Read the most frequently asked questions we receive from parents.
For more information, please contact Dr. Crooks today at 916 922 2027 or click here to email us.
1. Why is it important to look after my teeth?
Maintaining your teeth and gums, as you age is an important step in sustaining your general health and well-being. Whilst exercising, eating right and regular health checks are important – looking after your teeth and gums is also essential. Good dental health will help you to lead a long, happy and healthy life.
2. Why should I smile with my teeth?
Did you know smiling and laughing are actually healthy for you? It's true! As well as being attractive; smiling and laughing are beneficial to your entire well-being!
The activity of smiling releases natural antidepressant chemicals from your brain, beneficial to your entire being. Laughing also has a direct affect on the body. The popular saying "laughing makes good blood" is scientifically accurate. When we laugh, it produces rapid rhythmical contractions of the diaphragm. These contractions; stimulate abdominal organs and pulmonary function, modify breathing and heart rate. The psychological value of smiling and laughing is just as impressive. These activities release inner tension and repressed tendencies. When a person is tired or unhappy, it is better to relax through smiling and / or laughing than any other non-active means.
3. Why should I get my teeth straightened with Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry focused on treating irregularities of teeth and jaws. It can improve your facial appearance as it brings teeth and lips into proportion. It will also help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak while preventing physical health problems. The most noticeable feature is a beautiful new straight smile.
4. Do I need to wear a mouthguard?
It is very important to wear a mouthguard during all forms of contact sports, i.e. football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics and volleyball. It is your only protection against broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. Dr. Crooks provides state of the art custom made athletic mouthguards. These mouthguards are custom made to your individual requirements so that they are comfortable to wear and appropriate for the level of competition. 5. What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
Firstly call Dr Crooks ASAP! If you can see a Dentist within 30minutes of the incident, there is an 85% chance that the tooth will survive.
The first step after you have lost a tooth is to find it. Once you have found your tooth handle it very delicately, not touching the fragile root as it will be needed intact to encourage re-attachment. You must also resist the temptation to clean your tooth off with water. If the tooth is clean, place it gently back into its socket immediately and apply slight pressure. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it using milk and place it back into its socket. Otherwise keep the tooth moist by placing it in a glass of milk or tuck it into your cheek until you can visit your Dentist. 6. Is it dangerous to have an oral piercing?
The popularity of oral piercing is growing. It involves the insertion of jewelry into soft oral tissue – such as the lips, tongue and cheek. Oral piercings can cause serious health complications, including; tooth fractures, speech impediment, infection and allergic responses, blood poisoning and blood clots, damage to nerves and veins, loss of taste and permanent numbness.
7. My friends and I smoke, is it hurting our teeth?
Everyone is aware of how bad smoking is for the lungs, but many people forget about how much damage it does to your teeth. Smoking can cause serious long term damage to teeth and gums. The main concern for most smokers is the discolouration and staining of their teeth. Tobacco causes teeth to yellow and darken to a light brown colour. It promotes the build up of plaque which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Smoking will also cause bad breath, leave a bad taste in your mouth and make your gums pull away from your teeth. Seek help to quit smoking today. Your whole body will thank you for it!
8. Is soda bad for your teeth?
Soda tastes great; however, many people do not realise how it is for their teeth. The sugar found in Soda reacts with the natural bacteria in your mouth and forms acid. This acid can erode your tooth enamel and over time causes cavities. Sugar-free soda can also cause tooth decay. We recommend drinking soda in moderation.
9. I have bad breath what can I do?
A healthy mouth means fresh breath! Bad breath can make you feel embarrassed and place strain on relationships. The main culprit behind bad breath is bacteria! Our mouths contain millions and millions of bacteria, which can quite easily get out of control. Plaque, tartar, gum disease, tooth decay, dentures and your tongue are all places where bacteria can thrive.
To resolve your bad breath, we recommend:
- Brush your tongue
Approximately 50% of oral bacteria can be eliminated through brushing your tongue daily with a soft toothbrush.
- Use Breath Fresheners and Mouthwash
Breath Fresheners and Mouthwash can also help to eliminate bad breath.
- Make an Appointment with Dr. Crooks
Attend a check-up with Dr. Crooks to determine the cause of your bad breath (i.e. the cause may be tartar, gum disease, tooth decay etc). We will then be able to isolate and fix the cause of your bad breath.
10. What is tooth decay?
Soon after brushing, a thin sticky layer forms over the surface of your teeth which contains bacteria, this is referred to as plaque. When you eat anything containing sugar, the bacteria in plaque uses it as energy and produces acid which can soften and dissolve the enamel which cover your teeth. This is how a cavity is formed. Because the enamel doesn't contain any nerves, you won't realize that it is happening. Only when a cavity is in the advanced stages will you feel pain. This pain will occur when you eat or drink anything particularly hot, cold, sugary or acidic. Saliva helps to wash away and neutralize this acid. It also contains the minerals that replace loss from enamel.
11. What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the back of your mouth. Usually, they erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted if they affect other teeth – often referred to as “coming in sideways” or “impacted wisdom teeth”. This failure to erupt properly may occur either because there is not enough room in the jaw for the tooth, or because of its abnormal position. Many oral health specialists will recommend the removal of wisdom teeth, as early extraction will help to eliminate problems.
12. What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in many foods and some water supplies. It is also used in many consumer dental products. Fluoride strengthens teeth making it more resistant to decay. It is important to use fluoride containing toothpastes, mouth rinses, and gels topically to gain the added benefit of preventing sensitivity and tooth decay.
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