FAQs
At Hassey Do Duy Dental Associates, we know that you have questions about your oral health. We are here to answer them as a part of your comprehensive dental care. Some of the most common questions people ask us include:
How often do I need to go to the dentist?
We recommend that everyone come and visit us at least twice per year. Even if your mouth feels fine, you still need to visit the dentist for a checkup. There are some situations where you might need to go to the dentist more often than that. We will let you know if we think we need to see you more than twice per year.
How do I know if I have cavities?
There are a few signs that might indicate that you have a cavity. For example, if you have a toothache that worsens when you eat, you might have a cavity. Or, if you see a black spot forming on your tooth, it could be a sign of a cavity. Unfortunately, more often than not cavities are symptomless and only detected with X-rays (especially the early cavities). They are oftentimes detected with x-rays. For this reason, we recommend x-rays be taken once per year for our patients. When a cavity is starting to hurt, it is likely that it has grown advances in size, making the treatment more complex and could present complications (root canal, extraction …) If you have questions about whether you have a cavity, give us a call to schedule an appointment.
Why does my tooth keep hurting?
There are several reasons why your tooth might keep hurting. You might have a toothache because you have a cavity. Or, someone may have hit you in the mouth while playing contact sports. Sometimes, your tooth hurts because there is a problem with the root underneath the surface of the tooth. We can examine your tooth to figure out why it is hurting, so call us to make an appointment.
When do I need to bring my child to the dentist for the first time?
You should bring your child to the dentist as soon as you see a tooth come in. At a minimum, you should schedule your child’s first dentist appointment by one year of age. Even babies can develop cavities if you do not take care of their teeth appropriately. We can take a look at your child’s teeth to make sure they are coming in properly. We can also show you how to brush your teeth to prevent cavities.
Why do I need to go to the dentist if my mouth doesn’t hurt?
No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth, you cannot remove all the debris from your mouth. Over time, plaque and tartar will start to build up. If you do not remove it, you might develop cavities and periodontal disease (gum disease). Our dental team can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, preventing oral health problems from developing.
What type of toothbrush do I need to use?
In general, any toothbrush that has soft bristles will work. Use mild pressure to remove the food debris from your mouth. If you use medium or firm toothbrush bristles, you could damage your teeth and gums. If you need recommendations on specific toothbrushes, reach out to us today!
