Frequently Asked Questions for Dentists

How can I get my teeth whiter?

Teeth whitening can be a frustrating and unpredictable process. Most teeth whitening products use a peroxide gel as the active agent to whiten the teeth. The issue with many gels is that there is contamination with saliva that rapidly reduces the potency of the whitening gel. At White Wolf Dental, we recommend the KOR whitening system. KOR Whitening has developed trays that seal out saliva that can offer continuous whitening for 6 hours per application vs 30 minutes from other competitors. Contact our office to find our more information about KOR Whitening.

How come I am not getting a regular cleaning?

This is a common question many people have. It all depends on the health of the gums and the tooth-bone attachment. A regular cleaning is called a prophylaxis aka “prophy”. A prophy is preventative treatment that, with proper daily flossing and brushing, helps to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.

About half of the adult population in the U.S, 30 years and older, has some form of periodontal disease while more than 70% of those above 65 have it. (https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/periodontal_disease/index.htm) Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will likely remain on a 3-4 month periodontal maintenance regimen for life. If you move about the country seasonally, we can help communicate your needs to your dentist(s) of choice.

What is periodontal probing and what do the numbers mean?

Determining periodontitis is not as simple as a pocket depth despite the use of pocket depth values as indicators to the necessity for treatment. Periodontal probing allows your clinician to identify the status of your periodontal tissue. The probing is measured in millimeters and up to 3mm is considered to be healthy. Once you begin to read 5mm+, this indicates bone loss and action needs to be taken to prevent further bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.

Should I get an electric tooth brush?

Electric toothbrushes are very useful, but not necessary for everyone. It really depends on each individual’s brushing habits and ability to successfully remove plaque without damaging the gums. The best thing to do is to get the advice of your clinician to can help determine if an electric toothbrush is appropriate for you.

What kind of tooth paste should I use?

There are many types of toothpastes out there from non-fluoride, to anti-cavity fluoride, baking soda inclusive, and even those that include ‘whitening’ agents. Each paste has it’s benefits and drawbacks. At this time, we do NOT suggest use of a tooth paste with Triclosan, an ingredient recently banned by the FDA from use in soap products. The FDA has not declared it unsafe for oral use, however our doctors feel it best to wait for more long-term studies before promoting patient use.

How do I get rid of bad breath?

There are many factors that cause bad breath. Many times its due to poor hygiene. Although you may be brushing and flossing your teeth, the key is to do it correctly. At White Wolf Dental our hygiene department is trained to help our patients with effective brushing and oral hygiene. If you want to learn how to be more effective with your brushing, simply ask one of our skilled hygienist at your next visit. They would love to help maintain your healthy smile!

Do I really have to floss?

Flossing or use of some type of cleaning device between teeth can be very helpful in disruption of the harmful bacterial colonies that grow between teeth. It is strongly advised to help prevent cavities and bone loss.

Should I use mouthwash?

Oral mouth rinses can be helpful for many reasons, but there are so many out there that it is difficult to choose. Please discuss mouthwash use after your dental exam as different types may be used with specific purposes.

Why do I have to have an exam and x rays just to have my teeth cleaned?

There are several reason’s why an exam is necessary to have your teeth cleaned. The first reason is that it is required by law to have an exam prior to a cleaning, then annually after your cleaning:

2018 Florida statue 466.024

1. A dentist licensed under this chapter or a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459 must give medical clearance before a dental hygienist removes calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from exposed surfaces of the teeth or from tooth surfaces within the gingival sulcus.

2. A dentist shall conduct a dental examination on a patient within 13 months after a dental hygienist removes the patient’s calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from exposed surfaces of the teeth or from tooth surfaces within the gingival sulcus. Additional oral hygiene services may not be performed under this paragraph without a clinical examination by a dentist who is licensed under this chapter.

Our Doctors are required to conduct a thorough examination and determine the type of cleaning that is appropriate based on the health of your gums and teeth. A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is not appropriate for an individual with periodontal disease who would require a deep scaling and root planing, as well as an increased frequency of maintenance visits to aide in disease control.

Finally, our Doctors believe that an oral health examination does save lives through cancer screening. The doctors have been trained to help identify oral pathology in its early stages which can, and has previously helped to prolong the lives of our patients.

Why can’t I have a cleaning at my first visit?

A cleaning is not guaranteed on the first visit as your oral health status is unknown to our doctors. Once our Doctors perform a mandatory examination on your first visit, we can properly diagnose and recommend the next course of treatment for you. We will reserve time for you with one of our skilled hygienists for a cleaning or with one of our Doctors if more than a cleaning is required.