1. Why should I visit the dentist regularly?
According to Dr. Rajat Sachdeva, the best dentist in Delhi, usually patients come to the dental clinic only when they are suffering with a full-fledged dental problem that requires prompt treatment and sometimes invasive procedures. As we all know “Prevention is better than cure” in medicine. The same is applicable for dentistry as well. Hence, we suggest that you visit the dentist regularly for receiving a “Preventive Treatment” rather than a “Crisis Treatment”.
2. How often should I get my preventive dental checkups done?
A dental checkup once in every 6 months is imperative. During these preventive checkups, any new developing tooth cavity can be detected at an early stage itself and thereby, can be prevented from seeping deep down till the tooth nerve and causing you more pain in future. These visits can also be followed by professional cleaning of teeth thereby, preventing any gum diseases and additionally, help in early detection and diagnosis of any other dental and jaw diseases that may be asymptomatic.
3. How often should I brush my teeth?
For effective plaque removal, you must brush your teeth twice daily, once before the breakfast and once before the bedtime.
4. How should I brush my teeth?
The most common toothbrushing technique that can be used with almost everyone is the “Modified Bass Technique”. At Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Aesthetic and Implant Center, Ashok Vihar, Delhi, it is a regular practice that every patient is demonstrated this brushing technique.
The picture below beautifully depicts the steps that you must follow thoroughly to keep your pearly whites clean and healthy.
5. Which toothbrush should I use?
You must brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush, using minimum pressure, for 2 minutes. Please remember to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months or as and when the bristles are frayed.
You may also try your hands on an electric toothbrush for effective teeth cleaning.
6. Which toothpaste should I use?
According to the recommendations from American Dental Association applying, you must use fluoride toothpastes for brushing your teeth as they help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
7. How much toothpaste should I use?
For adults or anyone who can brush their teeth independently, only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is recommended.
8. Why should I floss even after brushing?
Toothbrushing can only clean 60% of the total surfaces of the tooth. Flossing helps to dislodge plaque and food lodged between your teeth and under your gumline – these are the areas where toothbrushes cannot reach.
At Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Center, Ashok Vihar, Delhi, we relish demonstrating the correct flossing technique to each and every patient. The picture below describes the steps that you must follow thoroughly while flossing.
9. When should I use a mouthwash?
Mouthwash is an antibacterial liquid which is used only when needed or prescribed by a dentist. It is recommended by Dr Rajat Sachdeva that mouthwashes should only be used postextraction, post-surgery etc. It should only be used strictly adhering to the instructions given by the dentist. There are different types of mouthwashes available commercially such as Fluoride mouthwashes, Chlorhexidine mouthwashes etc. Here, at Dr Sachdeva’s Dental Aesthetic and Implant Clinic, we prescribe customized mouthwashes for each patient.
10. How often should I get my dental cleaning done?
Dental cleaning, known as Scaling, is a procedure done by a professional, during which the tartar/calculus adhered to the tooth and embedded between the gums and the teeth is removed using specialized equipment, which usually can not be removed by normal toothbrushing. Scaling should be done once in every 9-12 months.
Nonetheless, this can be reduced depending upon the tendency to form calculus. Some specialists may recommend to get scaling done once in every 4-6 months.
We, at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, advise our patients to get the professional cleaning in a customized fashion, fabricated as per detailed clinical examination of their oral cavity.
11. What is tooth sensitivity?
The most common symptom seen in majority of the patients is that they experience sensitivity to fluids, hot as well as cold, after professional cleaning. It is a normal post-procedural symptom but can occur otherwise also.
According to Dr Rajat Sachdeva, this sensitivity should go away in one or two days. However if it doesn’t, you should immediately take an appointment at drrajatsachdeva@gmail.com or call at +91 9818894041.
Tooth sensitivity can occur due to the numerous reasons including :
- Abrasion or Tooth Wear : Abrasion of teeth refers to wearing down of the outermost layer of the tooth called enamel. Aggressive toothbrushing or using firm bristle toothbrushes remove the enamel thereby, exposing the sensitive tooth layers underneath.
- Tooth Erosion : Acidic foods and beverages also cause wear away of your teeth resulting in sensitivity.
- Recession of Gums: Forceful brushing techniques can cause movement of the gums away from the teeth, thus exposing the tooth to stimulants, causing sensitivity.
- Gum Diseases: Periodontitis and Gingivitis also cause inflammation of the gums, rendering your gums tender and extremely sensitive to irritating stimulants.
- Cracked or Chipped Tooth
- Clenching of Teeth or Bruxism : This results in wear and tear down of the biting surfaces of the teeth, thereby exposing the underlying sensitive tooth layers.
- Tooth Whitening or Bleaching : Some chemicals used during tooth whitening can initiate tooth sensitivity.
- Plaque or Calculus Buildup
- Tooth Cavities or Dental Caries : Decayed tooth often becomes sensitive to temperature and pressure changes, thereby resulting in tooth pain.
- Other Dental Procedures : Procedures such as crown or bridge or implant placement, Root Canal Treatments (RCTs) etc. can cause tooth sensitivity.
12. What should I do about tooth sensitivity?
According to Dr. Rajat Sachdeva, tooth sensitivity can be relieved effectively within a few weeks by desensitizing toothpastes that contain strontium chloride or potassium nitrate.
13. Why does a dentist take X-rays?
An X-ray examination is helpful to visualize diseases of the teeth, surrounding tissues, jaws and facial bones that otherwise cannot be seen when the dentist clinically examines the mouth. Dental X-rays help to reveal:
- Tooth decay present between the adjacent teeth surfaces or underneath existing tooth fillings
- Jaw bone infections or pathologies
- Periodontal diseases including bone loss around the teeth
- Jaw or tooth abscesses or cysts
- Developmental abnormalities of teeth and jaws
- Jaw tumours
Early diagnosis and treatment of the abovementioned problems is absolutely necessary to save you from any unforeseen discomfort. These can be life-saving in case of tumours.
Dr. Rajat Sachdeva follows a logical protocol by first evaluating your need for undergoing any X-rays.
14. Aren’t dental X-rays harmful?
Dental X-rays are totally safe in terms of the exposure, which is very minimal as compared to the chest X-rays. We at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, Ashok Vihar, Delhi, ensure that you are being exposed to minimum radiation possible by incorporating the most advanced X-ray equipment that are well-kept and serviced periodically under AERB supervision. Your wellbeing comes first to us! We ensure full safety by making you wear protective LED jacket and collar.
15. How are dental X-rays taken?
Now-a-days, dental x-rays are taken by placing a square block behind the tooth that needs to be examined, after which x-rays are shot from a portable device or a wall mounted device in a clinic. The x-rays can either be developed in a dark room or may directly be projected onto the computer screen. These latest digital technologies are well employed at our clinic, Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, Ashok Vihar, Delhi.
16. Why do I have foul morning breath?
During sleep, the saliva production in your mouth decreases. Saliva is a natural mouthwash, which in lessened amount, allows oral bacteria to flourish in teeth crevices and on the tongue. These bacteria break down the food particles, producing sulphur byproducts, which are responsible for early morning foul odour from your mouth.
However, you must consult us at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, Ashok Vihar, Delhi, if you have chronic bad breath that persists throughout the day.
17. Why does my mouth feel dry even though I take ample liquids?
Often as you age, you may experience dry mouth. It can be a symptom of some underlying medical problem or a side effect of any medication being taken such as for heart diseases, high blood pressure problem and depression. You must discuss these symptoms with your physician or we can help alleviate this problem with medications and chewing exercises at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, Ashok Vihar, Delhi.
18. Why are my teeth becoming yellowish?
Certain food products, strongly coloured beverages, hot coffee, tea, tobacco etc. stain your teeth and can cause damage to the teeth due to unnecessary temperature changes imposed on your teeth. Such food items and hazardous products open up the channels present in your tooth enamel, making these stains seep into the deeper layers and getting embedded for a lifetime. Hence, you must try to cut on consuming these products and avoid tobacco products and smoking.