Quality Dental Group  玲麗牙科

Why is visiting the dentist so important? 為什麼定期看醫生？

Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:

·  Helps prevent tooth decay.

·  Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss.

·  Prevents bad breath - brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount on bad-breath causing bacteria in your mouth.

·  Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence.

·  Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, drinks, and tobacco.

  Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

My teeth feel fine; do I still need to see a dentist? 我的牙齒沒問題，還需要看醫生嗎？

Your teeth may feel fine, but it's still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. As many as 23 percent of adults suffer from untreated tooth decay. Neglected tooth decay can also lead to severe pain, root canal infection, abscess and tooth loss. Three-fourths of the adult population has gum disease. Almost one-fourth of adult 65 years and older have lost all of their teeth. Periodontitis (gum disease) is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and the resulting gum infection can also compromise your health. Yet, tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss are largely preventable!

Also, your smile's appearance is important, and we can help keep your smile healthy, and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. We offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:

·  Professional teeth whitening.

·  Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

·  Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers.

How can I take care of my teeth in between dental checkups? 如何做好牙齒的日常維護？

·  ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least three times a day, and floss at least once!

·  Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!

·  Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities). Also avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer)

·  Don't be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount plaque causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh!

·  Be sure to schedule your routine check-up. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months - that's twice a year!

At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist? 小孩子多大開始看牙？

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six-months-old and no later than one-year-old. During this time, your child's baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child's first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure and schedule regular checkups every six months! 

How often should I see the dentist? 多久看一次醫生？

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular check-up at least once every six months - that's twice a year! Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. You doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

What is a cavity? 蛀牙是什麼？

A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth and is caused by tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque build-up on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This can produce an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least three times a day, and floss in between teeth at least once.

What is a filling? 補牙是什麼？

A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic (typically Novocain) and relax your body with a light dose of nitrous oxide. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including, amalgam, composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure and talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.

What is gum disease? 牙周病是怎麼回事？

Also known as, periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include, tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. However, if you have gingivitis and it is left untreated, it may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly, and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:

·  Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums

·  Chronic bad breath

·  Loose teeth, or loss of teeth

·  Extreme tooth sensitivity

·  Receding gum line

·  Abscessed teeth

 If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months? 牙齒矯正期間，還需要每六個月看一次醫生嗎？

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

How do I schedule my next checkup? 如何預約？

Simply call, email or wechat our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know, and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.