10 Popular Dental FAQs for a Healthier, Whiter Smile

Drs. Kent and Ron Scoville along with Dr. Brandi Oberg love to share knowledge with their patients to make home care a lot easier and to prevent dental health issues. We’ve put together a useful dental FAQ to help with some questions we get on a regular basis. Of course, this is only for basic information and not intended as diagnoses of any dental issues.

We welcome you to call our office and schedule your time to sit with us regarding any question you have while you get a thorough review of your health history and current status.

What Stains My Teeth the Most?

Dark chocolate is good for you but do brush afterwards

If you like wine, coffee, dark chocolate, blueberries, gravies, etc. or you smoke… you are lightly staining your teeth with the consumption or use of each. We’re not suggesting that you give up your favorite foods or beverages (although we do encourage you to quit smoking), we simply advise you to brush your teeth after consuming darker foods and beverages that stain.

A simple brushing immediately after can prevent that layer of stain from setting in. However, over time, stains do build up and you can always come in for a one-hour professional whitening session or get take home whitening trays.

Both whiten your teeth with dramatic results.

How Often Should I Change Out My Toothbrush?

A well worn toothbrush retains bacteria

Change out your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head at least every two to three months. Using a fresh brush can greatly increase the effectiveness of home hygiene. Older toothbrushes can retain bacteria.

As for which toothbrush is the best?

Basically you need a toothbrush that has:

Bristles wide enough to cover a large area
Soft bristles – more effective than hard bristles
The American Dental Association seal

Should I Use a Tongue Scraper?

Cleaning your tongue should be part of your daily dental hygiene routine. The tongue needs care as well. A major cause of halitosis or bad breath is the build up of bacteria on the tongue.

For some people, a tongue scraper is quite effective and for others, a soft bristled toothbrush works just fine.

Which Foods Are Best for my Teeth?

There are some natural foods that actually help clean your teeth. Eating firm natural foods can help remove bacteria as you chew. Certain cheeses can also ward off bacteria.

What are these super cleaner foods?

Popcorn is a natural teeth cleaner

• Apples
• Carrots
• Celery
• Popcorn
• Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Swiss cheese

Does My Mouthwash Really Work?

As long as you have brushed and flossed properly, mouthwash is an effective way of removing bacteria. We recommend alcohol-free mouthwash because alcohol can dry out the tissues in your mouth, making your teeth and gums vulnerable to bacteria.

You could gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning and then brush. The vinegar removes stains, whitens teeth and kills bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and whitens teeth

When is the best time to brush?

Brush when you first get out of bed in the morning and just before you go to bed at night. These are the two most crucial times because saliva dries up at night. Saliva helps prevent plaque build up.

We also recommend that you brush after eating darker foods (see above).

How Does Sugar Affect My Teeth?

Sugar acts like an acid dissolving the enamel on your teeth. Each time you eat a snack containing sugar, the resulting acid attack can last up to 20 minutes. Bacteria uses sugar as energy to multiply and stick to the surface of a tooth.

Over time, this build-up turns into plaque and continues to eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Tiny holes (cavities) will eventually appear in the enamel.

How Do I Take Care of My Dentures?

With proper care, your dentures can last a long time.

Here are a few tips:

• Brush your gums, tongue and palate (roof of your mouth) every morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush before putting in your dentures
• Remove and brush your dentures daily with a denture cleanser
• You should also use a soft to medium bristled toothbrush to clean your  dentures
• Don’t put your dentures into boiling water or the dishwasher – this could cause warping
• Soak your dentures in denture cleanser or water to help hold shape
• Come in for a check-up every year or so that Dr. Scoville can see if your dentures are seated properly

How Does InvisalignWork?

Clear, smooth Invisalign

Invisalign is a clear, undetectable way to get straighter teeth without using braces. Dr. Scoville creates the plastic trays with a computer model designed especially for you and you are given trays that will slowly bring your teeth into alignment.

Teens and adults alike choose Invisalign because it’s removable, easy to clean and virtually invisible.

Is Your Dentistry Too Expensive?

In short, no. We take great care of your dental health without overcharging for our services. We have several options to make your care affordable. Many times, we have new patient discounts to show our appreciation and as welcome to our practice.

Please ask about our latest offers when you call to book your appointment. We hope you enjoyed our dental health FAQ and look forward to meeting you in our Clearfield dental office.