Dental Fact Sheet
- Decay is not easily detected under calculus or tartar and inflamed gums
- X-rays do not show all decay
- Deep decay can cause all kinds of dental problems such as sensitivity after fillings, fractured teeth and roots, pulp irritation and need for root canal treatment and full coverage crowns
- Sometimes teeth never heal and must be extracted, especially if the tooth has a fracture or has been infected a long time
- Infection in teeth and gums is very unhealthy for your entire body. It can cause inflammation of the vessels and heart causing strokes and heart attacks
- Waiting for treatment can result in larger restorations, more pain or loss of tooth
- Implants for one tooth cost a little more than having a 3 unit fixed bridge
- You can floss implants more easily than bridges
- You only need to floss the teeth you want to keep
- Flossing cleans 40% of your tooth surface
- You need to floss every tooth in your mouth including under bridges
- If your gums bleed you need to see the dentist right away
- Mouth odors can come from decay in teeth, infected wisdom teeth, infection in the gums, cracked teeth with infections, sinus drainage, stomach problems such as reflux
- Honey, whether natural or not, is a sugar and can cause decay!
- Sweet tea has sugar and can cause decay! Use unsweetened.
- Cough drops, gum and mints cause decay! Use unsweetened.
- Anything that is sweet or sticky can cause decay (sodas, fruit juices, raisins…)
- Sugar free gum with xylitol (no sorbitol) can assist in keeping decay away.
- After braces you need to wear your retainers for life to avoid shifts in teeth
- Dental sealants can leak and must be checked for decay underneath every 6 months (during the dental cleaning)
- Once the gum recedes it cannot repair itself
- Grinding and clenching can cause tooth sensitivity, fractured teeth, sore jaw muscles, headaches, TMJ trauma, periodontal disease, loss of gum tissue, loss of teeth
- Getting your teeth cleaned is not an exam unless the doctor spends time looking at each tooth along with current dental x-rays.
- Some people need cleanings more often than others due to lack of good home care, pockets around teeth that are difficult to clean at home, tartar buildup, frequent decay (especially of root surfaces), or debris trapped under bridges and partial dentures
- Every time your teeth are cleaned an oral cancer screening is performed
- Dental problems do not get better or go away without dental treatment
- Root Canal treatment is not painful if taken care of before it abscesses or has severe pulpitis.
- When eating a proper diet your plaque (sticky film on teeth) will decrease and your teeth will feel cleaner!