Dentistry of Johns Creek can help everyone in the family have a healthy mouth. Dr. Shackleford wants to make sure everyone is knowledgeable about the proper way to take care of your teeth, maintain oral hygiene, and keep your teeth looking their best. Test your ability to filter fact from fiction with this quick, oral health themed fun game of “True or False.”
QUESTIONS:
True or False: Chewing gun is always bad for your teeth.
False. The American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs has granted the ADA Seal of Acceptance to numerous sugarless gum companies. Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals help to avoid tooth decay. Munching on some gum containing xylitol increases saliva, which helps neutralize and break down plaque acids. These acids can decompose tooth enamel, forming the right environment for decay. However, chewing sugarless gum should only complement and not substitute daily flossing and twice-daily brushing.
True or False: You should replace your toothbrush every 6 months.
False. More often!! The ADA recommends trading in your toothbrush every three or four months, and sooner if the bristles are frayed. You might want to consider rinsing toothbrushes with mouthwash before brushing and soaking them in antibacterial rinse after brushing if you are prone to infection because of a compromised immune system.
True or False: Losing your teeth is a natural part of the aging process.
False. Your teeth CAN last a lifetime if you continue to give them proper care. You know the drill by now: brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day and visit the dentist on a regular basis. These are all common healthy teeth rules, however, some adults still neglect these basic guidelines.
True or False: Teeth bleaching/whitening can last a lifetime.
True. Teeth bleaching, also known as teeth whitening, can last indefinitely if you use take-home trays to touch up your smile. However, if you eat staining foods, drink dark beverages, smoke, or take some medications, you are more likely to re-stain your teeth. Dr. Shackleford specializes in teeth whitening and will make sure that you have the best possible results.
True or False: The amount of sleep you get affects your gums.
True. According to a study in the May 2007 Journal of Periodontology, sleep deprivation is second only to smoking among damaging lifestyle factors and disturbs oral health. People in the study who got 7-8 hours of sleep showed less development of gum disease than those who slept less than 6 hours.
True or False: Dentists recommend fluoride consumption for adults and children of all ages.
False. Fluoride is known for being a leading cavity fighter; however, swallowing too much of it can cause tooth discoloration in children. Because of this fact, children younger than 2 shouldn’t use fluoridated toothpaste. Children who are 2 years or older only need a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
True or False: Healthy teeth and gums reflect your body’s overall health.
True. The ADA says that the mouth can be a window to the body’s overall health. In the mouth, you can see signs of dietary deficiencies, drugs use, certain chronic diseases, and other conditions. Also, research has discovered a connection between periodontitis and heart disease and stroke.
True or False: Baby teeth are not that important. They are going to lose them anyway.
False. Baby teeth are imperative for many reasons. They maintain space for larger adult teeth to grow in the mouth. They are also important for speech, chewing/eating, and your smile. Some baby teeth remain in the mouth until adolescent years, so it is imperative to preserve these teeth for proper growth of the mature mouth.
True or False: Cavities can be contagious.
True. As a parent, you pass a lot onto your children. Your looks, love for food, even your bacteria from your mouth! It usually happens through natural, maternal behaviors like sharing drinks or utensils, cooling food by blowing on it or even kissing your child. Babies are born without any harmful bacteria in their mouths; however, your child will become more prone to cavities once the bacteria from you colonize. Basically, you need to take care of your own mouth and pass along good oral health habits to your children, not cavities.
True or False: People notice a nice smile before any other features.
True. 50% of people say that they notice a smile before any other feature on a person. 80% of people are not happy with their smile. Luckily with all the advances in dentistry, Dentistry of Johns Creek can help you achieve the perfect smile! Check out our website or call our office at (770) 442-8472 to get more information about how to make your smile flawless.
True or False: Cosmetic dentistry is not affordable for people without dental insurance.
False. Insurance doesn’t typically cover most cosmetic dental procedures; however, if you sign up for a trusted third party financing institution, like CareCredit, they can offer low or no-interest loans for qualifying patients. Dr. Shackelford and our staff can help you figure out the best and most affordable way to get the smile you want.
True or False: As long as I have no toothaches or mouth pain, my mouth is healthy.
False. When you age, your mouth goes through changes and the nerves in your teeth become less susceptible to pain and discomfort. This means you may not notice soreness or tenderness from tooth decay or gum disease; therefore, you should not wait to feel the pain to see the dentist. It is important to have your regular oral exams because the sooner you discover dental problems, the easier and less expensive the treatment.
True or False: Bad breath that doesn’t go away could be a sign of gum disease.
True. Bad breath is usually a warning sign of gum infection and disease, which is more customary in adults. Other signs of gum disease are gums that are often tender, sore, swollen, or easily bleed.
Keep your smile sparkling by knowing the facts about dental care, and visiting Dentistry of Johns Creek to maintain your oral health and prevent potential issues. Our convenient location serves the communities of Johns Creek, Suwanee, Duluth, Cumming, Alpharetta, Milton and surrounding North Atlanta areas.
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