At Morgan Family Dental, we prioritize patient education and encourage our patients to be active participants in their dental health. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns and explain different treatment options so that you can make informed decisions about your dental care.
We strive to maintain an open dialogue between our dental professionals and patients. We understand that medical terminology can be overwhelming, and we do our best to speak plainly and avoid jargon. If we use a word or term that you don’t understand, please don’t hesitate to ask us to explain. We believe that patient education is key to maintaining healthy smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions Here are some frequently asked questions about dental care. We encourage you to review these questions and reach out to us for additional information or if you have any further questions.
Why do I need to see the dentist twice a year? Regular dental visits are essential in catching potential dental issues before they become major problems. Many dental conditions don’t have obvious symptoms, making it difficult for patients to recognize an issue. Dentists have the expertise and advanced tools to properly examine your oral health and provide treatment recommendations. Depending on your oral health situation, the dentist will recommend the frequency at which you need to visit us. Our hygienists can remove stains and provide training on the best techniques for your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Remind me, how often do I need to brush and floss? You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Most people brush in the morning when they wake up and brush and floss at night before bed. If you want to brush after lunch, we highly approve. When you brush your teeth, it should be for a full two minutes. Make sure you get the back and front sides of your upper and lower teeth and their biting surfaces. Floss with about an arm’s span’s worth of floss, using a clean two inches for each tooth to prevent cross-contamination.
I’ve heard I don’t really need to floss. Is that true? Although studies are needed to solidify the connection between flossing and various effects on your oral health, flossing is still a vital aspect of oral hygiene. Neglecting to clean plaque and food out from between your teeth can cause bad breath and allow bacteria to grow.
I brush my teeth and floss thoroughly every day. Do I still need to see a hygienist for a cleaning? Yes! Even with proper brushing and flossing, there may still be stubborn tooth gunk that a professional cleaning can remove. Tartar is the hard substance that plaque can turn into if not cleaned off in time. Getting a professional scaling and polishing by a hygienist can also improve the appearance of your smile by removing stains.
What causes cavities? Sugar is the fuel for tooth decay, and it doesn’t just come from sweet foods. When you eat, enzymes in your saliva break down carbohydrates into sugars. These sugars, along with the sugar compounds that occur naturally in fruit and foods sweetened with refined sugar or corn syrup, are eaten by the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria consume the sugar and excrete a waste product in the form of acid. This acid eats holes in your tooth enamel and the softer dentin layer underneath, causing cavities and tooth decay.
At what age should children first visit a dentist? Children should see the dentist when their first tooth comes in or by age 3, whichever comes first. We recommend caring for your baby’s oral health before then by gently rubbing their gums with a damp washcloth after feeding.
I’m very nervous about visiting the dentist. What should I do? Please tell us about your concerns. Being nervous at the dentist is not uncommon, and knowing that you’re a nervous patient helps us prepare for your appointment