General Dentistry
From teeth cleaning to root canals.
From teeth cleaning to root canals.
Adding crowns, dentures & bridges.
Braces, retainers & mouth guards.
Patients normally have concerns & questions before visting a dentist - at Life Dental Care we care for your smile & dental health which is why we've answered some of the most common dental questions.
Regular visits to the dentist does not only help in keeping your teeth & mouth healthy, it helps prevent gum disease & tooth decay. Brushing, flossing & regular visits to the dentist can also prevent bad breath as it reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Every 6 months for adults, teenagers & children is recommended. However those with greater risk to gum disease & oral cancel may be required more regular visits. Your dentist will normally advise on how often you should receive checkups.
Just click on the appointment link here to book your next visit with Life Dental Care. Our team is always happy to assist & make your dental experience as painless & scary as possible.
Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium & firm ones can damage teeth & gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day.
Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don't clean as well. (They're also a sign you may be brushing too hard)
Most toothpastes will clear away bacteria growth & acids from food & drinks. We recommend Toothpastes containing fluoride, which strengthens & protects teeth. If cold or hot food or drinks cause you discomfort, pick a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Yes! It clears food & plaque from between teeth & under the gumline. If you don't, plaque hardens into tartar or calculus, which forms wedges & widens the space between teeth & gums, causing pockets. Over time, gums pull away & teeth loosen.
Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity & fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing & flossing - but not instead of daily cleanings. Kids under 6 shouldn't use mouthwash to avoid the chance of them swallowing it.
Regular exams help detect trouble early to prevent bigger & more costly treatments later. During this exam, it is also recommended that you have a scale & polish to remove any tartar or calculus build up. You should get an exam every 6 months, or more often if your dentist recommends it.
Dentists may recommend X-rays to diagnose dental problems or as an overall assessment tool during an examination. Advancements in technology means today's digital X-rays release much less radiation & are safer than in the past. Kids have more X-rays done than adults because their teeth are changing & because they get cavities more easily.
Fluoride helps make teeth strong & prevents decay. Adults benefit from using fluoride to protect their teeth, too.
Cavities break through the surface enamel of teeth, & they'll probably get bigger unless you close them off with fillings. Your dentist will numb your mouth before drilling around the cavity to prep it. A combination of strong materials or a white mix called a composite goes into the cavity soft & then hardens as it dries. Once set, fillings can last a long time but need replacing if they break or wear down.
Sealants protect against cavities that can form in the natural tiny holes & cracks on the outside of teeth. Kids from about 6 to 12 benefit from having sealants painted & hardened onto the chewing surfaces of their back teeth, or molars. Adults can get sealants as well to protect teeth that don't have fillings. It's painless & lasts between 6 months to 2 years.
Stores sell many whitening products & you can get take-home gels & trays from your dentist, but neither is as strong as procedures done in a dental office, especially if you have dental work or dark stains. However, frequent use could damage your teeth.
Caps & crowns cover problem teeth by surrounding them in a material that looks like a real tooth. They use the root & inside of the tooth as a base to build on, then attach with special cement.
Veneers & bonding improve your smile by sticking a layer of smoother & whiter materials like porcelain or resin to the natural tooth.
Clear aligners or braces may also help improve the position of your teeth & enhance your smile.
• Mouth sores • Jaw pain • Redness • Swollen face or gums • Tooth sensitivity • Broken teeth • Dry mouth • Bleeding gums • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Getting checked out right away prevents more serious problems & infections.