Frequently Asked Questions On Oral Health
The frequency of dental X-rays will depend on your oral health. If you have good oral health and overall health and have not had cavities for a few years, then you most likely will not require X-rays at each appointment. However, if you have cavities, a history of periodontal disease or other oral issues, you require X-rays more often.
You will need to begin by thinking about your needs. For example, proximity. You may want to consider how close the dental practice is to your house. Turn to your friends and family for recommendations when it comes to finding a dentist. Also, do not to forget to check out reviews websites such as Google and Yelp to gain insight into patient testimonials and satisfaction.
Once you have selected a new dentist, you can request a copy of your records which will be transformed from your previous dentist.
Original dental records belong to the dentist who provided the treatment, and not the patient, because dentists have to keep all of their records for a period of time, as set out by their provincial dental regulatory body. Once you have selected a new dentist, you can request that a copy of your records be transferred from your former dentist.
You may be required to sign a release form from your former dental office and you may also be charged an administrative fee for having your records copied and sent to another dental office. If you have questions about the records transfer process in your province, ask your dentist or contact the provincial dental regulatory body.
Children need to begin seeking dental care early on. This will teach your child that visiting the dentist is a regular part of health care. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) children should visit a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth.
It’s important to get an early start on dental care, so that your child will learn that visiting the dentist is a regular part of health care. The first step is to choose a dentist for your child.
It may be your own dentist or one who specializes in treating children (called a pediatric dentist). Once you have selected a dentist, call the office to find out at what age he or she prefers to see child patients for the first time. CDA encourages the assessment of infants, by a dentist, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age.
It’s important to make the first visit a positive experience for your child – one reason why it’s best to visit before a problem develops. If you think there is a problem, however, take your child to the dentist right away, no matter what age.
If you are a nervous dental patient, ask your spouse or another family member to take the child for the appointment. If your child senses that you are nervous, he or she may feel nervous too. When you talk to your child about going to the dentist, explain what will happen without adding things like “it won’t hurt” or “don’t be scared.”
Be sure to get an early start on regular dental care at home. Start cleaning your child’s mouth with a soft damp cloth before teeth come in and continue with a soft toothbrush once he or she has a first tooth. Limit the number of sugary treats you give your child, and focus on healthy food choices from the very beginning.
Professional teeth whitening is the safest, most effective and most efficient way to whiten your teeth. Our dentists are highly trained and equipped to perform this procedure or provide custom-made whitening trays. Over-the-counter whitening products are less effective and are accompanied by risks.