Frequently Asked Questions
You have reach the the spot where Dr. Irvani will answer questions about his practice and the dental industry in general. Click on any of the linked Questions to get the Answer directly from Dr. I.
Which type of toothbrush should I use?
The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head.
A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums.
It's unnecessary to "scrub" the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.
Is one toothpaste better than others?
Generally, no. However, it's advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay.
We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride.
How often should I floss?
Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach.
Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.
With all the teeth whitening products on the market, how can I tell which is the best for me?
Depending on what you would like, you can achieve your results in a one hour office visit (Zoom Teeth Whitening) or you can whiten in your own home on your time (Discus Nite White or Crest Whitestrips).
All teeth will have a tendency to pick up new stains over time, and the treatments will require a touch up periodically.
For discoloration or staining, there are a myriad of bleaching products to give a person that bright smile.
I have bad breath. Is there a better solution than over the counter mouthwashes?
Some bad breath is related to food debris, and over the counter mouth rinses work just fine.
However, bacteria in the mouth, which can be causing gum disease and decay, can also bring on chronic bad breath (halitosis).
Good dental hygiene and routine dental cleaning will help.
If your bad breath seems to stay with you, we can help to remove the problem and keep it under control.
Is it really necessary to go to the dentist every six months?
YES!! For many people, once every six months is not often enough!
Besides checking for cavities, your dentist is evaluating the health of your gums, possible presence of gum disease which may harbor bacteria or infection that could create other health problems.
Your head and neck region are examined for infection and oral cancer. Many diseases of the body show symptoms and signs in the oral cavity.
To insure the best preventative care for you and your body at least twice a year is recommended.
How do they do those great teeth makeovers on Extreme Makeover?
Depending on the specific case, there are various procedures used to complete the "Extreme Makeover".
People with crowded teeth would benefit from porcelain veneers, which is tooth-colored porcelain bonded directly to the teeth.
Dental bonding is also used to improve chipped and/or misaligned teeth. If a person has spaces between their teeth, a custom made tooth colored material called composite resin maybe applied.
At what age should I take my child for their first dental appointment?
The first treatment for children is generally recommended between three and four years of age, unless an unusual problem arises.
Many dentists are now recommending infants be brought into the office to review with parents home care, what to expect in the oral development and what to look out for.
A healthy start to oral care can last a lifetime.
Have a question? Use our online form to forward your inquiry confidentially. We will post all answers to all questions where we feel the answer would be beneficial to our community and clients.
