Family Dentistry Questions

Baby teeth are important in guiding permanent teeth and oral health. Keeping them healthy prevents future alignment and bite issues.

We recommend talking positively about the dentist and reassure your child before the visit. Our team is trained to make the office a warm and comfortable space.

Once your child can spit out toothpaste (around age 3) you can introduce a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to supervise to make sure they use the right amount and don’t swallow it.

Brushing twice a day, flossing and limiting sugary snacks are key. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants we offer in the office are also great options for extra protection against cavities.

Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care. Regular dental check-ups will help ensure that the sealants remain intact and continue to provide protection. If a sealant becomes damaged or worn, it can be easily repaired or replaced.

Yes, dental sealants are safe for children and are highly recommended for protecting their newly erupted permanent molars. Sealants are made from biocompatible materials and have been widely used for decades to help prevent cavities in children and teenagers.

We recommend scheduling dental cleanings and exams every six months for optimal oral health. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your specific needs.

We work with a wide variety of dental insurance providers. Please contact our office or visit our Insurance & Payment page for a full list of accepted plans.

Your first visit typically includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a discussion about your dental health goals. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan for you.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste. For the best results:

• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
• Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
• Don’t forget to brush the inside of your front teeth and your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended as they can efficiently remove plaque by simply guiding the brush while it works on multiple teeth at a time.

You should floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Follow these steps for effective flossing:

• Use about 12-16 inches of dental floss, wrapping it around your middle fingers, with 2 inches of floss between them.
• Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, sliding it up and down to clean the side of each tooth and below the gumline.

If you find regular floss difficult to use, floss holders are a helpful alternative.

It is generally recommended to schedule dental cleanings and exams every six months. Regular visits help prevent common issues like cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. They also allow your dentist to catch potential problems early. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. Always follow your dentist’s advice based on your individual needs.

During a routine dental exam and cleaning, your dentist or hygienist performs several important checks, including:

• Reviewing your medical history to understand any conditions or medications that may affect your dental health.
• Taking x-rays to detect issues like decay, tumors, cysts, or bone loss.
• Conducting an oral cancer screening, examining your face, neck, and mouth for any signs.
• Evaluating for gum disease and checking the health of your gums and bone.
• Examining your teeth for decay and inspecting any existing restorations (like fillings or crowns).

In addition, they will remove calculus (tartar) and plaque, polish your teeth to remove stains, and offer personalized oral hygiene recommendations and tips on improving your diet for better dental health.

Signs of Gum Disease include:

• Red, puffy, or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• New gaps or spacing between teeth
• Loose teeth
• Pus around gums
• Receding gums
• Gum tenderness or discomfort

Risk factors include smoking, crowded teeth, defective dental work, certain medications, hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty), systemic diseases (diabetes, HIV), and genetics. If any of these signs or factors apply, it’s important to see your dentist for an evaluation.

To prevent bad breath, practice good oral hygiene and make lifestyle adjustments:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.
• Clean your tongue with a brush or tongue scraper, especially focusing on the back.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently to wash away bacteria.
• Avoid smoking and using tobacco products and seek help from your dentist to quit.
• Use mouthwash or antiseptic rinses to reduce bacteria and freshen breath, but avoid relying on them solely to mask odor.

Additionally, visit your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. If bad breath persists despite good oral care, your dentist may refer you to a physician to explore other underlying health issues.

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by various factors, with the most common reason being microbial deposits on the tongue, especially at the back. Morning breath is common because saliva production slows during sleep, allowing bacteria to grow. Other causes include:

• Certain foods like garlic and onions
• Poor oral hygiene
• Gum disease
• Dental cavities or poorly fitted dental appliances
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia), often due to medications or mouth breathing
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Dehydration, missed meals, or certain diets (such as low-carb)
• Underlying medical conditions like diabetes, liver or kidney issues, and chronic sinus infections

Keeping a record of your diet, medications, and any recent illnesses or surgeries can help your dentist identify the cause of bad breath.

Gum disease progresses through several stages:

1. Gingivitis: The early stage with symptoms such as gums that bleed easily during brushing and inflammation or sensitivity in the gums.
2. Early Periodontitis: Gums start to pull away from the teeth, bleeding becomes more pronounced, and bad breath may develop. Probe depths may exceed 4mm during an examination.
3. Moderate Periodontitis: Teeth may appear longer due to gum recession, and x-rays may show bone loss. Probe depths may reach up to 6mm.
4. Advanced Periodontitis: Teeth become loose or mobile, and constant bad breath and gum sensitivity occur. Probe depths can range between 6mm and 10mm, with severe bone loss.

The best way to prevent gum disease is through proper oral hygiene. Brush and floss at least twice daily to remove plaque buildup, especially at the gum line where gingivitis begins. Flossing is essential for cleaning between teeth, and using a mouth rinse can also help maintain gum health. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also crucial in preventing gum disease progression.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.  Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.  Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone.  Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives.  Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
• Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis.  Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

The lifespan of a night guard depends on the severity of your bruxism and the material of the guard. On average, night guards last between 3 to 5 years, but it’s essential to bring your guard to your dental appointments for regular checks. If you notice signs of wear, cracks, or discomfort, it’s time to consider a replacement.

A properly fitted night guard should not change your bite. It is designed to protect your teeth without altering your natural bite alignment. Our custom night guards are carefully crafted to ensure a snug, comfortable fit that does not interfere with your bite or jaw position.

The ADA recommends that your child’s first dental visit should occur within six months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthday. Early visits help establish a dental home and allow the dentist to monitor your child’s oral development.

Children should have dental check-ups every six months to ensure their teeth and gums remain healthy. Regular visits help prevent cavities, catch issues early, and provide ongoing education for maintaining good oral hygiene.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with Waterford & Clarkston Dentistry for an evaluation.

Yes, oral appliances are highly effective for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and improving breathing.

It’s recommended to replace your sports mouth guard every season, after significant dental work, or if it shows signs of wear and tear. For growing children and teens, more frequent replacements may be necessary to accommodate changes in their teeth and jaw.

Yes, wearing a mouth guard is even more important if you have braces, as it helps protect both your teeth and orthodontic appliances from damage. We can create custom mouth guards designed to fit comfortably over braces.