11 Commonly Asked Dental Questions

If you are like most patients, you have at least a few questions you would like to ask your dentist. However, you might hesitate to ask those questions while in the dentist's chair due to nervousness or the fear of appearing ignorant. In some cases, patients simply forget to ask questions due to the flow of conversation or the type of treatment.

Here is a look at some of the common dental questions we receive. If your question is not on here, do not be afraid to ask us during an appointment.

I have not been to the dentist's office in a while. Where do I start?

The first step toward clean, beautiful and functional teeth and gums starts with a phone call to our dentist's office. There is no shame in returning to the dentist's office after missing years or even several years of treatment. Head on over to the dentist's office at your scheduled time, let the dentist examine your teeth and gums and receive the professional care you need.

Why is it necessary to visit the dentist every six months?

This is one of the most common questions we receive. You can only do so much to clean your teeth on your own. Your toothbrush and floss will only clean your teeth to a certain extent. The dentist's specialized instruments are necessary to eliminate plaque, tartar and other gunk. Furthermore, the dentist will look for signs of gum disease, cavities and oral cancer that you cannot spot on your own.

Why do I have to floss?

Plenty of people fall into the trap of brushing without flossing. Flossing cuts down on the number of bacteria in your mouth. Millions of such tiny creatures feast on the bits of food remaining on your teeth. Bacteria reside in plaque that one must remove with thorough flossing.

The bottom line is brushing will only eliminate some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing is essential since it reaches the bacteria the toothbrush cannot reach.

What is the cause of bad breath?

This is another common question that people ask us on a regular basis. Bad breath is typically the result of insufficient hygiene. Bacteria that remains on the teeth and tongue will compromise your breath. It is also possible for dry mouth to lead to an abundance of bacteria that causes halitosis. Even consuming something spicy like garlic bread can cause bad breath.

Are electric toothbrushes better than the manual variety?

Those who use an electric toothbrush tend to enjoy a cleaner mouth than those who rely on the manual variety. Though both varieties can clean the teeth, the toothbrush type you select should be used for at least two full minutes per brushing session. Electric toothbrushes are now built with timers to ensure you brush for a minimum of two minutes.

Can you help if I am nervous about the upcoming dental appointment?

If you are hesitant to meet with the dentist due to nervousness or full-blown dental phobia, our team can help. We will discuss the treatment/procedure with you in-depth prior to performing it. We will also work out a hand signal system so you can notify our dentist in the event the treatment proves painful or if you need a break.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Oak Tree Dental, request an appointment in our McLean dental office here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com. Or call us at (703) 763-5239.