A General Dentistry Dentist Answers Some FAQs

A General Dentistry Dentist Answers Some FAQs from Eric A. Larson DDS in Salt Lake City, UTGeneral dentistry helps prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. General dentists are the most common types of dentists, and they spend most of their time performing preventative treatments.

Our general dentist answers frequently asked questions about general dentistry

Many patients have oral health questions for general dentists. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked ones:

1. How often should I brush my teeth?

A general dentistry rule is to brush the teeth at least two times per day. This limits how long acids made by oral bacteria get to attack teeth surfaces. It also slows down tartar accumulation on teeth.

The most important time that a person can brush their teeth is right before going to bed. Teeth are more vulnerable during sleep because saliva production slows down. Saliva helps protect teeth by washing away bacteria and acids in the mouth. The mouth dries up during sleep, so removing acids and bacteria that have built up on teeth during the day provides significant protection.

2. Is flossing teeth important?

Flossing is just as important as brushing. It gets rid of plaque and food particles in the tight spaces between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Brushing without flossing is the equivalent of varnishing only the front and back surfaces of a piece of wood. The wood can still rot when exposed to the elements if its sides are not also painted.

3. Why does my dentist recommend coming in for teeth cleanings?

The American Dental Association set that standard. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria and the acids that they contain. Germs create the acids from food particles left in the mouth after meals. Plaque calcifies into tartar when left on teeth for over a day.

Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, so regular teeth cleanings are needed to remove tartar deposits. Tartar also contains bacteria and the acids that they make. It promotes tooth decay and gum disease.

4. Can tooth decay be reversed?

The first stage of tooth decay is its de-mineralization stage, and it can be reversed with fluoride treatments. However, the decay can no longer be reversed once cavities begin to form. A dentist can slow down the decay by closing up cavities, though. Untreated tooth decay can lead to the total loss of teeth.

5. Do I need to fix my chipped tooth?

A chipped tooth requires dental care regardless of how minor it might seem. The outer layer of teeth is called the enamel, and it protects the more delicate inner layers. It is the strongest part of the body, and it is often damaged when a tooth is chipped. Enamel being compromised leaves the rest of the tooth vulnerable to tooth decay.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Salt Lake City, UT

Get dental care

Our general dentist can help diagnose and treat any dental issue that you are dealing with. Give us a call or visit our Salt Lake City clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment or call Eric A. Larson DDS at 801-871-8983 for an appointment in our Salt Lake City office.

Related Posts

General Dentistry Treatments For A Damaged Tooth

Wondering how a damaged tooth can be treated? Read on to learn how general dentistry addresses damaged teeth. A damaged tooth can result from a blow to the mouth, bruxism, and a range of other causes. There are several ways a general dentist can restore the health, appearance, and function of a damaged tooth. This…

How General Dentistry Can Deal With Toothaches

One of the more common concerns treated in general dentistry is a toothache. Treating toothaches involves determining the cause(s) of the toothache and treating the underlying concern because a toothache is generally a symptom of a more serious oral health issue.There are numerous ways a dentist can treat a toothache, and the most appropriate solution…

How Often Should You Get A General Dentistry Teeth Cleaning?

General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Teeth cleanings are one of the staples of general dentistry, and the American Association of Dentists recommends getting them at least two times per year. The procedure protects teeth against tooth decay and gum disease.Tooth decay and gum disease are the top two reasons people…

Related Posts

Finding A Family Dentist Near You

Finding A Family Dentist Near You

Taking care of your family's dental health is important to help maintain your and your children's overall health and well-being. Regular visits to a family dentist can help identify and treat dental problems before they become more serious and require more intensive care. However, finding the right family dentist can be daunting, especially if you…

Signs You Should Make An Appointment With A Family Dentist

4 Signs You Should Make An Appointment With A Family Dentist

As your family grows, you may be considering a family dentist as a good option to take care of everyone's dental health in one place. There are a few signs you can look for that it is time to make a change and schedule appointments with a family dentist.Some dentists are limited in the patients…