Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about dental care? You're not alone! Like you, many of us wonder about the best oral hygiene practices, dental treatments, and common concerns. To help you with some quick answers, we've organised an extensive list of frequently asked questions about dental care with clear, expert-backed answers. You'll find everything you need here if you're curious about teeth whitening, braces, implants, or general oral health. Keep reading to get the facts and take the best care of your smile!
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How often should I visit the dentist for checkups?
To maintain proper oral health, one should visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and teeth cleaning.
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Can stress cause teeth grinding (bruxism)?
Yes, absolutely. Stress is a significant cause of grinding, and a nightguard can help protect teeth in such cases.
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Is fluoride good for my teeth?
Yes, fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
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How can I prevent bad breath?
You can prevent bad breath by maintaining proper oral hygiene, flossing daily, staying hydrated, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
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What are the signs of a tooth cavity?
Some common signs of tooth cavities include tooth sensitivity, pain while eating, and visible holes or dark spots on teeth.
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Is a Root Canal Treatment painful?
Modern Root Canal Treatments are virtually painless. RCTs are painless primarily due to advanced techniques and anaesthesia.
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How long does a Root Canal Treatment take?
A root canal treatment usually requires one to two sessions, each lasting about 60-90 minutes. In some cases, it only needs one session.
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How long does a Root Canal-treated tooth last?
With a crown and proper care, a Root Canal Treatment can last a lifetime.
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What is a deep cleaning for teeth?
Deep Cleaning of teeth, also called scaling & root planing, is a treatment procedure that removes tartar and plaque from below the gum line.
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What kind of foods stain teeth the most?
They are usually coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and soy sauce. Each of them can stain teeth over time.
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How long does teeth whitening usually last?
Professional teeth whitening results may last 6 months to 1 year, depending on your oral care habits & diet.
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Is getting teeth whitening safe for me?
Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective, provided a dentist does it. However, do not try it at home without consulting your dentist.
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What are Dental Implants? Are they safe?
They are permanent artificial tooth roots that support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Consider them like artificial teeth. They work as well as your real teeth; they are just artificial.
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Are Dental Implants painful?
The dental implant procedure is always conducted under local anaesthesia, so discomfort is minimal.
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How long do Dental Implants last?
With proper care, implants can usually last a lifetime, while crowns may need replacement in 10-15 years.
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Are Invisalign aligners better than metal braces?
Invisalign is more comfortable, nearly invisible, and removable, but traditional braces work better for complex cases.
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How long do braces take to straighten teeth?
Treatment usually lasts between 12-24 months, depending on the case.
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What is the best age to get braces?
The ideal age is 10-14, but adults can get braces too.
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When should wisdom teeth be removed?
If your wisdom tooth causes pain, swelling, misalignment, or infection, you should get it extracted. The sooner, the better.
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What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Soft foods like yoghurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are advisable post wisdom teeth removal.
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How long does it take to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction?
Healing from wisdom tooth extraction takes about 7-10 days, but full recovery may take a few weeks.
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What are the signs of gum disease?
Bleeding from gums, bad breath, swollen gums, and loose teeth are common symptoms of gum disease. In such cases, one should visit the dentist soon.
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Can gum disease be reversed?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with proper oral care, but advanced cases (periodontitis) require treatment.
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When should my child have their first dental visit?
Ideally, you should visit the dentist when the child is one year old or within six months of the first tooth eruption.
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What is the best way to prevent cavities in kids?
Kids can avoid cavities by brushing twice daily and limiting sugary foods.
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Are dental sealants suitable for kids?
Yes, sealants protect molars from cavities by sealing deep grooves.
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Can I sleep with my dentures on?
Removing the dentures at night is best to allow your gums to rest.
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How long do dentures last?
Dentures last 5-10 years with proper care before they need a replacement.
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What is the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth?
You can look for a toothpaste with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride for sensitive teeth.
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Why do my teeth hurt when I eat something cold?
Your teeth may have tooth sensitivity due to enamel wear, cavities, or gum recession.