“Dental problems evolve slowly, over months and years,” says William R. Hummer Jr., DDS. “That’s why you shouldn’t switch dentists often or without good reason. A dentist you’re seeing for the first time simply can’t trust everything that’s under every filling. They haven’t seen the progress of a filling over five years to know whether it’s changed.”
A dentist who sees you regularly will know your dental history and can typically offer you less aggressive treatment. Here are some other dental tips to consider:
Don’t worry about being harmed by dental X-rays. They pose very little risk, especially when patients are protected with lead aprons. Besides, today’s high-speed films minimize the amount of exposure.
Schedule regular dental visits for your children. It’s best to start with the appearance of their first tooth. Add a regular program of brushing, flossing and healthy eating, and your child will benefit from a lifetime of good dental habits.
The best tooth whitening technique is a dentist-prescribed system. These systems change the color of teeth with minimal (if any) side effects. Veneers are appropriate for more difficult cases. There are many other options; ask your dentist about them.
Electric toothbrushes are best. There are numerous models on the market that work well. Ask your dentist to recommend one. Similarly, virtually any brand of toothpaste is fine, providing it contains fluoride and controls tartar. Using a proper brushing technique is far more important than using a certain brand of toothpaste.
