There are many common questions dentists are asked regularly, but in this article, we have put together the top five. At Douglas W. Ng, DDS, we provide San Luis Obispo dental answers based on years of experience. We’ve seen it all and heard it all, and now we’re sharing the five questions our patients ask most often.
1. What are 3 common dental problems I should watch out for?
Tooth decay tops the list. It happens when bacteria feed on food particles, and these bacteria produce acids. The acids erode enamel. Even people who brush regularly can get cavities as they often develop between teeth. Toothbrushes can’t always reach these spots.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, and your gums may look red. They might bleed when you brush. Untreated gingivitis becomes periodontitis, which damages the structures supporting your teeth. It can lead to tooth loss, and research shows links between gum disease and heart problems. It’s also connected to diabetes and respiratory issues.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentin becomes exposed. This exposure happens when enamel wears down. It also happens when gums recede, and temperature changes cause pain. Sweet foods trigger discomfort, while Acidic drinks create sensitivity.
Early detection makes treatment easier and can reduce pain. It saves money, because regular checkups catch problems early.
2. San Luis Obispo dental answers how to prevent cavities effectively.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two full minutes and set a timer if needed. Fluoride strengthens enamel, while making teeth resistant to acid attacks.
Floss once a day with zero exceptions. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and gets rid of food particles in tight spaces. These areas make up 35% of your tooth surfaces, and they’re cavity hotspots when neglected.
Can’t stand traditional floss? Try alternatives. Water flossers work well. Interdental brushes reach between teeth. Floss picks offer better control.
Watch what you eat and drink. Limit sugary foods and avoid acidic beverages. Bacteria love sugar because they convert it to acid, and the acid attacks your teeth. Don’t snack constantly. Your mouth needs breaks. Continuous eating keeps acid levels high. Eat meals instead of grazing all day.
Visit your dentist every six months as professional cleanings remove tartar. Home care can’t eliminate tartar once it forms. Regular visits catch small problems to help prevent bigger issues.
Consider dental sealants to protect molars. They create a physical barrier so Bacteria can’t reach the deep grooves. Sealants prevent cavities where they commonly form.
Always feel secure asking San Luis Obispo Dental Answers about your dentist.
3. What questions do dentists ask during examinations and why?
We ask about your medical history. Many conditions affect your oral health. Diabetes increases gum disease risk, and heart issues might require antibiotics before treatment. Medications can cause dry mouth, so we want to know about pain or sensitivity. These symptoms point to problems and help us focus our examination. They reveal issues that might not be visible.
Have you noticed changes in your bite? Do you clench your teeth? Can you eat normally? These questions provide diagnostic clues helping us identify TMJ issues. They reveal grinding habits.
We’ll ask about your home care routine. How often do you brush? Do you floss? What products do you use? Honest answers help us give targeted advice. They lead to personalized recommendations.
Questions about previous dental experiences matter too. Did you have a bad experience? Are you anxious about certain procedures? We might ask about tobacco use. Smoking increases oral cancer risk and leads to gum disease while also causing tooth staining. Your diet affects your teeth. Frequent soda consumption erodes enamel. Constant snacking increases cavity risk. Energy drinks contain hidden sugars and acids. Every question has a purpose. Building a complete picture of your oral health while identifying risks is imperative in order to create a specific treatment plan.
4. What are the 5 principles of dentistry that guide treatment recommendations?
Prevention comes first, and stopping problems before they start saves teeth. It saves money and prevents pain. Regular checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants all prevent problems. Good home care prevents most dental issues. You may be looking for San Luis Obispo Dental Answers to your questions and your dentist will answer andy and all questions.
Preservation of natural tooth structure is crucial. We save as many healthy teeth as possible with modern techniques that allow minimal intervention. Smaller fillings last longer and preserve tooth strength.
We follow evidence-based practices, and our recommendations reflect current research. We don’t rely on outdated methods. We evaluate new techniques carefully while implementing proven approaches.
Form and function must work together. Restorations should look natural and also function properly. You need to speak clearly. You need to chew comfortably, and your bite must align correctly.
The basic question for a dental interview centers on patient-centered care. Your goals matter, while your concerns guide treatment. Your preferences influence our approach. We explain options clearly to help you make informed decisions. We respect your choices.
Modern dentistry applies these principles to every aspect of care. From routine cleanings to complex procedures, these guidelines ensure quality treatment.
5. How should I manage sensitive teeth?
Try desensitizing toothpaste, as it blocks pain signals. It protects exposed tubules. Use it consistently. Results take time. Give it at least two weeks.
Change your brushing technique. Use a soft-bristled brush while applying gentle pressure. Brush in circular motions and avoid aggressive scrubbing. Consider an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor.
Adjust your diet. Limit acidic foods and drinks. Use a straw for acidic beverages. This minimizes contact with teeth. Rinse with water after consuming acidic items. Wait 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing too soon damages acid-softened enamel.
Protect against grinding. Night guards prevent enamel wear and distribute forces evenly. They reduce morning sensitivity. Custom-fitted guards work best as over-the-counter options provide less protection.
Professional treatments offer additional help. Fluoride varnishes strengthen enamel, and bonding agents seal tubules. Laser treatments reduce nerve sensitivity. For severe cases, gum grafts can cover exposed roots.
Sensitivity usually responds to these approaches. If it persists, see your dentist. Continuing sensitivity might indicate a crack or could signal decay. It might reveal other problems requiring treatment.
Testimonials
What Our Patients Say About Us
Saša M.
I desire to express my big gratitude to the doctor for yesterday’s work on one of my molars, that was cracked open for a while and was causing me huge pain for a while. The whole intervention needed 4 deep anesthesias, taking off a part of my gum with a laser procedure, drilling deep to the root canal under the normal gum level and closing it up with white composite filling. The best thing is that I haven’t felt any pain, not even when the long needle anesthesia injections were given! It has been 24 hours since the procedure and I do not feel any pain and I do not need to take any painkillers! How amazing is that?!? The whole condition and procedure was explained to me in advance and I was treated with highest level of care, kindness and professionalism I have ever experienced before. All of the staff was very kind, the nurse, the doctor and even the front desk lady and they made everything workout. THANK YOU! I highly recommend this doctor to kids and to all of those of any age who have any resistance visiting dentists in general. You will feel acknowledged, treated with respect and kindness and with high level of professionalism. Also I would like to add that as an international student (and a foreign visitor before that status) I was rudely dismissed from many front desk administrators in 6 other SLO dentistry offices, simply because they did not want to deal with my European insurance, that by the way, had great coverage for dental portion of it. THIS OFFICE IS THE FIRST OFFICE that is open to research and willing to meet my needs through my insurance plan. For sure I return!
Erin Parsons
This dental office is AMAZING! Office staff is professional, personal, and welcoming (waiting room has a massage chair!). Hygienists are thorough and gentle, and super pleasant to just hang out with 🙂 Dr. Ng is THE BEST!! He is well versed in the latest technologies and treatments, and is conservative in his recommendations and treatment plans. My kids even love going here! This office has treated us immediately with tooth injuries, and it’s easy and convenient to get appointments. I won’t go anywhere else.
Overall, questions lead to better dental health, so never hesitate to ask. At Douglas W. Ng, DDS, we provide honest San Luis Obispo dental answers for every concern. We stay current with research and use modern techniques. We focus on prevention. We make dental visits positive. Your smile matters to us. Schedule your visit today.