Patient Education
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About Patient Education
At Wellness Dental Group, we value your active involvement in maintaining your health. Our approach is centered on listening to your concerns and presenting various options, empowering you to make well-informed decisions about your dental care and actively participate in the process.
We foster an open and transparent dialogue between our dental professionals and patients. Although, like any healthcare experts, we may occasionally use technical terms, we make every effort to communicate clearly and avoid jargon. If there's ever a term you find unfamiliar, don't hesitate to ask us to explain. We firmly believe that the more our patients comprehend their care, the healthier and happier their smiles will be.
Below, you'll find some commonly asked questions about dental care. Please take a moment to review them, and if you seek more information on any topic, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to provide the knowledge you need for your dental well-being.
Why Schedule Dental Visits Twice a Year?
Our oral health is dynamic, influenced by our diet, habits, and age. Regular dental check-ups, typically twice a year, offer the best means to detect potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. Many dental conditions may not exhibit obvious symptoms that can be easily identified, making regular dental visits crucial. Dentists possess the expertise and advanced tools needed to conduct thorough examinations, surpassing what patients can achieve on their own.
While not everyone requires biannual visits, certain patients may need more frequent check-ups based on their oral health status. For example, individuals with gum disease might benefit from appointments every three or four months. If your dentist advises you to increase your visit frequency, rest assured it's with the intention of ensuring your long-term well-being.
Routine dental visits provide your best chance to maintain strong, clean, and white teeth, as well as fresh breath. Hygienists can remove stains that regular brushing, flossing, and at-home whitening treatments may miss. Additionally, we are always delighted to offer guidance and refresh your knowledge of the most effective techniques for your at-home oral hygiene routine.
How Do I Maintain Good Oral Care?
To uphold excellent oral health, it's essential to adhere to a consistent oral care routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day form the foundation of this regimen. Most people prefer to brush in the morning upon waking up and before bedtime, incorporating both brushing and flossing. If you wish to brush after lunch as well, we highly encourage it.
When brushing your teeth, dedicate a full two minutes to ensure thorough cleaning. Cover the back and front surfaces of your upper and lower teeth, including their biting surfaces. Flossing is equally crucial; use about a forearm's length of floss and ensure you use a clean 2 inches for each tooth. This precaution prevents cross-contamination from one tooth to another.
If you ever desire a demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques, simply ask our dentist or hygienist during your visit! We are more than happy to provide guidance and ensure you maintain the best possible oral care routine.
How Often Should I Floss?
While more studies are needed to fully understand the connection between flossing and its effects on oral health, it's essential to note that this doesn't render flossing ineffective; it simply means we need more knowledge. For us, the thought of neglecting to clean plaque and food particles from between your teeth is concerning and unhygienic. Why allow all that unpleasant debris to hide in your mouth, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and causing bad breath? Flossing remains an essential daily practice!
Why is Professional Teeth Cleaning Recommended?
Despite the best efforts of brushing and flossing, some tenacious tooth gunk can remain, especially tartar, the hardened form of plaque. To tackle this, a professional scaling and polishing (teeth cleaning) by a hygienist can significantly enhance your smile's appearance by removing stains. The polished teeth surface becomes smoother and harder for bacteria to cling to, resulting in more effective at-home brushing and cleaning efforts.
Understanding Cavities and Tooth Decay
Cavities aren't solely caused by consuming too much candy or sugar. Sugar serves as fuel for decay, but it's not limited to sweet foods. Enzymes in saliva break down carbohydrates into sugars during digestion, and bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars and produce acid as a waste product. This acid erodes tooth enamel and the softer dentin layer beneath, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
When Should Children Visit the Dentist?
Children should have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by the age of 3, whichever comes first. However, proper oral care for babies should begin even before that. After feeding, gently clean your baby's gums with a damp washcloth. For more guidance on caring for your baby's oral health, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician or us.
How Can I Overcome Dental Anxiety?
If you feel nervous about visiting the dentist, please let us know. We don't want you to feel uncomfortable in silence. Dental anxiety is common, and there's no need to be embarrassed about it. Informing us about your nervousness helps us prepare appropriately for your appointment. We can take things at a slower pace, explain each step thoroughly, and establish a communication system so you can voice your concerns or take breaks. In some cases, sedation is an option, and we're happy to discuss it with you.
Our goal is to make our office a warm, welcoming, and pleasant place for you. Overcoming your nervousness together is essential. The more comfortable and less intimidating we can make your visit, the better we can care for your oral health now and in the future. If there's anything we can do to improve your experience, don't hesitate to ask. Rest assured, you won't be the first person to express these concerns.
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At Wellness Dental Group, we take pride in setting ourselves apart from other dental practices in La Jolla and Poway.
Our commitment to the community extends beyond dental care, as we consider ourselves part of a network of caretakers who prioritize the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors in La Jolla, Poway, and the surrounding areas. As a locally-owned practice, we are part of a legacy of providing top-quality general dentistry.