What is dentistry?
Dentistry is the process of diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems with the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. These problems can be conditions, disorders, or diseases. Your dental health affects your overall health, so dentistry plays an important role in keeping you healthy.
Who are dentists?
Dentists are specialists charged with safeguarding your oral health. Dentists complete a minimum of eight years of school to receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Some dentists choose to take their education even further by specializing in a certain aspect of dentistry, or by pursuing Advanced General Dentistry, allowing practices like Mint Dental to perform specialized services. Popular specialties include:
A specialist isn’t necessary for most dental treatments. Our dentists have the ability to handle most treatments onsite, and if you need a specialist, we will refer you to one of our colleagues.
Why is it so important that I visit the dentist on a regular basis?
Visiting the dentist on a regular basis doesn’t just keep your smile in tip-top shape. It keeps your mouth healthy.
Regular visits to the dentist help you avoid tooth decay. That means you can avoid fillings and root canals by keeping your regular appointments. That is a great reason to visit the dentist two times a year.
If you go to the dentist on a regular basis, you can also avoid getting periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Periodontal disease causes tooth decay and bone loss, and it isn’t reversible.
Bad breath can also be avoided by keeping regularly scheduled dental appointments. Our dentists remove the bacteria that you can’t reach when you brush and floss. Those bacteria cause bad breath, so once you visit the dentist, you can get up close and personal with your friends and loved ones once again.
Going to the dentist also strengthens your teeth. This is important if you want to maintain your smile from one year to the next.
I don’t think I have any dental problems. Can I skip the dentist?
Your teeth might feel fine, but there might still be an underlying problem. It is important to visit the dentist two times a year, no matter how good you feel. That way, a member of our dental team can inspect your teeth and see if there are any issues. Early detection is key in preventing serious dental problems, so don’t avoid going to the dentist.
How should I choose a dentist?
Selecting a dentist is a big decision. You want to choose a dentist who provides convenient and effective treatments. You also want a dentist who makes you feel comfortable during your office visits. With that in mind, you need to ask yourself several questions during the first office visit.
Countless patients find that the team at Mint Dental is the perfect fit. Contact us today to find out why we click with so many patients.
What should I do between dental checkups?
You need to take care of your teeth between checkups. There are several things you should do to make sure that your teeth stay healthy all year long.
- Brush your teeth a minimum of two times a day, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Your tongue contains food particles that you need to remove. Brush with a toothpaste that has fluoride since fluoride prevents tooth decay. Also, ask a dentist at Mint Dental if you need a fluoride rinse.
- Floss at least once a day. If you aren’t sure how to floss your teeth properly, ask a dentist at Mint Dental to go over the proper flossing technique during your next visit.
- Even if you brush and floss every day, you still need to avoid sugary foods and drinks. As enticing as they might be, sugar causes bacteria to build up in your mouth. That can lead to plaque and tooth decay.
- Avoid all forms of tobacco. Tobacco stains your teeth and causes gum disease. On top of that, it can lead to cancer.
If you follow these tips and visit the dentist every six months, you will have a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth.
When does my child need to visit the dentist for the first time?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should see the dentist between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. Bring your child to the dentist once his or her baby teeth erupt. If your baby doesn’t have teeth by the 1-year mark, schedule an appointment so the dentist can make sure everything is on track.
Parents: check out our Pediatric Dental FAQs, too!
How often do I need to go to the dentist for routine checkups?
Children and adults alike need to visit the dentist two times a year. Patients with certain risk factors may need to go to the dentist more often. Your dentist will examine your mouth, gums, and jaws and come up with a schedule for you.
How does a cavity form?
Cavities are small holes that form inside of teeth. The holes form because of decay. If you don’t clean your teeth properly, plaque will build up on your teeth. That plaque combines with the starches and sugars that you eat, and that, in turn, produces acid. The acid eats away at the enamel, eventually causing a cavity. Proper dental care is the best way to prevent cavities from forming. Brush and floss your teeth every day and keep regular dental appointments to avoid cavities.
Read more about Preventive Dental Care at Mint Dental.
What is a filling, and does it hurt?
When you have a cavity, your dentist will use a filling made of synthetic material to fill the hole. You can choose fillings made of various materials, including composites, ceramic, and gold. Your dentist will explain the characteristics of each, and may recommend one as best for your teeth. When it is time to fill your cavity, the dentist will numb the area. You won’t feel a thing when the dentist places the filling in your tooth.
How do people get gum disease?
Gum disease is another term for periodontal disease. This disease typically occurs when plaque and bacteria build up and are left untreated. Other causes include teeth grinding and tobacco use. In addition, some people get gum disease because of the medications they take or are at risk due to their genes.
People get gingivitis before they get gum diseases. If it is treated, you can avoid getting gum disease. If you don’t treat it, though, you can end up with a serious problem. In fact, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss. It is a permanent condition so it cannot be reversed.
Fortunately, gum disease can almost always be avoided with good preventive care. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit Mint Dental every six months.
How often do I need to brush?
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important components in your dental care. The dentists at Mint Dental and the American Dental Association agree that you need to brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride-based toothpaste when brushing your teeth. You should brush your top teeth for a full minute, and then brush your bottom teeth for a full minute. It is also important that you brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue removes food particles and makes your breath smell minty and clean.
When should I replace my toothbrush?
If you are using a standard toothbrush, you need to change it every three months. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, you need to check the manufacturer’s instructions. The heads on electric toothbrushes often last longer, so you likely won’t have to change it every three months.
Those who have gum disease should change their toothbrushes every six weeks. In addition, if you have been sick, change your toothbrush immediately so you aren’t exposed to the germs once again.
Along with changing your toothbrush, you need to care for it. Rinse it in hot water after every use. This will kill the germs and keep the bristles soft.
I have braces. Do I need to visit the dentist every six months?
It might come as a surprise, but it is incredibly important to visit the dentist at least every six months if you have braces. It is easy for food to get stuck in your braces. Sometimes, you can get it out, but other times, your toothbrush can’t reach it. Then, bacteria build up, and that can cause various problems, including cavities and gingivitis. Your teeth can also become discolored if you fail to visit the dentist.
If you receive your orthodontic care and got your braces at Mint Dental, we will oversee and schedule your entire treatment and care plan. If you are receiving orthodontic care elsewhere, your dentist at Mint Dental will coordinate your ongoing dental care with your orthodontist to ensure you receive the best care possible. Then, you will be able to smile with confidence when the braces come off.
Learn more about Orthodontics at Mint Dental DC.
What do I need to do to schedule an appointment with Mint Dental?
It is easy to schedule an appointment with Mint Dental. You can call our practice and speak with a receptionist to schedule your appointment, or you can use the online form to request an appointment.
