Frequently asked questions
I feel sensitivity in a particular tooth when I drink or eat something hot, cold or sugary. What is it?
You could have a cavity, or you could have bad decay. If you already have a filling in that tooth, it could be a leaking filling. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
My jaw hurts in the morning when I wake up. What could be wrong?
You could be grinding, clenching, or bruxing. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist to study your bite and discuss possible TMJ problems. A night guard may be recommended as a palliative measure in a first stage.
I notice white or grey discolorations on my teeth. What is that?
They could be from developmental hypo or hyper calcifications or antibiotic therapy (tetracycline staining). You should schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss whitening techniques or different aesthetic dental work.
My teeth seem to be shifting and are starting to overlap. What can I do?
See your dentist to perform a bite study and determine what solution is the most appropriate and definite for you (braces, different dental aesthetic work).
My gums bleed when I brush. What could be causing the bleeding?
It could be from brushing too hard or you may need a professional cleaning. Other possibilities may be that you have gingivitis or periodontal disease. Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a professional cleaning.
I’m very sensitive to cold above one tooth, in between the tooth and the gum. What's wrong?
It could be a gum recession (the root of the tooth is exposed). Make an appointment for a cleaning and have an examination by your dentist. The most important issue is not to cover the pain zone, but to determine and resolve its cause.
I want my front teeth to look better but I do not want to wear braces. What do you recommend?
The first step is to perform a bite study to find out the cause of why your teeth have lost their healthy and natural aspect. Depending on the case and the level of destruction or bad positioning of the teeth, different solutions, which could include resin-based restorative materials or porcelain, will be proposed.
Do I have to floss everyday? Is it really that important?
What your brushing can’t reach, flossing can. Flossing removes food particles and plaque that elude your toothbrush since the little stuff often hides behind and between the teeth. It is crucial in the prevention of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
What is a canker sore?
Canker sores are small sores that can form inside the mouth. They can be white, yellow, grey and sometimes have a small red border surrounding them. They can be painful when talking or eating. Canker sores are not contagious and usually go away on their own in 7-10 days. If a canker sore persists for more than two weeks, see your dentist.
Which toothbrush do you recommend, manual or electric?
It depends on the motor skills level and the difficulty the patient presents perform a correct brushing technique. Ask your dentist for their recommendation for your particular case after your hygiene technique evaluation.
Why is oral hygiene so important during pregnancy?
Good oral hygiene is extremely important during pregnancy because the increase in hormone levels during pregnancy can cause dental problems to be intensified. Professional cleanings are recommended frequently during this period.
What is calculus?
Also known as tartar, calculus is the hardened residue that forms on your teeth when plaque is not removed. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing daily. If calculus is allowed to remain on the teeth and below the gum line, it can lead to chronic infection and inflammation. The only way to remove calculus once it exists is to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
What is halitosis?
Is a clinical name for bad breath. According to studies, 85% of people with bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame. These conditions could be gum disease, cavities, poor oral hygiene, oral cancer, and bacteria on the tongue.
I still have a retainer (wire behind teeth usually anteroinferior) post braces and it complicates my hygiene. When will I be able to remove it?
It is fundamental to perform a bite study before thinking of removing the retainer, considering that if the bite is not stable the teeth will shift when removed, trying to reach a more comfortable position which is not always (the majority of times) the position in which they were held. Straight teeth are not a synonym for having a good bite.