Frequently Asked Questions

The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It's unnecessary to "scrub" the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.

Generally, no. However, it's advisable to use a fluoride-containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride.

Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.

These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as "crowns". However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as "caps" and the gold or stainless ones as "crowns".

Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.

Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they "bond" to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. While fillings are also usually less sensitive to temperature, and they also look better. However, "white" fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is very badly broken-down, a crown will usually be necessary and provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.

Whitening toothpastes do not work. Whitening products in over-the-counter toothpastes are not bleaches. Instead they are polishing agents that only remove surface stains. They actually do not change the color of your teeth. Whitening products that work contain a sufficient amount of peroxide agents, and the product must be in contact with your teeth for extended periods of time.

Actually early demineralization of the tooth enamel can be slowed or reversed by the use of several products, including high-concentration prescription fluoride toothpastes, calcium and phosphate pastes (MI paste), and therapeutic concentrations of xylitol containing gums and mints. These products must be used regularly and will only reverse or delay very early stage cavities. It is also important, if possible, to eliminate or reduce the consumption of sugars and acids in your diet in order for these products to work. See your dentist regularly so we can examine your teeth for signs of decay. If you have a high cavity risk, your dentist may prescribe some or all of these products for you.

Research is showing that chewing gum containing 1 to 2 grams of xylitol 3 to 5 times a day for 5 minutes will help with preventing cavities.  The xylitol in the gum does the following:

• Blocks the bacteria from producing the acids that cause tooth decay
• Decreases the level of cavity-causing bacteria
• Stimulates protective, saliva flow

Actually tooth brushing and even flossing alone will not necessarily prevent you from getting cavities, but they will help. There are many factors that play a role in whether or not you get a cavity. Tooth brushing and flossing are certainly things that you should be doing to help prevent cavities. Utilizing fluoride-containing toothpastes and getting fluoride in your drinking water are beneficial, as are xylitol containing gums and mints. You also need a diet that is low in sugars and acids. Don't sip on sugary or acid-containing beverages all day. Medications that you take, or medical conditions that you have, can alter your saliva flow and make you much more prone to getting cavities. Let your dentist know if you feel you have a dry mouth. Your teeth will be examined for cavities at every preventive visit so we can catch problems when they are small.

Actually, your teeth provide several important functions. Teeth allow you to chew, they assist in speech, and they support the muscles of your face. Your first molars provide about 60% of your chewing power. If a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth can shift and drift into the space leading to an altered bite, cavities, and gum problems. Dr. Andler will recommend the appropriate treatment which may include an implant or a bridge.

Actually diet soda is harmful to your teeth. While opting for diet soda can reduce some of the dental trouble associated with sugary drinks, it doesn't totally put you in the clear. That's because diet soda still contains the same amount of acid as regular soda. (This goes for sports beverages, fitness waters, energy drinks, any carbonated beverage, bottled teas etc. many of these beverages also contain sugars as well). Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. Diet or "sugar-free" soda contains its own acid. Acid in soft drinks, whether they contain sugar or not, is the primary cause of weakening tooth enamel. The acid attacks your teeth, and each acid attack lasts about twenty minutes. The acid attack starts over again with every sip. Ongoing acid attacks weaken your tooth enamel. Bacteria in your mouth cause cavities when tooth enamel is damaged. If you have a receding gum line, acid does more damage below the gum line than above it. This is particularly a concern for adults.  The best way to prevent tooth decay is to drink soda only occasionally, as a treat.

Actually most dental problems like cavities and gum disease do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages in the disease process. Patients usually don’t realize they have a cavity until there is a large hole in the tooth or until the cavity is close to the nerve and then it does hurt!

By that time, often the tooth needs a root canal treatment followed by a buildup and crown. Also, with gum disease there are typically no symptoms until later in the disease process when teeth become loose, and at that point they may need to be removed. Regular checkups and proceeding with recommended treatment is important so that small simple problems are treated before they become big and often costly problems.