Question 1

What's so bad about losing a tooth?

Accepted Answer

Losing even a single tooth can cause the other teeth to shift and move around. This can affect chewing and your ability to absorb nutrients from your food. It can also cause your face to change shape, often looking “sunken.” This can make you look much older than you really are. Your speech can even be affected. Because it’s harder to chew with missing teeth, you may find yourself favoring softer foods and more carbohydrates, which can cause you to gain weight and contribute to diabetes.

Question 2

Why are soft drinks bad for your teeth?

Accepted Answer

Sugar and acids are your teeth’s worst enemies. Soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices, and candy are usually loaded with both sugar and acids. These soften the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Children’s teeth are not as strong as adults and these drinks are even more damaging for kids. This doesn’t mean you can’t have these delicious items, but it is best to limit them to every once in a while and to practice proper oral hygiene.

Question 3

My 12-year old likes to chew ice. Is this harmful?

Accepted Answer

Chewing ice is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. The cold makes them brittle and prone to small cracks. These fractures get bigger over time and eventually cause the tooth to break. It is best not to chew ice at all.

Question 4

I think I grind my teeth at night. What can I do about this?

Accepted Answer

Do you wake up with discomfort in your jaws or a persistent headache? If so, you may be clenching and grinding (sometimes called bruxing) while you sleep. Persistent bruxing can damage teeth and cause them to get shorter and shorter. It can also damage your temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even affect your hearing. If you suspect that you are a bruxer, call us today. Dr. Bailey may recommend a night guard or other oral appliance that can protect your teeth and provide you with some relief.

Question 5

Does the doctor check for oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of defense in detecting and treating oral cancer. Each year in the US, approximately 30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer. Worldwide, the problem is far greater, with new cases annually approaching 300,000. In the US alone, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 10,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly higher. However, the good news is, when found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% cure rate.

Question 6

I brush my teeth every day. Why is it important to have my teeth cleaned at the dental office?

Accepted Answer

Careful brushing and flossing do a good job of keeping your teeth clean in between visits. But there are some places that can be difficult to clean thoroughly on your own, and over time, plaque and tartar can build up. This can cause all sorts of problems, including bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay, that can only be prevented with regular professional cleanings and in-office fluoride treatments. Coming back for regular visits also helps us catch and correct problems when they are small, which keeps your teeth healthier, saves you money, and makes your dental visits a lot easier.

Question 7

What is a TMJ disorder?

Accepted Answer

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the jaw joint near your ear. The ache, discomfort, or tenderness in or around the jaw joints can sometimes be caused by a TMJ disorder, or TMD.

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