At Avalon Dental we do our very best to educate our patients and help them find information they need.

Why are my child’s baby teeth whiter than their adult teeth?

Simply put, baby teeth are not as dense as adult teeth. The layers that make up the teeth are much thicker in adult teeth leading to a difference in color. It is quite normal for there to be a shade difference between baby and adult teeth. Whitening is always an option to lighten adult teeth after 14yrs of age or greater.

Why are my teeth discolored?

As we age, our teeth gradually discolor, making them appear more “yellow.” However, there are some other causes of tooth discoloration besides normal aging. Habits such as smoking and/or drinking tea/coffee can lead to stain build-up on our teeth. Other stains can be a result of taking certain medications or even from the presence of certain bacteria. Injury or trauma to the teeth can also lead to eventual discoloration. To find out what may be the cause of your tooth discoloration and what can be done to make them whiter, ask your dentist or call our office today for a consultation with Dr. Sacher and/or Dr. Lafleur.

What do I do if one of my child’s teeth gets knocked out?

First, try to remain calm. Then have your child bite on gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, gently rinse the tooth, remove the gauze, and try to stick the tooth back into place. Have your child hold the tooth in place while you rush to your dental office. If you cannot get to a dental office immediately, put the tooth under the tongue or inside the cheek and bring the tooth with your child to your dentist as soon as possible. Immediate treatment helps to ensure the best chance of saving the tooth. If you have any other questions regarding this, call our office today for a consultation with Dr. Sacher and/or Dr Lafleur.

When is it too late for braces?

Thanks to new advances in orthodontics, we can now fix crowded or crooked teeth no matter how old you are. Today, braces are so discreet that only you will know the secret to your beautiful smile. If you have any questions or concerns call our office today.

How long will my fillings last?

The average filling lasts from two to fifteen years. The exact life span of a filling depends on how big it is, what type of material it is, how much chewing or grinding you do and how you care for your teeth at home. You probably won’t notice your fillings starting to wear out. When you go in for a checkup, be sure to ask your dentist how your fillings are wearing, or call our office today for a consultation with Dr. Sacher and/or Dr. Lafleur.

What is bonding?

Teeth that are stained, cracked, chipped or spaced unevenly can affect your smile. We can now correct many of these flaws by using a process called bonding. During this procedure we use a tooth colored plastic to re-shape or contour your teeth. When this material hardens, it looks and feels just like real teeth. Schedule an appointment today and find out if you are a candidate for bonding.

What are considered “bad dental habits?”

Bad dental habits are any habits that cause damage to the teeth and gums. Using toothpicks, chewing ice cubes or hard candy, chewing fingernails, opening bags with your teeth and improper brushing and flossing are habits that can cause damage to your mouth. Examples of this damage are poking and injuring gum tissues, cracking teeth, introducing more bacteria to the mouth or excessive wear on your teeth and gums. To find out how to curb your bad dental habits, call our office today for a consultation with our dentists.

How do I get rid of my bad breath?

Plaque and food particles left on the teeth and tongue are the number one source of bad breath. The solution is simple – keep your teeth clean and regularily scrape or brush your tongue. Bad breath is also warning sign of gum disease. With regular dental checkups and a home hygiene program, your breath can be fresh and your teeth can be saved. Book an appointment today to see one of our gentle hygienists!

Why do children need x-rays?

Dental x-rays (radiographs) are important diagnostic tools used to provide complete dental care for your child. X-rays allow us to monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws. They also enable us to detect any dental problems that may otherwise go undetected. For example; cavities, abscessed teeth and congenitally missing teeth can all be detected on an x-ray. With early detection, most dental concerns can be addressed and treated before problems arise. Contact our office for any concerns or questions.

How does my diet affect my teeth?

We all know that sugar in our diet promotes tooth decay. We also need to be aware that a diet of soft foods, deficient in calcium and other minerals, can have an adverse effect on the health of our teeth and gums. To find out if your diet is contributing to your dental health, call our office today for a consultation with one our dentists.

Do I grind my teeth? Am I damaging my teeth when I do grind?

80% of us clench or grind our teeth. Clenching or grinding your teeth during the day or while you sleep is the result of the strongest muscles in your body tensing up and not being in a stable position. This can cause morning and tension headaches, sore and tired facial muscles, jaw joint (TMJ) problems, worn down tooth enamel and damaged fillings. Stress can make the clenching and grinding worse. There are many ways to control the damage. To find out which way is best for you, contact our office today for an appointment with one of our dentists.

Why is it important that my dentist knows what allergies or medical conditions I have?

Many of these things could have an impact on what dental treatment can be provided and what precautions need to be taken. Also, many medical conditions leave their earliest signs and symptoms in your mouth. The more we know about you, the better we can partner with you in providing optimum dental healthcare.

When should I get a new toothbrush?

Studies have shown that bacteria on your toothbrush can prolong illness. We recommend that our patients change their toothbrushes every three months. It may be a good idea to do it sooner if you have recently had a bout of sinusitis, pneumonia or an upset stomach. The bacteria from your illness can stay on your toothbrush and remain there for up to one month. When purchasing a replacement, make sure to buy a soft bristled toothbrush, which is easier on your gums and enamel.

My child’s permanent molars are starting to grow. How do I know that they are growing in properly?

Here is what to watch for to make sure your child’s new teeth have a good start. The first four permanent molars usually make an appearance around age six. As the teeth erupt, they slowly push through the gum, often leaving a flap hanging over the exposed new tooth. If food gets caught under this flap, it can cause an infection. If necessary, the flap can be removed to allow the new tooth to come in normally. Many problems with permanent teeth are caused by crowded and misaligned baby teeth. To prevent this from happening, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

What is the difference between a store bought and a custom made Sports Guard?

Store bought Sports Guards seldom fit properly because they are only manufactured in ‘one size fits all’. Your dentist can custom fit your Sports Guard, which ensures proper protection from tooth trauma and concussions. If you are interested in a custom Sports Guard, call our office today.

What are veneers?

Veneers are extremely thin, very strong porcelain shells that can be applied to cover a natural tooth. They can be used to cover stained or chipped teeth and are an excellent option for restoring your smile. To see if you are a candidate for veneers, call our office and schedule a consultation today!

Is tooth whitening safe?

Modern whitening procedures and techniques, supervised by your dentist, can have a dramatic effect on your smile in a short time with minimum fuss. The newer products are a vast improvement over some of the older techniques because they are safer and give more predictable results. There are many over-the-counter whiteners that, used without a proper dental diagnosis or supervision, could cause you harm. At Avalon Dental, we follow your progress so any concerns are addressed as soon as possible. Contact our office today!

Will I need my wisdom teeth out?

Wisdom teeth begin to form around the age nine, and are usually completely formed by 18-21 years of age. Usually, the average adult jawbone is not large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth. It is difficult for us to predict when or if your wisdom teeth will give you problems, but regular x-rays can give us a good indication. Removal at a younger age, before complications develop, means a much quicker recovery time. If you have any further questions, contact our office today.

What are sealants and what is their purpose?

A sealant is a clear, acrylic-like material that bonds with the tooth. Sealants help shield out decay causing bacteria from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They form a protective barrier covering the grooves of the teeth to help prevent cavities. Sealants are safe, painless and a low-cost way to protect your and your child’s teeth.

Schedule your appointment with us today to get started.