how often to visit the dentist

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

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It doesn’t really matter what time of year it is—chances are, you’re pretty busy! That’s why our team at Tran Dental is humbled and honored whenever our patients take time out of their packed schedules to come in for their routine dental exams.

Wondering how often you should schedule an appointment with us? Keep reading for some basic guidelines that will help you keep your oral health in top shape.

How Often Should I See The Dentist?

You may have heard that “most dentists” recommend getting a routine dental exam and cleaning every six months. The truth is, while a twice-per-year trip to the dentist’s office can be a great frequency for many people, it may not appropriate for everyone.

Some individuals—including anyone diagnosed with or at higher risk for dental disease—might need to come in more frequently than this, while other people with good oral health and a low risk of dental problems may do well with just once-per-year visits.

Our San Antonio dentist team proudly stands with the American Dental Association (ADA), who in 2013 released a statement saying that “the frequency of [individuals’] regular dental visits should be tailored by their dentists to accommodate for their current oral health status and health history.”In other words, if you’re wondering how often you should see your dentist, the answer is:

It depends!

At Tran Dental, our San Antonio dental team is happy to collaborate with you to determine the best plan of care for all your dental health needs and goals.

5 Signs It’s Time to Visit The Dentist

Wondering if it’s time for you to pick up the phone and call a dentist near you? Here are five signs that there’s no better time than now:

  1. You haven’t been to the dentist in over one year
  2. You’re concerned about any unusual signs or symptoms (e.g., pain in the mouth, receding gum line, bleeding gums, painful or clicking jaw, discolored teeth, etc.)
  3. You have risk factors for periodontal disease, e.g., type 2 diabetes, a smoking history, or recent head or jaw trauma
  4. You feel self-conscious about the look of your smile
  5. You’d like some peace of mind or extra instructions on how to take the best care of your teeth and gums

Call 210-674-3700 today to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning in San Antonio, TX with one of our experienced dentists, Dr. Lan M. Tran or Dr. Thien An Ho.

How Can I Fix a Gap Between My Teeth?

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Gaps in your teeth may be small enough to be nearly unnoticeable, or they may be the first things strangers see when you smile. If gaps between teeth affect the way you feel about yourself, contact your dental professional. Several solutions will resolve unsightly gaps, and most are simple fixes.

What Causes Gaps Between My Teeth?

Often, when permanent teeth grow in to replace baby teeth, they come in crooked, crowded, or with gaps in between. Alternately, you may develop gaps between your teeth if you lose one or more permanent teeth to trauma, disease, or extraction. Without the pressure to hold them in place, teeth may spread out over time., causing unsightly gaps.

Many people live happily all their lives with small gaps between their teeth. For others, it’s a problem that must be corrected right away. Speak with your dental professional if you would like more information on how to correct gaps between teeth.

Are Tooth Gaps Damaging?

Having a small gap between your teeth won’t damage anything except your self-esteem. Small gaps won’t cause teeth to deteriorate or bone to recede. The exception to this rule is the gaps caused by lost teeth. Gaps left untreated after extraction will cause bone loss over time.

If you’ve always had small gaps between your front or side teeth, you may want to address them even if they’re not detrimental. They can affect the appearance of your smile, which is directly related to your level of confidence and self-esteem. Looking and feeling your best is important, and the condition of your teeth plays a large role.

What Can Be Done to Fix the Gaps in My Teeth?

Braces or aligners are typically used to fix tooth gaps. These dental devices go over your teeth and help to realign them over a period of months or years. They slowly move teeth into place, dissolving small gaps.

Dental veneers are a second option for fixing gaps between teeth. Veneers are artificial coverings that go over teeth to make them appear more perfect. There are other options available for fixing small gaps between teeth. In San Antonio, TX, Tran Dental can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

 

Can I Get Dental Care During the Pandemic?

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The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has delayed a wide range of routine and elective health procedures, including dental and oral health care services. Although the country has re-opened in many areas, officials in some states have rolled back their decisions with the recent uptick in overall COVID-19 and hospital ICU surge cases. Dental services are risky because the virus spreads easily from the respiratory system. As a result, you might not be able to receive dental care during the pandemic. The following steps can help you make that determination:

 

Check the ADA’s Websites

 

The American Dental Association maintains several websites related to the coronavirus that outline best dental practices and current restrictions. For example, the ADA’s Center for Professional Success for dental service providers lists on its website information that can tell you if officials consider it safe for people to receive dental care at this time in your specific state.

 

Talk to Your Dentist

 

Even if your state’s health department allows dental services, your dentist might only offer in-person services for critical care and emergencies. Your dentist might restrict how many patients can enter their building at one time. They might only offer dental advice telehealth appointments via video conferencing software. Healthcare delays over the last several months have also resulted in a backlog, which means you might not even be able to get an appointment for several more months.

 

Consider Your Current Situation

 

It’s also important that you base your decision on your circumstances. If you had a routine appointment prior to the shutdowns and no health problems, your dentist might recommend that you wait to visit their office until next year. If you’re elderly or you have one or more underlying conditions that can put your health at risk or live with someone who is a high risk, you might be told that it’s better for you to wait until the country or your region has improved case-wise.

 

Keep in mind that events are changing rapidly not only day-to-day but also hour-to-hour. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision about your dental care. The fact is that poor oral health can cause permanent tooth, gum, and jaw bone losses and even health problems in other areas of the body. Call a member of our caring team today to help you better understand your options.

 

5 Everyday Actions Contributing to Bad Breath

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It’s an embarrassing problem and one that a lot of people don’t talk about. Instead, if you have bad breath, you probably spend much of your day either thinking about it or trying to cover up the problem with mints, gum, and mouthwash. Yet, there are things you may be doing daily that could be contributing to problems with bad breath. Here is a look at five everyday actions to look for in your routine that may be causing the problem.

1. Not hydrating enough.

Not staying hydrated can easily lend to an issue with bad breath. Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps to wash away food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can have an odor.

2. Not flossing when you brush.

If you skip flossing when you brush your teeth, it is important to recognize that this is not only bad for your teeth, but it can also lead to issues with bad breath as well. Not flossing allows those stubborn food particles between your teeth to stay in place, which can cause bad breath.

3. Smoking or using a vaping device.

Both smoking and vaping can change the temperature inside your mouth, which can make bacteria multiply and generate problems with foul odors. If you smoke or vape, it is best to stop for your health, but your habit could easily be causing issues with your breath smelling bad.

4. Eating a lot of salty foods.

Those chips and salty treats you like to munch on could be generating problems with bad breath, especially if you are not hydrating enough with water or fluids while you eat. Pairing salty foods with sodium-laced soft drinks can only make the problem worse.

5. Not getting enough sleep.

Did you know that lack of sleep can contribute to bad breath? When your body does not get enough rest, it can mean that even your mouth does not produce enough saliva throughout the day to keep your mouth moisturized and bacteria washed away.

Find out More about Halitosis from Your Dentist

If you frequently deal with bad breath and really can’t pinpoint what is causing the problem, it is best to speak to your dentist about underlying dental problems that could be to blame. Reach out to us at Tran Dental in San Antonio, TX to schedule an appointment.

 

Dental Fillings 101: Common Patient FAQs

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Perhaps one of the most common types of treatment people get when they visit the dentist is a filling. Dental fillings are done to fill in areas where decay has caused a hole or area of damage in a tooth. Take a look at a few common questions patients have about dental fillings and the answers you should know.

Q. How big can a filling be?

A filling can be rather large. Many patients assume that if they have a large cavity, the tooth cannot be repaired. However, fillings can be paired with other treatments like root canals if necessary to preserve a tooth. If a substantial amount of the tooth has decayed, the dentist may recommend getting a crown instead of a filling.

Q. Will a filling last forever?

Fillings have the potential to last a lot of years before they have to be replaced. However, some fillings do come out with time. Take good care of your teeth by practicing good oral hygiene habits and seeing your dentist regularly to prevent problems.

Q. Can you see the filling?

Dental fillings can be visible, but they can also blend in with a tooth so well that you can’t even tell that it is there. The difference lies in what material is used to perform the filling. Amalgam fillings, which have metal components, have a gray look. However, many dentists prefer to use composite fillings because they can be shaded to be the same hue as the tooth itself.

Q. Does getting a filling hurt?

When you get a filling in a tooth, the dentist will use a local anesthetic injection to numb the area before getting started. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel anything as the tooth is filled. You may feel some vibrations and other sensations, but you should not feel any pain.

Contact Us If You Need a Tooth Filled in San Antonio, TX

A dental filling can preserve a tooth that you may otherwise lose, and the quicker you get a filling, the more likely it will be that you can keep your tooth. If you have cavities in your teeth that need attention, reach out to us at Tran Dental P.C. in San Antonio, TX to schedule an appointment.

Difference Between Dental Cleaning and Dental Polishing

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Your dentist offers many treatment options to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Two of the treatment options that your dentist offers are dental cleaning and dental polishing. When booking an appointment at your dentist, it’s important to understand the difference between a dental cleaning and dental polishing so that you can have clear expectations of the treatment.

What is a Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning is a thorough tooth and gum cleaning that the dental hygienist may perform. The purpose of dental cleaning is to get rid of tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth and below the gum line. In order to perform the dental cleaning treatment, the dental hygienist may use a variety of tools, including some motorized tools. Dental cleanings are not invasive. Most people do not need any kind of numbing agent in order to get a dental cleaning. However, if there have been several years since you’ve visited the dentist, you may need a more thorough dental cleaning that may even take up more than one dentist visit. In this case, you may want to inquire about getting sedated for the dental cleaning process since it will be more involved.

What is Dental Polishing?

Dental polishing is a treatment that helps that helps to bring out the natural shine of your teeth. The hygienist may perform this treatment or the dentist may do it. Dental polishing is also noninvasive. The motorized tool for dental polishing is a gentle buffer that is used on the surface of your teeth. While it doesn’t chemically whiten your teeth, dental polishing does make your teeth sparkle. After you have a dental polishing treatment, you will definitely notice an improvement in the whiteness and brightness of your smile.

Remember, it’s always important to have regular dental visits. When you do so, you can rest assured that your dental cleaning treatments Will be very straightforward. In addition, with regular dental visits, you can have the benefits of dental publishing treatments as often as you like as long as your dentist approves. For more information about dental cleaning and dental polishing treatments, please contact us today.

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