Let’s face it: We all have more than a couple of questions whenever we go to the dentist, however, most of the time you wouldn’t be caught dead asking them aloud. So, we answered the questions you’ve been dying to know but have never asked. Is gum bad for you? Can they tell I haven’t flossed? How long does anesthetic take to actually wear off? These questions and more have finally been answered.

1. What’s the most common problem you see with your patients?

People who are not taking care of their gums. Therefore we see a lot of patients with inflamed and bleeding gums. These are signs of gingivitis, and it’s important that we catch it before it progresses into full-blown gum disease.

2. What’s the easiest way to prevent gum disease?

Flossing and brushing every day and getting your teeth professionally cleaned once or twice a year.

3. What’s the biggest mistake that people make when it comes to oral hygiene?

Not flossing enough. Flossing is arguably the number one thing you can do for good oral hygiene because flossing wards off gingivitis.

4. What’s worse for your teeth than people think?

Tea. Believe it or not, tea is more staining than either coffee or red wine.

5. What kind of toothbrush should I use?

You should only use soft bristle toothbrushes. Medium and hard bristles can cause damage to your enamel.

6. Is gum bad for you?

Sugarless gum is not bad for you. In fact, sugarless gum stimulates salivation in the mouth, so it’s a useful tool for after meals at work or places where you cannot brush. However, gum with sugar in it will leave behind sugar that can cause cavities.

7. How long does it take for anesthesia to wear off?

Typically it takes between 2.5-5 hours for the numbing effects to wear off. The time depends on how quickly your body is able to metabolize the anesthesia medicine. Learn about the effects of anesthesia.

8. What advice can you give to people who feel anxious about going to the dentist?

• Before walking in for your appointment, take a few minutes to do some deep breathing or other forms of meditation to calm your nerves.
• Wear earbuds and listen to your favorite music during your appointments.
• Have a frank discussion with your dentist about your anxiety and other ways to alleviate your discomfort. Don’t be shy about telling us if you are nervous; we understand!

9. Can you tell when someone is lying about flossing?

Typically, if someone doesn’t respond with an immediate “yes,” when we ask about flossing habits, then we suspect the answer is “no.” Regardless, yes we can tell if someone is not flossing regularly. The person’s gums will be inflamed, and tartar will have begun forming on the enamel.

10. What causes crooked teeth?

Crooked teeth can occur for several reasons including genetic influences, thumb-sucking, allergies, and even your individual breathing habits.

What general or random questions do you have about dentistry? Contact us to set up your appointment today.