Top Dental Care FAQ
1) What are the early signs that I need to see a dentist?
Common signs include tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, bad breath, toothache, swollen gums, loose teeth, jaw pain, or a visible cavity.
2) How often should I visit the dentist?
Most people should visit every 6 months. If you have gum disease, braces, diabetes, or frequent cavities, you may need more frequent visits.
3) Is teeth cleaning painful?
Professional cleaning is usually not painful. If you have sensitivity or heavy tartar, you may feel mild discomfort—numbing gel can be used if needed.
4) How long does a dental cleaning take?
Typically 20–45 minutes, depending on plaque/tartar buildup and gum condition.
5) What causes cavities even if I brush daily?
Cavities can happen due to frequent snacking, sugary drinks, poor brushing technique, not flossing, weak enamel, dry mouth, and hidden decay between teeth.
6) How can I stop tooth sensitivity?
Use a sensitivity toothpaste, avoid very hot/cold foods, brush gently with a soft brush, and get checked—sensitivity can also be due to cavities or gum recession.
Use a sensitivity toothpaste, avoid very hot/cold foods, brush gently with a soft brush, and get checked—sensitivity can also be due to cavities or gum recession.
Both work well if used correctly. Electric brushes can help people who rush brushing or have limited hand control.
8) How long should I brush my teeth?
Brush for 2 minutes, twice daily, covering all surfaces and the gumline.
9) Is flossing really necessary?
Yes. brushing can’t fully clean between teeth. Flossing reduces cavities between teeth and lowers gum inflammation.
10) What is the correct way to floss?
Slide gently between teeth, curve into a “C” shape, clean both sides, and avoid snapping into gums.
11) What causes bad breath (halitosis)?
Common causes include gum infection, tongue coating, cavities, dry mouth, smoking, and gastric reflux.
12) How do I clean my tongue properly?
Use a tongue scraper (or brush) from back to front gently, once or twice daily.
13) Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Most often it’s due to gingivitis (gum inflammation), plaque buildup, or aggressive brushing. Persistent bleeding needs a dental check.
14) Can gum disease be cured?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with cleaning and good hygiene. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can be controlled, not “fully cured,” but managed well.
15) What is scaling and root planing?
It’s a deep cleaning for gum disease—removes tartar from below the gums and smoothens root surfaces to help gums heal.
16) Are whitening toothpastes safe?
Many are safe for daily use, but they mostly remove surface stains. Overuse of abrasive products can worsen sensitivity.
17) What’s the safest way to whiten teeth?
Dentist-supervised whitening is safest and most effective, especially if you have sensitivity, crowns, or fillings.
18) Why are my teeth yellow even after brushing?
Brushing removes surface stains, but natural tooth color, enamel thickness, diet (tea/coffee), smoking, and aging can cause yellowing.
19) Are aligners better than braces?
It depends. Aligners are great for many mild–moderate cases, but complex bite issues may need braces or a combined approach.
20) How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most cases take 12–24 months, depending on alignment, bite correction, and patient compliance.
21) When do children need their first dental visit?
By 1 year of age or within 6 months of the first tooth—early visits prevent cavities and improve habits.
22) Are milk teeth important if they will fall anyway?
Yes. They help in chewing, speech development, and guide permanent teeth into proper position.
23) What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
Handle by the crown, rinse gently (don’t scrub), try to place it back or store in milk/saline, and see a dentist immediately (time is critical).
24) What causes toothache and how do I get quick relief?
Toothache can be from cavities, infection, cracked tooth, gum issues, or sensitivity. Temporary relief: warm saltwater rinses and dentist-recommended pain medicine—don’t delay treatment.
25) Do I need a root canal or just a filling?
If decay is deep and the nerve is affected (severe pain, lingering sensitivity, swelling), root canal may be needed. Small/medium cavities usually need fillings.
26) Is root canal treatment painful?
Modern RCT is usually comfortable with anesthesia. Most patients feel relief after removing infection/inflammation.
27) How long does a root canal last?
With proper restoration (often a crown) and hygiene, it can last many years, even decades.
28) When is a dental crown required?
Crowns are commonly needed after root canal, large fillings, broken teeth, worn teeth, or cosmetic reshaping.
29) What’s the difference between veneers and crowns?
Veneers cover the front surface for aesthetics; crowns cover the whole tooth for strength and protection.
30) How can I prevent cavities naturally?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, reduce sugar frequency, drink water, use mouthwash if advised, and get regular checkups/cleanings.