Question 1

What is tooth cavity?

Accepted Answer

Cavity is the hole in the tooth caused by the acid produced in our mouth due to combination of bacteria and sugar or food we take.

Question 2

What causes sensitive teeth?

Accepted Answer

A tooth has 2 layers – uppermost enamel and beneath it dentin. When dentin a soft layer gets exposed we feel sensitivity in teeth. It may be due to hard brushing, intake of acidic food and liquids, tooth grinding, gum diseases, etc.

Question 3

What is plaque?

Accepted Answer

Dental plaque is a soft and sticky substance present on the surfaces of teeth due to debris from food and bacteria. It is the major cause of dental decay and gum diseases. It should be removed regularly by tooth brushing and flossing.

Question 4

How often should you brush your teeth?

Accepted Answer

Brushing should be done twice daily for optimal dental health. Regular brushing removes dental plaque which is constantly accumulating on the tooth surfaces and keeps the teeth clean.

Question 5

When should we change our toothbrush?

Accepted Answer

We should ideally change our toothbrush every 3 months or when we see any visible damage in toothbrush.

Question 6

Which toothpaste to be used?

Accepted Answer

Toothpastes that contain fluoride are to be used to prevent cavities. Toothpaste those contains more abrasives should be avoided.

Question 7

How often should you visit a dentist?

Accepted Answer

Ideally you should go to a dentist for checkup every six months so the dentist can catch small problems at an early stage. However people who have a greater risk of dental disease like smokers, uncontrolled diabetes should visit more often to get their teeth checked.

Question 8

What causes bad breath?

Accepted Answer

There are local and systemic causes of bad breath. Local causes include smoking, drinking, eating onion and garlic, dental decay, dental infections like abscess, food lodgement, coatings present on the tongue and some drugs which cause dry mouth. Systemic causes include pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchiectasis, liver disorders, renal disorders, diabetes, peptic ulcers. The cause should be identified and treated accordingly.

Question 9

Is teeth whitening is safe?

Accepted Answer

Professional teeth whitening use chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and cause no damage to teeth enamel. However it may cause teeth sensitivity and gum redness for a short period of time which can be managed with desensitizers.

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