad breath. Ask your Manus Dental team for advice and details about specialty products available to combat this common problem.
FOODS FOR HEALTHY SMILES
Food selection and nutrition plays an important part in your oral health care. Vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, whole-grain bread, lean meats and dairy products all contribute to the health of your teeth and gums. Choosing foods like these also help create healthy eating habits for both children and adults. You should be especially careful about eating between meals or "snacking" without brushing your teeth since this type of activity allows the bacteria in the plaque to remain active for longer periods of time in the mouth, thereby leading to a destructive pattern for decay. This is especially true for snacks that are sticky (i.e. toffee or caramels) or starchy (i.e. chips or crackers).
BRUSHING
Always use a soft toothbrush that has rounded soft bristle ends as this type of brush will have a better chance of not injuring the gums or cause tooth abrasion. Place your toothbrush on a 45-degree angle to the gums. Brush the area back and forth using gentle strokes. Vigorous brushing isn't safe for the gums or the teeth and it won't remove plaque any better or faster than using a gentle touch. Brush all surfaces of the teeth: outer, inner and chewing surfaces and spend at least 30 seconds per quadrant or two minutes for the whole mouth. Some people find it easier to use a sonic or oscillating type of interdental cleaner or toothbrush. Ask your Manus Dental team if a sonic or oscillating brush is right for you. Use a fluoridated, low abrasive type of toothpaste and remember to brush at least twice a day (morning and evening) and, if possible, after lunch. Proper brushing, using a gentle stroke, will help keep the gums and teeth healthy for life.
FLOSSING
Brushing your teeth will remove most of the decay-causing plaque that can harm your teeth. However, brushing will not remove all the debris and bacteria that sits between the teeth and under the gums. Tooth decay and gum disease usually begins in these areas so flossing is important to complete oral health care. Some people have difficulty using floss so special aids have been developed that make it easier to floss or to clean between the teeth. If flossing feels a bit awkward, here are some helpful tips:
- Use about 18" of floss and wrap it around your middle finger.
- Hold floss between your index finger and thumb.
- Guide the floss between the teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
- Floss each tooth by curving the floss along the gum line.
- Rub the side of each tooth by moving the floss up and down.
- Set a pattern to help you remember to floss each and every tooth.
DENTAL EMERGENCIES
Toothaches: This is the most common form of dental pain and can be the result of a variety of problems. If a tooth is broken rinse the area to remove food and any other debris. If the area has swelling, place a cold compress to the portion of your face nearest the toothache. Never use heat or place an aspirin on a toothache. If a section of the tooth breaks off save it for the dentist. This might help explain what went wrong. Drinking cool liquids may also help the situation. Of course, in any case you should call your Manus dentist as soon as practical in order to address the pain and the underlying cause of the toothache. Prompt attention to toothaches will help minimize the likelihood of infection and will maximize the opportunity for saving a distressed tooth.
Chipped or Fractured Tooth: Rinse the mouth first with warm water to remove any dirt or debris from the traumatized area. Save any pieces of the tooth that you can find. A tooth may crack and not show any signs of fracture but it will be painful to chew on. In the case of a chipped or fractured tooth, apply a cold compress to the portion of your face nearest the affected area. This will help control swelling. Call and see your Manus dentist immediately.
Dislodged Tooth: Find the tooth quickly and, if possible, rinse the tooth with tap water. Do not scrub the tooth or sterilize it with cleaning solution. After rinsing the tooth, try to gently place it back into the tooth socket and hold the tooth in place. If the situation will not allow you to place the tooth back into the mouth then place the tooth in a cup of cool water or milk. Stay calm and work quickly. Generally, the tooth must be placed back into the socket within approximately one hour to survive. In every case of a dislodged tooth, call and see your Manus dentist immediately.
Objects Wedged Between Teeth: Try to gently remove the object if you can see it. Be careful not to push it further into the tooth or gum tissue. If the object isn't visible, try flossing a few times. Do not use toothpicks or other sharp instruments as they may cause bleeding and damage to the gums. If you can not remove the object call your Manus dentist, who can utilize special dental instruments to remove the object.
Orthodontic Appliances: If an orthodontic wire or bracket becomes detached, gently remove it from the mouth. Do not attempt to place it back in position. If a detached or broken wire or bracket is cutting the mouth place a piece of wax, a rolled up piece of tissue or a piece of gum over the area. Do not attempt to remove any orthodontic appliance that is embedded into the cheek or gum. Place any broken or loose wires or brackets in a container and call your Manus dentist immediately.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND MEDICATIONS
It is important to let your Manus Dental office know when there has been a change in your medical condition or medication. Changes in either of these can affect the teeth and gums and require adjustments in your dental treatment program. Promptly notify your Manus dentist of changes in your medical condition or medication so that your Medical History Records maintained by your Manus Dental office can be properly and timely updated. There is no change in your medical condition or medication that is unimportant to your Manus dentist.
Should you have questions regarding the Manus Dental network, please contact us at 312-274-3333.
