Your Dental Care Resource
Here you’ll find answers to common questions in family dentistry. Click on the question below to discover the answer. If you don’t find what you’re looking for or would like additional information please give us a call, we would be happy to answer your questions.
We’re pleased you’re considering Smile Solutions for your family dentist in Aberdeen. You’ll find plenty of reasons to smile here. Patients often remember us by our friendly, upbeat staff (and that we have an awesome retro Pac Man game in our waiting room). But the reason people keep coming back is that we combine a nurturing environment with the latest technology in dental care to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. We also accept most insurance plans, including Delta Dental Insurance.
Browse our site to see the full range of services we offer and to get to know our staff. Then contact us today to make an appointment!
- When should I bring my child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child be seen by a dentist for the first time when their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. This allows us to build a relationship with you and your child and to make sure everything is developing normally. We can also answer any questions you have and recommend ways to ensure your child’s future dental health. We recommend your child continue dental care with a cleaning and exam every 6 months.
- How often should I visit the dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every 6 months. We recommend you have a dental exam and cleaning every 6 months and x-rays once a year. This allows us to address a problem when it’s small and is easier to fix. If you have periodontal disease you may be seen every 3 months for a cleaning to maintain good oral health.
- How often should I brush my teeth?
We recommend you brush your teeth a minimum of 2 times per day, once in the morning and once at night right before going to bed. You should brush for 2 minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
- What causes bad breath?
Bad breath is known medically as halitosis and it can have many causes. Poor oral care is a major contributor to halitosis. Every time you eat there are food particles that remain in your mouth. Your saliva starts the break down process on these food particles which can cause odor. Periodontal disease, sometimes referred to as gum disease is caused by hardened plaque adhering to teeth, this plaque contains bacteria which also gives off strong odors and causes bad breath. Smoking and using smokeless tobacco are other causes of bad breath. Tobacco can make your mouth dry and irritate gums and this makes bacteria in your mouth multiply rapidly causing halitosis. There are also medical conditions such as diabetes, respiratory tract infections, chronic sinus infections, acid reflux, and kidney and liver problems which can also cause halitosis.
- Why is important to floss?
Flossing cleans the area in between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. When food remains in between your teeth your saliva starts to break down the food and this can lead to bad breath, decay between your teeth, and irritated gums.
- What precautions are needed for tooth removal?
Always tell your dentist all the medications you are taking before having a tooth removed. We will go over the potential complications and risk of having a tooth removed and answer any questions you might have. We will also inform you how to care for the extraction site after the tooth is removed.
- What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?
Some stain can be easily removed with a dental cleaning. Other stain is deeper within the tooth and requires bleaching to be removed. Light stains often respond well to at home bleaching procedures, while darker and deeper stains often require a stronger in office treatment. Some stain may be resistant to bleaching and will require veneers or crowns to change the color of the teeth.
- What causes oral cancer?
Oral cancer often presents as a non-healing sore. Tobacco use is a leading cause of oral cancer. Other causes of oral cancer include excessive sun exposure, family history of oral cancer, and excessive consumption of alcohol. The fastest growing form of oral cancer is related to the human papilla virus.
