Dental FAQs | Dentist in Mobile, AL
Our dental FAQs are the most commonly-asked questions and answers to our practice.
What Is Dentistry?
Dentistry treats and prevents disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, and jaw. Good dentistry is necessary for maintaining long-term dental health. It significantly impacts the health of a patient’s entire body.
What Is A Dentist?
A dentist is a specialist trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Our dentist at Noblet Cosmetic & Family Dental has completed many years of medical schooling to practice dentistry. In dental school, a dentist can choose to receive either a:
DDS = Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD = Doctor of Dental Medicine
Some doctors decide to continue their studies in other specializations, such as:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics (dental implants)
Are Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings Necessary?
Here at Noblet Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we know life is busy. Fitting dental appointments into your schedule is challenging, but proper oral hygiene is difficult to maintain. Brushing and flossing will prevent most oral hygiene problems, but not all.
Scheduling a cleaning twice a year is highly recommended to maintain optimal oral health and catch problems before they become painful and costly. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized quality dental care because your smile is our top priority.
What’s A Dental Cleaning Like At Noblet Cosmetic & Family Dental?
Biannual dental cleanings are recommended for proper oral hygiene. When you visit our state-of-the-art dental office, an appointment will include the following:
- A complete oral examination.
- Oral cancer exam.
- Professional x-rays to catch cavities.
- Thorough cleaning by our excellent hygienists.
After your professional cleaning to remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth, we recommend comprehensive dental care treatment for any problems. We can also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile.
Do I Still Need To See A Dentist Even If I Feel Fine?
It’s crucial to schedule biannual cleanings. Our dentists recommend visiting the dentist twice yearly because many dental problems don’t initially show symptoms.
We can identify problems, but we can also help keep your smile looking bright and fantastic. We know how important it is to have confidence in your smile. For this reason, we offer many cosmetic dental services like teeth whitening to help improve the aesthetics of your smile.
When Should I Change My Toothbrush?
Your dentist in Mobile, AL, recommend changing toothbrushes at least every three months. If using an electric toothbrush, check the brand’s recommendation because you may not have to change the brush heads as often. Read here to learn more.
For patients with gum disease, we recommend changing your toothbrush more often than every three months. Also, after brushing, please wash and rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and bacteria.
Can I Prevent Cavities?
Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, and floss once daily. These are the most effective ways to remove plaque buildup between the teeth and below the gum line. Regular teeth cleanings and checkups at your local dentist also support proper oral and dental hygiene, especially when combined with fluoride treatment. Maintain a well-balanced diet low in sugary or starchy foods and acidic beverages to minimize acid-producing bacteria that attack your tooth enamel.
How Do You Know If You Have Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, aka gum disease, is from plaque and bacteria buildup in a patient’s mouth over time. If this buildup is not brushed and flossed away, it will eventually lead to gum disease. It can also be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, medications, and genetics. Follow this link to learn more about gum disease.
Advanced forms of gum disease can cause bone and tooth loss and significantly affect overall health. Please always brush and floss daily and schedule dental appointments every six months. Doing this is the best way to fight gum disease and decay. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth and loss of teeth
How Can I Alleviate Tooth Sensitivity?
You can use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to alleviate tooth sensitivity, avoid acidic foods and drinks, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the sensitivity is severe, your dentist may recommend other treatments.
Call Your Dentist in Mobile, AL, for Answers to Your FAQs
Book an appointment at Noblet Cosmetic & Family Dental to better understand your dental health. Our dental team in Mobile, Alabama is happy to answer your long list of questions not answered in our faqs section and recommend solutions for your specific condition.