Frequently Asked Questions
We at Lakeshore Dental recommend that you bring your child in for their first check up at about 2–3 years of age. At this appointment they can sit in the chair and we can count their teeth, check for cavities, and answer any questions you may have. This allows them to get comfortable with the practice before their first hygiene appointment. We also highly recommend bringing your child along to your own dental appointments. They can sit in the little chairs we have for them and watch mom or dad get their teeth cleaned.
- Brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed – before bed being the most important time because that is the longest period of time where bacteria can sit in the mouth undisturbed.
- Floss at least once a day – this allows you to help remove the plaque and bacteria that can sit in between the teeth which can lead to tooth decay and bone loss.
- Use 100% Xylitol products such as gums, mints, candies, toothpastes, nasal sprays, and more. These items starve the bacteria in the mouth that contribute to tooth decay.
- Brush your tongue – the tongue with all its ridges traps bacteria which can cause bad breathe.
- Make smart food and drink choices – sports drinks may seem like a better alternative to soda but actually the acid and sugar level in most sport drinks is higher than that in some sodas. In addition, drinking one soda all day long can actually cause more damage than just drinking it all at once. Sticky foods like chips and crackers can actually stick to your teeth and are a perfect food for bacteria to start producing acid, which eats away at your teeth.
- Keep your scheduled routine hygiene appointment – it’s all about maintaining a healthy smile for a lifetime!
Simply call our office! Our front desk team 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.
Brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed – before bed being the most important time because that is the longest period of time where bacteria can sit in the mouth undisturbed. It is also recommended that when brushing your teeth, you use a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup 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 often. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.
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.
THE ANSWER IS YES YOU CAN! Lakeshore Dental processes all dental insurance. If we are not on your listing of dental providers, please contact our office at 920-682-7881 and we will answer any questions you have.
Our patients have found that the fee difference between in-network dentists and Lakeshore Dental is surprisingly small while the difference in quality is great. We have made a decision that we will never compromise our patients’ treatment decisions and options because of insurance plan limits or exclusions. At any time that you have concerns, we will be happy to do a benefit check and see what it would mean for you to have treatment completed at Lakeshore Dental.
Your teeth may feel fine, but it is still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. In addition, with so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today’s dentists 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
Cavities are formed when plaque buildup 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 teeth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems.
A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Composites are tooth colored fillings that blend in with the natural color of your teeth. One of the benefits of these white fillings is that they release fluoride after they are placed.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other contributing factors to 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 gingivitis is left untreated, it may advance into gum disease. Advanced gum disease may lead to tooth and bone loss, which is a serious and permanent condition. Visiting your dentist and hygienist regularly can help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:
- Red, irritated, bleeding, itchy or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Receding gum line
- Abscessed teeth
Your toothbrush should be replaced every 2-3 months or immediately after experiencing an illness.
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 create good life-long habits
- Allows your dental team to catch areas of concern early before they become an issue: including tooth decay, gum disease, potential cancerous lesions, infections, dry mouth and much more
- Educates you about healthy food and drink choices
- Monitors major health changes and their effects on your overall oral health