At Beautiful Smiles, we want to help our patients with questions about their oral health. Whether patients need tips to improve their oral hygiene routine at home or need to know the signs of common problems like tooth decay, we’re here to help. As your local dentist in Greenwood, IN, we want to help you learn how to maintain oral health for years of healthy smiles.
Dental FAQs from Your Dentist in Greenwood, IN
Learn how to care for your smile at home and what we provide for patients in-office with answers to these common questions:
How do you brush properly?
The best way to brush is to begin at a 45-degree angle at the gum line. Gently brush in a circular motion and clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. If you use an electric toothbrush, you do not need to rotate your brush. Brush for at least 2 minutes each day.
Why is flossing important?
Flossing is an important part of a good oral hygiene routine. Many patients who do not floss can experience bleeding gums, which is a common sign of gingivitis. Flossing between teeth before brushing can prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Removing food debris prevents bacterial infections because harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches in the mouth. Flossing before brushing can also provide a better clean.
Why is fluoride important?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help improve dental health. We recommend that patients use fluoride toothpaste because it can help remineralize teeth. Fluoride protects the tooth enamel and prevents problems like cavities and tooth decay that affect the tooth enamel.
What are common signs of tooth decay?
You could have tooth decay if you experience tooth pain, sensitivity to cold or warm drinks, swelling gums, or notice holes in your enamel. It is much simpler to reverse these symptoms if they are caught early on, as we can provide a thorough cleaning. Over time, patients with decay that reaches the inside of the tooth will require root canal treatment.
Why are routine dental appointments important?
We recommend regular dental visits for patients to receive thorough dental cleanings, dental X-rays, and consultations. Routine visits allow us to keep track of patients’ smiles and address emerging dental problems. During cleanings, we can remove bacterial buildup that can be difficult to remove at home and apply fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth. If patients have dental problems and need a consultation, we can recommend the right treatment options for them.
Do you have any more questions for us? Call Beautiful Smiles at (317) 888-4044. You can also request a dental consultation with Dr. Benjamin Stevens on our website. We will be happy to help you get the care you need.
