Wisdom Teeth
Q. I have a seventeen-year-old son. Many of his friends have had their wisdom teeth taken out. Does my son need to have his taken out as well?
A. Wisdom teeth are an interesting subject to say the least. A wisdom tooth is actually a 3rd molar; it is a tooth that most of us has or had at one time in our lives. It is so common to remove 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) that it almost seems like a rite of passage into adulthood.Silver Fillings
Q. I had many silver fillings done when I was a teenager, and I was wondering. Should I have them replaced for health reasons? Are the new tooth-colored fillings acceptable for back teeth or are they for front teeth only?
A. If you are over 30, you probably grew up with silver fillings, also called amalgam or alloy fillings. These are great restorations, they are strong, and they will provide years of service. There are some people who say they pose a health risk although it has never been proven with a scientific study, and both the American Dental Association and FDA have found them safe.
Dental X-Rays?
Q. My family and I visit our dentist regularly every six months. Once a year, he takes x-rays of our teeth. Is it really necessary to take x-rays every year?
A. Your dentist wants to make sure your dental health is optimal, I am sure. Once a year bitewing x-rays and once every three years panoramic x-rays are a commonly accepted practice. This is a good way to find decay, bone loss, tumors, etc., before they get too far along.
Healthy Teeth Whitening
Q. I hear about teeth whitening products every day. Are these products harmful to teeth and do they really work?
A. The most effective and safe form of tooth whitening is done by a dentist, using one of three main delivery methods. For all brands the active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. One delivery method is through a strip that is not custom to each person, generally like what a person could find in a drug store, but with a little higher concentration of active ingredients than you can buy over the counter.
Which Toothbrush?
Q. The toothbrush aisle can be somewhat intimidating these days with so many varieties. With regard to the bristles, is it best to use a hard, medium or soft bristled toothbrush … or does it depend on specific dental conditions?
A. There are many options when selecting a toothbrush these days. In regards to bristles, select a bristle that has a rounded end and avoid flat-end brushes. The major brands, such as Crest®, Colgate®, and Oral-B®, are all rounded-end brushes. Hard and medium bristled toothbrushes are great for cleaning carburetors and tile floors, but should never be used on teeth.
