There are a few questions in particular that seem to come up at the dental office again and again — below, find your dentist’s answers to those frequently asked questions about toothpaste, dental floss, and more!
What Type of Toothpaste Should I Use?
Take a walk down the toothpaste aisle and you will see there are endless types of toothpaste — which can make it seem difficult to choose just one for you and your family. But there really is not so much mystery about the type of toothpaste to use. First and foremost, look out for one that has fluoride. This ingredient strengthens tooth enamel to prevent cavities, you are taking the most important step for a healthy smile. The flavor is also important – you’re not likely to brush much using a toothpaste that doesn’t taste good. Other than that, feel free to choose options for sensitivity, whitening, and more as needed.
Is Flossing Really All That Important?
Flossing, in addition to brushing your teeth twice daily and visiting your dentist every six months, is a crucial ingredient for a healthy, cavity-free smile. No matter how well you brush your teeth, the toothbrush won’t reach the tight spaces between them. For a clean smile, make sure you are doing a good job of flossing gently at least daily.
Do I Need to Use Mouth Rinse?
Mouth rinse or wash can be a good supplement to your oral hygiene routine, but it is important to remember that this is not a substitute for brushing or flossing – no matter what the advertizing says. If you do choose to use a mouth rinse for fresher breath, make sure it is alcohol free — the other type can be too harsh for your sensitive gum tissue.
Are X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays are not only safe, but they are a vital tool for any dental office. X-rays offer a look at your teeth and oral structures that goes beneath the visible surface, making it possible to identify early-stage tooth decay, see extra/problematic teeth below the gum line, and more. Plus, modern X-ray technology has created digital X-rays, which reduces radiation exposure even further for safer, more effective images.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover That?
If you are covered by dental insurance, that is great news for your and your family’s smiles. The specifics of your dental insurance depend on certain choices that are made at the time of enrollment, but in general, your provider should cover the majority (or the entirety) of preventive dentistry services (checkups and cleanings, topical fluoride, etc.) and half to 80 percent of restorative dentistry services (fillings, crowns, dentures, etc.). Your dentist can help you understand just what your provider will cover.
These are just a few of the most common questions your dentist regularly encounters. If you have more, get in touch with your family dental practice to discuss your family’s smiles!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington has over three decades of experience creating healthy, beautiful, and complete smiles. An expert in dental implants, Dr. Kennington brings exceptional preventive, general, and restorative dentistry services to patients in and around Castle Rock. To learn more, do not hesitate to contact Cowlitz River Dental at (360) 274-9100.